safety Archives - Trustworthy Electric

Stay Safe During Electrical Safety Month

Practice Electrical Safety All Year Long

May is National Electrical Safety Month, so this is the perfect time to learn about some of the devices around the home that help keep homes and businesses safe from the hazards of electricity. This brief article can help homeowners understand and appreciate what goes into keeping a home safe from electrical hazards.

Recognize Important Electrical Safety Devices

Despite the inherent dangers of electricity, technology has made the utility much safer in the last few decades. Most of this is due to the development of regulating devices that prevent electrical hazards like fires and electrocution. Some common electrical devices in homes that must stay in working order are:

Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are a type of outlet located in areas with moisture, such as outdoors, bathrooms, and kitchens, to prevent electric shocks and electrocutions.
Fuses protect circuits from receiving too much power, helping prevent electrical fires, but they must be replaced once the fuse blows.
Circuit breakers are similar to fuses and trip to prevent too much power from flowing through a circuit, preventing overheating or fires, but they don’t need to be replaced every time like a fuse.

Warning Signs of Overloaded Circuits

One common electrical problem in homes is an overloaded circuit. Historically the problem has been much worse, but with advances in breaker panels, the phasing out of fuses, and the wide acceptance of circuit breaker technology, homeowners are more aware of overloaded circuits in the home.

But, even with these advanced devices in nearly every home, overloaded circuits can still be problematic. Overloaded circuits can cause complications like burnt wiring and electrical fires, so it’s important to know the warning signs so an electrician can be called. Common signs of an overloaded electrical circuit are:

Flickering or dim lights
Burnt smells
A buzzing or sizzling sound from outlets
Constantly tripping breakers
Outlets that look burned or are hot to the touch

Whole-House Surge Protection

Power surges are a normal occurrence on an electrical grid. They can be the result of several causes, such as a weather-related event like a lightning strike or sudden drops in demand for power from the grid. When these occur, large spikes in voltage, many times the normal amount, can surge into the home's wiring. Electrical devices, especially digital devices like phones, entertainment systems, and computers, are particularly vulnerable to damage from large voltage spikes. When the power surge causes wiring insulation to melt, it can also cause fires.

Installing a whole-house surge protector can protect sensitive devices throughout the entire home from damage from power surges, saving homeowners from paying for replacement electronics. These devices can also prevent electrical fires from voltage spikes while keeping all devices plugged into the home’s outlets safe from damage.

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has nearly 30 years of experience serving Montgomery and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, on-time service, and fully stocked trucks. Call them today for electrical or GFCI outlet services in Montgomery, AL.

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Electrical Safety Month

3 Tips To Ensure Electrical Safety

Electrical safety is now more critical than ever. With so many devices available, it is easy to forget the basics of over-plugging. Understanding how to use a home’s electrical system properly can help prevent electrical accidents and outages.

Unplug for Safety

The phrase “unplugging” usually refers to the over-reliance on the internet, but in this case, “unplugging” means unplugging cords to create a safer home environment. Excessive cords are a common electrical problem. Phone chargers, laptop cords, and ebooks are frequently charged simultaneously. Once surge protectors are added to the mix, this can increase the chances of starting a fire.

Not all electrical appliances use the same amount of power. An electric toothbrush, for instance, is not going to use the same amount of energy as a laptop cable. Outlets with multiple plugs requiring high power can quickly overload the system. Balancing out electrical outlets with low and high-power gadgets can decrease the danger.

Unplugging is not always an option in every house. For homes with few electrical outlets, this may mean several appliances are attached to one outlet via a surge protector. While surge protectors are not necessarily dangerous, loading them up with plugs is never good. Leaving at least two plugs empty is recommended.

Before leaving a room, unplug any fully charged devices still using an outlet. This is especially helpful in older houses that have two-pronged outlets. Homeowners who unplug appliances when not in use will reduce the likelihood of an electrical accident while saving energy. Outlet repair is available for both new and old switches.

Pay Attention To the Wattage

Electrical power is measured in wattages. A single watts unit has a very low electrical flow, whereas 750 watts could potentially run a microwave. Regardless of how many watts an appliance has, it will still require a plug and outlet.

The correct wattage is a measurement used for electrical safety. If an appliance is running at maximum watts, this can increase the chances of a fire or electrical storm. Overloading an outlet with high-powered devices is risky in any room of the house.

Lamps and overhead light fixtures have a recommended wattage for the energy a wire can run. Most light fixtures handle 60 watts, but 100 watts may be necessary for complex lamps. A high wattage bulb may heat one of the sockets and increase the likelihood of melting wires. Since wattage has increased over time, many new outlets can handle more wattage.

Before plugging high-wattage appliances into new or old outlets, checking the light label can help. If the wattage exceeds 60 watts, do not leave the light running overnight. In houses that still use two-pronged outlets, using over 60 watts can be hazardous even for a short period.

High wattage lamps can cause wires to melt or spark. If a spark occurs, it is usually at the wire section closest to the wall. It can also spark if the lamp cord has a torn patch with exposed wire. This can easily lead to a fire if sparks occur, especially if nearby curtains or rugs.

Never DIY

DIY handiwork is a common way to fix household problems without spending money on a technician. While this may be possible for certain projects, electrical issues are serious and potentially dangerous, so they should only be handled by a professional electrician. Electrical hazards are commonplace in both household and commercial DIY projects.

All electrical problems are not solved using the same techniques and involve in-depth knowledge about voltage, current, wattages, etc. Without the right skills, it is easy to make a mistake. The risk of injury is high for those who are not professionally trained. Shock, fire, and electrocution are all potential dangers with electrical wiring. One electrical shortage and the risk of a house fire is greatly increased.

Electrical Warning Signs

Electrical shocks can occur when rubbing socks against a carpet in the winter. The static electricity created from friction will make a tiny zap that is small and expected, but electrical shocks that frequently happen during the warmer months may indicate a problem.

Feeling a shock when touching an appliance is a warning sign because a ground fault within the device is malfunctioning. Due to improper wiring, these shocks are not supposed to occur during any season.

Hot ceiling fixtures are another sign. Check the electricity around ceiling lights by feeling for warmth. Ceilings that are not well-insulated will overheat and may be considered a fire hazard. Switching to compact fluorescent lights can help solve this issue.

Flickering lights are often a sign of faulty light fixtures, but if the bulb has been changed and the light continues to flicker, an electrician should be called right away. This may indicate that the connections within the electrical wiring are loose.

Unusual smells can come from electrical systems that are no longer working properly. A burning odor is common for overloaded outlets. The electrical panel should be completely turned off if an outlet smells like smoke. It is not safe to continue using this switch until an electrician has had a chance to examine it. Burning smells can also be a sign of an electrical fire.

Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has provided its neighbors in Montgomery, AL, and the surrounding areas with trusted solutions to all their electrical problems since 1994. Trustworthy Electric offers same-day service, upfront pricing, and a rewarding membership plan. Call them today for electrical services in Montgomery, AL.

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May Is Electrical Safety Month!

Now Is the Perfect Time To Brush Up On Electrical Safety

It may or may not come as a surprise, but the month of May is electrical safety month. It is easy for homeowners to take advantage of efficiently working indoor electrical systems because they most likely have never known a life without one. Because of this, a majority of people have become increasingly more relaxed about their electrical safety within the home. There are far more electrical safety devices today than there were in the beginning days of indoor electricity, but that doesn’t necessarily make it safer. If there is an electrical problem, it is still just as important to call a professional the moment something occurs.

Electrical problems can get out of hand rather quickly, so it is always best to have a professional on their way before that happens. Continue reading to learn more about electrical safety.

Electrical Safety Devices Every Homeowner Should Have

The main problem that electrical systems experience in today’s world is being overloaded. So many people want to plug numerous things in at once, and if the electrical system isn’t build to pull that much power at once, problems ensue. There are four standard electrical safety devices. All of these devices provide their version of a sort of surge protection. Essentially, if anything happens to the electrical system unexpectedly, these devices will ensure the outlet and the electronics don’t become overloaded with electricity.

In turn, this has significantly decreased the risk of an electrical fire in the home. It also has, of course, saved a lot of electronics in the process.

Here are the four primary electrical safety devices:

Fuses
Circuit breaker
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)

The Common Warning Signs of An Overloaded Electrical System

There are many warning signs that may present themselves if an electrical system is experiencing an overload. This can happen for a number of reasons. If there is a storm outside, it could cause a surge in the system. Surges also happen as a result of using too many electrical devices at once can also cause a system overload.

Here are some common warning signs of an overloaded electrical system:

Dimming or flickering lights
Fuses that get tripped frequently
A burning smell
Hot receptacles
Crackly coming from the receptacles

The moment there is an inkling of an electrical problem, it is crucial that homeowners call in a professional right away. Electrical problems are nothing to mess with as a neglected problem could quickly lead to a dangerous situation.

What Is Surge Protection and Why Is It Important?

Surge protectors are one of the best things homeowners can buy to save their electronics’ lives. Sometimes surprises happen, and homeowners don’t want their electronics to suffer from it when they do. A surge protector essentially protects the electronic from being affected by a sudden surge of energy throughout the system.

This can sometimes happen due to a storm but can also occur by accident, sent straight from the electrical company. Old wiring can also be the culprit of this. That said, surge protectors are easy to come by nowadays. A power strip is a prime example of a surge protector. Investing in a few of these can potentially save homeowners thousands in broken electronics.

Customers Love Trustworthy Electric Inc.

There is no time to wait when electrical problems occur. The professionals at Trustworthy Electric Inc. understand this. That is why they always respond fast and efficiently to their Montgomery, AL residents. They work hard to ensure their customers are always safe and happy. Call today to learn more about their home safety services in Montgomery, AL!

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Stay Safe This Holiday Season by Staying on Top of Electrical Safety

Prevent Electrical Fires During the Holidays

The holidays are a joyous time! With decorations and lights going up, it’s hard not to enjoy the view. While taking time to relish in the holiday spirit, it’s also essential for homeowners to make sure they are taking all the proper precautions when decorating. Putting up various lights, trees, candles, and more creates a lot more room for accidents and electrical fires. That’s why were going to share a few ways homeowners can stay safe this holiday season.

Carefully Place Your Decorations

While the seasonal candles may look nice on the bureau near the beloved house plant, maybe putting flames near flammable objects is not the safest option. How homeowners place their decorations both inside and outside the home can have a huge impact on the safety of the household. Here are a few things homeowners can consider when placing their decorations:

Make sure trees, plants, and dry/flammable objects are placed away from flames and lights or cords that get very warm or hot
Make sure candles and other flames are in sturdy locations where they cannot fall or be knocked over
Tuck away any extension cords or plugs, so they are not exposed
If homeowners use nails to hang lights or cords, make sure they are correctly placed and do not pierce the cords
Check that all electrical cords are not frayed or have exposed wires
Do not overload electrical outlets
Inspect lights and all decorations for damage such as cracks
Make sure outdoor decorations are at least 12 feet away from powerlines

Don’t Forget About the Smoke Detectors

While most smoke detectors will let homeowners know when their batteries get low, it can’t hurt to be a little more precautious this holiday season. By double-checking all of the smoke and CO detector batteries, homeowners can be certain they are up to date. If any other issues arise with the functions of a smoke detector, homeowners should contact professionals to ensure their smoke and CO detectors are functioning properly.

Unplug All Cords When No One Is Present

Last but not least, it’s important for homeowners to unplug all of their decorations at night and while they are away from home. Without anyone present or awake to ensure no decorations or lights caught aflame, it can be quite dangerous to leave things such as string lights plugged in. As they say, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Even if lights have a timer set to turn off while homeowners are at work or asleep, it’s better to make sure they are unplugged to best ensure they are doing everything possible to prevent an electrical fire.

About Trustworthy Electric Inc.

The professionals at Trustworthy Electric Inc. live up to their name. Since 1994, they have been dedicated to providing honest and professional service to their customers. With a guarantee to offer repairs on the same day they arrive, customers can guarantee they are in the right hands. Call Trustworthy Electric Inc. when you need reliable electrical services in Montgomery, AL.