8 Frequently asked questions about Electric Outlets and Switches

Florence Electrician  Pros Homeowner Tips

Are you renovating, remodeling, or upgrading a house or a condo ... or planning to one day? Keep in mind the switches and electric outlets. These are little details, however they will contribute a large amount to your home's safety and style. Here are 8 FAQs which handle some essential features that smart property owners should know more about. Q: Which grade of electric outlets should I set up in my home? There are three grades of outlets on the market. Homeowner grade, the most affordable, is the most common kind of outlet for installation in a builder-grade house. Nevertheless, they are lightweight and have the tendency to wear out in 5-10 years at the most. When you set up or replace electrical outlets, choose commercial grade rather than these and they cost about 50 percent more than the cheaper kind, but the monetary distinction is irrelevant and they will last 100 years under common home use conditions. Medical facility grade are very pricey, costing ten times the cost of homeowner quality, and are truly not needed; they are created for never-fail usage in medical facilities, for instance to power breathing devices. Q: We are often asked about the half-circle-shaped hole that is found on electrical outlets? For modern electric outlets this is a very important requirement and is there to guarantee your families safety. It is a specifically built in to the outlet in order to prevent contact between a hot wire and a neutral one, thus avoiding the risk of electrical shock or fire. If you move into an older house, you will have to install these outlets to change the old ones. Q: Explain the term "tamper-resistant receptacle." This is a type of electric outlet that the NEC (National Electric Code) needs to be set up in all newly built or renovated homes since 2008. It is specifically designed to protect younger family members from burns and shock as the outcome of their sticking small metal objects into the receptacle. Q: What is an electric outlet that rotates used for? When you wish to plug a number of devices into the same receptacle at the same time, a rotating outlet will enable you to turn the specific plug-ins as much as 360 degrees, so that they will all fit in nicely. Q: Are there outlets made specifically to stand up to outside use? Yes, you can acquire specially made weather-resistant electrical receptacles. These undergo extra strict requirements and checked for their resistance to aspects such as exposure to intense cold or ultra-violet light. Q: What does a "designer outlet" indicate? A decorator outlet carries out the same function and is just as safe as a routine electric outlet. However, its lines are more stylish and it might come in a selection of different colors to match your home decoration. A unique pop-out design can be used if you want to hide the outlet completely when you are not using it. USB outlets can be used that will match your electric receptacles for a seamless appearance. Q: What are the new features of electrical switches? Power switches and outlets are available in a variety of decorator designs and shades. Your stylish lights might be changed by ways of dimmer switches to develop an attractive atmosphere for any occasion, while conserving energy too. Speak to your Florence Electrician for more ideas. Q: How can electrical switches assist with home security? Switches can be lit up for higher visibility, particularly preferable when a home member has physical limitations. In case of emergency, just flick the Emergency House Locator Switch and trigger your house's outdoor front lights to flash, signaling "SOS" until help shows up.

Call Florence Electrician Pros today for a complete analysis of your home’s electrical system.

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Emergency Electrician Tips For Power Overloads and Electrical Issues

One of the most common cases that require the expertise of an emergency electrician are power overloads. In case of an electrical emergency such as a power overload, which could be the consequence of defective wiring, only an experienced emergency electrician has the skills to locate the source of the problem, fix it, and recommend some preventive measures to help you avoid it in the future. Although overloads appear to be minor problems, they are, in fact, among the most disregarded and dangerous issues you can have in your home’s electrical system. A power overload can cause countless problems ranging between electrical shorts to dangerous electrical fires. Furthermore, a power overload is one electrical problem that you can avoid, so you have no reason to let it become an electrical emergency. Common Causes Of A Power Overload The circuit will become overloaded and then switch itself off whenever a power overload happens. It is quite common among many households. For example, you can have a rice cooker, microwave, as well as a stove run in the same circuit in your kitchen when you notice that the power goes out in that part of your house while it remains turned on in the other parts of your home. Then when you check the breakers, you realize that the breaker was not tripped. A licensed emergency electrician Florence can identify the source of the problem. They have listed three primary causes of power overloads. Melting Wires A circuit overload means that there are too many appliances running on a single power circuit at the same time. This can cause the wires to melt, leading to damaged and short circuits. This typical problem could be hazardous and that is why electricians recommend that circuits should run separately from different power sources especially in the living room and kitchen to prevent overloading. Changing Weather   Window AC units as well as space heaters consume a lot of power, which can cause problems to your electrical circuits that lead to electrical overload. As a matter of fact, A/C units need so much power to operate that even the systems on their own can cause a power overload. As with other causes of overloads, you can prevent power overloads by running your AC system on a different circuit with its own source of power. Old Wiring An emergency electrician is typically hired to take care of power overloads in old houses that have old wiring as well. This is when you have to hire an experienced electrician who knows how the electrical system in old houses work. Today’s houses are constructed to stop issues like circuit overloads in bathrooms, where hair dryers that need a lot of power wattage to run can blow a circuit effortlessly. As a matter of fact, new houses usually have a different circuit for rooms that use a lot of power like the living room, kitchen, and the bathrooms. In case you live in an older house, it might be worth it to have a reliable electrician check your home’s electrical system.

You can prevent power overloads. Call Florence Electrician Pros if you need more information.

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Common Electrical Concerns For Older Homes

Living in an older home comes with its own set of quirks. Creaky floors and old pipes are pretty harmless, but other issues in old houses can be quite dangerous. Things like lead paint, asbestos, and electrical concerns such as wiring problems can all cause some major headaches. To keep yourself and your family safe from these dangers, you don't need to move out of your gorgeous old home, you just have to do some work. So, hire an inspector to check out suspicious issues, and hire a Florence electrician to help get your old home up to date.

Here are some common electrical concerns for older homes:

Old Wiring In houses that are over 40 to 50 years old, the wiring may need to be replaced. This is for your safety as well as the efficiency at which your electronics and appliances can run. In houses build in or before the 1940's, the wiring may have become corroded. This can make it dangerous and cause minor problems like little electrical shocks, or big problems like major shocks and even house fires. Old wiring is also not equipped to handle the capacity that most of your electronics and appliances need today. There are fewer electrical outlets for one, and each of these outlets cannot handle as much as newer electrical systems can. No Grounding Current electrical outlets are grounded, which means they protect you from potential electric shock. Grounded outlets are the outlets that have two vertical slits of different sizes and one round hole on the bottom. Each of these holes runs to a different part of your electric service panel, or circuit breaker. The grounded holes, the bottom hole and one of the slits, act like a safety net in that if an electrical surge over a certain wattage they will signal the circuit breaker to cut off. In old houses you might not find grounded outlets. This means that there is no control to the amount of electricity that can flow through the outlet except for the capacity that the wiring can handle. In the event of an electric surge, the outlet could pop with a large electric shock, and potentially catch fire. Grounded outlets are required for any appliances that are encased in metal, such as your kitchen appliances, washer and dryer, and computer equipment. So in order to use and maintain modern appliances in an old house, the outlets will likely need to be rewired to keep you and your electronics safe. For old houses, it is better to be safe than sorry. Get your home inspected by a good Florence electrician and strongly consider having the entire house rewired. It can be a time consuming and expensive process, but the alternative risks really just aren't worth it. Old pipes may burst and make a mess, but you could lose your home to a fire, or be injured or worse, due to old and faulty wiring. It is better to make safe decisions for yourself, your family, and your beautiful old house, and get it the work it needs.

If you own an older home in Florence SC, now is the time to call Florence Electrician Pros for a complete inspection.

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Finding the Right Electrician for You

Electricians in Florence are extremely vital to us, given that electrical power plays such a large part in our day-to-day lives. Electric professionals have the skills to set up, keep, as well as fix all kinds of electrical systems. A number of Florence SC residence proprietors try to take care of small electrical problems themselves, nonetheless this needs to be prevented as it could be exceptionally dangerous. Electric problems are well taken care of by electrical experts only, since they are educated and enlightened in the area. Finding an electrical expert can be a barrier for a home owner. Below are reminders that will aid you out in this procedure: Analyze the job that should be done. Are you remodelling or do you have to fix an existing system? Licensing is a must when it concerns electrical jobs. Employ electrical specialists that are certified and also qualified to do the work. These electrical contractors have finished appropriate training programs and have a license to deal with different electrical problems. When you have dealt with a certified electrical expert; you can be confident that you will get first-class top quality lights repair work in Florence, Dalrington and Lake City, South Carolina. You have to inspect the type of solutions the electrical expert can provide. An electric expert could possibly deal with damaged cables as well as a damaged circuit box, or  examine the wires positioned in the ground which could possibly be situated before the digging deep into process.  Allow the electrician into your  house as well as aks for a written quote. Experience counts a great deal when it pertains to electric job. You have to ask the electrical specialist concerning his previous projects. This is specifically vital because of the fact that if the electrician is no experienced in managing specific electrical trouble; there is a possible danger of damage to your house. It's better to be safe compared to sorry. Attempt as well to explore referrals. An experienced electrical professional will have an extensive checklist of completely satisfied customers. Ask if they were pleased with the job. The equipment that the electric professional takes advantage of is an extra crucial point to look for. The superior electrical service providers will normally be furnished with most recent tools in addition to contemporary innovation which can take care of a whole lot more jobs. When you have in fact selected an electric professional; implement an agreement. Make certain the contract discusses the job to be done, fees, settlement timetable, starting day in addition to absolutely the estimated conclusion day. The above mentioned guidelines will certainly assist you in selecting a specialist electricia technician for your property. If you are searching for quality electrical repair solution in Florence, Darlington or Lake City, consider Florence Electrician Pros. They have a team of extremely qualified electrical contractors who can install as well as repair everything electric.  Florence Electrician Pros 2117-B W. Palmetto Street #102 Florence,SC  29501 843-212-4173 http://electricianprosflorence.com/

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Landscape Lighting Tips For Beginners

Creating a landscaping design for your house and backyard may not be the first one off on your list of home improvement projects. However, there are many aesthetic and practical reasons why you should do it including improving the safety and security of your property. Below, are some helpful tips from professional electricians on how you can create a simple yet professional looking landscape lighting design without breaking the bank. Getting Started Among the first considerations when creating a landscape lighting design is to take into account the existing setup for exterior lighting. Do you have lighting fixtures installed already? Do you have the needed connections or outlets for the project? Several newly constructed houses in homes are usually fitted with outdoor landscaping sources on both right and left corners of the house. In case your house does not have any of this, it is best to hire an electrician Florence. You should consider installing extra light sources to emphasize these sections in case you do not have a house with a less traditional facade as well as architectural features that recede or extend from a basic straight line across the front. Selecting Your Subject Whether you are lighting your front or your backyard, you have to determine what features you wish to highlight within your design. Is it a fountain, courtyard area, specific shrubs or trees, or landscape? Generally speaking, lighting sources outdoors are as high as the houses’ eaves. However, there will always be exceptions. The main problem is whenever we are trying to install landscaping lighting for the very first time is that our brains are set to seeing the light shine down from the moon or the sun. In case you are just want to light a certain feature, then you might want to consider installing ground lighting or a mix of low and high lights. Choices of Light A few good choices for landscape lighting are flood lights, path lights, and spotlights. You may also consider combining the three options based on how intricate you want your landscape lighting design would be. You also need to determine whether you should go with LED, fluorescent or halogen lighting. Halogen bulbs emit a higher intensity of light that is brighter and whiter compared to fluorescent. Additionally, they use more electricity and produce more heat than fluorescent lighting. The latter gives off a cool and visible light with very little heat. Fluorescent lighting is likewise more energy efficient and inexpensive compared to halogen. The only problem is that the bulbs present a health risk when it is broken because it contains mercury. On the other hand, LED, is growing in popularity due to its impeccable performance especially when it comes to landscape lighting. It is also longer lasting and consumes less energy compared to the other lighting options that you have in the market today. If you are on a shoestring budget, always remember that LED will be more cost more than halogen or fluorescent lighting upfront.

Call Florence Electrician Pros if you need expert help in installing landscape lighting.

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Circuit Breaker Maintenance Tips

It can be very frustrating having the lights go out when you are doing an important task or hosting an event in your house. Fortunately, professional electricians shares a few things you can do to prevent this and one of them is proper circuit breaker maintenance. A Brief Overview Electricity is distributed throughout your home. If you are living in an older house, then you most likely have a fuse box. In case your home was built after the 1960s, you will most likely find a circuit breaker. If you have a newer electrical system, the service panel is most likely a circuit breaker. Its purpose is to deliver electricity throughout your home through its branch circuits. It also prevents each circuit from drawing excessive power, which could lead to overheating and higher risk of fire. When it comes to its maintenance, there is not much you need to do aside from resetting the breaker every time it trips or replacing any blown fuse. In case it needs to be repaired or upgraded, you have to call a professional electrician. Search for indications of rust and moisture and if you see any, be sure to hire an electrician Florence right away. It is also recommended to reset the circuit breakers annually to prevent corrosion. Fuse Replacement At the primary service panel, remove the fuse or trip the circuit breaker that regulates the circuit that you are working on. You also need to make sure that the outlet or switch you want to work on is not live by using a voltage tester. You also have to switch off the power to the whole house, trip the breaker inside the circuit breaker panel. In case you have a fuse box, turn off the lever switch. Consider plugging a radio into the electrical outlet that you would like to work on. Switch it on and crack up the volume so that you can hear it clearly from the service panel. Turn off the breakers or unscrew the fuses up until the radio switches off. It is also important to replace the fuse with the exact same amperage rating. Don’t ever use a higher rating because it could overheat the wires and lead to fire. You also have to stand on a dry surface. Safety First Even if your home’s electrical system was up to code during its installation, you should still check new code requirements. You should consider upgrading your system to ensure electrical safety at home. Before you chance or add to the electrical system or start anything, you have to call your building inspector or electrician for updated code information as well as any required permit.  Large appliances as well as heavy power tools typically need more power during start up than what they need when they’re already up and running. Although circuit breakers could take on these temporary surges, standard fuses cannot withstand them. Also, installing a higher amp fuse won’t do you any good. You should consider replacing the standard fuse with what they call a time delay fuse with the same amperage. They are made to handle power surges without the risk of blowing.

Call Florence Electrician Pros if you have issues with your circuit breaker or any other electrical-related problems.

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Bathroom Electrical Safety Tips You Need To Know

Everybody knows that electricity and water create a dangerous combination. It can lead to mild electrical shocks or worse electrocution. The problem is that not all homeowners know the reason why, especially when it comes to bathroom electrical safety. The bathroom is one of the few places where this electricity and water coupling to happen, especially when you think about the total water sources on that part of your house including the tub, shower, and faucets, which are installed amid electrical outlets and light fixtures. If you think that this one is in fact an understated way of saying that the bathroom is one of the most dangerous place in your house when considering electrical risks, we wouldn’t disagree. It is even riskier than your kitchen. So, you have to keep water and electricity far from each other in the bathroom, even if you have a ground fault circuit interrupter installed. If you don't know where to start, call an electrician. Electricity and Water Is A Dangerous Mix A ground fault circuit interrupter is designed to cut the flow of electricity if there is water and that is why they should be installed in every bathroom. The main function of a GFCI is to sense and respond to danger, a function that keeps you and your family safe. But, you also need to remember that a GFCI is not infallible. They eventually wear out as time goes by and that is why electricians urge homeowners to have their GFCI tested every month. Just like smoke detectors, they need to be in tip top condition to respond to any electrical emergency. Apart from that, it is not a good idea to be careless when it comes to water and electricity. Electrical Safety Tips Be wary of electrical outlets and switches that feel hot when you touch them. You should also be active about blown fuses and flickering lights. These could all be signs of wiring problems, which must be repaired immediately by licensed electricians Florence. You should also inspect the cords of appliances like blow dryers and curling irons as well as all those that are plugged in. The cords should have no cracks, dings, or are frayed because they can all be a fire hazard. Always keep the appliances away from the sink because you will surely have a difficult time if you find yourself working on a tight counter space with only one outlet. In cases like this, you should think about calling a professional electrician who will install a new electrical outlet for you. When you are done using electrical devices or appliances, don’t forget to switch them off. Turning them off but not unplugging them will still pose risk for shock, especially when they come in contact with water. Check your light choices. Even if you want to buy pendant lights, you need to know that they are not as safe and secure as enclosed ceiling lights for your bathrooms. In case you have hanging lights, be sure that they are far from the reach of anyone who is still wet from using the tub or shower.

Call Florence Electrician Pros if you need help in making sure that the electrical system in your bathroom is fully functional and safe.

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