REPOST: Benefits of Using LED Lights at Christmas

The use of eco-friendly lighting and other fixtures sets smart households apart from the rest. Let this article shed light on the many benefits of switching to LED holiday lights this Christmas.

LED lights are fast replacing incandescent bulbs due to the wide array of benefits they offer the consumer in terms of electricity usage, durability, safety, versatility, and environmental footprint. More and more, LED Christmas lights are likewise becoming a much more popular choice over the strings of incandescent bulbs of Christmases past, which were encased in painted glass, burned hot, broke easily, and with one broken or burnt-out bulb could cause the entire string to fail to light up. Here are some of the benefits of choosing LED lights over incandescent this Christmas season.

 Image source: Wikipedia.org

1. Less electricity used: LED lights used in Christmas displays demand far less electricity in order to operate than incandescent lights. Not only does this make them a good choice for families who are consciously trying to reduce their energy use, but it can also mean less expensive utility bills in December.
   
2.  Safety features: One of the biggest problems with incandescent Christmas lights has been the danger they pose in terms of inadvertently causing Christmas tree fires. Incandescent bulbs burn hot, which can be trouble when they’re placed in a Christmas tree, particularly one that’s begun to dry out. LED lights, on the other hand, are encased in an epoxy plastic that remains cool to the touch and thus don’t run the risk of starting a fire.
   
   
   
   
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3. Durability: LED lights are durable on multiple levels. They don’t burn hot, which makes them longer-lasting in terms of bulb life. They’re also constructed to be much more sturdy than incandescent bulbs, which means they’re less likely to break when stepped on or stored improperly. Finally, LED Christmas lights will still operate even if one bulb goes out. This can cut down substantially on the need to replace seemingly “broken” strands.
   
4. Versatility: LED lights are not affected by moisture, changes in temperature, or extreme cold. This makes them extremely versatile, as they can be used inside and out. Thus, indoor and outdoor lights no longer have to be differentiated, making decorating much easier.
   
   
   
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5. Environmental footprint: For all the reasons outlined above and more, LED lights leave less of an environmental footprint than their incandescent counterparts. Their reduced electricity needs cut down on energy usage and actually help households save electricity and money. And their durability ensures that less waste is produced. After all, when Christmas lights don’t need to be replaced as often, then fewer light strands ultimately find their way to the landfills.

Sureway International, makers of energy-efficient lighting and electrical products, wishes you a warm and happy yuletide season. Visit this website to know more about its safe and energy-eficient range of lighting fixtures that are perfect for the holidays.

Occupational noise: Health and safety in the workplace

The celebration of the Hearing Awareness Week (August 24-30, 2014) highlighted the adverse effects of exposure to dangerous noise levels in the construction industry. Hearing, considered a major tool for the trade, is lost or decreased as workers are continually exposed to hazards to it.

Image Source: hsimagazine.com

Studies show that many constructions activities produce sound louder than 90 decibels (dB), to which maximum exposure should be two hours or less. As an Infolink.com article illustrates, the allowable exposure time is equivalent to using the hand drill for two hours, or a jackhammer for about two minutes. Going beyond this limit can cause the tiny hair cells set deep inside the ear to be damaged. Since these cells cannot be replaced or repaired, hearing can be lost forever.

Image Source: pages.drexel.edu

A hierarchy of controls has been established in an attempt to ensure the safety and security of workers in such hazardous conditions. This involves removing or replacing the hazard, isolating people from the hazard, or changing the way they work. Lastly, on the workers’ side, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is highly recommended.

Image Source: cdc.gov

PPEs such as hearing protection devices (HDPs) come in various makes and models, and produce different effects as well. These can be ear plugs, ear muffs, and even ear canal caps. Generally, comfort of use is the major consideration. Preference is based on compatibility, ease of use (as in not getting in the way of using other PPEs), and sometimes, emerging environmental factors like temperature of the surrounding.

All in all, healthy hearing begins with wearing appropriate ear protection, especially with increased exposure to occupational noise, and seeking professional advice for any nascent hearing problem.


Sureway International offers Canada-wide shipment for your industrial needs, including hearing protection devices. Visit this website to explore the company’s inventory.

REPOST: DIY Supply Spotlight: 12 Tools Every New Homeowner Should Have

Completing home improvement projects and personalizing spaces around the house can be achieved with the help of hand tools. This article on Apartment Therapy lists some of the most essential tools for homeowners.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Having some basic tools handy is important as you settle into your home. They not only equip you to care for your house, but also help you personalize your space. Here is a list of the very basics that you'll be glad to have around! 

Take pride in your tool box and get familiar with each tool. At the very least, it will be of great help when you are trying to accomplish some much needed home projects. At the most, you will be motivated and inspired to do more things around the house, maybe take up a DIY project or two!

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

1. Toolbox: It's extremely helpful to organize your tools in a way that maximizes their use. Plus, having a designated place for your tools will increase the likelihood that you will use them more. Flambeau Zerust Brute Tool Box, $15 

2. Hammer: It pays to invest in a good quality hammer with a anti-vibration rubber grip with a steel handle. Getting one with a rip claw will be useful for demolition. Stanley Framing Hammer, $41 

3. Screwdriver set: Screwdriver are used for a variety of things, so make sure you get a mixed set with a range of sizes. Lutz 15-in-1 Ratchet Screwdriver, $15 

4. Tape Measure: Whether you are building furniture, or thinking about bringing new furniture in, tape measures are your best friend. Tape measures are especially important for new homeowners planning out their new space. Make sure to get a good-quality, easy-locking one that is at least 3/4-inches wide.Stanley Measuring Tape, $10. 

5. Adjustable wrench: You will use a wrench to tighten and assemble all sorts of nuts and bolts, especially plumbing fixtures. Pittsburg Adjustable Wrench, $5 

6. Pliers: Use these to straighten bent power-cord plugs, replace old shower heads, or any project that requires you to cut, bend or grip wire. Stanley Plier Set,$12 

7. Utility knife or box cutter: I'm always surprised by how many times I end up reaching for our utility knife. It comes in handy for cutting all sorts of things that would be too difficult with a pair of scissors. Klever X-Change Safety Box Cutter, $11 

8. Putty knife: A putty knife is useful for scraping off wallpaper or paint or spreading spackle over small holes in the walls. 5-in-1 Painter’s Tool, $7. 

9. Stud Finder: I didn't get one of these until we bought a house, but it has come in so handy since, especially for hanging heavy things. Hanson Stud Finder, $10 

10. Power Drill: This is the most expensive thing on the list, but it is extremely worthwhile for a variety of practical tasks like putting up shelves, or for DIY projects like giving your coffee table some new legs. Dewalt 18-Volt Drill/Driver Kit, $99. 

11. Handsaw: This was one of those tools that I didn't think we needed, until we did, and then nothing but a handsaw would do. Our first use of the handsaw involved cutting the knobs off the trunk of our Christmas tree so that it would fit into the stand. Sharp Tooth Handsaw, $11 

12. Staple Gun: I am hoping to teach myself how to do some basic upholstering in the near future, and this staple gun is going to be a must. Stanley Staple Gun, $24 

Tool tip: As you get comfortable with the tools and take up more projects, you can slowly accumulate more tools as you go. To start, getting all of these basic essentials should cost you around $250. Be wary of buying the cheapest version of each item, unless you know that it is of good quality. These tools are meant to last you a long time, and you can think of them as the foundation for your growing tool set!

Sureway International is a leading distributor of hand tools, safety products, and industrial supplies. Check this website to view its wide selection of home renovation products.

Help employees shine in the workplace: Improve productivity with good lighting

The overall success of a company relies heavily on the effectiveness of its employees. This is why companies invest in programs that boost employee morale. But many overlook one aspect of working conditions that helps improve worker performance—indoor lighting.

Image Source: tlc.com

In an effort to cut down on operating costs, management might make the mistake of foregoing proper lighting, and this can turn out to be a costly decision in the long run. Employees that can comfortably see what they're doing work faster and more accurately. Good lighting prevents delays and minimizes errors.

Image Source: gelighting.com

Likewise, poor lighting makes it harder for people to focus. Straining to see sometimes also results in poor posture, which leads to overall fatigue and discomfort. There have been cases and studies that demonstrate the effect of lighting to employees' overall well-being. Offices with comfortable lights show increased productivity and lessened absenteeism among employees.

Image Source: designsenselighting.com

Management should also consider the visual requirements of employees to determine the right level of brightness and contrast. For example, workers with jobs that require sharp attention to detail, like tailors and seamstresses, will benefit from bright white light. Lighting specialists like Sureway International stock different types of lights to meet different workplace requirements.

In conclusion, for a company to achieve optimal productivity, management must assess and understand how the offices' lighting design contributes to the welfare of workers.

Canadian company Sureway International offers a full line of lighting and electrical products for the home and office. To learn how the company can furnish lights for your workplace, visit its website.

REPOST: A guide to light bulbs: How to save money, environment

Light bulbs vary greatly in prices and in how much energy they use. The energy-efficient ones often cost more than those that consume more electricity, although the former saves money in the long run. To help you choose, the Christian Science Monitor provides the following guide to energy-efficient light bulbs. 

(A man holds up a light bulb. Energy-efficient light bulbs like CFLs and LEDs have higher initial costs, but can save help save money in the long run. Photo by Jae C. Hong/AP/File) Image Source: csmonitor.com

Buying a light bulb used to be easy. You headed to the store, chose bulbs with your desired wattage, handed over a few bucks, and were on your way. Today, navigating the light bulb section is much harder, thanks to new energy-efficient types of light bulbs like CFLs and LEDs that come with a much higher price tag, as well as a staggering array of options.

To help with your decisions, we looked at the basic terms and light bulb types affiliated with this new generation of options, and compared them to the ones consumers are traditionally used to. Although the initial costs are higher, new forms of light bulbs are not only better for the environment, but they'll also save you money in the long run — if you choose correctly for your needs.

Know these terms: Watts and lumens

Simply speaking, watts are the amount of electricity a bulb uses to produce light. The less wattage, the less energy used. Traditionally, they were the deciding factor for purchase, and you had four choices – 40, 60, 75, or 100. (More on those numbers later.)

Today, it's all about the lumens, which measure the amount of light emitted from a bulb. More lumens equal brighter light. To replace standard wattage light bulbs based on lumens, use the following general rules:

• 40 watts: Look for at least 450 lumens
• 60 watts: Look for at least 800 lumens
• 75 watts: Look for at least 1,100 lumens
• 100 watts: Look for at least 1,600 lumens

Types of light bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs: The cheapest option

If you're a fan of the standard 40, 60, 75, and/or 100-watt bulb, you might want to stock up. As part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, they were phased out in favor of more energy-efficient models. While you can still find them in some stores — or buy them by the case on eBay — they're no longer being produced.

The new incandescents are more energy-efficient, but still pale in comparison to the life span of CFLs and LEDs. A typical bulb will last for about 1,000 hours. Still, if you're looking for the lowest price tag on light bulbs, incandescent bulbs are your best bet at around $1 to $2 each.

CFL bulbs: Mid-level pricing, moderate energy savings

Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs have been around for a while, and they're best known for their spiral design. They typically last for about 10,000 hours, and use much less energy than incandescents – about 75 percent less. Cost-wise, they'll cost you more than incandescent bulbs, as they start at around $4 each. According to the US Department of Energy, you'll recoup that cost in energy savings within nine months.

CFLs don't brighten as quickly as incandescent or LED bulbs, so they aren't great choices for entryways, or any place where you need immediate light. They also don't work well in the cold, so for outdoor use in cold climates, incandescents or LEDs would be a better bet. And CFLs also contain small amounts of mercury, so you shouldn't throw them in the trash. Both Home Depot and Lowe's offer CFL recycling programs.

Image Source: surelight.ca

LED light bulbs: Most expensive, highest energy savings

Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs use even less energy than CFLs, and they last longer: up to 50,000 hours. Unlike CFLs, they brighten instantly, even in cold temperatures. Using LEDs can help you save up to 80 percent in energy costs per year.

LEDs come with a heftier price tag than CFLs or incandescents – they start at around $10 each. If you have a light fixture you barely use, you might want to opt for a CFL or incandescent instead, as you may not recoup the cost in energy savings.

Light bulb features: Choosing the right bulb for your needs

Energy-efficient light bulbs come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, and it can be difficult to determine which will work best in your fixtures. When all else fails, bring your old light bulb to the store and ask for help, but get acquainted with these features first.

Lighting facts label

All new light bulbs are now required to have this, which lists lumens, watts, lifespan, light appearance, and yearly savings. This label makes it easy to compare different models and see which type meets your needs and which will save you the most money.

Dimmers and 3-way fixtures

Standard CFLs often don't work in dimmers, and some LEDs don't, either. All three types, in fact, offer bulbs specifically for those purposes, so look for that designation on the package. Also look for designations for outdoor lighting.

Colors

If you want lighting that resembles the warm color of standard incandescent bulbs, look for something on the "warm" end of the lighting facts label, or about 2,500 Kelvin. The higher you go, the more white the light will be. 5,000K and up mimics natural daylight.

Shapes and sizes

Each package has a letter and number code on it. The letter is the shape, and will stand for standard (A), globe (G), bullet (B), candle (C), flare (F), reflector (R), sign (S), or tubular (T). The size numbers reflect the diameter of the bulb at its widest point.

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a labeling program by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy that identifies energy-efficient products and buildings. In order for products to receive the ENERGY STAR label, they must meet an established set of criteria for efficiency. And if you buy ENERGY STAR-certified light bulbs, you may be able to receive special offers and rebates. Simply enter your zip code on the website and select the type of light bulbs you want to buy (as well as any other ENERGY STAR products you're interested in).

Image Source: energystar.gov

The bottom line: Consider savings now and savings later

If you're looking for instant savings, energy-efficient incandescents are the way to go. If you're looking long-term cost benefits, CFLs and LEDs will save you more money in the long run.

What types of light bulbs are you using in your home? Have you noticed any savings from energy-efficient models?


Sureway International offers a wide range of lighting products for home and business use. Get more tips on lighting and energy conservation on this blog.

REPOST: Should I buy LED or CFL light bulbs?

According to Treehuggers' Michael Graham Richard, the answer varies but lies on when the bulbs are purchased. While the light-emitting diode bulbs of today now match compact fluorescent bulbs, they may very well outpace them in the future.

Image source: mnn.com

We already know that incandescent light-bulbs are on the way out because they're incredibly wasteful, being better at producing heat than light. And most people know that LEDs have started replacing compact fluorescents (CFLs) and should become the next gold standard for producing light. But are LED bulbs truly better than CFLs? If so, by how much? To really know, it's not enough to just look at lumens-per-watt efficiency; you have to do a full life-cycle analysis to truly figure out which one comes out on top when everything is taken into account — including manufacturing, usage, transportation, how many bulbs are used over time for those that don't last as long, etc.

That's what the U.S. Department of Energy did in this very thorough analysis, and the agency's findings are interesting.

Image source: mnn.com

“The average life-cycle energy consumption of LED lamps and CFLs are similar, at approximately 3,900 MJ per 20 million lumen-hours. This is about one quarter of the incandescent lamp energy consumption — 15,100 MJ per functional unit. By 2015, if LED lamps meet their performance targets, their life-cycle energy is expected to decrease by approximately one half. In addition, based on this analysis, the 'use' phase of incandescent, compact fluorescent and LED lamps is the most energy intensive phase, on accounting for approximately 90 percent of total life-cycle energy. This is followed by the manufacturing and transport phases, respectively with transport representing less than one percent of life-cycle energy for all lamp types.”

So CFLs and LEDs are about the same on an LCA basis right now, though there are other reasons why one might want to pick LEDs. For example, LEDs are less fragile than CFLs, and they don't release mercury when broken, they last about three times longer, and they turn on more quickly.

Image source: mnn.com

But the real leap forward will come in about two years when next-generation LEDs come to market. We've written about one by Philips that gets 200 lumens/watt. These should be about twice as good as current LEDs and CFLs, allowing LEDs to finally declare a decisive victory over fluorescents.

For a broad selection of high-quality LED and CFL bulbs, along with other lighting and electrical fixtures, visit the Sureway International website.

REPOST: EPRI Reveals Its Worldview on the Integrated Electrical Grid

Nonprofit organization Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) presents its systematic view of the future of integrated electric grid in the article below.

Image Source: greentechmedia.com

 

The electricity business of 2024 is going to look a lot different than the situation today -- and the utility industry knows it.

The Electric Power Research Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is essentially the research arm of the electrical utility industry. The group's recent report, The Integrated Grid, is the first phase of a larger effort to look at distributed energy resources on the grid edge and their impact on business as usual. The report provides a technical rationale for staying plugged into the grid and a cogent argument in favor of capacity fees and charges for grid services. The authors also exhibit a fondness for smart inverters.

We spoke with EPRI's Jeffrey Hamel, the executive director of the Power Delivery and Utilization Team which authored the report (which can be downloaded here).

"The Integrated Grid can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people," said Hamel. But to him, it means "how DG resources, generation and storage all come together."

The report covers distributed energy resources such as "small natural-gas-fueled generators, combined heat and power plants, electricity storage, and solar photovoltaics on rooftops and in larger arrays connected to the distribution system."

In a presentation earlier this month, Hamel acknowledged that "there is a massive change underfoot." He said that all load growth was being met by renewables and natural gas. "We have to consider [what happens] when solar is not on-line" so "we may not have to build vast amounts of fast-ramp generation for a 7 p.m. system peak" He asks, "How do we ensure that the grid is optimized at a system level so we are fully utilizing all of the resources available, from central station generation to distributed generation?"

That's the perspective The Integrated Grid is trying to provide, said Hamel. "We want to provide the distribution system operator with insight." He added that "it's not just distributed generation; storage is coming."

"What's happening at the edge of the grid will affect what's happening at the transmission level," said Hamel.

Hamel suggested that "an integrated grid allows higher penetration of renewables" and will prevent curtailment of wind and solar. Hamel notes that distributed generation "is not just about variable sources," adding, "We can see a future with more gas-based DG. But customers will still remain connected to the grid. The grid provides voltage quality and startup power."

He continued: "Being able to integrate DER [distributed energy resources] into the planning and operation of the system is how we can get value out of the system." He said that distributed generation has to be incorporated into the grid with "visibility and control of these resources" through a management system incorporating sensors, communications and voltage control technology.

"Part of the work we're doing is on interconnection standards," said Hamel. He cited the

IEEE 1547 DER interconnection standards working group and CPUC Rule 21. He said the team is watching German interconnection efforts with an eye toward smart inverters providing grid services such as voltage support, adding that "technology like smart inverters is already cost-effective."

Hamel suggested that "this type of innovation makes DG an enabler instead of a constraint."

What do utilities want?

Hamel didn't discuss rate structures during our conversation, but the report makes the case for the value of grid services and a need to revisit power market rules and rate structures. If EPRI is at all representative of its utility members, then here is what utilities want:

"Capacity-related costs must become a distinct element of the cost of grid-supplied electricity to ensure long-term system reliability." "Power market rules that ensure long-term adequacy of both energy and capacity" "A policy and regulatory framework to ensure that costs incurred to transform to an integrated grid are allocated and recovered responsibly, efficiently, and equitably." "New market frameworks using economics and engineering to equip investors and other stakeholders in assessing potential contributions of distributed resources to system capacity and energy costs."

Image Source: greentechmedia.com

 

The report claims that "the cost of supply and delivery capacity can account for almost 50% of the overall cost of electricity for an average residential customer. Traditionally, residential rate structures are based on metered energy usage. With no separate charge for capacity costs, the energy charge has traditionally been set to recover both costs. This mixing of fixed and variable cost recovery is feasible when electricity is generated from central stations, delivered through a conventional T&D system, and used with an electromechanical meter that measures energy use only by a single entity."

Image Source: greentechmedia.com

 

But that's not the case when distributed generation enters the equation. The rate structures forced by the widespread advent of DER (and seemingly accepted by EPRI) appear to further shift the role of the utility to that of grid services provider rather than kilowatt-hour supplier.

Sureway International runs a well-stocked inventory of lighting, electrical, and industrial solutions backed by a professional sales and service team willing to assist you in all your technology needs. Go here to browse the company's expansive range of high quality electrical solutions at a price you can reach.

REPOST: Be like MacGyver: 12 pocket multitools for travelers

It can be a bother for the handy man to always carry his toolbox with him, so it’s a good thing pocket multitools were invented. This article from USA Today features some of the best pocket multitools from across the globe. 

Image Source: www.usatoday.com

There are times when you need exactly the right tools for the job -- say, an axe for felling a tree or a set of socket wrenches for tuning up your car -- and times when you just need a tool to get the job done.
Welcome to the wonderful world of multitools.

These handy devices pack the better part of your toolbox into pocket-sized packages that you can take anywhere and use any time. Need to saw a couple branches at your campsite, cut some rope and pop open a beer when you're done? How about tightening your snowboard bindings and filing the edges of your board? Some multitools are so well equipped for the task at hand they take the MacGyver out of MacGyvering and are just, well, useful.

Distinct from the Swiss Army knives of yore, modern hinged multitools date back to the 1980s when Leatherman introduced its first Pocket Survival Tool (PST). Instead of the traditional folding knife with tools tucked in the handle, the PST hinged together two handles that, when unfolded, revealed pliers and a dozen other implements, including screwdrivers, can and bottle openers, and a knife.

Since then multitools have evolved into countless shapes and sizes. There are tiny tools for carrying on your keychain, sleek alternatives to the Swiss Army knife and burly beasts that are one step away from military-issue.

Leatherman still dominates the marketplace -- the name "Leatherman" has become a byword for multitool -- and our list reflects that. But other brands, such as Gerber, Columbia River Knife and Tool, SOG Specialty Knives and Victorinox have since carved out niches for themselves. (Try to sell a Gerber fan a Leatherman and you'll see the kind of fervent brand loyalty multitools inspire.)

It can be tough to sort through all the high-quality multitools on the market, so we picked a solid dozen from key-sized on up. Among them, they have just about every individual hand tool you might need on the fly.
There are dozens more out there worthy of the name, so this is just a starting point. Multitools can be very specialized -- there are ones for rifle maintenance, ordinance disposal and electrical work, to name a few examples -- so the key is to think of what tools you actually need and go from there.

Swiss+Tech Utili-Key 6-in-1

It'd be easy to mistake this tiny tool for a key -- and that's the point. Weighing less than an ounce, this key-shaped tool clips onto your keyring, but when opened it reveals a small knife with a half-serrated blade, Phillips screwdriver, medium and eyeglass-sized flat drivers, and a bottle opener. It's not the easiest to use -- watch out for the blade when tightening screws -- but it's a cheap light-use option if your keychain is already over-cluttered.

Sureway International carries an excellent inventory of superior industrial solutions, such as hand tools, safety equipment and apparel, welding products, lighting, and material handling. Visit this website for more information.

Switching to energy-efficient lighting

The start of 2014 marked the end for incandescent bulbs as many countries, including the United States and Canada have started phasing out the traditional lighting fixture. The ban on the old bulbs by governments is based on findings from years ago, when the bulbs were pronounced energy inefficient. The light bulb, which remained unchanged since Thomas Edison patented the technology in 1880, is only 10 percent efficient, the rest of the electricity it uses up is lost as heat.

 

Image Source: julietschor.org

Some consumers cannot help but express their confusion over the impending demise of the incandescent. After all, this is the lighting that was used by their families for generations. Others, meanwhile, are concerned about the safety risk, high cost, and performance of the replacement technologies.

 Image Source: smallworks.ca

Thus, it pays for consumers to know about the various energy-efficient options from trusted distributors of lighting products. Surveying the products of reputable Canadian lighting companies may guide consumers from the rest of the world, as Canada has a headstart in moving away from incandescent. Canadian company Sureway International, for instance, has an extensive array of lighting products that meet today’s energy standards. These include light emitting diodes or LEDs, compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs, and halogen lamps.

 Image Source: footage.shutterstock.com

The big switch to energy-efficient lighting may be an ordeal for some consumers, but in the long run, it could actually translate to savings. People would be using nearly a third less electricity after replacing their incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. In addition, the implementation of stricter energy standards would mean more quality products to brighten homes for a long time.  

Sureway International is recognized for its decades of experience as an all-inclusive source of industrial goods and equipment. Its official website features different products that could help consumers decide on the best replacement lighting for their home.