Saturday, May 10, 2008

Electronics Training

Those who are interested in the field of electronics will benefit from vocational electronics training. Quality electronics schools teach methods of installation, repair and maintenance of electronic devices and equipment, as well as industry safety standards.

Electronics schools can help future electricians prepare for positions that deal with anything having to do with electronic systems technology, such as automotive, household, mechanical, and business electronics; computers, fiber optics, and telecommunications; and more.

Coursework may include the subjects of installing, adjusting, testing, trouble-shooting, and repairing electrical equipment. Students also learn to design simple circuitry in electronic equipment, devices, and systems, as well as in business and computer operations. Electronics training from trade schools and vocational schools can lead to certificates or Associate Degrees.

Those who have completed electronics training can apply for positions that are wide and varied; electricians are in demand in nearly every form of business or commerce. Professions may include acoustic technician, construction electrician, electrical engineer, electrical installer, service technician, theater and stage technician, computer technician, telecommunications specialist, or electronics educator, to name just a few. The median salary for an electronics professional with an AS degree is approximately $35,000 per year. Advanced degrees and extensive experience in the field can net even higher salaries.

If you would like to learn more about Electronics Training, or even Online Electronics Schools, you can find more in-depth information and resources on our website.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

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Electrical Goods

The price of electrical goods including TV’s and washing machines looks set to increase following the implementation of a new EU directive on recycling. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive could stimulate an increase in price of electrical goods of over £500 million per year in the UK. The directive orders the collection and recycling of discarded electrical goods that would otherwise be dumped in landfill sites. The ultimate aim is to reduce the volume of toxic chemicals in the environment with a reduction is harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium if the goods can be reused. Some of the recycled goods will be refurbished and sent to the Third World as part of the scheme.

The directive is aimed at government and local councils rather than individuals but will mean a dramatic change to the way that we discard of consumer electrics. Councils will be expected to handle electrical goods at their recycling centres, with consumers dropping off their unwanted electrics. Although there is no direct requirement on the part of the individual – some councils will charge for the collection of large items such as washing machines pushing the cost of electrical goods up for the average consumer. Some stores will operate a take back scheme for old items when delivering a new item but for the majority this is likely to mean additional costs.

Most electrical goods that are discarded in the UK are still fully functioning, operative goods. Part of the EU’s aim is to increase the life cycle of such goods to limit the number of operative goods going out of circulation and thereby, again, reduce pressure on the environment. The aim to get people thinking about the life cycle of their electrical goods and find alternative methods of disposal does have options. If the cost of disposal is to be avoided, you essentially have to find another home for your unwanted electricals. The use of classifieds to sell unwanted goods is on the rise and resources such as Loot electricals are ideal for not only disposing of your items without paying a fee, but possibly even making a bit of money out of the process.

With lifestyle trends changing and the ongoing pursuit of environmentally friendly policies in Brussels, we could be set to see similar policies emerging from the EU in the months and tears to come. Although this looks, on the surface at least, like a bad deal for consumers the application of a little lateral thinking can reap some benefits. Passing on your unwanted electrical goods – be it to the Third World or to someone down the road in answer to your personal ad, makes sense for the environment and for the life cycle of goods which might be perfectly functional even if they don’t fit with your redesigned kitchen!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Electric Heating Systems For Apartments And Consumers

Over the last 10 years there has been a significant increase in the popularity of apartment living. Developments containing one and two bedroom apartments are modern, ideally located close to amenities and particularly attractive to young, urban professionals. New build apartments often contain interesting (and sometimes unusual) layouts, creating design problems, but also opportunities. A modern development therefore requires a modern heating solution to suit. Traditional heating methods are neither suitable nor practical for apartment dwellings, and so this article deals with an emerging heating solution - electric underfloor heating.

Although there are two major types of underfloor heating (electric and warm water), the water heating system is not particularly suitable in apartments due to the constraints of multiple occupancy. These systems also require an extension to the existing plumbing system and can be complicated to install in new build developments. In addition, water systems are very expensive (as much as 3 times the price of the electrical version). On the other hand, electric underfloor heating requires no plumbing whatsoever and is the perfect solution for apartments. DIY enthusiasts can easily install it throughout an entire apartment block or even in a single apartment. The only requirement is access to the mains electricity supply.

But we must not forget the purpose of new build apartments. Whilst providing a practical and secure dwelling, they are also a lifestyle choice. As such, any accessories, including the heating system, must be modern and usable. Modern apartment layouts, whilst practical, also have a tendency to suffer from a lack of space. This lack of space quickly renders other heating solutions ineffective, since freestanding heaters, fireplaces and radiators tend to radiate too much heat, making rooms stuffy and uncomfortable. Equally, heating systems of this nature can clutter the floor of apartments and restrict the amount of floor space available. Therefore, a heating system that is fit for purpose must also combine style with functionality. And since electric underfloor heating is situated beneath the floor, it maximizes the space in apartments and allows people to design interesting and creative interior layouts.

The rise in popularity of modern apartments has also seen an upsurge in the use of laminate flooring. Television programs dedicated to DIY, interior design and property have also contributed to this trend. Thankfully, electric underfloor heating can be used beneath a number of different floors, including stone, ceramic and laminate. This versatility and support for laminate flooring has made underfloor heating the system of choice for new and also renovated apartments.

As a consequence of their popularity, apartments are regularly sold on the property market. It is not uncommon for investors to purchase apartments with the sole intention of selling them on and making a mark-up on the price. However, whatever the reason for selling, one thing is for sure: electric underfloor heating will likely help you to achieve your asking price. Trendy and modern fittings such as underfloor heating are not only impressive in real-life; they’re impressive on paper, too!

Being both practical and aesthetically pleasing, electric underfloor heating is the heating system of choice for new and renovation apartments. The small and attractive controller, which can be mounted on any wall, allows users to control the temperature within the apartment at the touch of a button. And with a wide range of mats, cables and controllers available for purchase online, all the necessary equipment you require is both accessible and affordable.

Electricals Systems For The Modern Consumers

Electricians are specially trained individuals who are able to design, construct and work with electrical systems. There are specialisms within the field of electronics that professionals can focus their training on. Examples of the different types of electrician you could train to be include; construction or building electricians, appliance electricians and radio electricians. In many instances electricians and electrical engineers are strongly associated.

Before deciding if being an electrician is the path you would like to take in life you may need to know some terminology in order to help establish what type of electrician you would like to become. For instance, in contrast to "outside linemen" who work for utility companies and provide services on phone or electrical lines outside, electricians are often referred to as "Inside Wiremen" due to their focus on interior electrical systems. These Inside Wiremen are construction or building electricians. People who specialize in lighting in theatres are also termed "electricians". However, these workmen are not trained or hold a license in the electrical vocation and have unique skills compared to those who are.

As shown above, the term "electrician" applies to anyone who works with wired mechanisms or systems.

There is certain training that needs to be completed in order to become an electrician and there are regulations that need to be understood and followed. These regulations are the foundation of a solid career in the profession. Electricians who have gone through, and completed, a training programme then go on to do a three to five year apprenticeship under the direct guidance of a Journeyman Electrician. This is someone who is under the supervision of a Master Electrician. During the education provided you learn Electrical Theory and Electrical Building Codes. When training under the supervision of the Journeyman you will be required to learn all the phases of electrical installation, multiple construction styles, the dynamics of electrical performance, and the maintenance of all equipment. The Master Electrician who supervises the Journeyman begins as a Journeyman himself and has at least two years experience beyond that of a Journeyman. They have knowledge of the design of electrical networking and also their layout and estimation.

All fully trained electricians are expected to have a license with a specialization in at least one important area of electronic systems. This specialization could be in low-voltage current-carrying conductors, high-voltage main connections, or homeowner electrical systems. Whichever type of license you hold, you will be regularly inspected under the articles of the US National Electrical Code (if you are a US citizen) or the UK IEE Wiring Regulations (if you are a UK citizen).

Without electricians societies would not be able to live as they do today. These training stages and the licensing processes must be carried out so that you, the electrician, are well-trained in your craft. This is very important as electricians control the world's power.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Selling Unwanted Goods Of Electricals Products

Keeping up-to-date with technological developments is desirable if you want to make the most of items like computers, phones or even cookers. Mobile phones started life as unwieldy bricks, designed simply for making phone calls; today, they take photographs, connect to the Internet, play music and fit into your jeans pocket with barely a bulge. Equally, computers are almost being constantly upgraded, or so it seems. New operating systems, software and hardware flood the market. Every new development promises a 'better' product, as well as a top class fashion accessory.

Even if you like your old stuff, you can run into problems because it seems like 'everyone else' has upgraded. Or perhaps colleagues, friends or children expect you to be able to run a certain piece of software on your home laptop. It is not that there is anything wrong with your old stuff, but it no longer quite fits in with your lifestyle and expectations.

Everyone has different points at which they will wish to upgrade. Some consumers are happy to have a two-year old Mac laptop, whilst others want the wide-screen, high-powered version, out only last month. Some are happy to make do with an old and sturdy electric cooker; others want a modern gas/electric combination model, which they can use for the next dinner party. In simple terms, tastes and expectations differ.

But throwing away still functional stuff can feel wasteful - particularly with all the media coverage of climate change, reminding us to be 'environmentally friendly' and make the most of scarce resources. It is tempting to simply store old stuff in cupboards, the garage, or a loft, but why use up valuable space? Simply accept that you won't ever use your old goods again and sell them online instead. This option means that you can see your old stuff 'recycled' and make some money in the process, perhaps to offset the cost of a new computer, phone, dishwasher etc.

There are a huge number of sites that allow you to do this - in recent years, the second-hand market has really opened up and appeals to a wide variety of people. Although it is sometimes difficult to see past the mammoth enterprise that is Ebay, a number of smaller sites offer opportunities for selling, perhaps at a fixed price instead of by auction. The type of goods for sale has also expanded. You can sell electricals, computers, mobile phones, cookers and dishwashers. Larger items can be advertised as 'for collection only', which means you don't need to worry about transport options and buyers can check out the product before making a commitment.

So, instead of letting old stuff clog up the cupboards and the loft, try online selling. Not only will you free up space and make some money, but you'll also be helping the environment.

Directives And Recycling Options For Consumer Electricals

The price of electrical goods including TV’s and washing machines looks set to increase following the implementation of a new EU directive on recycling. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive could stimulate an increase in price of electrical goods of over £500 million per year in the UK. The directive orders the collection and recycling of discarded electrical goods that would otherwise be dumped in landfill sites. The ultimate aim is to reduce the volume of toxic chemicals in the environment with a reduction is harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium if the goods can be reused. Some of the recycled goods will be refurbished and sent to the Third World as part of the scheme.

The directive is aimed at government and local councils rather than individuals but will mean a dramatic change to the way that we discard of consumer electrics. Councils will be expected to handle electrical goods at their recycling centres, with consumers dropping off their unwanted electrics. Although there is no direct requirement on the part of the individual – some councils will charge for the collection of large items such as washing machines pushing the cost of electrical goods up for the average consumer. Some stores will operate a take back scheme for old items when delivering a new item but for the majority this is likely to mean additional costs.

Most electrical goods that are discarded in the UK are still fully functioning, operative goods. Part of the EU’s aim is to increase the life cycle of such goods to limit the number of operative goods going out of circulation and thereby, again, reduce pressure on the environment. The aim to get people thinking about the life cycle of their electrical goods and find alternative methods of disposal does have options. If the cost of disposal is to be avoided, you essentially have to find another home for your unwanted electricals. The use of classifieds to sell unwanted goods is on the rise and resources such as Loot electricals are ideal for not only disposing of your items without paying a fee, but possibly even making a bit of money out of the process.

With lifestyle trends changing and the ongoing pursuit of environmentally friendly policies in Brussels, we could be set to see similar policies emerging from the EU in the months and tears to come. Although this looks, on the surface at least, like a bad deal for consumers the application of a little lateral thinking can reap some benefits. Passing on your unwanted electrical goods – be it to the Third World or to someone down the road in answer to your personal ad, makes sense for the environment and for the life cycle of goods which might be perfectly functional even if they don’t fit with your redesigned kitchen!