Company Policy7/22/200810:58:21 PM Link | | Add comment A service call is charged when a problem exists that requires trouble shooting. Once, the problem is defined we will notify the customer and either repair the problem or provide a written proposal for correction. We require a one hour minimum for all work. We also require a one hour minimum on just proposals when troubleshooting is not required, example: service upgrade, remodel, or new construction. The charge for proposals goes towards the work performed provided we are awarded the job otherwise the fee is collected. Electrical Permits4/20/20089:47:13 PM Link | | Add comment A electrical permit needs to be pulled when you are upgrading, installing new, or remodeling. The only time a permit is not necessary is when there is repair work to existing electrical. This is done to insure that the electrical code is being followed and meets the standards of the AHJ (Authority having jurisdiction). In unincorporated areas the only inspection is with the utility provider and only for the electrical service outside of the building structure. In Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, and other municipalities work inside is required to be permitted and inspected. Sometimes, there are delays pulling permits when the municipality has conflicting information, incomplete permits from previous work, no record of CO (certificate of occupancy), or no building permit. It is best to contact the inspection department before work begins to get approval. Converting Mercury HID luminaries3/30/20085:13:43 PM Link | | Add comment Many landscape lighting systems incorporate mercury luminaries do to the Bluish green color. There is a alternative by using lenses and/or compact fluorescent lamps to get the same affect and reduce energy consumption and improve the environment. Right now mercury ballasts for HID (high intensity discharge) lighting are not available and by 2010 the mercury lamps (which are expensive) will not be available for replacement. We have converted many luminaries to compact fluorescents using a lamp with a higher Kelvin temperature to get the bluish light output. This is a simple conversion that reduces energy usage and reduces cost of replacing faulty ballasts. Draw back: reduced light output or foot candles. Positive: decreased maintenance cost for replacement parts, lower energy bills, and less mercury in the environment. New Electrical Code Requirements2/25/20086:16:53 PM Link | | Add comment New code requirements will be adopted this year based on the 2008 electrical code.The new code requires many significant changes which impact job costs.
The significant changes include: tamper resistant receptacles, additional combination arc fault breakers, luminary requirements, and additional temperature adjustment factors for conductors and cables installed in raceways on roof tops. Multi-wire branch circuits will have to have circuit breakers that shut off all hot conductors to a given neutral conductor (grounded). Aside, from new NEC requirements, the city of Austin will be adopting a new design criteria manual and possible amendments to the 2008 NEC.
This is important to recognize if you want to get the job done in a timely manner without permit inspection failures. Job Site Power6/21/200710:31:28 AM Link | | Add comment Providing safe and effective power, while consuming less energy is a difficult task. The most cost effective method of supply is through the utility provider.
Power consumption can be reduced by proper planning and selection of energy efficient lighting. Poor power can result in lost time and safety hazards.
Make sure temporary power is mobile to accommodate changing work conditions. Have daily inspections and make changes to the power system as the building advances. Take the time to coordinate power needs with the general contractor and subs.
It may be surprising to see that we can all get along and get the job done on time. What to look for when hiring an electrician5/30/20073:20:42 PM Link | | Add comment Make sure the contractor you hire has a T.E.C.L.# (Texas Electrical Contractor License #). Check to see if the electrical contractor has a licensed M.E. (Master Electrician) representing the company. The state has several requirements to be an Electrical Contractor.
Visibly, it is required to have permanent attachment of company name and TECL # listed on all vehicles. If you do not see this there may be a problem.
All paperwork provided to you for a bid or invoice is required to have information such as the following: Company name, mailing address, TECL #, contact information for contractor, and contact information for TDLR. How do you confirm this? Contact: TDLR by clicking on the link
Under TDLR home page on far right there is a link to searching licenses by license type provided. This will allow you to type in various information to get the answers you are looking for. In addition, anyone performing electrical work for the company will have either a apprentice electrician license, journeyman license,
and/or a master electrician license. The licensed person should always have their license on them do not be afraid to ask or have them produce this information.
If they are legitimate they will not have a problem showing it. in fact, they will often proudly show it and thank you for asking.
| Helpful Links
Allstate Plumbing: www.allstate-plumbing.com
Kelly's Team: www.kellysteam.org
TEKOA: www.tekoahousing.com
Texas Department of licensing and regulation: www.license.state.tx.us
Austin Chamber of Commerce: www.austin-chamber.org
Austin Energy: www.austinenergy.com
Bluebonnet Electric: www.bluebonnetelectric.coop
PEC: www.pec.coop
TXU: www.txu.com
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