Fundamentally, three-phase, alternating current motors are about as simple as a motor gets. The power company produces three phases by spinning magnets. Then, on the other end, we produce electromagnets that spin the motor according to the same 60 cycles per second frequency (60hz). All three phases are 120 degrees out of phase from one […]

In many cases when a low-voltage or control circuit blows a fuse, it's because one of the circuits is shorted to ground or common. That may happen because of rubbed-out wires, shorted components or boards, etc. Routing wires sensibly and using proper grommets to avoid rubouts and shorts will help prevent those problems. Less commonly, […]

First, let's get something straight: BRAZING is when you use a filler rod that isn't the same material as the base metal but melts ABOVE 840°F. Soldering is the same but at temperatures BELOW 840°F. With HVAC rods melting at around 1200°F, it confuses me why we usually call it “silver solder” but also often call it […]