This weekend was a bit of a bust for getting work done because I got sidetracked with other chores and errands. I got through some of the electrical work last weekend but had to stop when I was getting tired and almost wired two switched light circuits in series. This would have resulted in a situation where if I want to turn on the centre bank of lights, I'd have to turn on the lights accenting the projector screen first! That would have been embarrasing to say the least.
I've planned to add 6 additional 15-Amp circuits to the breaker panel. Two of them are dedicated to the computer rack which will house 4 computers, the A/V receiver and any future growth. I've planned out the remaining circuits so that the overhead lights are not on the same circuits as the outlets. That way, if I plug something in that causes a circuit breaker to trip, I don't lose lights. Also, any high power devices won't cause lights to flicker or dim. I wish the electricians who wired my house during construction had thought of that. If I plug my iron in one of my bedroom outlets, the overhead light dims momentarily. Surprising, isn't it... I actually iron.
I contemplated also installing battery backed-up emergency lighting in key areas like the furnace room and the area underneath the stairs where the sump pump is. I found them to be a little expensive and a better alternative would be to have a AC charged flashlight that is always charged and ready to go in emergencies. It'll have the advantage of portability. I think I may consider a flood sensor in the sump pit however so if the pump ever fails and the pit starts to fill with water, I can be alerted to the fact if I'm home and even if I'm away from home by sending my cell phone a text message.
That's all for now...
