The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Practical Electricity And House Wiring

Often there is a special rate for large appliances, such as a rate of 1c per Kw-hr. for all power for an electric water heater which, however, is usually connected so that it can draw power from the Power Company's line only during the off-peak (when there is little demand for electric power for other purposes).

In the example of the previous paragraph, a total of 270 Kw-hr. was consumed during a month. On the basis of the rates just outlined the charge for the month would be:

The average for the month's usage would therefore be715/270 r $.0265 per Kw-hr., a trifle above 21/2c.

A kilowatt-hour of electrical energy may appear to be either a very large or a very small amount of energy, dependent entirely upon the viewpoint of the one who is thinking about the subject. A standard of comparison should be used. It is well-established for example that a man working hard can produce no more than 1/8 to 1/10 hp. of work continuously. A motor doing the same work would consume 100 to 150 watts, would cost at the most 1c per hour to run. Electrical power is inexpensive power.

Underwriters; Electrical Codes

Safety.—An electrical installation properly made with good materials is entirely safe from all standpoints. On the other hand, a carelessly installed job, even if using firstclass materials, does present definite hazards chiefly from a fire standpoint, as well as possible danger to human life.

Aside from the individuals who suffer personal losses from improperly installed work, insurance companies constitute the biggest group of losers. Insurance companies therefore are vitally interested in doing all possible to make sure that installations be made in such a way that the completed job may present no hazard. Their problem is two-fold: material must be of good substantial quality at all times, and installation must be in accordance with methods that experience has shown are correct.

Underwriters.—To bring about these ends, insurance companies have sponsored the National Board of Fire Underwriters, which organization in turn established the Underwriters' Laboratories. These two organizations collaborate with manufacturers of electrical materials, with cities and states, etc., so that the public may be protected against slip-shod installations, materials of questionable quality, etc.