Lighting, Wiring Devices & Generators Articles
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AlumiConn Terminal Block
- Journal of Light Construction (5/4/2007)
- Al-Cop. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 'Homes wired with aluminum wire manufactured before 1972 are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach 'fire-hazard condition' than homes wired with copper.' But short of a complete rewire, what can you do? One solution is to use an AlumiConn. This little terminal block prevents the oxidation and loosening that can lead to overheating at connections. It has UL approval and -- unlike other methods -- doesn't require any special tools. A 25-count bag sells for $74 on the Web. 877/614-7185.
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AuroRa Wireless Lighting Control System
- Journal of Light Construction (5/4/2007)
- Lutron. Who wouldn't want to turn on their porch and house lights from inside the car? With an AuroRa wireless lighting control system, homeowners can do just that, plus other convenient time-saving tricks. Unlike many home-automation packages, this one promises to be easy to install and operate. For about $600 you get a starter kit containing five high-tech dimmers, a central antenna, a tabletop master controller, and a visor-mounted remote control with a 100-foot range. 888/588-7661.
- 'Living Large Outdoors' ; Enjoy Leisure Time in Weather-Resistant, Comfortable Patio Furniture
- Albuquerque Journal (5/4/2007)
- But with a range of comfortable and cutting- edge outdoor furniture and accessories, local retailers are offering homeowners new levels of spice for their outdoors. Weather- resistant wicker, deep-cushioned cast aluminum chairs, water- resistant lamps and outdoor kitchens are just a few of the amenities being snapped up at local patio showrooms. Innovative outdoor furniture with a premium on comfort is the wave of the future because more homeowners are looking to make their backyards comfy extensions of the indoor home.
- Soundolier Premieres the Brightest Idea in Sound With World's First Wireless Speaker Lamp
- ebuild (5/3/2007)
- Here's an idea to file under "Why didn't I think of that?": a state-of-the-art, omnidirectional wireless speakerhidden within a stylish torchiere floor lamp, ready for duty as a single full-range output device, in pairs as home theater surround speakers, or in as many quantities as desired as a distributed music system for homes, restaurants, businesses and more.
- Bill Would Expand Solar Panel Rights
- The News & Observer (5/2/2007)
- May 2--Neighbors quizzed Gwendolyn Anderson about the solar panels she wanted to install on the roof of her Garner home. It took more than a year of calming fears and collecting signatures before Anderson got approval to use the sun to heat her water. Into this age of conformity, where homeowners associations tell people where they can park and what style of mailbox they can have, comes a state proposal to loosen appearance rules for the sake of energy savings.
- Solar Lanterns
- Sunset (5/1/2007)
- An evening in the garden is more festive when these colorful lanterns turn themselves on. The lantern comes in five colors, hangs from sturdy stainless steel handles, and collapses for storage, $16 Assop Home and Garden, www.allsopgaraencom or 356/425-5767From $9.99 per tile; three designs and four colors available; www.flor.com or 866/ 281-3567.
- Standby Power Can Be a Real Drain on Wallet
- Cincinnati Post (5/1/2007)
- Tonight, take a tour through your house with all the lights out. That's proof positive your household appliances are sucking energy and spending your money even when you're asleep.Transformers that recharge your cell phone, power your computer peripherals and keep your Game Boy ready to go are huge energy guzzlers.
- Energy Star Gazing
- BUILDER Magazine (5/1/2007)
- With electricity prices rising as much as they have been for the last five years, it is important that you outfit your homes with as many energy-saving features as possible. One way to do this is with Energy Star–qualified lighting packages.
- Garden Bathroom
- Sunset (5/1/2007)
- Add serenity to an intimate space with a visual connection to the outdoors"I stayed at the Amanusa hotel in Bali, where there was a freestanding tub beside a water garden, with glass down to the floor. Walls of glass open his bathtub corner to a private garden.
- Beat the Heat ; but Don't Break the Bank
- Augusta Chronicle, The (4/29/2007)
- Spring is in the air. "Becoming more energy efficient doesn't mean you have to give up on your current quality of life," says Mary Carr, the renewable energy coordinator for Southeastern Alliance for Clean Energy. REPLACE MAJOR APPLIANCES ($$$): "Any time you can replace an old air conditioner, refrigerator (or) washer with an Energy Star appliance, you're going to be saving a lot of money and electricity," Ms. Carr says.
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