Rechargeable batteries offer power on-the-go with two key advantages over their disposable equivalents: 1. They're far cheaper in the long run, and
2. They're better for the environment. But because there are so many different types and brands, and because the upfront cost of purchasing a re-chargeable is higher than with buying disposables picking out rechargeable batteries is a little more difficult than battery shopping used to be. Even storing and caring for these...

When your nearest power point is just too far away for the power cord, an extension cord comes to the rescue. However, depending on the device you're using, its proper operation can be affected by the type of extension cord you use. Extension cords deliver power virtually wherever it's needed, but that doesn't necessarily mean that longer is better. The longer an extension cord is, the lower the delivered voltage. This not only means you lose electrical efficien...

As technology evolves, so too does our hoard of old and obsolete gadgets. Many of us have accumulated electronic gadgets or even appliances over the course of time usually kept in a bottom drawer or in the garage. But if you have no more use for these gadgets or appliances, what do you do with them? If they are still in good working order then consider giving them another lease of life. Another person's treasure Consider passing them onto someone who could use your ...

Well it's that time of year daylight savings has started and soon, we'll be in the full swing of summer. While long days, BBQs, pools and beaches are all part of the summer tradition eventually the heat will get to us all. And as the heat builds up, we need to cool down which can come at a cost ($$$). The cost of energy is rising like summer temperatures, so in a hot summer you can quickly rack up a large electricity bill trying to stay cool. Here are some tips on h...

Offices and even homes have evolved into hi-tech spaces. Think about an office space typically they contain computers, printers, scanners, copiers, alarm systems, CCTV and more depending on the type of business. And today, even the humble home has the same hi-tech pieces of equipment including one or more smart TVs and video streaming devices. What's even more incredible is that all these systems are fully capable to 'talk' to each other via the internet. All th...

An electrical storm isn't the most dangerous of disasters, but it can still cause a lot of damage to homes, start fires and even kill people in the right situations. In an electrical storm (also known as thunder storms), the storm clouds are charged like giant capacitors in the sky.  The upper portion of the cloud is positive and the lower portion is negative. Thunderstorms can form and develop in any geographic location but most frequently within the mid-latitude, where w...

Nothing is forever which is certainly true of smoke detectors. A properly functioning smoke detector can make the difference between life or death literally. If you read this article and you only take away one piece of information, it should be this; smoke detectors expire! Replacing your smoke detectors on scheduled basis could someday save your life. Most smoke detectors have a useful life of ten years and fire alarm code requires that these are replaced upon expiration. ...

We've all seen the devastation Hurricane Irma has left in its wake in the Caribbean and Florida in September of 2017. As thousands of people begin the task of cleaning up, many are faced with the prospects of returning to home that's flooded. Flood-affected homeowners will be hard at work removing carpets, gyprock walls and other cladding to prevent mould growth. But before they can even think about begin rebuilding, many will have to remove electrical wiring, outlets, ...

Light switches are easy to take for granted. Most will last for decades, and other than an occasional cleaning, they're essentially maintenance-free. But time and wear will take their toll and eventually you might find that a light switch in your home is showing signs of failure. When something seems suddenly different with a light switch you've been using for years, don't ignore it. At best, it's an early warning sign that you'll need to replace the switch ...

A surge protector is a device that shields computer and other electronic devices and appliances from surges in electrical power or a transient voltage that flows from the power supply.  Standard Australian voltage for home and office buildings is 240 volts, any voltage over this is considered transient and can damage electronic devices and appliances that are connected to an outlet.  Even though power surges are so brief that they are measured in nanoseconds, they can cause c...