How To Keep Your Electrical System Safe

Electricity plays a crucial role in our daily lives however, we rarely think about how it works. Although we do not need to know every single detail about it, understanding the basics of electrical current can help you keep your home and your family safe. Contact your local electrician for help. Read on if you want to know more about direct and alternative current, how you use these kinds of current, and ways for you to keep your home’s electrical system and equipment working safely and properly.

Electricity Basics That Your Electrician Wants You To Know: What Is An Electrical Current?

Electrons that move through a conductive material like a metal wire. Electrical current comes in two types: direct and alternating. Measurements of voltage and current will let you know the strength of the electrical current. It is measured in amps, which is the rate at which electricity is flowing. Volts indicate the electrical pressure or the voltage of the electricity. In case you have experienced how it feels to be shocked by an electrical outlet, then you have already felt the voltage. Think about the last cell phone charger you bought. You may have noticed at least two slots that will accommodate the USB cable. Depending on the kind of charger that you have, one of these slots is most likely marked as 2.1 amps while the other one could be marked as 1 amp. The first slot, the 2.1 amp slot gives electricity, which is referred to as the current at a much faster rate compared to the other slot that is marked as 1 amp. In case you are in a hurry to charge your cell phone, you can use the 2.1 amp slot. Alternating Current Alternative current changes polarity and also changes directions. This kind of current is responsible for providing electricity to our electrical outlets. The alternating current in the US alters directions at about 60 times per second. Meanwhile, the alternating current in Europe changes its direction only 50 times per second. Alternating current is produced by power plants using a spinning electrical generator. The current will flow through the electrical power grid, wherein the voltage is increased so it could be transmitted easily over long distances and then slowly decreased before it reaches your house. Most of the electrical outlets in your house have been rated 120 volts, which is less than the voltage that is used to transmit electricity over long distances, which typically range between 155,000 and 765,000 volts. Bigger appliances that need stronger current to work like refrigerators, stoves, and laundry machines should be plugged into 220-volt electrical outlets. Talk to your local electrical contractor for more information on appliances and their electrical requirements. The conversion of direct current to different voltages is not easy. Electricity should run at a higher voltage so it could be transmitted over long distances. Transformers (usually recognized as large grey cylinders on top of power poles) are utilized to convert alternating current to lower or higher voltages as required. Direct Current Generally, we interact with direct current through the use of batteries. They provide electricity as direct current. Since it does not change voltage and direction, direct current can provide a steady electrical flow. Direct current runs in only a single direction. If you put a battery in a flashlight, a chemical reaction takes places that let electrical energy to flow in just one direction between the battery’s negative and positive terminals. Although the flow of electricity is steady, direct current may still lose power through heat, which is not ideal for buildings and appliances. To know more about electrical appliances and what kind of currents they need, you may contact experts like Florence Electrician Pros. Direct current is not used to power homes because the alternating current is easier to produce, transmit, and use compared to direct current. Apart from its convenience, there are several other practical reasons. The direct current’s voltage levels cannot be lowered or raised through a standard transformer, so when the US power grid operated on direct current, we require power stations each mile or so, which is an infrastructure nightmare. Another reason that we do not depend primarily on direct current is that you need complicated motors, engines, and appliances in order to use the power created by direct current. Appliances and motors that utilize alternating current are simpler to produce and maintain. This has been how things worked since the power grid was used in the United States in the late 19^th century. Electrical Safety At Home

• Water should be kept away from electrical equipment and outlets.
• Never use damaged electrical cords.
• Don’t use extension cords for long periods.
• Choose the appropriate bulbs for all light fixtures.
• Never overload electrical outlets.
• Use space heaters correctly.
• Make sure smoke alarms are fully functional.
• Keep your kids away from electrical outlets.
• Install tamper-resistant outlet receptacles if you have children at home.

Your local electrician Florence is the best source of information when it comes to electrical safety at home. You will find countless online resources as well to help you stay safe and to reduce the risks of electrical fires.

If you are searching for quality electrical repair solution in Florence, 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 Florence, SC 29501 843-212-4173 http://electricianprosflorence.com/

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