Microwave Wattage

Microwave wattage ("microwattage") typically ranges from 700-1200W. The higher the wattage the faster the food cooks.

AA Batteries - 1.5V versus 1.2V

AA batteries come in two voltages - 1.5V and 1.2V which is more common on rechargeables. Most modern electronic equipment should take into account the lower voltage of rechargeable batteries.

Duracell make a rechargeable AA HR6/NiMH at 1.2V (the prefix HR refers to rechargeable batteries, as compared to LR which are standard alkaline batteries). They last 25 hours in a wireless game controller based on an ANSI Digital Audio test.

Duracell Rechargeables AA-type come in two varieties - 2400mAh which is called Rechargeable Ultra and Rechargeable Plus which is 1300 mAh. The Ultra and Plus are not marked on the batteries themselves, but the mAh are. From a buyer's perspective, the higher the mAh the longer the battery will last. An analogy is the size of a gas tank. A possible way to increase mAh is to increase the strength of the electrolytic solution in the battery. They are made in Japan.

NiMH stands for Nickel metal-hydride and these types of batteries were invented in 1967. The European Union Battery Directive caused NiMH batteries to replace Ni-Cd batteries for portable consumer use. Metal hydrides are metals bonded with hydrogen often in a covalent bond, where atoms share electrons.

What is a Ballast in terms of light fittings?

The ballast regulates the current to the lamps and provides enough voltage to start the lamps in a fluorescent lighting system.

What are encaustic tiles?

Encaustic tiles are ceramic tiles which have a pattern on the surface. That pattern is not a product of glaze but of different colours of clay.

The Radiator Key

Radiator keys are used to bleed radiators.

This process starts with first turning off your central heating. thus preventing more air from entering the system.  The key is inserted into a valve and carefully turned anticlockwise (usually a quarter or half turn). The trapped air will start to escape with a hissing sound. When water starts to dribble out the air has been purged.

A cloth or small bowl should be kept underneath the bleed valve to absorb any leaking water. Also protect your hand as any escaping water may be very hot.

Tighten back the valve once done (be careful as water leaving the radiator may be very hot).

Turn back on central heating, check radiator heats up and no more water is coming from the valve.

Tyre Tread Depth

Before checking tyre tread depth, ensure you are on a flat surface with ample distance from the kerbs, the car is switched off and secured with a parking brake.

Tyres must have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across at least 75% of the central width of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

Tyre Pressures

Check your tyre pressures regularly, otherwise you may:

1. Decrease grip on the road (and make steering less precise)
2. Increase braking distance
3. Increase fuel consumption (by increasing rolling resistance)
4. Potentially reduce the lifespan of your tyres

Tyres should always be checked regularly and more so before long journeys.

FSC Mix

FSC is the Forest Stewardship Council. A 70% FSC mix means wood has been 70% sourced from FSC certified forests.

What is a CR2032 battery?

The CR2032 is a lithium battery button cell rated at 3 Volts. It is used in watches, wireless doorbells and CMOS batteries.

Battery Sizes

The most commonly available batteries are cylindrical cell batteries.

AA - also known as penlights, are one of the most common types of battery in the marketplace. They were introduced in 1907 and are 5cm (50mm) in height.

AAA - are known as microlights. They are 4.45cm in height and slimmer than the AAs.

C - (aka MN1400) 5cm by 2.6cm (same height as AA but fatter). Comes in a range of varieties e.g. LR14 (alkaline), and R-14 (carbon zinc). Used for medium drain applications.

D - 6cm tall by 3.42cm wide. This was introduced in 1898 as the first flashlight battery.

Some cameras use specialist battery types.

Keeping up with LED Technology

Read LEDs Magazine

This will help you stay current with new terminology in the LED market such as:

SSL - Solid State Lighting
NGL - Next Generation Luminaire
Luminaire - another word for a light fitting or fixture

What is a Multifaceted Reflector Light Bulb?

Multifaceted reflector (MR) is a reflector housing format for halogen as well as some LED bulbs. They are designated as MRXX where the XX represents an eight of an inch - so MR16 means 2 inches, MR8 is one inch. The MR16 was first sold in 1965. GU10 (G=Glass) is a derivative of the MR housing where the U refers to a U-shaped ceramic base mount.

As with all halogen lamps, MR lamps produce significant heat. For GU10 fittings. you can have GU10 halogen as well as GU10 LED.

IP44 and IP65

IP44 is a common designation for lighting.

4 - as the first digit means anything smaller than 1mm in size will not get through the membrane.
4 - as second digit means resistant to water splashes.

IP44 cannot be used when there is exposure to water jets (but not high pressure or high temperature water jets)

IP65 is the recommended minimum requirement when water jets are involved.

Bulbs without IP markings are by default IP20 which means protection from solid objects but no protection from water.

What is Grout?

Grout is a construction material that can be used to fill voids and seal joints (such as those between tiles). It is generally made up of water, cement, sand. It is applied as a thick emulsion and hardens over time. When mixed and applied correctly it creates a waterproof seal.

Tiling grout is cement based and comes in sanded or unsanded varieties. Sanded contains finely ground silica sand. Unsanded is finer. They can be enhanced by polymers or latex.

Sanded tile grout is cheaper but should not be used when there is a risk of the sand scratching the tile surface, for example glass and certain porcelains.

Grout sealer is a water-based or solvent based sealant applied over dried grout that resists water, oil or acid based contaminants.

PEI Ratings for Tiles

Tiles are classified under the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) ratings system for suitability for fixing in a particular area. PEI Class III is for residential light to moderate traffic. PEI Class IV are for residential floors, moderate traffic areas like bathrooms, halls, kitchens and conservatories. Class V are for all residential floors and medium traffic commercial areas.

Moisture Absorption Rating for Tiles

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed a rating for moisture absorption for tiles. If moisture penetration is too high, some tiles may crack. Tiles with W.A. Ratings of 0.5% or less are regarded as impervious. 0.5% to 3% is regarded as vitreous.