The importance of a properly grounded electrical system is paramount. Plug-in type surge protectors will not work as well if the electrical outlet is not properly grounded. Surge protectors at the service entrance will not work as well if the electrical system ground is not properly installed. Proper grounding is important because that is the path the surge protector can efficiently use to divert most types of power surges. Before purchasing or installing service entrance or plug-in type surge protectors, have your electrical system checked to … [Read more...]
5 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring an Electrician
September 9, 2010 by Leave a Comment
1. Price Guarantee. Will you guarantee the price IN WRITING before you start the work, and stick to that price? Even if the work takes twice as long as you expected? 2. Background Check. Are ALL Of Your Employees Background Checked & Drug Tested So NO Felons, Criminals, Or Drug Addicts Are Entering My Home? 3. Customer Care. Will the electrician show the same care and concern for my home as they do for their own? 4. Licensed. Is your company licensed, insured and employees extensively trained? 5. Warranty. How Long Is Your Warranty? … [Read more...]
Home Electrical Myths
September 9, 2010 by Leave a Comment
People need to be more aware of whether they are overloading circuits. If you never want a breaker to trip, you might be able to watch your usage carefully enough to prevent that. But normal people, who inadvertently trip breakers (whether weekly or once in five years), are not doing a no-no. The very tripping of breakers is what keeps everyone from ever truly overloading any circuits. So you don't have to wonder or worry. I think this myth arose from a warning not to overload extension cords, but even these will get too hot more from damage or … [Read more...]
Hiring an Electrician
July 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Project Bids Before hiring an electrical contractor, you will need to evaluate what the project entails. Getting bids for work that is going to be performed and the manner in which the work will be performed should be considered. Find out if everything is included for the price at hand or if there will be additional costs. Sometimes prices in materials go up due to the time difference between the time the estimate was given and the time the actual job is started. Does the quote cover cleanup and removal of replaced components? If you are … [Read more...]
Electrical Wiring Tips
July 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Summary Here are some tips for electrical wiring and basic electrical wiring in your home. Make sure there are plenty of circuits. Plan ahead for big appliances or tools you will need to power. When I think back on how I acquired most of my knowledge about electricity, I have to laugh. I did get some expert instruction from a wise older electrical engineer who happened to know many aspects of the National Electric Code by heart. My brain was so receptive to getting this information that I absorbed everything he showed me. For example, once he … [Read more...]
Electrical Shocks and Their Results
July 2, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Be grounded An electrical shock occurs when an individual comes in contact with two conductors of a circuit. The electrical shock damages are originated by lightning or any electric current from some mechanical equipment passing through the human body. The natural behavior of electricity is to flow from earth or ground toward anything that will conduct the electricity flow. Therefore, experts say that electrical systems must be grounded. Electricity accidents have fatal results most of the time. A severe electrical shock could cause burns, … [Read more...]
