Muhammad Mukarram Technical Services L.L.C

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5 Most Common Door Lock Problems

Like all homeowners, you may want to keep your valuables secure. However, you may end up paying less attention to the locks of your doors until things go wrong. But if you want to avoid accidental lockouts and other issues, we suggest that you perform proper maintenance of the locks. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the most common problems with door locks. Read on to find out more.

1. Broken or Stuck Key

This is a common problem. You may have a misaligned door latch, which may cause the key to get stuck. Usually, this may happen if you don’t lubricate the lock properly. When the key is stuck, you shouldn’t use force or you may break it inside the lock.

Even if you don’t have much time, you should avoid using force. Instead, you should look for a good professional to prevent the problem from getting worse.

2. Slow Door Locks

Stiff door locks are due to the accumulation of grime and dirt. So, if you notice that the handle is slow or you find it harder to insert the key in the lock, we suggest that you try a DIY method. For instance, you can put a cotton swab in the lock to get rid of the dirt.

Also, if you don’t lubricate the door enough, you should use a silicon or graphite spray instead. It’s not a good idea to use grease or oil as it may block the hole in cold season.

3. Misaligned Latch

If the latch of the door won’t hold the strike plate, it may be harder for you to shut or lock the door. You may have to face this problem from time to time. Generally, it happens due to improperly screwed or installed hinges.

If you want to resolve this issue, we suggest that you check the misalignment and opt for the right tools for making the required adjustments. If you think that the thing is beyond repairs or you have no access to the best tools, you can call a professional.

4. The Key won’t Lock the Lock

If the parts of the lock are fallen or worn, you may feel that the key turns even when you don’t push the knobs. Since this is a mechanical problem, it should be left to a professional that knows how the door mechanism functions.

If the door key doesn’t turn when you put it in the lock, you should try to lubricate the keyhole.

5. The Door Mechanism is Faulty

Usually, most problems with doors are mechanical. As time goes by, your door may have different mechanical issues. Generally, old locks may have more problems due to excessive use and lack of maintenance.

So, if you have mechanical issues with your lock, we suggest that you look for a good professional to get them fixed. In this case, it’s not a good idea to go for a DIY approach, especially if you are a novice.

Long story short, if you have any of these problems with your lock, you can follow the given tips. But if the problem is beyond your abilities, you should call a professional locksmith.

Source by Shalini M

Koi Pond Construction

There is a great variety of koi pond construction equipment that includes skimmers which help get rid of water surface wreckage. Some others are aerial systems and water pumps used to re-circulate the pond water so more oxygen can be dissolved into it. The koi ponds built in the Japan are more sophisticated and more advanced as compared to normal backyard fish gardens. They are constructed with care, skill and ingenuity, in other words they are works of art. They represent some amazing engineering designs that are not noticed in regular fish gardens.

It is interesting to note that aesthetics is a big factor in furnishing a koi garden. The exterior of the garden is sometimes more important than the fish itself. The position, shape, adjoining materials, and building techniques are finely tweaked to produce the desired scenery. A pool’s boundary is especially important. There are a few standard edge treatments; however, the typical ‘gogan’ pattern and the application of large boundary borders is widely used.

Almost every vibrant Japanese koi garden includes several big stones mounted at the water line. These large smooth masses of rock can reach a weight of several tons. These require special engineering techniques that are not visible to the public but are equally important to your pet pond construction.

Aeration is the process of exposing your pond to the air. Koi garden aeration assures the right amount of oxygen in your koi pond water. Proper amount of aeration is crucial for koi wellness and also helps in avoiding algae.

A rubber water stop is a seal consisting of a ring for packing pistons or sealing a pipe joint. It is put into several kinds of concrete tubes that are used everywhere from swimming pools to artificial polar bear habitats at zoos to modern gardens. The modern day koi pond filter is not a sole piece of equipment; but it is a combination of different tools. A good koi pond filter should incorporate a water pump.

A catch basin is used in case you shut down your pond’s water pump. All of the excess water that is flowing upstream in your koi garden will eventually come down towards the lowest point in your pond. This could cause deluging and other unwanted side effects. A catch basin is used when such situation takes place. Koi pond biological filtration is another method of prevention of accumulating pond waste products.

A water garden pump is an important tool for koi pond construction. The most popular koi gardens in Japan are around one hundred years old and are made primarily of soil. Such ponds are nurtured by canals, streams and rivers. This koi pond construction is not feasible for most backyard koi owners who need to run fresh water pumps to operate a self-possessed system.

Source by Kyle T. Hinton

The Benefits of a Wireless Commercial HVAC System

Whether you plan to remodel you current office or commercial property, or plan a new construction for your company, you must consider how the heating, air, and ventilation system will figure into your plans. For businesses involving in a new building, the idea of committing to more recent technologies and innovations in the industry seems likely. Wireless systems specially designed for commercial enterprise are not only gaining popularity, but will possibly become the future where commercial HVAC is concerned.

What are the benefits of having a wireless system to control your office heating and air? Take into consideration these points:

1) A wireless system is more cost effective. There are less materials required to set up the system, therefore less parts to worry about and purchase/replace. Already you are working toward a more efficient way of heating and cooling your commercial property. Consider, too, that a wireless system does not take as long to install as a traditional HVAC, so workflow is not interrupted.

2) Ease of use. Wireless sensors set around your building and other workplace property are simple to use and adjust where needed. High quality equipment helps guarantee round the clock comfort for employees and customers/clients.

3) Less maintenance. A system from a trusted name in commercial HVAC will run on a long-life battery and provide you with few problems. Even in the instance of an equipment breakdown, wireless systems have proven simpler to repair or replace.

4) Cost efficiency. As your wireless system properly manages the heating and cooling of your buildings and offices, you may find your monthly energy bills decrease. Sensors in place will detect activity and temperature and adjust accordingly so you are not necessarily heating or cooling an unused area.

5) Flexibility. Because wireless systems, naturally, have no wires, the motion sensors may be adjusted to place anywhere they are needed. If you decide to renovate your office – take down walls, move furniture – the sensor can be easily relocated to a place where supplemental heat or air from a fan or copier will affect it.

Wireless technology is the future, and it is fair to say that the future is here. When you install a wireless system to manage your commercial HVAC equipment, you benefit your company with reduced energy bills, increased comfort, and the convenience of a heating and cooling solution that lasts. Consult with your area commercial HVAC contractor to learn more.

Source by Kathryn Lively

Installation of HVAC and the Things to Consider

Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning are basic functions which are closely related from each other, they can be found in every establishments like houses, workplace, and other building structures. With proper installation and usage and little cost, these can provide real comfort, safe and quality air all the time.

The geniuses; Nikolay Lvov, Michael Faraday, Willis Carrier, Reuben Trane, James Joule, William Rankine, Sadi Carnot, and many others, was the think tank of these wonderful systems that brings relief to the changing climate that people in different countries have. It was also recognized as climate control, the heating and air conditioning units can maintain comfort in every dwelling by reduced air infiltration, and maintained pressure relationships between spaces, that’s why most modern buildings that you see have integrated system. It also promotes good health since the air is filtered so good and quality air flows within the perimeter.

It is necessary that the system is installed, if we want to attain utmost comfort in our dwelling place. But before doing the installation, there are things that you have to take into consideration; the size, It is essential that the system is properly sized for the room or house, unless you do this, efficiency, and comfort level will never be attained.

The size or the area matters a lot in choosing the proper type of HVAC service for your home. If your home is big and with many floors or rooms, you should have multiple units or a zoned system in order to have accurate temperature between spaces and rooms. But for smaller house it is more economical to install a single system.

Another thing is the design of the building; you have to make sure that system is fitted to the overall building design; improper installations of air ducts or refrigeration lines will affect the efficiency of the system and will lead to future problems. It is also essential to install the outdoor unit a correct distance from your house to allow for proper airflow and to allow room for repair. Many times heating and air conditioning units are not installed with the thought that it will need to be serviced in the future. So it is important to choose a good location that will allow for easy service or maintenance.

There is a lot that goes into the installation of a new heating and air conditioning units, all of these factors must be analyzed in order for all of the components to work correctly together. The end result will be a system that will work in its highest efficiency.

Source by Cris Ma

Where to Mount Your Car Amps

There are several places in your car to install your car amps. You can usually be mounted with just 4 screws. The screws you use will depend on what you are screwing into, wood, metal, etc. You do want to mount your car amp at least 3 feet away from your receiver though to eliminate the chance of receiving any interference in your receiver. Making sure your stereo equipment is securely mounted can help eliminate shorts and other problems with your stereo.

So where do you want to install your car amps?

1) Under the front seat

Mounting an amplifier under the front seat can be a safe and secure for your car amplifier. Another advantage of installing your amp under the front seat is that you can run much shorter patch cables to your amp. It is also nice because it will be out of the way.

An obvious disadvantage of mounting a car amplifier under a seat is that you will have to remove the seat to install the amp. Sometimes removing the seat can deactivate the air bag SRS system in your car. As with any time you work on a cars electrical system you will want to make sure to connect the cars negative battery terminal. Another disadvantage of mounting your car amps under the front seat is that only smaller amps will fit under the seat.

2) In the trunk or hatch of your car

A common place to install your car amps is in the trunk or hatch. The advantage of mounting amplifiers in the trunk is you have much more space in the trunk for larger amps. It is also closer to your sub and rear speakers. The trunk is also can be a good place to conceal your amps so you can keep them safe from unwanted eyes.

The disadvantage of installing your amp in the trunk is that you have to run longer RCA cables and usually longer power wires. Having longer power wires usually means you need a thicker wire. Be sure to research to make sure you use the right size cable for your amps. Another disadvantage of mounting your amp is that it can get in the way when it is mounted in the trunk.

One thing you want to keep in mind is that car amps can produce lots of heat. This is one thing you will want to consider when choosing where to mount your amp. The amps cooling fins will need some space to disperse the heat. Giving the amps a couple of inches is enough space to help keep your amp cool. Never mount your amp upside down. This will make the heat radiate back up into the amplifier making it very hot. Make sure you also leave adequate room for the wires coming out of the amp as well.

If you are mounting car amps on a vehicle floor or panel you will want to make sure you know exactly what is on the other side of the panel you are screwing or drilling into. You do not want to screw into a brake or gas line, or even into your gas tank.

A lot of times you can install your car amps on the back or top of your subwoofer box. This can be very convenient if you take your car amps and subwoofers out of your trunk or hatch to make room for other items on a regular basis. Before starting your install is to make a plan before you start. Never rush your install giving yourself plenty of time to install your car amps and subwoofers.

Source by Nathan S Rees

Advantages of Master Clock Systems

A master clock is a hardware device that obtains accurate time from a hardware reference and synchronizes slave clocks and time displays. The slave clocks rely on the master clock to display the correct time.

Once set, traditional, unsynchronized clocks drift away from the correct time at differing rates. After a relatively short amount of time, they can all display very different times. Correcting individual clocks can be a very time-consuming process which needs to be carried out at regular intervals.

GPS Master Clocks

Master clocks can use hardware time references, such as the GPS system to obtain very precise time. GPS is accurate to one-second in three hundred million years. Therefore, all time displays and slave clocks can refer to a highly accurate, legally traceable source of time. GPS systems require an antenna that is typically located with a clear view of the sky. Alternatively, where antenna installation is difficult, public internet Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers can be used.

Everyone Works To The Same Time

Many organizations can benefit from synchronized clocks. Staff all work to the same time, therefore meetings can start promptly, classes in schools start and finish as scheduled and shifts start and end consistently. Hospitals, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries can accurately log events.

Low Maintenance

Once installed and correctly configured, slave clocks are virtually maintenance free in contrast to high-maintenance stand-alone clocks.

Automatic Adjustment

In many countries, clocks need to be adjusted twice a year to correct for daylight saving time. If a large number of clocks need correcting, it can be very time-consuming. Often clocks are located at height or in inaccessible positions that makes the task even more time-consuming. Additionally, adjustment often takes place well after the event, clocks will therefore be incorrect for an extended period.

Master clocks adjust for daylight saving time automatically, requiring no manual user intervention. Additionally, all clocks adjust at the correct moment so that a continuously accurate time is displayed.

An added advantage is that slave clocks can often be configured to display time in different time-zones, ideal for trading floors and meeting rooms.

Automatic Recovery

Power outages or failures can cause unsynchronized clocks to become inaccurate. Each clock must then be corrected individually. Master clock systems automatically obtain accurate time from hardware references such as GPS. Within minutes of the power being restored, slave clocks will be back up and running. Often no operator intervention is required.

Source by Iain Diccox

Beautifying Your Home With Fish Tanks and Their Inhabitants

Fish tanks can add to the ambiance of your home. If you have children, they will most definitely enjoy this addition to your household. If you have kids, having pets can be both exciting and a useful education tool. They will learn to clean and feed them, which is essential to helping teach your children to be responsible.

Water features come in a variety of styles and designs. The different types of creatures living inside will fascinate your children. Your adult guests will more than likely take a particular interest in your new design addition as well.

Fish can create a calming air within a room, not to mention add to its decor too. When you have them, there are a number of task you’ll be responsible for. Contact your local pet store, as they will be able to properly advise as to how best to set up your new unit. There are certain materials that are highly toxic to sea life. Pet stores sell numerous safe decorative items that you can add to their habitat which help make it attractive and be useful to the inhabitants as well.

When picking an aquatic feature, keep in mind your home’s interior design. If you prefer colors that pop and are eye catching, then it is best to have one that is in keeping with this style. Choose creatures that are unique and colorful and will add to your home’s decor. If you prefer a style that is more muted, simple, then your unit should also be similar in design.

The combination of fish and water help to make a tranquil effect. In addition, an eye-catching piece can make for an interesting conversational starter for both adults and certainly children. Water features are usually incorporated into an interior designer’s vision when decorating a room. In fact a rather large section of your home can be sectioned off to house a tank that is of a considerable size. This can really give a room a more glamorous look.

Fish in an office create a soothing, serene air to a room. A great stress reliever! They are an ideal attraction for a doctor’s office, particularly a pediatrician. These swimming friends will certainly ease a worried child’s mind! It is not unusual to see large-style units in corporate offices as they can create a rich, desirable look, a true sign of success/money!

There a few factors one should consider before getting a tank. Make certain you have a proper filtration system, as this will ensure the water is continually oxygenated-a must to maintain healthy animals. Also, the fish must be properly fed and the temperature kept at an ideal rate. Make certain you have installed the correct lighting as this can only help keep the inhabitants from becoming finicky.

Having one that is unique in design can be a very interesting and stylish addition to both your home and or office. Fish can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and not to mention colors. Feng shui states that goldfish, in particular, can signal money and success, a definite must-have for any business. At home, choose species that signal serenity, peace and love, as the combination in turn will be an ideal asset to your once humble abode.

Source by Eddie Lamb

Five Secrets to Preventing Your Crawl Space Pipes From Freezing

Your crawl space needs to be your main focus when freezing weather comes knocking. Keeping your crawl space above freezing temperatures can save your water pipes from freezing and bursting. Plumbing problems from freezing pipes can cost you thousands of dollars and the inconvenience of being without water until they are fixed.

The following are five secrets to keeping your crawl space above freezing temperatures and your pipes intact during the cold winter months:

  1. Prepare for the Cold Weather – Benjamin Franklin once said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is as true today as it was when Franklin made the quote. Take the time to inspect your crawl space and look for any leaks from your pipes. If you see any leaks, get them fixed before it leads to bigger problems. Check your crawl space doors to make sure they are correctly working for maximum ventilation. Replace them if needed. A crawl space with high humidity and moisture can lead to structural and plumbing problems. A small investment for as little as $99 can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

  2. Open Your Cabinets – Believe or not, your bathroom and kitchen cabinets with plumbing on the outside walls of your house can help or hinder you with the process of protecting your pipes during cold spells. Take the time to open your cabinet doors and let the heat from your home help keep the pipes warm. Every little bit helps!

  3. Keep the Drip Going! – Keep a slow drip going in your faucets so that this will hinder your pipes freezing. Water in motion is harder to freeze than water standing still.

  4. Insulate Your Pipes – Make sure your pipes have the right insulation for the winter time. Over time, the insulation may have worn off your pipes exposing them to the elements. Inspect and replace any insulation that is worn or missing.

  5. Crawl Space Covers Are the Key – Inspect your crawl space access for structural damage that can lead to cold air getting into your crawl space and causing potential problems. Replace them if needed, and if you don’t have one, I would suggest you buy one. For under ten dollars, it will be one of the best investments to help keep your home and pipes safe.

So, go into this winter knowing your pipes are protected from the elements. Following the five secrets to keeping your plumbing safe and you will save thousands in repair bills and gain peace of mind.

Source by William Sykes

An Explanation of How Heat Pumps Work

Heat Pumps are devices which use small quantities of energy in order to move heat from one place to another. Usually they are used to pull heat from the air or the ground in order to warm a building. They can also be reversed in order to cool a building. They work much the same way as air conditioners do, except that they can do the work of both an air conditioner and a furnace. Therefore, when using heat pumps it is not necessary to install both heating and cooling systems – a single system performs both jobs. They are also more efficient than furnaces because they merely transfer heat rather than burn fuels to make it; but as a result, they work better in moderate rather than extreme climates. For people in moderate climates like Arizona, using heat pumps Arizona rather than furnaces and air conditioners can save considerable money on utility bills.

There are different types of heat pumps, but all of them operate on the principle of heat transfer, which means moving heat from one location to another rather than burning fuel to create it. Because of the second law of thermodynamics, heat naturally tends to flow from a place with a high temperature to one with a lower temperature. They use small amounts of energy to reverse that process, pulling heat from low temperature areas and moving it to high temperature areas – from a heat source such as the ground or air to a heat sink such as a building. A common type of heat pump is an air source one, which removes heat from air outside a building and pumps it through coils filled with refrigerant to the inside.

Air source heat pumps AZ consist of two fans, the refrigerator coils, a compressor and a reversing valve. One fan is used to bring outside air over the refrigerator coils, which transfer the heat inside where it is blown from the coils by a second fan and distributed through the building. The purpose of the reversing valve is to reverse the flow of refrigerant so the system operates backwards. Instead of pumping the heat inside the building, it releases the heat, like an air conditioner does. Then the refrigerant absorbs the heat inside the pump and carries it outside where it is released. Then the refrigerant cools down and flows back inside to take more heat.

Ground source heat pumps work the same way as air source ones except they absorb the heat from the ground, or from a body of water under the ground, and then transfer the heat indoors or vice versa when working in reverse mode. An absorption heat pump AZ is an air source unit which is powered by solar energy, propane, natural gas, or geothermically heated water instead of by electricity. The chief difference between air source models and absorption pumps is that instead of compressing the refrigerant, absorption ones absorb ammonia into water then a low power pump pressurizes it. The heat source boils the ammonia from the water and the process begins anew.

Source by Alice Lane

What Type of Buildings Require Fire Clearance Certificate or FIRE NOC

With the impact of the modernization and changing need of the society, there is a curving trend of the high-rise buildings in India. The objective is not only restricted to the residential purpose but extended to the business, communities, and even services. From the last decade, there is a tremendous growth in the real estate industry and now the fully occupied high-rise or multiplex buildings can be witnessed in urban cities of India.

The buildings above 15 meters are called as high-rise buildings that are in the form of malls, hospital, apartments, and multiplexes. Unfortunately, some major accidents had taken place in such buildings which are whistleblowers to stand for the accident-free environment. To ensure safety, the Government has provided provision to armour with the latest Right to Information rules. There are also amendments in the factories act 1948 that prescribes provisions related to the hazardous process. Accordingly, all types of high-rise buildings should have Fire Clearance Certificate or FIRE NOC.

What Is FIRE NOC or Fire Clarification Certificate?

FIRE NOC or Fire clearance certificate is a No Objection Certificate indicating that the building is designed as per the norms and regulations that a high-rise building must have to avoid any hazardous accidents. It is issued by the Fire department of the respective state before the building construction. The Building authority applies to the FIRE NOC before the construction with enclosing the appropriate building plan. The building plan should have complete details, including structure, a design of the staircase, electrical power supply, lift design, open space, Fire exit, raw material, design and additionally it should have provision for:

1. Fire safety measures, Fire extinguishers and Fire evacuation measures that are going to be incorporated in the building.

2. Minimizing the spread and intensity of Fire within the building and any other building.

3. Controlling the generation or spread of smoke to the possible extent.

4. The implementation of the device that can detect the Fire and can warn the occupants or user.

5. Immediate access to the device to control the rising Fire.

6. The design should be designed by the registered architect.

FIRE NOC for Hospitals:

The government provided complete instruction in ‘part 4’ of the National Building code of India-2005, “Fire and life safety” for the Fire prevention and Fire safety of the hospital building. A hospital building plan should inculcate the following Hospital Engineering Service Provision for the Fire precaution as per the NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers).

NABH provisions for the Fire precautions in the Hospital:

• There must be an approval for the installation of the Firefighting devices.

• Easy access to the control room location.

• Control panel needs to get connected with Fire detection or alarm system.

• Availability of the Pump rooms including electrical as well as the diesel room.

• Arrangements for filing Fire Tenders.

• In case of emergency, there must be a 4-way Fire inlet.

• Forced Ventilation

• Easy access to Fire Resistant tanks

• Fire Drill should be performed.

• Proper availability of yard hydrants and landing hydrants and should be on strategic location.

• 2 ways Fire heads.

• Hose Reels and Landing Hydrants

• Wet Riser system

• First Aid equipment should be in working condition.

• There should be a provision of an escape route and emergency exit.

• An automatic device for the smoke or heat detectors.

• Fire alarm system and Fire extinguishers

Regulations as per National Building Code 2005:

1. All high- rise building must have Fire NOC as per the zoning regulations of the respective jurisdiction.

2. The Road should be more than 12 meters wide especially hydraulic platform and the turntable ladder.

3. Entrance size should not be less than 6 meters or 5 meters.

4. Minimum 40% of the users or occupants should be trained to perform the proper operations of the Fire safety devices or evacuation system.

5. There should be proper open space and emergency exit stairs on the external wall of the building in addition to the regular stairs.

6. It should be enclosed with smoke-stop-swing-doors of two-hour Fire resistance on the exit to the lobby.

How to Apply for a Fire Clearance Certificate:

The preformatted application form along with the business plan and documents have to submit to the FIRE Service Department of the respective state. The application should be properly sealed and signed by the authorized civil engineer or authority. It should include complete site address and the all above-mentioned provisions in the business plan as well as documents. Nowadays, many states are accepting online application forms but the enclosures will be the same. The process of issuing Fire NOC is exempted from the fees.

Documents Required:

1. 2 sets of building plans authorized by the Building Authority.

2. Model of the building.

3. Complete drawing of the building and surroundings.

4. Complete building plan with the above mentioned mandatory details.

5. The checklist should be certified by the authority.

Time Period Required for Issuing of FIRE NOC:

If the application is properly filled up with the accurate business plan, it normally takes 4 weeks to issue the Fire Clearance Certificate from the Fire Service Department.

Does Fire NOC Have Validity?

Under Rule 35, Fire NOC is valid for 5 years for residential buildings and 3 years for the nonresidential buildings.

It is highly recommended for all users to strictly follow provisions and procedures not only in the paper but practically. Fire safety and precaution is one of the important factors which are concerning everyone in the hospital industry. The main aim of the Fire safety design is to ensure the life safety, continue functioning and proper protection.

Note: List of documents and process may vary as per the state norms.

Source by K Gangele