ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OF A STANDBY GENERATOR

Today's blog we will discuss the installation of a standby Generator. 

While some people may argue for or against Generators, Trinindad and Tobago has a reliable supply of electricity, and there may not be a need to invest in standby power. But for those who see the need for a generator, the author has some tips, which will clear up all misconceptions on the process.

In Trinidad and Tobago there are laws governing  the  installation of generators.  The installation must be carried out by a certified electrician. Notwithstanding, you can observe and give guidance regarding the installation. or what is required in the case of a power outage and the functionality of the unit.

Here are some important facts you should know when installing a Standby Generator.

•  A generator is designed to supply standby power only.
•  A Generator is designed to supply a particular load    requirement.
• The regulatory body  by law states, that any power generating system connected to the main grid via a structure or otherwise must be governed by an automatic transfer switch device as to prevent feedback onto T & TEC power lines.
• Generators have three options in fuel requirements - gasoline, desoline and compress gas (Propane). 
• Maintain the safety distance from fuel to generator and from house. (For more infomation on this, consult regulatory authority, Gas company) 
• Maintain the safety required distance and other requirements for transfer switch. .(Consult regulatory authority, T & TEC).
• Some Generators have a standard exercise date and time, which should be scheduled at least once a week at a time when the home owner can hear and document any variation.

   These are just some of the basic guidelines you should follow in installing your standby generator. Remember to consult a professional and to write and tell us your experience.

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INSTALLATION OF A STEEL WINDOW

Steel windows are one of the most common windows installed in Trinidad mainly because of its safety records. But not all steel windows would provide the security and elegence which the home owner demands.

The basic tools required for carrying out the installation of a standard size Metpro Steel window are listed in table below.

Note:

·         The most common method of installing Steel Windows is within wrought openings.

a	Measuring tape.	Required for verifying window and opening sizes
b	Spirit Level.	Required for positioning window and levelling the window on all the axes X,Y & Z
c	Trowel, chipping & Claw Hammer etc.	Masonry tools required for brick laying, plastering and fixing window into opening
d	1”X 3”wooden lath, Concrete nails & Tie wire.	Used along with tie wire for bracing and battening window to wall while mortar or concrete cure.
e	Broom & rages etc.	Required for the removal of excess mortar, concrete, rubble and paint from window and surrounding area of opening.
f	Float or Rendering device.	Used in the rendering (plastering) wall after window has been fixed into opening.
g	1”Paint brush	Used in the paining of window.
h	Putty Knife	Used in glazing window (installation of glass into window frame)

1.      Verify window schedule ( Ensuring all windows have their destination )

2.      Measure rough opening.

3.      Dimensions of all windows and rough openings with required tolerance.

Note:

·         This process is base installation of one window.

·         Metpro Classic Standard Steel Window is manufactured modular in design, starting from 11 ½” (292.1 mm) to 5’(1524 mm) in height by 24 ¾” (628.65 ) in length.

·         Metpro Classic Steel Window can be coupled both horizontally and vertically, in order to achieve any architectural design.

·         Metpro Classic Steel Window also has a range of Standard arches and fixed that can be coupled to enhance the appearance of the project.

1.      This task should be undertaken by a certified Mason and a helper.

2.      Ensure the masonry opening is a minimum of 2” larger than the window size.

Painting

3.      Window should be painted before installation with two coats of oil paint.

4.      After paint dries, position the window within the opening using the helper’s assistance.

Fitting                                           

5.      Position window within opening using tie wire and 1”X 3” wooden lath or a suitable battening material.

6.      Secure window in place levelling on all three axes X, Y & Z.             

 Securing

7.      The Mason or helper using mixture ratio one (1) part Cement to two (2) or three (3) Sharp Sand, adds water resulting in a damp mixture.       

8.      Fill in the spaces between the window crabs (anchoring device) and the rough opening with prepared mortar mix.

9.      Ensure the window is levelled and plump on three axes, A, B & C, before mortar hardens, then commence the final filling in the space around window with mortar mix.

10.  Clean off all extra mortar from the window and the surrounding areas.

11.  Plastering or rendering should commence after the mortar hardens.

12.  The Mason or helper using mixture ratio one (1) part Cement to two (2) or three (3) plastering Sand, adds water resulting in a damp mixture.

13.  Remove and disposal of all waste from the surroundings.

14.  Once the newly plastered wall surrounding the window dries and hardens, the glazing can commence.

Glazing

15.  Recommended glass thickness should be 5/32”or 4 mm. METPRO supplies glass cut to fit all of their windows.

16.  The installation of the glass should be attempted by a trained window glazer ensuring a neat and seamless glazing.

17.  Steel Putty is the most common material used for this application along with silicon.

a.       Clean window with damp cloth removing all excess dust and mortar.

b.      Apply silicon to slot where glass has to be inserted.

c.       Position glass into frame. Use window and door Silicon to hold the glass in place until putty is inserted.

d.      Place a batch of putty onto the glass near the frame.

e.        Using a putty knife smooth putty securing and fixing glass in frame.

f.       Clean glass with damp cloth and fingers removing all excess putty. 

g.      Final Painting of the window and putty should be done after three days allowing the putty to dry. 

18.  The window is then inspected by a main contractor to ensure customer satisfaction.

19.  If steel windows are properly installed and maintained, it is possible for them to last the life of the building. After the window is installed, verify that the window operates correctly. Handles stay and latches should be checked for proper operation and should move freely.

20.  Once the window operates satisfactorily, clean the window using a mild non-alkaline soap and warm water, applied with a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse with clean water.

                                                                                    

  TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME Part 2

Continuing from part 1 

Continuing from part 1. There are somethings which you should know when positioning your room

·         The Kitchen should be next to or near the car port as to allow for the movement of groceries.

·         The Dining room should be next to or near the Kitchen as to allow for the free movement of prepared food

·         There should be a powder room around the Living and Dining room areas as to avoid guest from using or entering the family’s private area.

Step 3

Location of the bedrooms should be considered in respect to the cardinal points I.E. east / west. The wind generally blows from north or northeast in Trinidad, hence the ideal location for the master bedroom is there. This may be a problem in some cases due to the sharp slope of the land or other constraints such as the topography or the entrance to the property.

Step 4
Room sizes should also be considered as well as the culture of the family. These questions should be asked: Do you like to entertain? And if your answer is yes, then your living room and public areas should be designed to accommodate guests. Maybe an open concept should be considered.
Other questions which speak to the gender composition and life style would also assist the designer or architech in the development of a concpt which meets with the approvals of the homeowner.

Stay tuned to this blog site for other  exciting  information on helping you to realize your dream home. And don't forget to write and ask questions.

  TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME Part 1

Today's blog would address some concerns or anxiety which you may have in designing your home.

Consultation with an architect or professional designer should be your first step in conceptualizing your design. The following steps will enlighten you and help your designer in formulating a concept which meets your needs, in conjunction with the building and authority requirements. 

Step 1 

Write down all your wants and needs in your dream home. Remember to discuss ideas with all stakeholders.

Step 2

Before acquiring the land, check for the following: 

• Town and country approvals for the land.
• A cadastral sheet ( shows the boundary and other important information)
• The size of the land in conjunction with the size of the house you require.
• The location based on desire. I.e. Schools and employment.
• The topography of the land, this has direct implications      on cost and construction.
• Utilities on the site. Water drains and electricity.

These are just a few steps which you can follow in getting started. Please write and send pictures of you projects.

INSTALLATION OF RETAINING WALL 

Good day bloggers today's blog will address the installation of a small retaining wall. 

Allan Block is a system of retaining soil, which is made up of several components designed to retain the earth while allowing water to flow freely through the system.

This product is only available at Bestcrete but for more information on the product you can visit 

https://youtu.be/l3TSoxpwPnU

The author found this product to be the best retaining wall system which adds great value to any property that carries it. 

Bestcrete had two options 

• Allan Block 
• Jumbo Junior Allan Block.

Note this is an Engineering product and for large Walls you should consult the professional engineer.

TNTDIYCONSTRUCTION would discuss the installation of a small wall 3' height and 12' in length, or a planter.

Note:  The Task involves excavation, heavy lifting and requires industrial tools, e.g. 12” Plate compactor and concrete cutting disc. The Allan Block is sometimes referred to as the AB Stone.  

 

 

Note:  Geo fabric and drainage pipe are not required for short walls.

Step 1 

Measure the length of the wall and the approximate height of the wall by using the estimating table to the right in calculating your block requirement.

Step 2

Mark out the area in which the proposed wall is going. With the shovel or spade remove the soil 8" deep by 12" width by the length of the wall.

Step 3

Run the Plate Compactor in the new trench and cut or fill to ensure the base is level or graded. Measuring the level or grade should be done with a line or laser levelling device.

Step 4

Fill in 3/8" aggregate / gravel into trench and run the Plate Compactor to ensure the base is level.

Step 5 

Place the AB Stones into trench remember that the weight of  each block is 80 lbs, levelling the block is very important at this stage. Also ensure a consistant flow on the front of wall.

Step 6 
Fill the AB Stone and around the block and trench with 3/8" aggregate / gravel then run Plate Compactor around the block. Also ensure a consistant flow on the front of wall and levelling of the first row.

Step 7
Continue stacking AB Stone and filling block with 3/8" aggregate / gravel. Remember to run Plate Compactor behind block, checking level with each block installed.
Step 8 
You have come to the end of this task, and you can place the AB Stone Caps giving your wall a finished look.

Please write and let us know of your experience.

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