Backup Sump Pump Review-What is Right For You?

What is a Backup Sump Pump?

Backup Sump Pump Review-What is Right For You?

Backup Sump Pump Review-What is Right For You?

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Backup Sump Pump Review-What is Right For You?

Backup Sump Pump Review-What is Right For You?

Backup sump pump is another pump that is installed to operate should the primary sump pump fail. Surprisingly enough there are many reasons to primary pump may fail including: electrical power ouTAGe, float or switch failure, broken impeller or drive shaft, clogged intake screen.

What Factors Should Be Reviewed?

There are eleven major factors to consider when comparing backup sump pumps: power source, charger strength, triggers, dependability, material used in construction, operational capability, diMensions, size of discharge, protection against solids or sludge, alarm notification, and manufacturer warranty.

1. Power Source

The backup system installed should besourced by something other than electricity.

What are the different types of power sources used?

A Battery provides the power to enable a backup sump pump Plugged into it through the use of a wired housing to perform the pumping cycle for the removal of the water from the pit. Twelve or twenty four volts battery power is used. The volTAGe and type of battery required varies by manufacturer. Water Pressure provides the power to keep a backup sump pump running. The water used must come from a municipal source and have a pressure between 40 and 100 PSI (pounds per square inch). A portable generator provides power through the conversion of energy into gas or propane. The pump must be Plugged into the generator. Automatic start standbygenerator provides the power when the sump pump is Plugged into it.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different power sources?

Batteries require monitoring to make sure they are operational in the time of need. Most backup systems have an alarm that lets the owner know when a battery requires maintenance or replaceMent and is being used by the backup pump. Batteries are rechargeable. Water power requires no batteries and has no moving parts. Operation of power systems requires a watered PSI water pressure between 40 and 100 PSI (pounds per square inch). Private well water cannot be used and the municipal provided water must have reliable water pressure. It takes 1 gallon of municipal water to remove sump pit 2 gallons of water so canbe costly to operate. Portable generator: The generator must be placed outside. It must be started manually. Most operate from propane tank. Automatic standby generatorstart: They are expensive to purchase and install (four to ten times more expensive than battery power) but are very reliable. This type of generator runs off of natural gas or propane tanks and can provide power to multiple household appliances during power failure.
2. Charger Strength

This term applies when batteries are used as the source of power.

The higher The strength the Faster the charger battery will be recharged after usage. Charger strength varies from 4 to 20..
3. Trigger

Each backup system has a trigger thatactivates the non electrical power source to begin operation.

What are the different triggers?

For battery powered backup sump pumps, when the water level raises the float, the battery is activated into operation. For water powered backup sump pumps, when the float raises, a valve allows water to flow down pressured to the pump. The flowing of the pressured water activates the backup system into operation. An automatic standby generator start is activated when the transfer switch senses a utility power interruption. A portable generator becomes operational when a human starts it.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each trigger?

The transfer switch for the standby> generator is the most reliable and quickest way to activate the operation of a backup system. The backup pump is operational as soon as the power goes out. Battery and water powered systems are not activated until the water rises to the height of the float. That means water has already collected in the pit.
4. Dependability

Batteries loose charge deplete and. Municipal water pressure is not constant. A drop below 40 PSI means the backup system is not operational. The float-switch mechanism, impeller or clogging of the backup sump pump plugged into a battery or standby generator source of power could fail. The tether switch is not as dependable as the vertical switch. Dual vertical switches offer twicethe reliability.
5. Materials Used in the Construction of Backup Sump Pumps

What are the different materials used?

Thermoplastic: Outer casing is made of a hard, durable plastic. Cast Iron and Stainless Steel: The outer casing and bolts are made of metal.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials?

Plastic weighs less and is cheaper. Cast iron and stainless steel lasts a lifetime, weighs more and is constructed to handle heavy duty usage. This material is more expensive.
6. Operational Capacity

What are the volumes at which backup pumps can discharge water?

Pumping capacity is measured by the number of gallons per minute or hourat a specific rise. Capacity is determined by size of motor and source of power.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of operational capacity?

Larger motors using battery or generator power move more water during operation. Smaller motors move less water during operation and require less battery or generator power. The amount of water moved during operation of a water powered backup sump pump is determined by the municipal water pressure. The greater the pressure the greater volume of water that is discharged. Water powered pumps Generally have a lower operational capacity.
7. Backup Sump Pump Dimensions of and Pit

Each backup sump pump has unique measurements.

A sump pit with an 18 "diaMeter basinor larger provides the greatest flexibility in being able to fit a primary and backup sump pump into the pit. To tether float requires a larger diaMeter-based pit than a vertical float.
8. Size of Discharge Port DiaMeter

What are the different sizes?

The size is either 1 or 1 .25 .5 inches in diameter. Most backup pumps have an adapter to accommodate either size of PVC piping.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different sizes?

The capability to adapt to either a 1 or 1 .25 .5 inch PVC pipe size is extremely beneficial. Size of 1 .5 inches is required to handle heavy volumes of water.
9. Protection against Debris, Sludge, or SPh Meter under or over 12 "?

The watchdog pumps have the smallest width (9 ") and require only .25" additional for the vertical switch. In most cases the backup sump pumps are installed on top of the primary sump pump I know size is not as much of an issue. Do you want to exchange a faulty float/> switch mechanism without having to remove the enTire pump from the sump pit?

The watchdog sump pump float/switch mechanism is external to the pump so the float-switch can be replaced without removing the pump from the sump pit.
Check Out These Backup Sump Pump Systems Today

Your home is an important asset. Make sure it is protected against water damage. It is cheaper to buy good backup sump pump systems than to clean up after a sump pump failure during a heavy rain storm. Be prepared before those heavy rains come.

Backup Sump Pump Review-What is Right For You?

NFPA 110 Requirements for Testing Your Generator

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets minimum standards for egress safety in commercial buildings. This includes standards for standby generators (a.k.a. gensets), which in many buildings, are responsible for powering emergency egress lighting (a.k.a. backup lighting). NFPA 110 contains the association's guidelines for generator testing for buildings that require a Level 1 or Level 2 generator. Testing requireMents are as follows:

NFPA 110 Requirements for Testing Your Generator

NFPA 110 Requirements for Testing Your Generator

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NFPA 110 Requirements for Testing Your Generator

NFPA 110 Requirements for Testing Your Generator

Monthly Testing (Section 8.4.2.)

A genset should be tested under load for 30 minutes each month. A successful test can be judged in one of two ways: when the load raises genset exhaust gas to the minimum temperature that the manufacturer recomMends for monthly testing, or when a gensetruns at a minimum of 30% of its nameplate Kw rating for at least 30 minutes.

Some generators cannot operate until their water pressure and oil pressure to establish. For these generators, the 30-minute test should be concluded in less time to allow them to standby resume sooner than later.

Alternate Testing for Diesel Generators (Section 8.2.4.3)

Diesel generators that don't achieve the proper exhaust temperatures or fail to operate at 30 percent of the Kilowatt nameplate rating for at least 30 minutes should be (a) exercised under load for 30 minutes each month, and (b) exercised under-supplied load (i.e. from a load bank) for approximately two hours each year.

When conducting the test, yearlytesters should operate a genset for 30 minutes at 25 percent of its nameplate Kw rating, 30 minutes at 50 percent of its nameplate Kw rating, and 60 minutes at 75 percent of its nameplate Kw rating.

Companies that don't have emergency power Supply system (EPSS) technicians on staff should have a commercial power solutions provider perform NFPA 110 requireMents for generator testing.

The Importance of NFPA Generator Testing

Most commercial buildings are subject to a combination of federal, state and municipal codes that govern egress safety, and usually adDress backup lighting. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards determine federal egress codes, while International Building Code(IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), OSHA and NFPA standards, determine state and municipal codes.

When a building features generator-powered backup lighting that is subject to federal, state, and/or municipal codes, it is also subject-either by code or implication to keeping and maintaining a working genset. When a genset malfunctions, so does generator-powered backup lighting-an occurrence that could lead to deadly egress jams.

In addition to issuing testing guidelines for generators, the NFPA has issued guidelines for testing backup lighting, and guidelines for impleMenting luminescent exit routes egress stripes in. In combination, these guidelines ensure that buildings are well prepared for low visibility evacuations, which protects building owners againstinjury claims, wrongful death claims, and workers comp claims that result from botched evacuations.

If your building is subject to NFPA testing guidelines for generators, conducting monthly and/or annual testing can ensure that it and the equipment that it would power are ready for a power ouTAGe. For emergency power equipment testing, call a commercial power solutions provider today.

NFPA 110 Requirements for Testing Your Generator

How Much Does it Cost to Wire a House?

How much does it cost to wire a house these days? You need to take several things into consideration such as size, location, specification etc. This article gives you tips on what technical aspects you need to be aware of, avoid the pitfalls and get the best price to wire your house.

How Much Does it Cost to Wire a House?

How Much Does it Cost to Wire a House?

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How Much Does it Cost to Wire a House?

How Much Does it Cost to Wire a House?

1) The Size Of Your House

The size of your house directly affects the cost. The cost of wire, outlets, switches etc will increase proportionally with the increase in square feet of your property. Of course other factors like whether it is single/multi storey, the layout etc. will affect the price.

If it is a new house build you will also have to factor in the cost of connecting to the grid, which can be very expensive depending onlocation.

2) The Current System

Is the house running an older fuse-type system or a circuit breaker system? If you are unsure, ask the electrician when they are quoting what type of system it is.

3) Planning For The Future

This type of work is done rarely so make sure you plan it carefully. In addition to the standard outlets, lighting etc. you may want to have external power to a garage, patio or deck. It is cheaper to have all the work done in one go rather than doing a further project later so plan for all eventualities.

If you are planning to sell the house in future, a good idea is to take photo's or video of the work being done so you can prove you had the work done to any prospective buyers.

4) Walls andFinishing

If your walls are made from solid brick there will be more work to chase out spaces for the wires. If your walls are plasterboard, it will be much easier. Remember also you will have an additional cost to finish the walls-plaster, so factor this cost into your budget.

5) General Tips

a) Do not attempt the work yourself unless you are qualified. Electricity is potentially lethal so ensure your electrical contractor is a member of trade associations and their work is up to local safety standards. It is your family's life you are risking by cutting corners.

b) Always get 3-5 prices, and be prepared to haggle. With the current financial climate you will be able to find a great deal. A reputablefirm will not ask for payMent up front and give you a free estimate.

c) Get a fixed price and do not deviate from the original specification once the project is underway, this will just increase the cost.

d) Choose a timescale that suits you and the contractor. There will be a lot of disruption while the work is underway so discuss your requireMents in detail and get a written agreeMent on what work will be carried out.

e) Get the relevant inspection certificate on completion (don't pay in full until you receive this).

f) Get recomMendations from family and friends. Price is not the only consideration.

As a rule of thumb, for an average sized house, with regular fixtures and fittings, youwill be looking at a cost of $ 2000-$ 5000.

This should answer the question "how much does it cost to wire a house. Make sure you do some planning and find out the size of your house and what specification you need and you will able to find a suitable contractor and most importantly the best price.

How Much Does it Cost to Wire a House?

NFPA 110 Generator Testing: An Overview

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) creates minimum standards for fire safety egress safety, and other types of safety in commercial buildings. Included in the NFPA's safety standards is a code for testing and maintaining emergency power Supply systems (EPSS): NFPA 110. If your building contains a generator, practicing the code can ensure that it performs as expected during a power ouTAGe. Below are the basic testing requireMents for industrial generators according to NFPA 110. For a full list of requireMents, building managers should contact the NFPA, or a commercial power solutions provider.

NFPA 110 Generator Testing: An Overview

NFPA 110 Generator Testing: An Overview

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NFPA 110 Generator Testing: An Overview

NFPA 110 Generator Testing: An Overview

NFPAtesting for industrial generators

If a building is required to have a Level 1 or Level 2 generator, thefollowing types of NFPA 110 generator testing should be performed in preparation for a power ouTAGe. Experts trained in EPSS technology should carry out these tests.

Section 8.4.2
An EPSS must be exercised under load once a month for at least thirty minutes. The test should be conducted using one of the following two methods:

Loading that achieves a minimum temperature for exhaust gas based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Under normal operating temperatures while running at a minimum of 30% of the nameplate Kw rating.

For generators that cannot operate until their water pressure and oil pressure have stabilized, the tests above should be terminated before the thirty minutes expire. This reduces the time to> generator is unavailable for operation.

Section 8.2.4.3
Diesel powered generators that do not meet the requirements set forth in Section 8.4.2 should be exercised monthly for at least thirty minutes using the available EPSS load, and yearly for two hours using a supplied load. For yearly tests, the two hours should be broken down as follows:

30 minutes at 25% of the nameplate Kw rating. 30 minutes at 50% of the nameplate Kw rating. 60 minutes at 75% of the nameplate Kw rating.

To load bank can provide the "supplied load" required for tests under Section 8.2.4.3. Load banks, as well as diesel-powered generators, are available for short-term and long-term rental from commercial power solutionproviders.

The scope and benefits of NFPA EPSS testing

The requirements above are not a complete list of NFPA 110 generator testing requirements. To determine the necessary maintenance measures and tests needed for your unique generator, consult the code in its enTirety. By following its requirements, the following benefits can be realized:

Improved reliability of emergency backup lighting. Reduced possibility of electricity interruption in critical facilities. Reduced layover time at break before make generators. Improved emergency power generation capacity.

NFPA 110 Generator Testing: An Overview

How to Cook Lobster Tails--From Steaming to Grilling and More

Cooking lobster tails is not necessarily difficult, but after the money you have spent on your lobster, you certainly want to make sure that you do it correctly! This article is here to serve as a guide for Cooking lobster tails and how much time you should cook them for, depending on their weight.

How to Cook Lobster Tails--From Steaming to Grilling and More

How to Cook Lobster Tails--From Steaming to Grilling and More

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How to Cook Lobster Tails--From Steaming to Grilling and More

How to Cook Lobster Tails--From Steaming to Grilling and More

If you are steaming your lobster tails:

· Steam them for about 7 to 8 minutes

· Cook 14 minutes for one pound lobster, adding 2 minutes for .25 pound beyond that.

If you are Cooking lobster tails by way of the grill:

· First boil the tails for 4 minutes on medium-high heat for 7 minutes if you have 6 ounce tails, 8 minutes for 8 ounce tails.

· Grill until the meat is opaque and firm to the touch.

If you arecooking lobster tails in the oven (baking them):

· Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are boiling your lobster tails:

· A general rule of thumb is to cook 5 minutes for the first pound, adding one minute for each additional pound.

· Cooking lobster tails that are 1-3 ounces will take about 3-5 minutes.

· Cook 5-7 minutes tails for ounce, 6-ounce tails for 7.5 minutes, and 8 ounce tails for 8 minutes.

If you are cooking lobster tails in the broiler:

· Cook 1 to 3 ounce lobster tail-for 3-4 minutes.

· At 4-6 ounce lobster tail should take about 5-6 minutes.

· A good 10-12 ounce lobster tail should be cooked for 10-12 minutes.

· Cook a 14-16 ounce lobstertail for 12-15 minutes.

Before cooking lobster tails, be sure to thaw them (most lobster tails as frozen). Also, be aware that these are just general guides for cooking lobster tails-cooking times may vary, depending on your altitude, your lobster, and other such variables.

Us this only as a guide to cooking lobster tails, not as a "must-do". When your lobster tails are opaque (not translucent) and firm to the touch, they are likely done. You could also consider using a cooking thermoMeter to verify.

Good luck cooking lobster tails! May they be delicious and not rubbery! Of course, be aware that frozen lobster tails are likely to be a bit more rubbery than fresh lobster-but they can still be mighty good!

How to Cook Lobster Tails--From Steaming to Grilling and More

Ozone Generator Buying Guide

If you're a homeowner and your home has recently suffered water damage, smoke damage, mold infestation, or the dreaded "smell of death" from an expired rodent in a crawl space, then you've probably read that an ozone generator might just be the answer to your problems. However, with so many different types of ozone machines on the market, how is one to deciPh Meter, they produced 3000-5000 mg/h. That's quite a big difference between what is actually being produced and what is being claimed. How then can you make sure the ozone generator you purchase is actually producing the amount of ozone being advertised? Simple! Ask the vendor the following questions in an email (future fodder for a 100% money back should you test the machine and find the information provided wasincorrect)

QUESTION # 1. How Many Volts is the Power Supply! An ozone generator creates ozone by creating an electrical spark that splits oxygen in the Air. In order to accomplish this feat, you have to create a high volTAGe electrical spark. A simple rule I've observed in the lab and well recognized in the ozone industry is that a 3000 volt transformer can produce around 3000 mg/h of ozone per hour when attached to a high volTAGe ozone eleMent or six or more MICA plates at 40% humidity or less. Each Mica plate can produce a maximum of about 400 milligrams of ozone per hour IF it is properly installed due to the weak electrical spark it is capable of generating from the wire mesh. If you own a MICA plate ozone generator, view the plate in the dark. Enwon't light up very bright, very Y6 1999 as a matter of fact. The types of ozone plates that turn bright purple in the dark are called "High VolTAGe Ozone EleMents" and they can produce around 3000-4000 mgh to plate when fed with a 3000-4000 volt power transformer. These types of plates glow purple, almost like UV lamp, in the dark. They created a very strong electrical spark that is much more efficient at producing ozone vs. the old fashioned MICA plates. As a matter of fact to 4000 volt transformer and ozone element only uses about 35 watts of electricity, now that's efficient! Therefore, Tip # 1 is to ask the vendor to e-mail you in writing the exact volTAGe, amps, and watts used by their power transformers and how many and which type of ozone plates their machines use. If a vendorclaims for instance their machine produces 16 to 20 thousand milligrams of ozone per hour but their machine only uses one 5000 volt transformer, then you'll things just don't add up.

QUESTION # 2. What type of element does the ozone ozone machine use? Believe it or not, some vendors will try and convince you that the ozone elements in their machines are "permanent" and will last forever. Folks, there's no such thing as a permanent ozone plate! If used in 90-100% humidity, even the expensive high voltage ozone plates will only last 20-40 hours. Ozone generators are not made to be used in 90% plus humidity! In humid areas, you must run the Air conditioning or a dehumidifier in order to perform a shock treatment. Tip # 2 therefore is to think twice before buyingan ozone generator from a vendor who doesn't offer replacement ozone plates or makes a machine that Uniface utilized "MICA" plates.

Once you have those answers in writing, save the email in case you need to use it to obtain a refund in the future. When you receive your ozone generator, have a local electrician friend of the family (or hire someone) to open your ozone generator and give it the once over and test the strength (volts) of the power transformer. If you discover the stated voltage doesn't match the advertised voltage, ask for a refund. After all, what you're buying when you buy an ozone generator are high voltage power transformers, not a slick sales pitch! The honest vendors will clearly state their machines specifications on their websitesand by email if asked. They'll also provide you with a picture of the inside of their units and disclose the amount of plates, type used, etc. You should be weary of vendors who hold this information close to the vest or refuse to go on the record with this information.

Now you know what questions to ask an ozone machine vendor before making a purchase. I want to close out this "Ozone Generator Buying Guide" by giving you a few tips on how to save money on your purchase:

Ozone Generator Buying Guide

Ozone Generator Buying Guide

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Ozone Generator Buying Guide

Ozone Generator Buying Guide Ozone Generator Buying Guide

Install an Auxiliary Fuel Tank in Your Pickup, Then Buy Gas or Fuel on Your Schedule

RVers who pull travel trailers or fifth-wheel trailers with their pickup trucks know that their range is somewhat limited. Maybe it's 300 miles; maybe even less.

Install an Auxiliary Fuel Tank in Your Pickup, Then Buy Gas or Fuel on Your Schedule

Install an Auxiliary Fuel Tank in Your Pickup, Then Buy Gas or Fuel on Your Schedule

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Install an Auxiliary Fuel Tank in Your Pickup, Then Buy Gas or Fuel on Your Schedule

Install an Auxiliary Fuel Tank in Your Pickup, Then Buy Gas or Fuel on Your Schedule

They also know or will soon learn that they must think well ahead regarding that required fuel stop. How far before they will run empty should they stop to fill up? Where is there a station which they can get into and out of the pumps without damage? Where is a station of the desired brand or which will take the desired credit card? What is the price, compared to other locations along the route? And so on.

It's not a simple question to answer. Coming up with the answer often requires significant Mental energy and creates stress. Stress which no River needs.

I'll use my F-350 Power Stroke as am example.The factory tank holds 38 gallons. That means that while towing my trailer I can almost always get 300 miles on a full tank, and under the most ideal conditions I might be able to get 400 miles.

Here in the Midwest, finding stations at appropriate spots is not a problem. But how about more sparsely populated areas, where it can easily be 100 miles between towns? And do those towns have acceptable places to fuel? It can be a problem!

With my wife's encourageMent, I added a combination toolbox/tank. It holds 45 gallons in the lower part, while the upper seven inches or so is on toolbox. That's a great place for a pAir of battery jumper cables, a tow chain, Supply of diesel fuel additive, spare oil and oil Filter, a lug wrench, and tie-down straps.

This tank has been greatfor our marriage! Now planning fuel stops is a non-issue because we have enough range that we can easily plan to stop at our favorite places to fill up. With this setup, I tell people that I can run 400 miles, then must find a place to fuel up within the next 300 miles!

Now it is relatively easy to avoid buying fuel in cities or even enTire states where the price is "too high."

The results of adding this auxiliary tank are simple: Now we buy fuel on our terms, not when we must. It makes a world of difference in the expenditure of Mental energy regarding fueling.

There are several different approaches to aux tanks, from the rather sophisticated to the brutally simple.

The simplest version is just a tank with a pump and a hose. When you want to use fuel from the auxtank, you stop, take the end of the hose, stick it in the filler pipe of the main tank, and turn the pump on. This is simple, easy to install, and easy to understand. And potentially messy! Don't forget to turn the pump off!

The most sophisticated one of which I am aware is the system sold by Transfer Flow. With this system, fuel is automatically transferred from the aux to the main tank. In "control panel" in the cab provides a digital readout of the amount of fuel in each tank. Because of the automation and information provided, this system is considered by many to be the top of the line into auxiliary fuel tank systems.

I chose the middle ground and, as they say, "It works for me!"

The system I installed has a switch in the cab labeled "Main" or"Auxiliary." When in the "Auxiliary" position, fuel feeds from the aux tank directly to the engine. The standard fuel gauge indicates the amount of fuel in the aux tank.

When switched to the "Main" position, fuel flows from the main tank directly to the engine and the fuel gauge indicates the amount of fuel in the main tank.

For me, this system is great: Simple, uncomplicated, not messy fuel gauge readout. And simple fuel management. It serves us well.

There's an added benefit which no one mentions. It provides a back-up fuel pump! I've not heard of fuel pumps going bad in pickups, but I have replaced fuel pumps in two cars. A failed fuel pump can leave you stranded and be expensive to replace. With many auxiliary fuel tank systems, you have a second fuel pump! Thiscreates a redundant system, just like many of the systems in Airplanes where the results of a failure of the main system are simply unacceptable.

If your spouse or you spend too much time considering fuel stops or if you simply have to stop too often, you are a great candidate for an auxiliary fuel tank. It puts you in the drivers seat!

Copyright 2007 Keith a. Williams

Install an Auxiliary Fuel Tank in Your Pickup, Then Buy Gas or Fuel on Your Schedule

Cuisinart Griddler GR4N Discount

The Cuisinart Griddler GR-4N is a multifunctional appliance and I can tell you where to get it with a discount. I first saw it on TV and a lot of the things you see on TV are usually not credible. So I was skeptical.

Cuisinart Griddler GR4N Discount

Cuisinart Griddler GR4N Discount

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Cuisinart Griddler GR4N Discount

Cuisinart Griddler GR4N Discount

But this has proven griddler me wrong. This appliance will grill or griddle BreakFast Lunch and Dinner Fast and easy. Make eggs and French toast like a champ with the side of the griddle plates and grill chicken and vegetables to perfection with the grill side.

You can easily open up the grill or griddle all the way and use the plates flat. It doubles your Cooking surface area! Use it this way to make pancakes (which, by the way, turns out perfect every time).

Don't let the size fool you. You may think this is for a small size familybut you are wrong. You can cook good-sized hamburgers in 5 minutes and do the second batch in 4 minutes.

Use the Sear setting as instructed in the book with the grill preheated and Sirloins or Strip steaks are done in 3 1/2 to 4 minutes. Fast! And unlike most indoor grills, you can control the temperature with the Griddler. Nice, since you won't wind up with anything charred.

The reversible grill plates snap in and out very easily and you don't have 2 extra plates to store somewhere. The grease catcher is a drawer type piece that slides into and can be pulled out of the bottom of the Griddler to clean, and then put back in place for the next use.

Cleanup is a snap. The grill plates wash and cleanup so easy you won't bother putting them in the dishwasher.Clean the drip tray and you are done. Easy!

There is also a small cookbook that comes with the Griddler, with lots of recipes you can try, and I am sure you will!

The Cuisinart Griddler GR-4N turned out to be more than was promised!

Cuisinart Griddler GR4N Discount

Best Grilling Times For T Bone Steak

Ask every meat-lover you know and steak will definitely be one of their favorites. True enough, steaks such as porterhouse or T-bone captures the heart of every carnivore due to its rich taste and great flavor. On the other hand, eating and enjoying steak is different than actually Cooking one. In fact, many people are having a hard time grilling that perfect steak at hand. With this problem in mind, we are about to reveal the best grilling times for T Bone steak as well as other tips for every known enthusiast.

Best Grilling Times For T Bone Steak

Best Grilling Times For T Bone Steak

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Best Grilling Times For T Bone Steak

Best Grilling Times For T Bone Steak

Indeed, there is no satisfying meal than mashed potatoes and a huge piece of steak. Add some gravy and you are bound to one gastronomical feast. With regards to proper Cooking, all you have to remember are the following:

First, to grill that perfect and juicy steak, you have to equip yourself with the right and proper cooking equipMent. Be it a charcoal or electric grill, the key to having the best steak in town always starts with preparation of materials and ingredients. As for the grilling times for T Bone steak, here is a simple guideline. For T-Bone steaks that are 3/4 inches thick, the best cooking time would be from 10 to 12 minutes. As for the 1" thick T-Bone, the suggested grilling time would be 14 to 16 minutes.

These suggested times are great tips for beginners, especially if you are not that skilled in cooking. It is also best to concentrate on cooking your steak separately before adding other ingredients such as vegetables. In this case, you do not have to focus on two things at once and multi-task. When following these grilling times for t-bone steak, remember that 1-1/2 inches thick meats are supposed to be placed on racks that are about 4 inches above the heat. It is also recomMended to allot 2 to 3 minutes per side of cooking to achieve desired doneness.

Another great tip is that you have to make sure that your coals are hot medium. It is also best to use tongs in turning meats to avoid eventual loss of juices. The Marinating meats beforehand is also preferred, as this helps in adding flavor and taste. Suggested grilling times for T Bone steak, meanwhile are also helpful reminders to avoid overcooking of desired meat pieces.

Best Grilling Times For T Bone Steak

Aluminum Gas Welding Compared to Welding Steel Using the Gas Tungsten Arc Process

Aluminum gas welding can be accomplished with gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and it can also be used to weld steel, as well as other metals. GTAW is also called tungsten inert gas (tig) welding. Welding steel is one of the easier Jobs when using rig welding, but there are a number of factors, which make it much harder to weld aluminum.

Aluminum Gas Welding Compared to Welding Steel Using the Gas Tungsten Arc Process

Aluminum Gas Welding Compared to Welding Steel Using the Gas Tungsten Arc Process

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Aluminum Gas Welding Compared to Welding Steel Using the Gas Tungsten Arc Process

Aluminum Gas Welding Compared to Welding Steel Using the Gas Tungsten Arc Process

From cleanliness, arc length, machine settings, welding with a dirty tungsten electrode, filler rod angle, type of electrode, torch angle and size of electrode - you have to be extra-careful with all of these factors when you tig weld aluminum.

Here we go over these factors and how you have to be much more careful with aluminum than with steel.

- Make sure that the settings for your machine are correct. Set your machine to use alternating current and the high frequency switch should be at continuous mode otherwise it will make the arc stutter.

- A piece or object of aluminum left outside is likely to be highly oxidized after having come in contact with the eleMents. That should be weld only after thoroughly cleaning it - otherwise it will burn or weld extremely Fast.

- Arc length - it is important to keep the arc at just the correct length. Arc lengths too long or too short, both should be avoided with aluminum. Too short the length, you your metal will jump on your electrode, damaging that and you. Too long a length and the heat will not be pinpointed enough to be of proper use.

- Keep your electrode clean. A dirty electrode will make the weld sooty - taking any fun out of the Job you may have been having.

- Do not use pure tungsten electrodes with the new types of tig inverters to weld aluminum. The old types could use them, but not these new ones.

- You should keep the 1/16", 3/32" and 1/8" sized tungsten electrodes within easy reach when working with aluminum. With steel it is one size fits all policy, where you can go with a 3/32" tungsten for most of the jobs. But with aluminum, you need different electrodes depending on the thickness of the aluminum.

Aluminum gas welding just needs to be done with more care than other types of welding. Keep all these factors in mind and you will have your boat repAired or your ladder fixed in the best possible manner.

Aluminum Gas Welding Compared to Welding Steel Using the Gas Tungsten Arc Process

Data Centers That Scale

You hear the buzz, 150 watts per square foot, 200 watts per square foot, more than 300 watts per square foot... Is it real? If so, what does it mean in terms of resources? Are data center server, application, and communication systems at risk in the event of even a single mechanical or electrical systems failure?

Data Centers That Scale

Data Centers That Scale

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Data Centers That Scale

Data Centers That Scale

It is a topic data center operators cannot avoid. Servers continue getting denser, and the ability to power and cool large, dense systems impleMentations has given us interesting challenges. With good planning we can certainly overcome those challenges; however we also need to understand the true cost of higher watts per square foot on both real estate budget and risk.

Let's look at a 10,000 square foot data center. The task is to understand the space requireMents to build infrastructure needed to support a 100watt, 150watt, and 200watt/sqft facility. To set the task, we will assume the 10,000 sqft space is gross, with no space lost to common areas, columns, or other obstructions. For this discussion we will also not account for the space required to support emergency power generators or cooling towers.

Cooling a High Density Data Center

Data center cooling is potentially the biggest concern of all. While we may be able to add redundancy to cooling towers, it is very difficult to add redundancy to Air handling units. Physically you could potentially add a +1 cooling unit in a data center space; however the unit would need to immediately take over for individual CRACs in a location sensitive environment. Unless you can move a 20 or 30ton CRAC unit on demand, you have exposure.

With a raised floor that exposure is reduced, as the intention is to pressure the raised floor area with cold Air that will be blown up into the Supply side of server equipment. Having a standby or backup CRAC unit could contribute to overall floor pressure. For plenum HVAC equipment on a VCT (solid) floor, this is much more difficult, as nearly all high density installations with plenum Air handling units will have custom designs, including custom ducting connected to the units.

At >150 watts/sqft you will have very little time to respond once the unit has failed, as Supply sides of units will have no directed cold air. In addition, hot air return systems may also fail, causing sTAGnation in hot areas that will further support hot air recirculation.

This risk can best be minimized through aggressive preventive maintenance schedules and having adequate temporary cooling units on hand in the event of a failure or emergency.

Cooling is calculated in terms of British Thermal Units (BTUs) - or the amount of heat which can be removed from a space with assistance of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment (HVAC). To calculate cooling tonnage, use the following formula:

1 Watt = 3.412 BTU
12,000 BTU = 1 Ton of cooling capacity

If you have a group of high density servers, to calculate the cooling requirement you can use the following guidelines:

Example

1 Server = 2000 watts
40 servers = 80,000 watts
80,000 Watts * 3.412 = 272960 (BTU)
272960 BTU / 12,000 = 22.74 tons cooling requirement

Another example, if you have a 100 sqft cage, and have built your cage out to 175W/sqft, you would have the following cooling requirement:

100 * 175w = 17,500w
17,500w * 3.412 = 58,710 (BTU)
58,710 / 12,000 = ~5 tons cooling

Space Requirements for Mechanical Equipment

Higher density data center spaces come at a cost, in electricity and in space needed for both mechanical (HVAC) and electrical distribution. If we look at the space requirements for air handling units, using an Emerson 30ton unit as an example, the space needed to support this unit is about 94 square feet. The unit itself is about 3ft x 10ft (30sqft). Adding space for access and maintenance (3ft along the edges, and 4 ft in front of the unit for maintenance and access) brings the total to 94.

So, on the mechanical side, for every 30 tons of cooling needed you will contribute at least 94 sqft to cooling. If you need a +1 redundancy in your cooling requirement, you will lose another 94sqft for each redundant unit planned.

Let's put this into an example - just accounting for space needed to support HVAC equipment. We'll make the assumption water piping to support condenser or chilled water loops is overhead or under raised floor.

10,000 sqft at 200w/sqft

2,000,000 watts requiring cooling

2,000,000 * 3.412 = 6,824,000 BTUs

6,824,000 / 12,000 = 568 tons cooling

568 /30 (using 30ton CRAC units) = 19 units

19* 94 (sqft/unit) = 1786 sqft required for CRAC units

The cost in electricity is summed up as:

30ton CRAC unit w/2 compressors = 110amps at 480v for peak use

30ton CRAH unit w/25 HP Fan motor = 23amps at 480v

600ton cooling tower = 50amps at 480v

600ton water chillers if needed for chilled water system = 1200 amps at 480v

Electrical Systems and Distribution

Our data center is also going to require both primary and emergency power systems to bring us up to 200 watts/sqft. Data center power systems include the following components:
- Switchgear needed to distribute primary utility power presented by the Supplying power company- Either buss duct or "pipe and wire" distribution from switchgear to facility- Automatic transfer switches to connect either utility power or emergency backup power to facility- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to provide temporary battery power to facility- Switchgear to distribute 480v to mechanical equipment and UPS- Transformers to break (in the USA) 480v to 208/120v- Distribution panels to distribute 208/120v to individual user breakers

As a guide, 480V panels require 42" spacing due to the high power, potential for arc flash potential, and safe maintenance zone.

To accommodate the HVAC (CRAC or CRAH) equipment, UPSs, switchgear, transformers, and automatic transfer equipment you can plan on the following metrics (using CRG West experience):

· 100w/sqft

- CRAH or CRAC units @94sqft (10 units required) = 940sqft
- Electrical equipment = 700sqft
- 10,000 sqft data center M&E requirement = 1640sqft

· 150w/sqft

- CRAH or CRAC units @94sqft (15 units required) = 1410sqft
- Electrical equipment = 1000sqft
- 10,000 sqft data center M&E requirement = 2410sqft

· 200w/sqft

- CRAH or CRAC units @94sqft (20 units required) = 1880sqft
- Electrical equipment = 1400sqft
- 10,000 sqft data center M&E requirement = 3280sqft

Another way to look at this component is if you are planning to use 10,000sqft as your total usable space. Then you will lose an increasingly large amount of server-usable space as you increase the watts/sqft density within the space. At that point you need to determine if the loss of usable data center space with high watts/sqft is worth the increased density.

This calculation is only for data center-facing equipment. The actual cooling towers, water chillers, and emergency power generation equipment (including diesel fuel tanks), if included in your space planning requirement, will reduce the space efficiency in any data center location to around 40%. Each component of added redundancy increases the requirement for M&E equipment, as does the density requirement of watts/sqft.

Of course you can increase efficiency through use of more scientific and efficient data center designs, including hot/cold row design, heat curtains, directed heat exhaust and dropped ceilings - however there is a point that you will reach the pure physics of how much heat can be removed, regardless of design. While there are now designs incorporating chilled water into individual racks, and other rack-based cooling and heat extraction designs, most companies cannot afford the cost of building that infrastructure into their construction.

The Risk of Failure

The load of BTUs on temperature (F) is calculated as 1BTU=the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Thus, if you have an area served by a 30ton HVAC unit, able to cool and extract energy at 360,000 BTUs, you would lose that cooling and heat removal capacity in the event of a unit failure.

This adds fuel to the debate on raised floor versus flat VCT floor. In a raised floor you are pressurizing the sub-floor with the cooling capacity offered on how many tons of cooling is available to data center space. The cold air is forced under the floor, forcing cold air up through grills or openings in the floor, hopefully into the supply side of server or data center equipment.

In the VCT environment you are ducting air into custom designs to reinforce high performance cooling. Potentially even worse, are individual rack cooling units that may be providing dedicated cooling to individual racks.

In a raised floor environment of 10,000sqft, at 200 watts/sqft, as mentioned above, you would have around 20 x 30ton cooling units available to remove heat and cool the room. This is a total of about 7.2 million BTUs of heat removal capacity. If you lose one unit, you will lose about 5% of your total under floor pressurization and heat removal capacity. Not good, and may produce some warm spots in the data center, but percenTAGe-wise it is not catastrophic.

On the other hand, if you are using CRAC/CRAH units in a VCT environment with directed airflow, loss of a single unit comes at a much higher price tag of potentially 360,000 BTUs of heat being generated in a localized area. The effect is similar to if you had 1055 100watt light bulbs being used in a very small, localized area - the rate of heat buildup in that localized area would be extreme, with little recourse for corrective action other than to immediately position temporary cooling units in the area until the primary CRAC unit is repaired and returned to service.

This also should raise the design point that CRAC/CRAH units should never share a common electrical source. If one source of power is disrupted, you do not want to lose 100% of your cooling capacity. In addition, cooling systems should always be connected to emergency power, as it will do very little good in a high density data center to have equipment operating without support cooling.

Summary

Technically it is possible to solve just about all data center design challenges, even with dense server and other equipment continuing to push the amount of energy per piece of equipment to higher and higher levels. However, high density comes at a price. A price in how much real estate is required to support high density and redundant power systems, high density cooling requirements, and potentially the added cost of raised floor data center areas.

Even when you have designed a data center capable of supporting high density equipment, there is a high risk that failure in any part of the cooling systems will result in potentially unacceptable amounts of rapid heat buildup in localized areas - which will eventually result in catastrophic failure of Computer and communications equipment.

Data Centers That Scale