Volodymyr Zhyliaev

  When choosing generators, power stations, or inverters, many people focus only on watts . However, devices with electric motors—such as compressors, saws, refrigerators, and pumps—often draw more power than their rated wattage suggests . The reason is power factor (PF) . Understanding power factor helps you size power sources correctly, avoid overloads, and prevent unexpected shutdowns in home workshops, RVs, and solar systems. What Is Power Factor? Power Factor (PF) is a measure of how efficiently electrical power is being used. It is defined as the ratio between: Real power (Watts, W) – power that does actual work Apparent power (Volt-Amps, VA) – total power drawn from the source Power Factor = Real Power (W) ÷ Apparent Power (VA) Power factor always ranges between 0 and 1 : PF = 1.0 → perfectly efficient (rare in motors) PF < 1.0 → some power is wasted or not converted into useful work Real Power vs Apparent Power (Simple Explanation) Think of electricity like pulling a ...

  When working with electricity in a home workshop, RV, or solar setup, wire size is just as important as voltage and power. Using the wrong cable thickness can lead to voltage drop, overheating, tool underperformance, and even fire risk . This is where wire gauge , commonly expressed as AWG (American Wire Gauge) , becomes critical. Understanding AWG helps you choose the right cable for tools, appliances, and power systems—especially when dealing with high loads or long cable runs. What Is Wire Gauge (AWG)? AWG (American Wire Gauge) is a standardized system used to define the diameter of electrical wires . The key thing to remember: Lower AWG number = thicker wire Higher AWG number = thinner wire For example: 10 AWG → thick wire, handles high current 16 AWG → thin wire, suitable only for light loads This numbering system may feel counterintuitive at first, but it’s fundamental to safe electrical design. Why Wire Thickness Matters Electricity flowing through a wire generates heat. ...

 If you’ve ever turned on a power tool or appliance and noticed a brief but heavy strain on your power source, you’ve experienced surge power , also known as inrush current . This momentary spike is the reason many generators and power stations shut down even when the device’s rated wattage seems well within limits. Understanding surge power is essential when running tools in a home workshop, RV, or solar-powered setup. Startup Power vs Running Power Every electrical device has two power requirements : Running power – the amount of power needed to operate continuously Surge (startup) power – the extra power required for a short moment when the device first turns on Surge power usually lasts fractions of a second to a few seconds , but during that time, power demand can be 2–5× higher than normal operation. Why Surge Power Happens Surge power is most common in devices with: Electric motors Compressors Pumps Refrigeration systems When these devices start, they must overcome inerti...

When people start learning about electricity, two terms come up almost immediately: volts and amps . They’re often mentioned together, but they describe very different things. Understanding the difference between amps and volts is critical for choosing tools, sizing power supplies, and building a safe and efficient home workshop. What Are Volts? Voltage (V) measures electrical pressure . It describes how strongly electricity is being pushed through a circuit. You can think of voltage like water pressure in a pipe: Higher voltage = stronger push Lower voltage = gentler push Common voltage examples: AA battery: ~1.5V Car battery: ~12V Household outlets (US): ~120V Voltage alone doesn’t tell you how much power a device uses—it only tells you how much potential force is available. What Are Amps? Current (A, amperes) measures how much electricity is flowing . Using the same water analogy: Amps are the amount of water flowing through the pipe More amps =...

  When learning the basics of electricity, one formula appears everywhere—and for good reason. Ohm’s Law explains how electrical systems behave and why devices draw the amount of power they do. For beginners, DIY enthusiasts, and home workshop builders, understanding Ohm’s Law is essential for choosing tools, planning power usage, and working safely with electricity. What Is Ohm’s Law? Ohm’s Law describes the relationship between three fundamental electrical quantities: Voltage (V) – electrical pressure Current (I) – the flow of electricity Resistance (R) – opposition to current flow The formula is: V = I × R This simple equation explains how changes in one value affect the others. Breaking It Down in Plain Language A common way to understand Ohm’s Law is the water pipe analogy : Voltage is like water pressure Current is like the amount of water flowing Resistance is like a narrow or wide pipe Higher pressure pushes more water through the pipe. A...

 Batteries sit at the core of modern electronics, renewable energy systems, and portable power solutions. From smartphones and laptops to solar generators and home workshops, batteries make electricity available exactly when and where you need it. Understanding how batteries work helps you choose the right power source, use it safely, and maximize its lifespan. What Is a Battery? A battery is a device that stores energy in chemical form and converts it into electrical energy on demand. Unlike a wall outlet that provides continuous power, a battery allows energy to be stored, transported, and used independently of the grid. Every battery consists of three basic components: A negative terminal (anode) A positive terminal (cathode) An electrolyte that enables ion movement between them This internal structure enables controlled energy release. How Batteries Store Energy When a battery is charging, electrical energy forces a chemical reaction inside the cells. This ...

  When choosing appliances, tools, or power solutions for your home or workshop, one term appears everywhere: wattage . Yet for many people, watts remain an abstract number on a label rather than a practical concept. Understanding wattage helps you estimate energy usage, avoid overloaded circuits, and select the right power sources—especially for DIY projects, home workshops, and solar-powered setups. What Is Wattage? Wattage (W) measures electrical power —how much energy a device uses at any given moment. In simple terms, it tells you how “hungry” an appliance is for electricity while it’s running. Wattage is calculated using this formula: Watts (W) = Voltage (V) × Current (A) This means a device can consume high power either by using higher voltage, higher current, or both. Wattage vs Energy Consumption It’s important not to confuse power (watts) with energy usage (watt-hours or kilowatt-hours) . Watts (W): How much power a device uses right now Watt-hours (Wh):...

  Electricity powers almost everything we use today, but not all electricity behaves the same way. One of the most important distinctions to understand—especially for DIYers, home workshops, and solar setups—is the difference between AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) . Knowing how they work and where each is used helps you choose the right tools, power sources, and safety solutions. What Is DC Electricity? Direct Current (DC) flows in a single direction. The electrical charge moves steadily from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, providing a constant voltage. Common examples of DC electricity include: Batteries (AA, AAA, lithium-ion) Solar panels Power banks and portable power stations Electronics like laptops, phones, and LED lights DC power is ideal for electronic devices because it provides stable, predictable energy. This is why almost all modern electronics internally operate on DC power—even if they’re plugged into a wall outle...

 Electricity is part of everyday life, yet its core principles often feel confusing to beginners. Whether you’re fixing a lamp, using power tools, or setting up a DIY workspace, understanding how electricity works helps you make safer and smarter decisions. Three fundamental concepts sit at the heart of all electrical systems: voltage, current, and resistance . Once you understand how they interact, many practical electrical problems become much easier to solve. What Is Voltage? Voltage is best described as electrical pressure . It represents the force that pushes electric charges through a circuit. You can think of it like water pressure in a pipe—the higher the pressure, the stronger the push. In everyday terms: A AA battery provides about 1.5 volts Household outlets in the U.S. provide 120 volts Solar panels and batteries supply different voltages depending on design Higher voltage doesn’t automatically mean more danger, but it does mean electricity has a stronge...