Outdoor Electric Safety Checklist - East

ECI REC News Brief
May 5th, 2010
May is National Electrical Safety Month
Summer is a time to be outside! To help members enjoy a safe summer full of outdoor
fun, ECI REC is providing these outdoor electrical safety tips courtesy of the Electrical
Safety Foundation International. Log on to www.electrical-safety.org to learn more.
Don’t forget Dad
June 20th!
Outdoor Electric Safety Checklist:
• Do exterior outlets have waterproof covers?
• Are outside receptacles equipped with GFCIs?
• Do you use the shortest extension cord possible?
• Do you store outdoor electrical equipment indoors?
• Do you use power tools outdoors only on dry days?
• Are all metal objects (ladders, swing-sets, etc.) at least 10’ away from power lines?
• Do you fully unwind power and extension cords before using?
Why not make Dad’s life, and
meal time easier with a new
electric grill or smoker. Never run
out of gas, and no messy clean
up like you have with charcoal.
Char-Broil Patio “Bistro”
$340.00 plus tax
• Do you unplug outdoor electrical equipment when it is not in use?
• Do you inspect electrical cords of power tools for wear each time you use them?
• If you use extension cords outdoors, are they the heavy-duty, round-type of cord?
• Does every piece of electrical equipment bear the mark of a recognized testing laboratory?
• If a power tool or an electrical appliance has ever tripped a GFCI, do you take it in for
inspection?
• Do you use heavy-duty extension cords with a protective layer of insulation when using
power tools?
“BIG BUD” Is Here!
This marks the first time in Iowa’s history for “Big Bud”. The 16V - 747 is the world’s largest tractor
and is known globally, so it is an exciting opportunity for our area and the entire Midwest! “Big Bud” arrived at the Heartland Acres Agribition Center and Museum in Independence in mid-April. Representatives of Heartland Acres say visitors can expect big things during their visit to the Agriculture Museum.
As a benefit to East-Central Iowa REC members enclosed is a $2 off adult admission coupon to
Heartland Acres while Big Bud is being displayed. By clipping and showing this coupon to the Heartland Acre’s staff you will receive $2 off on adult admission.
Visitor’s to Heartland Acres will be able to see “Big Bud” from April 12th
until July 31st - this is the longest stop at any one site in its tour history.
For more information about “Big Bud” and Heartland Acres
visit www.heartlandacresusa.com or call 319-332-0123.
BIG BUD Facts: Built in Havre, MT in
1977, “Big Bud” was 1 of over 500 “Big
Bud” brand tractors built by Ron Harmon and crew of Northern Mnfrg. Co.
“Big Bud” is the only 16V-747 model
that uses a 16-cylinder Detroit Diesel
engine and was specifically designed
to produce 760 horsepower to deepplow cotton fields for the Rossi Brothers near Bakersfield, CA. The tractor
has operated at 980 horsepower. “Big
Bud” measures 27’ long, 20’ wide, and
14’ tall and weighs over 130,000 lbs.
Char-Broil Patio “Caddies”
$149.46 plus tax
$119.79 plus tax
Char-Broil “Smoker”
$77.27 plus tax
Never run out of gas,
and no messy charcoal!
2400 Bing Miller Lane | PO Box 248 | Urbana, IA 52345-0248
Toll Free: 877-850-4343 | Email: ecirec@ecirec.coop | Web: www.ecirec.coop
Heating & Cooling
$ $ Rebates $ $
Ground & Water Source Heat Pumps
Closed loop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$350 per ton
Open loop (reinjection wells only). . . . . . . . . . .$250 per ton
Unit replacement (self-charging only). . . . . . $150 per ton
Air Source Heat Pumps
Split or Single (subject to control agreement). . .$150 per ton
ENERGY STAR® Bonus (min. 1.5-ton cap.). . . . $250 per unit
Heat Pump Compressor Replacement
Geothermal or Air-to-air. . . . . . . . . . . . .$100 per unit
Air Conditioners
(must be ENERGY STAR, limit 2 rebates per account per year)
Split sys. (min. 14.5-SEER, 12.0-EER, 8.2-HSPF). . . $100 per unit
Split sys. (≥ 16-SEER). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$150 per unit
Single pkg. (min. 14-SEER, 11.0-EER, 8.0-HSPF). . .$100 per unit
Find out more qualification
information by calling us tollfree at 877-850-4343, or log
onto www.ecirec.coop and
download the rebate forms.
What You Should Know About
Wind Turbines and Cogeneration
The successful operation of wind turbines or other cogeneration systems
starts with open and frequent communication with your electric service
provider. Members are strongly encouraged and should contact ECI
REC prior to purchasing a cogeneration system.
ECI REC can help members understand the
legal requirements and building codes that need
to be addressed. Also, a contract must be agreed
upon and signed before members can use the
Cooperative’s equipment.
It is also important that members build a relationship
with the wind turbine representative who wants
to sell you his or her product. A good company
will thoroughly review performance, components,
safety, service, installation and maintenance, and
documentation with you.
Some good questions to start with are:
• How long has the manufacturer been producing small wind turbines, and what is this
model’s track record for performance and longevity?
• Can you get the names and contact information of other people who have purchased this unit?
• Has the turbine’s over-speed protection been demonstrated to be effective, and is there
sufficient lightning protection?
• What noise level (in decibels) does the unit generate at what distances?
• Do you need to buy the tower, electronics, and other components separately or are they
included in the price?
• Does the warranty cover a reasonable period of time? Does the warranty cover the cost of
parts and labor? Does it include the cost of a crane if it is needed?
• Will the manufacturer install the turbine or provide installation assistance?
• If you need to hire someone to install it, how much will that cost?
• What is the routine maintenance schedule for the unit you are considering purchasing?
How often do major components fail?
• Can you browse the user manual before purchasing? How easy is it to understand?
Other helpful tips to know about wind turbine installation:
1.In order to make sure installation of a wind turbine will be worthwhile, erect an
anemometer to measure the wind speed. Or, log on to the Iowa Energy Center
at www.energy.iastate.edu. Click on Renewable Energy, then Wind, and Wind
Assessment and Calculator. By entering accurate information, you can find out
average wind speed, air density, average wind power density, and estimated
output for each month of the year.
2.To optimize performance, the bottom tips of the turbine blade should pass at
least three times above the top of any physical barriers within 300 to 500 feet of
the wind turbine tower.
3.Set the turbine back from all buildings, electrical lines, roads, and property lines,
at least the height of the tallest point on the turbine.