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Plan for Summer 2014 Now!
Things to consider when closing your pool.
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 We've talked a lot about pools in these newsletters, but that's because it's "Pool Season." And we've got more to say. I promise this won't last forever.
Many properties conduct repairs to the pool decking when the pool closes for the winter. And each spring we find numerous pools with new pool decks that don't pass the required safety inspection. Coincidence? We don't think so.
Technically speaking, the sole purpose of a bonding grid is to create an area where there is no significant difference in voltage between objects that can be touched simultaneously. Examples include the concrete decking, ladders, hand rails, light fixtures, drains, and the pool water. The grid is created by intentionally connecting all these objects together electrically, otherwise known as bonding them together.
So what should you do? Talk to your contractor and have them purposely inspect and protect your bonding grid during the construction process and have them walk you through an inspection prior to sealing. This little extra effort during construction will save you time, money and aspirin (for your headaches) come spring. And you won't end up with cuts and patches in your new concrete when your damaged bonding grid has to be repaired to pass inspection.
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Tips for Preparing for Hurricane Season
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T or F ... Each community is special.
Absolutely True!
But, there are some commonalities, lessons learned and best practices that we see that might be helpful to you - especially as you prepare next year's budget. This section is where we will share with you what we're finding that could be useful. Take what works for you and your community.
- Emergency/Exit Lighting.
One of the outcomes of a hurricane can be the loss of power over an extended period of time - hours, days, even weeks. When power is disabled, emergency/egress lights kick in. During a power outage is not the time to find out your backup system isn't working properly.
Solution: Many times people just hit the test button to see if their egress lighting is working. The problem with that is that just about anything will work if you're holding the button. One of our services is to regularly schedule and check all of the egress lighting systems on a property. To do this we disable the power and actually leave the system down to see how long it works. We keep records of battery changes and give our clients peace of mind knowing (not guessing) that their systems will perform when an emergency hits. -
Generators.
The purpose of a generator is to maintain electrical power in the event of a main source power outage. Determining and planning for critical systems continuation dictates the size and also how the connection will work. And your critical systems may be your refrigerator and ceiling fans at home or your server and computer network at the office. Did you know that you can plan for a generator without actually having a generator? It's true. Many HOAs have a generator hook-up even though they don't have a generator. In case of emergency (ex: power is needed for a neighborhood pump house), a generator can be acquired and hooked up when necessary.
- Generator Transfer Switches. For those of you with a generator, determining the best way for your system to engage in case of an emergency is the next step in the process. The system can be as complex as someone plugging the generator into the system and turning it on or as seamless as an automatic transfer switch which automatically engages when the main power source is out for 10 seconds. Again, knowing your needs in case of a power outage determines the system.
Next newsletter we'll talk about the Holidays and extra electrical outlets.
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In case you missed ...
... the Virginia Leadership Retreat of SEVA-CAI in July at The Homestead, you missed the opportunity to play Hollywood Squares with "Rose Greenhow". While the costume was a bit cumbersome, the accent was easy.
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Problem Solved! Vandals versus Entrance Lights. One of the features of our new website is the section called Problem Solved. Many times our creative work solutions come from problems that you face every day.
Q: HELP ... How can I protect my entrance and landscape lighting from vandals?
A: Many of our clients were struggling with how to protect their entrance and landscape lighting from vandals. To meet this need, Carey designed and now builds special steel boxes with reinforced tops that fit over lighting fixtures. The boxes have long legs that go deep into the ground making them difficult to remove. The front is grated allowing light to shine through, but make it very difficult for vandals to break bulbs or the fixtures. We paint them bronze to blend into the landscape around them. If someone really wants to destroy your lights, they will. But we have found these boxes have stopped many would be vandals.
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Periodically, I'll share what people are saying to us - about us. It makes my heart feel good to know that in our way, we make a difference in your life. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.
"... Ever since that day, Relay Electric is the only electrician I have used. Not only have they saved the associations I manage money by coming up with practical ways to fix problems, but their prices and quality of service are the best. Their pool inspections are done promptly, thoroughly and at a great price. I know even if I call Relay Electric in the middle of the night, they are courteous and prompt in ascertaining the situation. In my opinion, as an Association Manager, Relay Electric is THE go-to company for all electrical needs."
J.M. in Virginia Beach
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Shannon Lee
President and Master Juggler
757.657.211
Shannon@RelayElectric.com
"You have a choice of who to work with. We appreciate you choosing us and will continue to earn your confidence."
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