Land & Property Archives - Trustworthy Electric

African American Inventors Who Changed the Electrical Field

These Inventors Advanced How Electricity is Used in Modern Homes

For many years, African American inventors have produced groundbreaking inventions and technological advancements that revolutionized how electricity was used and generated. This blog post will take a look at three of these pioneering inventors who changed the field of electricity over time with their unique ideas, inventions, and developments. Read on to gain more insight into how these individuals helped shape everyday lives in households even today!

How Lewis Latimer Made Electric Lighting More Accessible

Lewis Latimer was a Civil War veteran who had taught himself to draw and had worked his way up to the position of draftsman in a patent law office. When Thomas Edison successfully created a filament to give off light, Latimer was there to help him patent it. The problem with the original design was that the materials were expensive, and the bulb would only last about 15 hours before burning out.

Latimer, a Renaissance man known not only for his inventions but also his painting and poetry, set to work on making the lightbulb better. He invented an improved carbon filament for the lightbulb and a manufacturing process, which significantly increased the burn time and reduced the cost for consumers allowing them to be more accessible. Because of this, he made electric lighting available to all instead of just the wealthiest families.

How James E. West Impacted Everything From Telephones to Hearing Aids

James E. West is an inventor and acoustics engineer who first made his name in sound research during segregation. Along with Gerhard Sessler, West invented the electret microphone. It is a highly sensitive and tiny microphone that is now used in too many electrical devices to count. Some of them include the following:

Music recording equipment
Telephones and cell phones
Laptops
Hearing aids
Smart home devices such as voice-activated speakers

How Marie Van Brittan Brown Revolutionized Home Security

Marie Van Brittan Brown lived her whole life in Queens, New York. Her husband was an electrical technician, and she was a nurse. Due to their jobs not conforming to regular business hours, she was often home alone in an area of the city not considered particularly safe. She developed and patented a home security system with surveillance that has inspired most modern security systems today. Her home security system included:

Peepholes: Her system had three different peepholes at various heights so everyone at the door could be seen.

Moveable Camera: A camera was aimed at the peepholes and was positioned on a sliding arm so that it could be moved between peepholes. Modern systems use a doorbell camera in the same way.

Screens: Brown had the camera connected to two screens, one in a living area and one in the bedroom so that she could monitor the door at night. This is a precursor to the modern security wall panel and monitoring doorbell cameras from smartphones.

Intercom System: A two-way microphone was part of her design to allow people to talk to each other without opening the door.

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has more than 20 years of experience serving Montgomery, AL, and surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, on-time service, and military discounts. Call them today for electrical services in Montgomery, AL.

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Ways to Improve the Electrical System for 2023

3 Electrical Improvements to Make in the Home This Year

Everyone may be tired of hearing about New Year's resolutions, but it’s time to set some goals for the new year. Goals are especially important for homeowners because they help them plan for updates around the home that keep their homes safe.

This year, set the goal to make sure the electrical system is ready for the new year. Home electrical systems are very reliable, so homeowners can forget about them over the years until repairs become very costly or outdated equipment becomes dangerous. Get back on track in 2023 with these recommendations from local electrical experts.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

Overloading circuits is one of the most inconvenient and dangerous things to do in the home. When circuits get overloaded, the most common inconvenience is a loss of power to the circuit because the breaker flips. This makes the homeowner go out of their way to restore power. When circuits are chronically overloaded, they can become dangerous from overheating and cause an electrical fire that can devastate a home.

This year, make a promise to stop overloading circuits. Make it a point to spread electrical loads out to different circuits in the home. To help prevent an overloaded circuit, homeowners can:

Reduce the number of powerstrips plugged into circuits and never plug power strips into each other
Only allow electricians to install new legs of a circuit
Make a map of circuits in the home and spread devices out amongst them
Buy energy-efficient appliances and lights to reduce overall electrical usage
Unplug high-wattage appliances if smoke is smelled or breakers are tripped

Remember to Have Electrical Inspections

Electrical inspections are an essential part of keeping homes and businesses safe. By checking all the electrical wiring, outlets, and appliances, potential hazards can be identified and corrected before they cause harm. Electrical inspections also ensure that a home or business's wiring is up to code, which helps to prevent fires and other disasters. Additionally, inspections can reveal any hidden damage to electrical systems and help identify signs of wear and tear that need attention.

By identifying potential hazards and correcting them before they become a problem, a lot of stress, money, and danger can be avoided in the long run. Electrical inspections are a wise investment in both safety and peace of mind. Plus, they may even help to lower insurance premiums! Scheduling an electrical inspection for electrical wiring and outlets can prevent damage from overheated wiring and electrical fires that would be far more costly than updates.

Replace Damaged Electrical Wiring and Outlets

Ignoring old or damaged wires and outlets can have serious consequences. Faulty electrical wiring can cause fires, electrocution, and other dangerous incidents. Additionally, older wiring may not be able to support the current power needs of a home or business. This can lead to various issues, from blown circuits to overloaded wires.

People should also be mindful of any exposed wiring, as this can pose a serious risk. Exposed wires are not only a fire hazard but can also cause an electric shock if touched. Regularly checking for exposed wiring and ensuring that all wires are properly insulated and secured will help keep a home or business safe.

Ignoring old or damaged outlets is also risky and can have dire consequences for both the home and personal safety. Electrical outlets can become worn over time, and outlets that are not properly maintained can become unsafe. If outlets become loose or cracked, they can cause dangerous electrical shocks. Inspecting outlets for signs of damage regularly and having them repaired or replaced if necessary is vital.

An experienced electrician should be consulted to handle any wiring or outlet issues safely and properly. By taking the necessary precautions, homeowners can ensure that their wiring and outlets are up-to-date and functioning correctly. Doing so will provide peace of mind and help protect the home or business from potential harm.

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has nearly 30 years of expertise serving Montgomery, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, on-time service, and a membership plan. Call them today for outlet or wiring repair and replacement in Montgomery, AL.

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Saving Money With Holiday Decorations Around the Home

Save Money with Energy-Efficient Christmas Decorations

As families prepare to celebrate Christmas with outdoor lighting displays and holiday decor that further drive electric bills up, there is something that homeowners can do to lower their electric bills without sacrificing the special traditions that make the season feel magical. Here are a few tips from local experts to keep the home looking festive with Christmas decorations while saving money on power bills.

Upgrade Christmas Lights to LED Lights

Christmas decorations can last for many years. Often homeowners find themselves hanging the same outdated lighting up year after year as they decorate. Not only will it look dated and be potentially dangerous, but old lighting also draws a lot of unnecessary power, causing power bills to go up.

Instead of paying higher utility bills for outdated exterior lighting year after year, upgrade incandescent lights to LED lights. LED lights provide brighter lights for lower electric costs than old light strands and come in all the styles a homeowner could want. Additionally, they will last much longer than incandescent lighting strands, which saves on early replacement costs. This year, bring Christmas into the 21st century and save money simultaneously with LED lights.

Battery-Operated Decorations

Battery-operated holiday decorations are a great way to reduce the amount of electricity being used and save money because they use no power. Battery-operated lights can be used in garlands and wreaths for extra sparkle or hung from ceilings and walls to create a festive atmosphere.

Battery-operated candles make a great addition to any holiday table, while battery-operated figurines can bring jolly vibes to the home. Holiday music boxes that run on batteries are also available, bringing an extra festive touch to the decor. Battery-operated decorations allow for flexibility when it comes to decor placement because they don’t need to be plugged into an outlet and make great additions to any holiday display. With a wide variety of styles and colors available, it's easy to find battery-operated decorations that fit any decor style.

Burn Candles

The last recommendation is a classic. Before electric lighting, holiday celebrants lit candles to add to the festive atmosphere. This option is still a cost-effective option for decorating since they require no power at all, and they add a new, elegant dimension to a home’s holiday decorations.

As a word of warning, burning candles should always be done with safety in mind. Never leave candles burning unattended, and ensure they have plenty of clearance between them and their surroundings. Keep candles in approved holders so they don’t scorch the surfaces upon which they sit, and always ensure the home’s smoke detectors are working to protect the house and its residents.

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has over 25 years of experience serving Montgomery, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, customer education, and membership with many perks. Call them today for smoke detector services or holiday lighting installation in Montgomery, AL.

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Getting a Jump on Holiday Lights and Christmas Decorations

Take Time to Remember Electrical Safety While Hanging Christmas Lights

Christmas decorations seem to get more elaborate every year, especially when it comes to outdoor Christmas decorations. With as much Christmas yard decor as some people use, it is a wonder that they are not doubling their electric bills! But electrical safety when managing Christmas lights is essential. This article will detail some things that will help make decorating safe, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing for the whole neighborhood.

Which Lights are the Right Ones?

When it comes to outdoor Christmas lights and decor, there are many choices for homeowners. From sophisticated, tiny, white twinkle lights to adorably cartoonish inflatables of snowmen taking charge of Santa’s sleigh, one can find everything. From whimsical to contemplative, there is something for everyone.

If a homeowner prefers a minimalist approach, perhaps the nets of lights that drape over hedges would be sufficient, or just a traditional string of lights encircling the blue spruce tree in the front yard would be the perfect acknowledgment of the holiday. Other people may prefer to celebrate the holiday more spectacularly, adding a new light-up or inflatable decoration each year until they need a map to set it all up.

Electrical Safety Precautions

Because holiday decor is only brought out for a few weeks a year, it is necessary to do a safety check to ensure everything is working correctly and is safe. Pests and age can cause exposed wires and other structural damage that can increase the chance of electrical fires and shock. Listed below are a few safety tips that homeowners should consider when preparing to decorate:

Examine decorations, plugs, and cords for damage before plugging anything in.
Plugin to test whether or not the lights work.
Place decorations strategically to avoid overloading outlets and circuits.
Use extension cords sparingly.
Installing GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets for outdoor plugs.

Eco-Friendly Lighting and Decor

Perhaps a person is more concerned with their electric bill than with their winter decor or has ecological concerns regarding household energy uses. These people can decorate pretty extravagantly as well with more green options. As technology improves, it will only get easier to find eco-friendly options like those listed below:

LED Christmas Lights: These strings of lights don’t use a traditional incandescent light but an LED or light-emitting diode that gives off the same amount of light for much less energy. These can be used indoors or outdoors (though they must be rated for outdoor use) during the holidays or year-round for a lovely effect.

Solar Christmas Lights: These lights are powered by solar batteries that charge during the day and expend their energy by making the lights glow at night. These are excellent choices for not increasing energy use.

Battery-Operated Christmas Lights: Lights powered by batteries commonly found in the home add $0 to the electric bill, but the batteries are not environmentally friendly. However, homeowners can combat this by using rechargeable batteries.

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has over 25 years of experience serving Montgomery, AL, and the surrounding neighborhoods. They provide upfront pricing, fully stocked trucks, and military discounts. Call them today for holiday lighting installation in Montgomery, AL.

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Stay Safe This Halloween With These Decorating Tips

Three Ways to Decorate Safely for Halloween

The electrical industry has come a long way over the years regarding electrical safety. Indeed, electricity is a dangerous utility, but it is used more than ever before while also increasing safety. That being said, just because electricity is the safest it has ever been doesn’t mean that accidents like electrical fires and shocks still don't occur. Halloween kicks off the decorating season that sees a spike in electricity mishaps.

This year, don’t be too scared to decorate for Halloween! Follow some simple electrical safety tips to keep the home, family, and trick-or-treaters safe. Here are the top tips for safe Halloween decorating.

Always Inspect Halloween Decorations

During the off-season, decorations of every kind are unceremoniously shoved into storage. In a hurry to move on to the next holiday, Halloween-celebrating homeowners often don’t take time to pack decorations properly. This leads to damage that can be a fire hazard the next year when decorations are brought out again.

To avoid hazards from stored decorations, always inspect them before installing them or turning them on. Start by looking for damaged cords and frayed wires that could start electrical fires. Check for missing or broken bulbs in lighting strands. Never damage wire insulation as decorations are installed.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Safety Issues

Halloween decorations can be placed pretty much anywhere. In the fall frenzy, homeowners love decorating indoors and outdoors with lights and Halloween inflatables. Electronics rating is one of the more important things to look out for as decoration supplies grow.

All electronics are rated for indoor or outdoor use, and the distinction is crucially important. Outdoor decorations are waterproof and weather resistant, making them safer to use outdoors. Indoor decorations are only made to be safe in a sheltered environment away from harsh weather and light. Using indoor decorations outside is an unsafe practice that wastes money by ruining decorations and potentially creating a shock or fire hazard.

In addition to checking the rating of Halloween decorations, it is important to plan to distribute decorations and electronics so as not to overload outlets and circuits. Overloading outlets can cause circuit wiring to overheat, making the wire insulation melt, which can cause an electrical fire. Try to put decorations on their own outlets and use circuits in different rooms whenever possible.

Use Surge Protectors For Safety

A surge protector is a type of electrical device that helps to protect a home from damage caused by power surges. Power surges can happen for various reasons, including lightning strikes, downed power lines, and even faults in a home's electrical system. While they may not seem like a big deal, power surges can cause serious damage to a house, appliances, and anything plugged into a home’s outlets.

Surge protectors work by directing excess electricity away from a home's wiring and into the ground. This protects the house from electrical fires and other damage caused by power surges. Surge protectors are an essential part of any home safety plan and can be used indoors and outdoors.

Surge protectors are also important for protecting Halloween decorations. These devices prevent large spikes in voltage from damaging the delicate electronics in Halloween inflatables and lighting. Adding surge protectors to a decorating scheme is a win-win for safety for any seasonal decorating.

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has over 25 years of experience serving Montgomery, AL residents, and the surrounding areas. They have a service available to safely install holiday lights for homeowners. They offer military discounts, customer education, and a membership plan with perks. Call them today for electrical services or holiday lighting in Montgomery, AL.