My circuit breakers trip frequently. What could cause this?

The most frequent cause of this is over loaded circuits. Try unplugging a few devices from the affected circuit and see if the problem persists. Circuit breakers are mechanical devices and are subject to wear and tear. Sometime the springs and locks in the breaker just wear out and the breaker needs be replaced. Another common cause of this is loose connections either at the breaker itself or at the load. If you reduce the load on the circuit and the problem continues, you may need to contact a professional to trouble shoot the problem.

I have one light fixture that keeps blowing bulbs. Why does this happen?

Commonly, the socket is corroded or worn which is causing a loose connection. In some cases, a loose wire at the fixture or the switch could cause this as well. Also, if you have problems with multiple bulbs, you may have issues with power surges. In this case, you might try installing 130 volt light bulbs. These bulbs can be hard to find so you may have to purchase them from electrical specialty retailers and electrical contractors.

Is my old screw-in fuse panel safe?

Really, to answer this question you need to have a professional inspection and evaluation of the panel. The fact is that screw-in fuse panels have not been installed in decades and have most likely outlived their expected safe service life. Most insurance companies will offer reductions in rates to replace these panels and some will not even insure a home with these outdated panels. Therefore, regardless of their condition, you should consider replacing them.

I have aluminum wire in my house. Is this safe?

Many years ago, aluminum wire was used for general household wiring. Even today, larger gauge aluminum wire is used at service entrances. There have been some issues over time due to this wire occasionally being under sized and being spliced to copper wire which can be dangerous. Also, aluminum wire tends to expand and contract more than copper which can cause lugs and terminals to work loose. Just having aluminum wire in and of itself is not dangerous as long as it is periodically inspected and regularly maintained.

Why do my lights dim when my air conditioner (or other high load appliance) comes on?

The first thing to consider is if the appliance is working properly. Once that has been verified, the problem could be an undersized transformer or an overloaded service. Ask your neighbors if they have similar problems, if so, you should advise your power company and have them look into the issue.

How do I know if my electrical service is over loaded?

Really, the only way to determine if your service is overloaded would be to determine the attached load which is the actual amp draw of every item in your home that uses electricity. If you are having problems with breakers tripping or have plans to add any electrical load to your home, you may find it more convenient to consult a professional

We have frequent power surges in our neighborhood. What causes this and how do I protect my appliances and electronics?

Power surges can result anywhere along the transmission lines. Usually, they are a product of heavy demands or severe weather. Occasionally an undersized or faulty transformer will prove to be the culprit. Point of use surge protectors are available and are the cheapest and easiest to install but you may find you need multiple units. Whole house surge protectors are also available and should be installed by a licensed professional. Some insurance companies offer savings on your premiums for whole house surge protection.

Is there any maintenance that needs to be performed on my electrical system?

Yes, it is a good idea to have your system checked at least every year or two. A thorough evaluation and tune-up should include tightening the wire connections at the breaker panel, a general visual inspection of the wiring, load evaluation and inspection and testing of switches and receptacles.

How long light switches and receptacles last?

A good average service life for electrical components is 8-10 years. If you begin to notice that plugs fit loosely in the socket or light switches feel “mushy” or loose, it may be time to consider replacement. Loose fitting plugs and worn out switches are dangerous and should be tended to immediately!

Why do I have little buttons on my receptacles in my bathroom?

These are called “ground fault” interrupters and offer additional protection if an electrical appliance comes in contact with water. You may also have ground fault breakers in your service panel. These devices are there to protect you from electrocution and should never be replaced with standard receptacles or breakers. You should have ground fault interrupters on any electrical receptical within 6’ of a sink or a tub. On a related note, never use electrical appliences if you are in contact with water.

How do I determine if a wire is large enough to handle an additional electrical load?

First you must determine the electrical requirements of the load. The information you must have is voltage, amperage and whether it is single phase or 3 phase (most household wiring is single phase).

There are various sources of information to match the required load to the proper wire size but the easiest way is to ask a qualified electrician.

I want to install a stand-by generator in my house. Do I have to rewire the entire house.

In most cases you will not have to rewire the house. The average generator installation can be performed in one day. Most of the generators on the market today come with automatic transfer switches that will switch from your regular service to generator and back in case of a power failure. Also, many have “smart switches” that can help manage to load on the generator for better performance and safety.

How can I pay for my electrical projects?

Reputable contractors will offer options for payment on completion of their work. It is not advised to pay in advance for home improvements unless special circumstances exist.

We are eager to earn your business and want to make your purchase convenient, affordable and worry free. We accept cash, check, money order and most major credit cards. We also offer payment plans with fast approvals and competitive rates and low as 0% interest for qualified buyers.