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.