Keep Your Pool Safe and Secure By Installing An Aluminum Fence From iFenceUSA

Owning a swimming pool can be a lot of fun however, it also can be a huge responsibility.  In ground swimming pools are a backyard luxury that creates a vibe like no other.  It is a great attraction when entertaining, for relaxation, and is beneficial for those of us seeking a fun way to exercise.  Although we all think of the enjoyment a pool will bring, it is important that we also recognize the associated dangers and work to prevent them.

Accidental drowning is the leading cause of death in young children.   The installation of a swimming pool fence and self-closing, self-latching gate are critical in preventing access to the area without adult supervision.  Having a fence installed around the perimeter of your pool helps to keep your family and pets from getting into the water when you are not around.  Having these layers of protection in place can decrease the risks involved with owning a swimming pool.

There are two main types of fencing that people talk about when discussing pool fencing, permanent and removable.  For most homeowners permanent fencing is a better choice. Removable fencing is an option many seniors without children or grandchildren choose as it is easily put in place when visitors stop by but doesn’t need to be present at all times. Removable fencing is often seen around swimming pools that are enclosed by a screened in porch.  Permanent fencing is a must for homes where children and pets are present.  This ensures that the fence is always in place and doesn’t leave room for error.  We are all guilty of turning our backs when we think our children are safely occupied.  It takes one second for a tragedy that is completely avoidable to occur. 

When it comes to permanent fencing for your pool area, metal fencing is often chosen.  Although wrought iron and steel were once popular options, aluminum pool fencing has taken over in popularity.  Not only is aluminum swimming pool fence highly durable, it is affordable, easy to install, lightweight, and practically maintenance free.  It not only comes in several colors for pool owners to choose from but also a variety of styles as well as having customizable features that are easily integrated.  Aluminum pool fence is a great choice for homeowners looking for fencing that meets B.O.C.A. pool safety standards.  Specifically, aluminum pool fencing comes with matching aluminum pool gates that have integrated self-closing, self-latching hardware which is required in order to meet safety regulations.   

When purchasing an aluminum fence for the perimeter of your pool it is important to research the specific safety regulations in place by your local government as well as your HOA if you are part of one.  Most laws specify that perimeter pool fencing must be at least four feet in height.  There are also regulations in regard to the placement of pickets so that the fence that is in place is unable to be scaled.  Kids can be quite creative when they are going after something they want.  The goal of the fence is to prevent that.  If you know you have a curious kid, it may be in your best interest to purchase aluminum fence panels that are taller than the recommended 4 feet. 

As previously mentioned, having an aluminum gate is not enough when it comes to pool safety.  Gates must include hardware that automatically locks upon closing with hardware in place that allows the fence to close without manual intervention.  Again, you know your children the best. If you think they have figured out how to use the mechanisms on the fence it is time to add additional safety measures.  Safety is all about the layers of protection we add. 

To ensure your backyard swimming pool is both entertaining and safe install an aluminum swimming pool fence while you are having the pool is bring installed.  There are so many affordable styles, colors, and options that will ensure your backyard oasis is aesthetically pleasing secure!

Removing a Linear Accelerator

Many times, when a facility gets a new or refurbished linear accelerator, they are replacing an older piece of equipment that needs to be removed.  If you have ever worked with a LINAC you can only imagine how difficult the removal process can be.  Not only is it a large piece of machinery you are dealing with the removal of a highly sophisticated machine that is quite expensive.  On top of all of that it is important to remember you are working with in a medical facility that is busy treating patients. Removing a linear accelerator, CT scanner, or any other large scaled machinery is not a simple task by any means. 

Through careful planning, companies like Acceletronics can minimize the hassle when removing and installing linear accelerators.  Our team of experts specialize in the removal of linear accelerators.   Our staff with guide you throughout the process to ensure your facility continues to run as expected and that the disruption to patient care is minimal.  

First things first, safety is the top priority!  Not only do we want to keep our employees safe, we are continually improving safety techniques to ensure safety for all.  Here are some of the ways that we work to establish a safe environment when removing large scaled medical equipment like linear accelerators.

  • Areas that will be accessed in removal of the linear accelerator are all blocked off.  This includes areas of the medical facility, parking areas, and side streets when necessary. 
  • Accurate measurements are taken to prevent any emergency vault door removal.  Removing the vault doors poses a risk to personnel and patients within the facility.  Measuring, planning, and careful execution prevents this risk.
  • Water, lock and tag power is all shut off to the treatment room where your linear accelerator is location.  This prevents injury to the rigging team.  These tasks are completed by facility personnel who are familiar with the utility systems and helps to prevent dangerous mistakes that can happen when individuals unfamiliar to the location are tasked to complete utility shut down.
  • A plan is always in place for the handling of any materials deemed hazardous. 

Many times, relocation of linear accelerators can occur on weekends or after hours which will help to eliminate any disruptions that may occur.  It is important to work with companies that adhere to health protocols of your facility when working with you.  The goal is to minimize risk to patients while ensuring quality patient care. 

Budgeting is another area that the professionals at Acceletronics work with clients. Purchase and removal of LINAC systems is not inexpensive by any means.  In order to help mitigate the costs and ensure you are not spending more than you need to when removing a linear accelerator, we offer you tips.

  • Planning and transparency is needed from the beginning to the end of the equipment removal process.  In order to prevent confusion, errors in communication, or logistic issues that can increase costs it is crucial to have everyone working on the project in the know.  Every detail, every change, and every hurdle needs to be thoroughly addressed with each and every person involved in the process.  This will save you money.  Preventing errors with detailed planning and complete transparency will keep expenditures within the quoted allotment. 
  • When planning the time when the equipment will be removed choose a period that will cause the least amount of disruption to the operations of your facility.  Although it may cost a bit more to have the removal take place on the weekends or a holiday it is less costly then a disruption to patient care.
  • Often companies can get credit for machines that are still in operational condition.  Credit for working parts can decrease the cost of removal.  The savings that is passed on to you will be determined by the year of the LINAC, the make, model, and condition. 

Finally, the execution of removing the systems comes into play.  After some major pre-planning and all of the pieces of the puzzle working to complete a whole picture the removal process can occur.

As previously mentioned, accurate measurements are a key element is removal.  Costly errors occur when measuring is not precise. Before we arrive on site, facilities will give us a complete rig info sheet.  This will ensure that there are zero surprises when moving the LINAC through doorways.

It is also important that a pathway clear of obstruction is obtained when removing a linear accelerator.  Facilities should plan for the removal of furniture and unnecessary items in order to create a barrier free exit. 

After the machine is removed it needs to be transported.  It is important that a loading area is prepared to allow for this to easily occur.  Most often a semi is needed.  To ensure the semi has access to the loading area it is crucial that the area is sectioned off and that the exit is kept clear.  The smoother this process goes the less it will cost your facility. 

If you have any accessories or additional equipment that needs to be removed it is important to plan ahead.  It is less expensive to remove the main piece of equipment and accessories all at one time instead of completing the removal in multiple steps.  The more steps involved in the process the more costly it tends to be.  Accommodating removal of everything in one day is the least expensive way in which to execute medical equipment removal.

Once the room is clear of the LINAC and depending on your plan, the next steps can start to unfold.  There are many factors involved in coordinating the removal of a linear accelerator.  It is important to hire the right team to achieve your vision, and we think the professionals at Acceletronics can help! We have years of experience in the removal and installation of new and refurbished linear accelerators.  Our team specializes in CT scanners and linear accelerators and would be delighted to partner with you in purchasing, removal, installation, servicing, and more. 

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale.  More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.

A Little Preparation Goes A Long Way In Maintaining Linear Accelerators

Linear accelerators, LINAC, are large scaled medical devices that deliver external radiation in the form of a beam to cancerous tumors in order to shrink them.  As with most medical equipment, LINAC systems are expensive which is a barrier that many facilities face when purchasing a new or refurbished unit. 

With the expense of these large scaled systems it is important to make sure they are properly maintained and that you have access to linear accelerator parts for repair as needed.  Medical facilities can contract with companies that specialize in maintenance and repair services of LINAC systems such as Acceletronics or have on staff a team of professionals whose job it is to provide these services for their equipment.  There are advantages and disadvantage to both options, facilities choose based on their budget and facility needs.

Linear accelerators have evolved over the years. LINAC machines no longer only provide external radiation beams for treatment.  Major advancement in this technology include onboard imaging systems and portal dosimetry. Such complex systems require biomedical and clinical engineers to not only understand what these machines do but also how they are operated.  Even with advanced training, until the engineer has hands on experience it is difficult to truly understand how the machine functions. 

Not only is the linear accelerator expensive but the expertise to use and understand the machine is costly as well.  This again is an issue that faces many medical facilities.  These two factors alone make up the most significant aspect of expense faced by facilities when deciding on the purchase of equipment. 

All linear accelerators are not created equally and therefore when replacing an existing system there will be a significant cost to not only bring new equipment in but also the training on the individual piece of equipment.  One way to combat this is to replace existing LINAC with identical refurbished linear accelerators. 

We have discussed a lot about the expense of these units however there is also significant revenue to be gained by having external radiation treatment available to patients seeking treatment for cancerous tumors.  It is important for facilities to make sure these machines are functioning at peak capabilities at all times.  Downtime not only impacts revenue but also patient care.  In order for patients to have effective treatment for their tumors it is important they are able to strictly follow the treatment schedule laid out by their radiation team.  If equipment is down this is not possible.

To ensure that patient care and revenue is not affected by machine downtime it is crucial to maintain equipment.  Machine maintenance includes repairs in anticipation of failure.  If a parts failure is eminent based on previous experience it behooves the facility to purchase the LINAC replacement part ahead of time so that service can be provided around patient’s treatment schedules.  This allows facilities to schedule downtime to prevent unplanned downtime. 

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.

Getting Married

Let’s face it, there isn’t a perfect time of year to get married.  Each of the four seasons offers a laundry list of positives and negatives.  Today our wedding consultants dive into considerations that couples getting married in the spring face. 

Spring Weather

The weather throughout the spring is highly unpredictable.  Many parts of the country have beautiful seventy-degree days throughout the season while others have large temperature variations from one day to the next.  One thing that can be said for springtime weddings is that you usually don’t have to take precautions against a heatwave.  If you are having a spring wedding you may experience gray skies or a little rain, possibly even a little snow but you for sure don’t need to worry about your guests dehydrating in the heat and humidity found during a summer wedding. 

Holidays

When planning a spring wedding it is important to consider the different holidays that fall throughout these three months.  Many families take vacations surrounding their child’s spring break.  This could be good or bad for you.  If you are planning on having a lot of family come in from out of town a spring break wedding may be perfect timing.  Memorial Day, Easter, Passover, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day all fall within this three-month period of time. 

Pros and Cons of Spring Weddings

One of the biggest benefits of a spring wedding comes from the natural décor that is in bloom.  Spring gives birth to fresh buds and colorful blooms.  From cherry blossoms to daffodils the colors are amazing.  Wedding planners love to help brides coordinate their spring weddings, they provide the ultimate backdrop and don’t require a lot of décor to be beautiful.

Another major advantage of a spring wedding is that most family and friends won’t have other obligations to attend to like they may during the summer.  During the summer people don’t like to have a full schedule because it doesn’t allow them to be as carefree as they desire during their free time.

It is also a great time for an indoor/outdoor wedding.   When planning an outdoor spring wedding, plan for the enjoyment that the spring weather brings but back up that plan with a beautiful tent.  The beauty is that if it is a nice day the tent walls can be rolled up and the tent can be used as more of a canopy.  If the weather is less than perfect or it gets a bit chilly as the evening commences the walls can be rolled down and the towering heaters can be turned on.

Now we all know that a pro doesn’t occur without a con. There are a few cons that follow spring time weddings besides the unpredictable weather.  Most venues and vendors have different pricing depending on the season.  Towards the end of the spring season couples will start to see prices rise as it moves into peak-wedding season.  If you like the idea of a spring wedding but can’t afford the peak-wedding expense, consider holding your wedding earlier in the season.  These price increases occur for destination weddings and honeymoon costs.  

Another con that brides and grooms run into is that venues and vendors are booked well in advanced.  A spring wedding is not something that can often fall into place with just a few months of planning.  If you are set on a wedding that falls during the spring it is important to plan far in advance.

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations.  More information can be found online at https://www.eventplanningdc.com.

Spring Cleaning Allows Homeowners to Declutter Making It Easier to Age in Place

Spring is my favorite time of year.  It is a time for new beginnings, a time for us to declutter, and a time for us to start thinking about the future.  Although there are many renovations that can be done to a home to make it safer to stay in as we age it is important to start the process somewhere.  Spring cleaning is the perfect time to begin the process and thinking about making your home safer to grow old in.  The warmer weather makes it the perfect time to organize, arrange, and renovate the space for your future.

Accidental falls are the number one injury faced by aging homeowners.   Falls that occur because of environmental factors are easily avoided when proper precautions are taken.  The chores that we can accomplish on our own around our homes safely decreases significantly as our physical and cognitive abilities lessen.  These changes happen naturally as we age.  Even the most independent adults will slowly start to need assistance around the home in order to safely age in place.  Activities such as washing dishes, doing laundry, and self-care are things that older individuals are able to do while living on their own however, more advanced chores will require outside support.

Certain issues plague us as we age.  Not only do we become weaker and have less energy, our vision and memory start to fail.  As these more advanced impairments occur our needs to continue living in our homes will change.  While you are spring cleaning it is crucial to begin to think about the factors that will change and limit you down the road.  This is a perfect time to donate excess furniture and knick-knack items that have been collected.  Increasing open space by removing the excess allows for better mobility and decreases the number of tripping hazards. 

Eliminating items from your home can be difficult.  It is important to keep in mind throughout the process that not everything needs to be gotten rid of immediately.  It is a process that will occur over the course of time while you wish to remain in your home and living independently.  For now, start the process by donating, selling, gifting, or discarding those items you are sure of.  If you no longer have a twin sized bed you no longer have a need for twin sized sheets.  Start simple this spring. 

The time to start thinking about your future starts today.  Most of us wish to stay in our homes as long as we can safely do so.  With that in mind future renovations should be completed in a manner that considers aging.  Age in place contractors specialize in creating spaces that are safe for older homeowners discreetly.  Renovations that consider aging in place are most often hardly recognizable.  Some of which include:

  • Custom closets that add storage and organization without the need to reach above your head
  • Shelving for the kitchen & bath that easily slide in and out
  • Increased lighting fixtures throughout the home – lamps are discouraged as they present a tripping hazard
  • Hardwood flooring, low piled carpet, and slip-resistant flooring – throw rugs should be removed from the home
  • Levered handles for doors, faucets, and cabinetry

It is important to start somewhere when you know that your desire is to live within your own home as you age.  Taking it one step at a time makes the process as a whole easier to handle both emotionally and physically.

Glen Miller the Home Doctor is a licensed general contractor servicing Livingston County and the surrounding areas.  Glen offers a wide range of services including home maintenance plans, age in place remodeling, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, finished basements, and hardwood floor refinishing.  More information can be found online at https://www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/.

The Right Time To Open Your Swimming Pool In Michigan

Boy was this winter long and cold!  The deep freeze we endured makes the amazing weather we are having a real treat.  It also encourages us to get outside and start prepping for summer.  Let’s be honest, the other day when it reached 75 and we had to slather ourselves in sunscreen what we really wanted was to jump into our backyard pools.  This leaves many of us wondering exactly when the best time is to open our pools for the summer.  Is April too soon?

In Michigan, when you open your pool is less about the month of the year and more about the consistency of the temperatures.  When temperatures start to consistently stay warm and the threat of snow has passed it is the perfect time to open your pool. 

It’s important not to wait too long into the change of the season as algae and pollen issues can occur.  When the water in your pool is left stagnate and not allowed to circulate algae and pollen can build up.  Although there isn’t a certain month in which you should open your pool, it is important to open your swimming pool as soon as the temperature stabilizes.

Opening your swimming pool doesn’t need to be a stressful process.  With a bit of pre-planning most homeowners can easily open their pool on their own.   Of course, if you aren’t interested in going through the work there are local swimming pool contractors that offer these services. 

The process to open a swimming pool whether it is an in-ground Gunite plaster pool or above ground vinyl lined pool is basically the same.  One difference however is the inspection of the pool construction. Plaster pools may require resurfacing before they are opened if cracks are evident or rough plaster is present. Resurfacing a plaster pool is quite complicated and is best left up to professional pool plasterers like the experts here at Pound Pool Plastering.

Pool opening procedures however basically remain the same.  This process includes:

  • Remove debris and water from the pool cover
  • Take the pool cover off
  • Hook up the pools pump, filter, and heater
  • Add water if it is not at the proper level
  • Test the water
  • Add chemicals based on the pool waters analysis
  • Put ladders and railings back up
  • Inspect pool fencing and gate locks

Companies that service swimming pools or provide pool plastering or re-plastering services become quite busy during the warmest months of the year.  If you suspect that you will need professional pool services, it is important to schedule them early in the season especially if you suspect your pool needs a fresh coat of plaster. 

Pound Pool Plastering offers several options when it comes to servicing your pool including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, plumbing, and coping in both commercial and residential settings.  More information can be found at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Popular Spring Renovations For Your Home

It is FINALLY that time of the year, homeowners come out of hibernation and start the renovations they have been planning for all winter long.  Here we will examine the spring home improvement projects that will bring you the biggest bang for your buck while increasing function and aesthetics.

Kitchen Renovations

Let’s start with the kitchen!  Most homeowners hear the phrase kitchen remodeling and immediately rule it out because they think it is going to cost and arm and a leg.  This doesn’t have to be the case.  With the help of a local contractor your kitchen can be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary.  You don’t have to completely gut your kitchen to change the way it looks or functions.  Simple changes such as adding a touch of color to the cabinets, new hardware, and updated appliances can make a huge difference.

Updated Flooring

Spring is the perfect time to think about updating the flooring in your home.  Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it withstands the test of time.  The most common rooms in a home to replace carpet for hardwood include kitchens and dining rooms.  Carpeted bathrooms are often undesirable however wood flooring isn’t necessarily a good choice.  For bathrooms homeowners often choose ceramic or stone tile because it is durable and can withstand the moisture that is present in bathrooms.

Fresh Paint

The warmer weather presents a perfect environment for painting the interior and exterior of your home.  Spring is neither hot nor cold which makes it the perfect season to add some color to your home with a fresh coat of paint.  Paint totally changes the entire look of a room.  Changing the color of your homes exterior not only changes the look of your home, it adds to the aesthetics of the entire landscape.

Existing Decking

Deck and porch areas are best treated in the spring as well.  It is important to do a full inspection of the decking materials.  All loose and rotting boards should be replaced.  After this has been done it is time to clean the deck thoroughly which then allows stain and water preventative from adhering properly.  The same process should be followed when updating painted areas on the deck and porch. 

Deck Installation

Installing a new deck is also best done during in the spring.  Once the ground has thawed and footings can be placed a deck can be constructed.  Adding a deck to your home increases your living space.   Deck installation is not always simple.  This is especially true for raised decks or decks with multiple levels.  Hiring a contractor can turn a project that will take you a full month of weekends into a two- or three-day process which is most often the case with home improvement projects.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

A Little Preparation Goes A Long Way When Selling Your Home

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and trees are starting to bloom… Spring is FINALLY here!  As we enter into the month of May the real estate market will see an increase in homes for sale and buyers hitting the streets trying to find a home of their dreams.  If you are one of the many homeowners looking to sell their home over the next few months, it is important to make sure your home stands out as a top choice for buyers.  Our local Century 21 Lady of the Lakes Real Estate team has a few tips to help ensure your home sells without a hitch.

Make Necessary Repairs

When preparing your home for sale it is important to showcase it in the best possible way.  Minor home repairs and maintenance that you may have been putting off need to be a top priority.  It may not have previously seemed important to paint the front door or re-caulking the shower however, it is now.  Fixing the minor defects around your home ensures your home is showcased in the best possible manner.

Curb Appeal

Before scheduling an appointment to view the interior of your home most buyers will do a drive by to look at the exterior.  Your homes curb appeal is what gets buyers interested in what’s inside.   It is crucial that your home makes a first impression that knocks their socks off! Take the time to wash the windows, power wash the siding, freshen up the trim paint, clean debris from the roof and gutters, and landscape as if you are planning on staying in the home.  The bonus of beautiful flower beds and trimmed trees is that it eliminates the need for the new homeowners to do when they move in and it boosts the colors boost your homes curb appeal.

Remove the Clutter

It is important that the buyers can see themselves in your home.  When we live in a house, we personalize it with the stuff that makes it our home.  These things distract buyers and don’t allow them to fully see themselves in the house which is why it is important to declutter prior to listing it for sale.  This is the perfect time to prep yourself for your eventual move as well.  Take time to go through your home and separate what you want to keep, donate, or throw out.  Organize closets and keep only what you need for the next couple of months to function comfortably.  Renting a storage shed allows you to store items that are viewed as clutter that you want to keep.  Store seasonal items including clothing and decorations, extra furniture, off season sporting goods, and items that overly personalize your home.

Clean, Clean, Clean

Your home should sparkle like it never has before.  From the inside of the dishwasher to the baseboards, everything needs to be thoroughly cleaned.  When buyers walk into your home the only thing that they should smell is the scent of a clean home.  If you aren’t known for being the most in-depth cleaner consider hiring a service to come in and shampoo carpets, wax hardwood floors, wipe down the surfaces of your home, clean appliances, and make your home twinkle.

Prepping your home is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner to get your house sold quickly, at asking price, and without the headaches that can come with buying and selling a home.  The experts at C21 Lady of the Lakes are here to help!  Not only will we get your home sold, we will get you settled into a new home of your own.

C21 Lady of the Lakes is a full-service realtor serving Livingston County and the surrounding areas with all their real estate needs.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com/.



Treating Medical Conditions With Radiation Treatment

Radiation therapy is just one treatment used in the treatment of cancer.  Linear accelerators, LINAC, are often used to deliver radiation which destroys cancerous cells.  LINAC machines use high energy x-rays to deliver radiation to cancerous tumors.  This breaks down and destroys the cancer cells while trying to minimize the damage and exposure to the surrounding healthy cells.  Radiation therapy is used to shrink and destroy cancer to prevent it from spreading. 

Radiation treatment can vary a great deal depending on the type of cancer and where it is located.  Linear accelerators are just one type of machine used to administer radiation.  When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, your oncologist will work with a team of experts to determine what type of treatment is best for you depending on your cancer, its location, overall health, and medical history. 

Keep in mind when a cancer treatment plan is being created that it may involve more than one type of treatment including radiation therapy, surgery, and/or drug therapy.  The best-known type of drug therapy is chemotherapy.  This is a medication that moves through the bloodstream in order to attack cancer in the body. 

Your team of doctors, including your oncologist will prescribe a treatment plan for your unique cancer.  Often this includes a combination of treatments.  When a combination of treatments is prescribed to treat cancer, it is important to follow the order that your doctor specifies as there often is a specific order that treatment needs to be given in order to treat specific conditions. 

Cancer is not the only medical condition that is treated using radiation therapy.  Below we will highlight different diseases that respond well with radiation therapy.

  • Acoustic Neuroma

This is a tumor that is not cancerous.  It is produced when the body over produces Schwann cells.  When this occur the abundance of cells presses on the nerves that control hearing and balance within the inner ear. 

  • Arteriovenous Malformations

This occurs when a connection between the arteries and veins in the brain and spine are atypical.  When this happens there will be neurologic symptoms and bleeding. 

  • Bone Cancer

Bone cancer is a growth of abnormal cells in a bone.  These cells can either be cancerous or benign.

  • Brain Tumor

Like bone cancer a brain tumor may be either cancerous or non-cancerous.  A brain tumor occurs when there is an irregular development of tissue in the brain. 

  • Chondrosarcoma

This is a type of bone cancer that is malignant.  It most often is seen in the cartilage cells of the femur, arm, knee, pelvis, or spine.  Other areas that may be affected, but less often are areas like the ribs. 

  • Chordoma

Chordoma is very rare.  It grows slower than most cancerous tumors that occur along the spine from the bottom of the skull all the way down to the tailbone.

  • Ewing’s Sarcoma

This is a type of cancer that occur in soft tissue and bone.  It is often located in extremities and can involve muscles and soft tissue close to the site of a tumor.  It is also a cancer that spreads to areas throughout the body. 

  • Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that develops in bone marrow.  This type of cancer produces three major blood cells including platelets, white and red blood cells.

  • Meningioma

One type of tumor that cultivates from meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord is Meningioma.  This is often a benign and slow-growing tumor.

  • Osteosarcoma

Most often occurring in children and young adults, this is a type of bone cancer that cultivates in the osteoblast cells which form the outer covering of bones.

  • Soft Tissue Sarcomas

This rare cancer is just one of many soft tissue sarcomas.  Soft tissue sarcomas, overall, are rare.

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia

This is a disorder in the nerves which causes pain in parts of the face that feel like a stabbing or electrical shock like pain.

There are two main types of radiation therapy that are used in treatment including external and internal radiation.  External radiation is delivered using a LINAC.  This is a machine that gives treatment outside of the body by moving around it without touching the patient.  External radiation using a linear accelerator causes patients no pain and cannot be felt during treatment. Internal radiation, brachytherapy, is radiation therapy that is used to treat certain gynecological and prostate cancers.

Information on linear accelerators, new and refurbished or parts for maintenance and repair can be found at https://www.acceletronics.com/ and https://radparts.com/.

More on Electrical Distribution Equipment Failure – Should It Be Kept or Discarded?

As we promised in our last installment, we will continue the discussion on equipment failure.  We will continue to dive into various electrical components and how they work, their longevity, usage, and testing. 

Transformers

Transformers are large scaled pieces of equipment that are used to either reduce or increase the voltage produced by a current.  Liquid filled transformers are most often installed outdoors on a concrete slab, under a canopy to protect against the elements.  The liquid serves two purposes, it cools the transformer coils and provides insulation between the coils and the grounded tank. 

Older transformers use insulating mineral oils where as newer transformers use either a silicon based, fluorinated hydrocarbon, or combustion resistant vegetable oil based dielectric fluid or synthetic esters.  These insulating fluids break down first due to the entrance of moisture, impurities, and intermittent periods of heating and cooling.  Liquid transformers can deliver consistent service for more than 30 years with regular maintenance, fluid replacement, testing, and repairs.

Low Voltage Circuit Breakers

LV distribution systems commonly use molded case circuit breakers.  These systems contain two elements that deteriorate when used, a spring-loaded operating mechanism and copper contacts.  These two components will wear out from abrasion while closing and arching when the breaker is opened.  Larger breakers can be replaced. 

As these systems age the mechanisms that operate will start to slow down which delays clearing times.  The springs operating the mechanism are strong and hardly ever need to be fixed or repaired.  Lubrication however will deteriorate and need to be replenished to avoid the slower clearing times.  When a breaker operates above the normal trip rate it should be replaced.  These systems often last upwards of 20 years.  After 20 years replacement is most often recommended whether or not you are seeing slower clearing times during testing.

Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Cables

For most of us cables are quiet simple consisting of a stranded aluminum or copper conductor that is wrapped in insulation as well as a jacket that is resilient to the weather.  The manufacturing of electrical power and control cables sounds fairly simple however this industry is one that is in fact highly specialized.

Assessing the integrity of electrical cabling and its remaining longevity is important however can be quite complicated.  Cables can quickly lose electrical integrity while it is in use because of air pockets, gas pockets, and the voids found in the insulation.  This occurs due to thermal expansion and contraction.  If cables are in water their deterioration will occur at a faster rate.  Testing and analysis on these voids will offer up an estimate on the life that remains for the cable. J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com