Reminder to Replace Smoke Alarm Batteries

This weekend November 2 2008 is the end of the Daylight Saving Time. As we change our clocks, it is also a good reminder to change the batteries in our smoke alarms.

It is important to have fresh batteries in our smoke alarms so they can continue protecting us and our families.

Here are things to look for when replacing batteries and maintaining your smoke alarms.

If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:
*Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer’s instructions.
*In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
*In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

www.thediypal.com

Have A Happy And Safe Halloween

In the spirit of Halloween and for Safety's sake we are going off topic to bring you a Halloween safety message from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Happy Halloween to all!

Everyone can make this year's holiday a safe one by following these safety tips on costumes, treats and decorations.

Costumes

• When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame- resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
  
  
• Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
  
  
• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
  
  
• Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
  
  
• Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.
  
  
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.
  
  
• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing vision.
  
  
• If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
  
  
• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

Treats

• Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
  
  
• Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or- treaters under three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.

Decorations

• Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
  
  
• Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
  
  
• Indoors, keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles that could be ignited. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
  
  
• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
  
  
• Don't overload extension cords.

www.thediypal.com

Lincoln Electric's Ultimate Multi-Process Machine- The Power MIG 350MP

Featuring Stick, TIG, MIG and Flux-Cored Welding Capabilities

• Advanced Processes - Pulsed MIG, Pulse-on-Pulse and Power Mode

• Push-pull ready spool gun for enhanced aluminum welding

• 115-volt AC auxiliary power-easy to run lights or grinders

Cleveland – Lincoln Electric’s Power MIG® 350MP is the ultimate choice for process versatility and arc performance, featuring stick, TIG, MIG and flux-cored capabilities.

This multi-process wirefeeder/welder also features advanced welding processes such as Lincoln Electric’s Pulsed MIG, Pulse-On-Pulse® and Power Mode®, making the machine ideal for individuals involved in light to heavy job shop fabrication and manufacturing, especially involving aluminum applications.

Using Lincoln Electric’s Chopper Technology®, the Power MIG 350MP delivers high-quality welds with tremendous arc control – delivering enhanced starts, low spatter levels, excellent bead appearance, a wide operating “sweet spot” and improved stainless steel and aluminum welding performance.

This Power MIG model offers a robust output range from five to 350 amps for handling thin DC TIG welding through industrial sheet metal and medium structural applications. The Power MIG 350MP is the only machine, outside the Power Wave® family, to feature Lincoln Electric’s Nextweld® processes.

Its Waveform Control Technology® delivers customized welding parameters for every application with additional welding waveforms for download directly to the machine for future applications. Synergic control of voltage with the wire feed speed allows users to set weld procedures with only one control for simplicity.

Additional features include an extremely easy-to-use spool gun; a push-pull ready connection and a second gas solenoid to deliver gas to a spool gun or TIG torch without having to disconnect the main MIG gun. The Power MIG 350MP is the only model in its class to feature a 115 volt AC auxiliary receptacle, offering convenient AC input power for work lights, grinders and other shop tools.

Advanced Pulse-On-Pulse features improved arc cleaning action and reduces heat input on aluminum applications while delivering a TIG-like appearance to the weld beads. Power Mode maintains a stable, smooth arc for short-arc welding, minimizing heat input on thin materials. In addition, the Power MIG 350MP includes advanced parameter settings for maximum operability, including start, crater, pre/post gas flow, run-in and arc control.

The Lincoln Electric Company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc-welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.

This product is available at a welding supply store near you. Or, call (888) 355-3213 or visit www.lincolnelectric.com to obtain Bulletin E7.57 to learn about the Power MIG 350MP.

www.thediypal.com

Use GFCI When Using Electric Power Tools

The U S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends the use of a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) with every power tool to protect against electrical shock hazards. Each year, CPSC learns of approximately 20 to 30 electrocution deaths associated with power drills, saws, sanders, hedge trimmers, and other electric power tools. Most of these deaths could be prevented by the use of a GFCI.

A GFCI constantly monitors current flowing in a circuit to sense any loss of current. If the current flowing through two circuit conductors differs by a very small amount, the GFCI instantly interrupts the current flow to prevent a lethal amount of electricity from reaching the consumer. The consumer may feel a painful shock but will not be electrocuted. Grounding may provide some protection for power equipment and double insulation of newer power tools presents lower risks of electrocution. However, GFCls are the most effective means for protecting consumers against electrical shock hazards.

Since 1973, homes built according to the National Electrical Code have varying degrees of GFCI protection. GFCIs were first required in outdoor receptacle circuits In 1973, bathrooms in 1975, garage wall outlets in 1978, some kitchen receptacles since 1987, and all receptacle outlets in unfinished basements and crawl spaces since 1990.

Three common types of GFCls are available for home use: circuit breaker, receptacle and portable types. The circuit breaker type needs to be installed by an electrician. The receptacle type may be installed by knowledgeable consumers familiar with electrical wiring practices. The portable GFCI needs no special knowledge to install Just plug the portable GFCI Into a wall receptacle and then plug the electric power tool into the GFCI. It is generally priced below $30 and is available at hardware stores, building supply centers and electrical supply houses.





www.thediypal.com

The Science of Autumn Beauty

For many people autumn weather brings a welcomed time of the year. Adding to the pleasure of the season are the vibrant colors displayed in nature. Leaf pigment, the physics of light, weather conditions, plant species, and geography all play important roles in the color of autumn.

Leaf Pigment and Light

Thanks to the physics of sunlight striking pigments in leaves, we see various leaf colors throughout the year. Leaf pigments play a crucial role in the colors we see. Chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins present in a leaf help determine what color the leaf will display.

The pigment that gives leaves their green color is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is used in photosynthesis which is the process that uses sunlight to transform carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates (sugars) that fuel tree growth. During the spring and summer, with more hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures, this photosynthetic process is most active thus leaves are green.

When daylight hours become less and temperatures are cooler, photosynthesis slows down and there is less chlorophyll. This decline reveals a yellow or orange pigment- carotenoid. Carotenoids, the same pigment found in carrots and corn, are usually masked by the chlorophyll.

Unlike chlorophyll and carotenoids which are present in leaf cells throughout the growing season, anthocyanins are produced in autumn. Anthocyanins give color to familiar fruits such as cranberries, red apples, cherries, and plums. These complex water soluble compounds in leaf cells react with excess stored plant sugars and exposure to sunlight creating vivid pink, red, and purple leaves. A mixture of red anthocyanin pigment and yellow carotene often results in the bright orange color seen in some leaves.

Weather and Color

Weather conditions that occur before and during the decline of chlorophyll production can affect the color that leaves may display. Carotenoids are always present so the yellow and gold colors are the least affected by weather.

Colors most affected by weather are the red tones created by anthocyanin. On warm sunny days lots of sugar is produced in the leaves. Trees exposed to brighter sunlight generate the reaction between the anthocynanins and the excess sugar creating the bright red hue.

Cooler temperatures cause the veins in the leaves to gradually close preventing the sugars from moving out which preserves the red tones. Thus a succession of warm sunny days and cool crisp nights can paint the most spectacular display of color.

The level of moisture in the soil can also affect autumn color. A severe summer drought can delay the onset of color change by weeks. Ideal conditions for producing the most brilliant colors are a warm wet spring, favorable summer weather, and sunny fall days with the cooler temperatures at night.

Species and Geography

The genetics of different tree species help determine what color the leaves will turn. Color depends on the levels of iron, magnesium, phosphorous, or sodium in the tree and the acidity of the chemicals in the leaves. Some tree species displaying yellow foliage are ash, birch, beech, elm, hickory, poplar, and aspen. Red leaves are seen most often in dogwood, sweetgum, sumac, and black tupelo trees. Some oaks and maples present orange leaves while others range in color from red to yellow, depending on the specific species.

Deciduous forests and trees, with their many broad leaves that change color almost in unison, display the most noticeable fall color. Evergreen species also display fall colors, only slowly and gradually. The appearance of autumn color starts as early as mid September in more northern latitudes, and moves southward reaching its peak in October, but color continues to appear in more southern regions and higher elevations in the west throughout November.

Only a few places in the world have the combination of tree species and climatic conditions necessary for the most vivid fall foliage. Some of the best locations with broadleaved deciduous trees and favorable conditions for brilliant fall color are:

• Northeastern U.S. (New England)
• Southeastern Canada
• Adirondack, Appalachian, Smokey, and Rocky Mountain Regions
• Select areas around Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco.

Remember that cooler higher elevations will display color before lower warmer geographic regions.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information, or to contact a local ISA Certified Arborist, visit www.treesaregood.org.

Photo is licensed under
Creative Commons Attribution Sharealike 3.0 Unported license
Courtesy of Sujit kumar

www.thediypal.com

General Welding Rules to Follow

This list a general list that a welder can apply to have the very best weld possible, by far not a complete list but a good one to follow.

*Use only high quality welding machines, electrodes, and welding accessories.

*Know the base material that you are working on.

*Select the proper welding process that gives the highest quality welds for the base material used.

*Select the proper welding procedure that meets the service requirement of the finished weldment.

*Select the correct electrode for the job in question.

*When preheating is specified or required make sure you meet the temperature requirement. In any case, do not weld on material that is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit without preheating first.

*Clean the base metal of all slag, paint, grease, oil, moisture, or any other foreign materials.

*Remove weld slag and thoroughly clean each bead before making the next bead or pass.

*Do not weld over cracks or porous tack welds. Remove defective tack welds before welding.

*Be particularly alert to root fusion on the first pass of fillet and groove welds.

*When groove weld root gaps are excessive, be sure you increase the size of the fillet weld to the size of the root gap to maintain the strength requirement. In some cases, it is advantageous to make a groove weld to avoid extremely large fillet welds.

*Inspect your work after completion and immediately remove and replace any defective weld.

*Observe the size requirement of each weld and make sure that you meet or slightly exceed the specified size.

*Make sure that the finished appearance of the weld is smooth and that overlaps and undercuts have been repaired.

www.thediypal.com

Bosch Releases New Cordless Circular Saw and Cordless Saber Saw

Press Release

Highest cutting performance in their class:
New cordless handheld circular saws and cordless saber saws for professionals with 18-volt lithium-ion battery
The mobility that professionals need

*Premium lithium-ion battery delivers energy for the highest sawing performance

*Long lifetime due to Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) and Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) from Bosch

The new, compact Cordless Handheld Circular Saws GKS 18 V-LI Professional and Cordless Saber Saws GSA 18 V-LI Professional from Bosch offer maximum performance and mobility. The fully charged 18-volt Premium lithium-ion battery with 2.6 ampere hours provides sufficient energy to cut up to 50 chipboards (900 x19 millimeters) to length with the handheld circular saw, or to cut up to 100 spruce beams (100 x 100 millimeters) to length with the saber saw. Bosch has also designed both saws for long lifetime: the unique Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) from Bosch automatically shuts down the motor if it stalls, therefore preventing it from burning out.
The Handheld Circular Saw GKS 18 V-LI Professional with a 165-millimeter saw blade and a cutting depth of 52 millimeters is specially designed for the hard demands of skilled construction site workers such as carpenters, bricklayers or roofers, but also for exhibition fitters. It provides a clear view of the saw blade and score line. Precise cuts and good handling are ensured by the robust base plate, the softgrip coverings on both handles, the ergonomic design and the weight of only 4.1 kilograms.
The Saber Saw GSA 18 V-LI Professional offers two stroke speeds: 2,400 strokes per minute for metal and 2,700 strokes per minute for wood. With a maximum cutting length of 250 millimeters, it is ideal for electricians, gas fitters, plumbers, window fitters, carpenters and other skilled construction site workers. The ergonomic handle with softgrip and the weight of only 3.4 kilograms ensure easy working. The gear housing made of die-cast aluminum also makes the saber saw robust. The accelerator switch permits careful pilot sawing. Thanks to the SDS saw blade holder, the saw blades can be quickly replaced in just one movement.
Bosch Premium lithium-ion technology
The innovative Premium lithium-ion technology from Bosch with its unbeatable battery runtime and 400 percent longer lifetime is vastly superior to other battery technologies. The long lifetime is thanks to the Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) from Bosch. It reliably protects the battery against overload, overheating and total discharge. Moreover, the battery pack is so robust that it can withstand being dropped from a height of two meters onto concrete and remain fully functional. Another advantage of the Premium lithium-ion technology is the unbeatable battery runtime provided by the Bosch high-performance battery cells and the intelligent power management. The special cells with very low internal resistance and the high current capable design of the battery pack ensure low energy losses during charging and during operation. This results in extremely resilient battery packs with high performance capability. Moreover, the perfect coordination of the Bosch Hightech electronics with the motor and gearbox ensures high efficiency of the drive and optimum utilization of the power in the cells. There is also no memory effect and the batteries are fully ready for use, even if they have not been used for months.
Bosch was the first to introduce lithium-ion technology in professional cordless tools, thereby redefining the power tools market. The Premium lithium-ion technology is more than just lithium-ion technology. It is the result of continual further development, geared towards the day-to-day requirements of professional tradesmen: long battery runtime and long lifetime. The Premium lithium-ion technology is available in all voltage classes from 3.6 to 36 volts for professionals from professionals. Bosch therefore offers an optimized power tool for every application performed by professional tradesmen.
Bosch supplies the new cordless saws as standard in a carrying case with a one-hour charger and two batteries. Both tools are available at retail outlets, each at the recommended retail price of 349 euros plus VAT.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

www.thediypal.com

Smoke Alarms are Life Savers

Oct. 5-11 is National Fire Prevention Week
"Prevent Home Fires"

Smoke alarms have been proven time and time again that they are life savers and one of the best safety devices we can buy to protect our family. Although smoke alarms can one day save our lives we tend to neglect them.

Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will give an early warning for the whole family so everyone can get out in the event of fire. So check around your household and see where your smoke alarms are and start maintaining them, and if they are not functioning or don't have them, go to local hardware store and buy them and have them installed.

There are two basic types of smoke alarms, ionization and photoelectric. Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast moving fire occurs. Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. There are also combination smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.

Dual alarm sensor smoke alarms are recommended due to the fact that no can predict what type of fire might start, so having both type of sensors gives you added protection to two distinctly different types of fires. Take in consideration also if you have family members with hearing disability, you might want to install a smoke alarm with visual or vibrating alarms to alert them in case of fire.

Newer homes have smoke alarms that are hard wired, they are wired together so if one smoke alarm goes off all the other ones will sound the alarm also, most have back-up batteries in the event of power failure. This type of smoke alarms need a qualified electrician to install. The other type is your battery operated smoke alarms, they are easy to install, usually requiring only a screw driver, and some brands sells them with adhesive backing on them. Wall-mounted detectors should be located between 4 and 12 inches below the ceiling, and ceiling-mounted detectors at least 4 inches from the nearest wall.

For smoke alarms to be effective, they must be installed on all levels of your home, including the basement. They should be installed both inside and outside sleeping areas.

Maintaining your smoke detectors is a must so they can keep protecting your family.

Here are some things you need to know:

If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:
*Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer’s instructions.
*In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
*In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Some of the other important fire safety and prevention information.

*Plan and practice escape plans several times a year.
*Make sure your whole family knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers.
*Obtain and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
*Install carbon monoxide detectors.
*Consider installing residential fire sprinklers in your home.

www.thediypal.com

ECO-heater High Efficiency Electric Panel Heater

If you are looking for an alternative to conventional space heaters to use this winter, we might have found a very stylish heater for you. ECO-heater is offering a High Efficiency Electric Panel Heater called of course ECO-heaters.

The heater is a panel design that can be mounted on walls, it comes with an installation kit and instructions and according to the manufacturer it can be easily installed in less than 10 minutes. The ECO-heater can be plugged into a regular 120 volt outlet and comes with a six foot cord or can be hard wired also.

The ECO-heaters can heat approximately 120 square feet that's about a 12 feet by 10 feet room. It uses a convection method of heating and the heat is mainly generated behind the heater with only 10% is radiated from the front of the panel.

The heater is also very energy efficient and uses about the same electricity as four 100 watt light bulbs to operate and heat a room.

The heaters are UL listed and International Safety Standards approved, it can be left on for long periods of time and the great thing about this heater is that it can be mounted way above the reach of your young ones.

The heater comes in a package in neutral white and can be painted using quality water based paints to suit your decor or it can be screen printed with your desired artwork. Weighs about 15 pounds and measures 23 1/4" X 23 1/4" X 3/8" so it's very slim and has a small footprint and perfect for those who have limited floor space.

For more information on ECO-heaters visit their website at http://www.eco-heater.com

www.thediypal.com

Sloan Valve Company introduces the world’s first solar-powered, sensor-operated Flushometers

This is probably one of the coolest products that came out of the plumbing industry for awhile, Sloan keeps coming out with great products. This is from their press release.

Sloan SOLIS® Models are the Industry’s First Solar-Powered, Sensor-Operated Flushometers Sloan Valve Company introduces the world’s first solar-powered, sensor-operated Flushometers. Sloan SOLIS® Flushometers for water closets and urinals provide ground-breaking water efficiency and utilize state-of-the-art photovoltaic technology. The new Flushometers are part of the Sloan SOLIS® Collection, which also includes the 0.5 gpm/1.9 Lpm Sloan SOLIS® solar-powered faucet, making Sloan the first plumbing company to offer a complete line of solar-powered, water-efficient products. Sloan SOLIS® Flushometers use light to charge a highly efficient capacitor, providing power even in rooms with occupancy-controlled lighting. The solar panel powers the unit without the need for moving parts in the waterway. No moving parts in the waterway mean superior hydraulic performance and reduced maintenance. These revolutionary plumbing products offer engineers and designers a way to visibly express a facility’s commitment to sustainability. Toilets account for most of the water used in commercial restrooms. The new SOLIS® High-Efficiency Flushometers are available in single-flush and dual-flush models. The dual-flush model has two flush cycles: Users can choose the full 1.6 gpf/6.0 Lpf flush for solid waste or the reduced flush of 1.1 gpf/4.2 Lpf for liquid waste. If the user does not press a button, the Flushometer’s Dual-Flush Smart Sense Technology™ takes over and automatically initiates a flush cycle, based on how long the user remains in the sensor range. Users who stay within the sensor range less than a minute activate the reduced flush; users who stay longer activate the full flush. Exhaustive research and extensive field trials have proven the Dual-Flush Sensing Algorithm to be a reliable and efficient method of controlling flush volume. In addition, advanced state-of-the-art sensor technology eliminates false flushing to further ensure water efficiency.

For more information on Sloan products visit their website at www.sloanvalve.com

www.thediypal.com

Time to Complete a Yearly Tune Up of Your HVAC

It's about that time of the year when the weather starts getting cooler (depending where you live I guess)and most of us wait when the weather turns ugly and then we try to turn on the thermostat hoping our heating system works perfectly, sometimes they work flawlessly and sometimes they fail us when we need it the most. Below are some basic steps that anyone can do as a preventive maintenance for their their hvac.


Maintenance Checklist

Maintain your equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. Keep your heating system at peak performance by having a contractor do annual pre-season check-ups. Contractors get busy once winter come, so it's best to check the heating system in the fall. To remember, you might plan the check-ups around the time changes in fall.

If you do the maintenance yourself, make sure to take all the safety precautions, there are many electrical hazards involved in completing this maintenance.

A typical maintenance check-up should include the following.

*Check thermostat settings to ensure the heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
*If you have that antiquated thermostat, time to upgrade, they can save you energy cost and trouble down the line.
* Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.
* Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity you use.
* Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.
* Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.

Heating Specific

* Check all gas (or oil) connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. Improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.

Actions To Do Yourself

* Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. Your contractor can show you how to do this. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early failure.

If maintaining your HVAC is not your cup of tea, call a contractor they can save you a lot of heartache and money come winter time.

www.thediypal.com