ELECTRICAL SERVICES Q/A
UPGRADE
To upgrade the circuit board the main switch would be changed to a higher rating MCB (miniature circuit breaker). In order to do this a Boletin (electrical certificate) is required and then presented to the client’s electrical supplier (Iberdrola). Subsequently a new contract will then be issued by the electrical supplier. The present contract held by the client can be viewed on an electrical bill (contracto de potencia) which is normally 3.3kw (15amp) or 5.75kw (25amp). The main electric meter of the property is programmed by Iberdrola with a contracted value, if this is exceeded it can cause the meter to trip as there is limiter controlling the power that is being consumed.
MAIN METER TRIPS
The value of the main switch is greater than the contracted value as per above. The main electrical meter has a limiter which if exceeded will cause it to trip.
ELECTRIC IN THE PROPERTY TRIPS
If the main circuit breaker trips this is due to an overload of the system or if an individual circuit breaker trips this is due to an overload of the individual circuit.
DIFFERENTIAL TRIPS
This is a fault on an electrical circuit or a faulty appliance.
AIR CONDITIONING Q/A
WHAT IS AN INVERTER
An inverter does not mean a unit is Hot/Cold, all air conditioning units sold now have both hot/cold functions. Inverter refers to the unit having a power control circuit which regulates power consumption of the compressor. An inverter uses approximately 40% less power that older conventional units.
DOES MY AIR CON NEED RE-GASSING
An air conditioning unit normally will require re-gassing due to poor installation initially. If the connections of the pipework are not correct and tightened sufficiently the refrigerant will be lost to the atmosphere therefore requiring re-gassing. Prior to re-gassing all pipework should be thoroughly checked for leaks. Air conditioning units can develop leaks on a unit, but this is less common.
I HAVE A WATER LEAK ON THE INTERNAL UNIT OF MY AIR CONDITIONING
In the summer months the internal unit naturally condensates. Upon installation a drainpipe is installed to allow the condensation to drain, however if this becomes damaged or blocked the water which is unable to drain away will leak from the internal unit normally after 20 minutes of use. This is easily repaired and inexpensive to complete.
I HAVE ERROR CODE
Modern units have a digital display showing temperature etc, if a fault occurs an error code will be displayed on the unit or the controller. This normally shows E plus number/s that will allow the Engineer to diagnose the fault on the system and what repair is required. Common faults are E2 or E7 this shows fault within PCB (circuit board).
IS AIR CONDITIONING EXPENSIVE TO USE
No! All current air conditioning units are now inverters and A** rated. An average lounge unit will be 1.2KW giving an output of 3.5KW once the unit has been running for around 10 minutes the inverter will regulate the power consumed to 600-800w giving the same output of 3.5kw on average this will cost 8 cents per hour.
What’s R-32?
R-32 is a next generation refrigerant that efficiently carries heat and has lower environmental impact. Refrigerant is a medium for conveying heat. Air conditioners transfer heat while circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units.
Although there are various types of refrigerants, R-32 is a new refrigerant currently receiving the most interest.
Because R-32 efficiently conveys heat, it can reduce electricity consumption up to approximately 10% compared to that of air conditioners using refrigerant R-22. Furthermore, compared to the refrigerants widely used today such as R-22 and R-410A, R-32 has a global warming potential (GWP) that is one-third lower and is remarkable for its low environmental impact.