Here are some sommon questions we get about electrical issues.
As an experienced electrician, I am frequently approached by clients seeking guidance on maintaining or updating their electrical systems and finding ways to save on energy costs. I have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions covering various topics such as grounding, circuit breaker tripping, do-it-yourself electrical work, determining when it is necessary to upgrade your panel, whole house surge protection and more. My goal is to help you make informed decisions regarding your electrical needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me should you have any further questions or require professional assistance.
Answer: Circuit breakers are designed to trip when an excessive amount of current flows through them. This is often caused by overloading a circuit
Answer: DIY electrical jobs can be dangerous and risky, and it is recommended that you hire a licensed and experienced professional to do the work. Electrical work requires careful planning and execution, and even minor mistakes can have serious consequences like electrical shock, fire, or damage to your property.
A licensed electrician, like Altitude Electric, has undergone extensive training and knows how to handle electrical tasks safely and effectively. Electrical codes and regulations are in place to ensure your safety and compliance with the law.
Answer: If you are planning on adding significant electrical loads to your home or if your panel is old and shows signs of wear and tear, upgrading your electrical panel is strongly recommended.
Answer: Your electrical system should be checked every few years by a licensed electrician to ensure it is functioning correctly and to identify potential hazards.
Answer: Your electrical system should be checked every few years by a licensed electrician to ensure it is functioning correctly and to identify potential hazards.
Answer: One common reason is voltage fluctuations in your electrical system, which can be caused by overloaded circuits or power grid issues. Another reason could be faulty or loose wiring, especially if the flickering occurs when you turn on or off an appliance. Old or damaged light bulbs could also be a culprit. If your lights are flickering frequently and you are unable to identify the cause, call Altitude Electric for diagnosis and repair.
Answer: Using 3 prong plug-ins is absolutely necessary for your safety. The third prong, which is called the ground prong, is vital in providing an alternative path for the electricity in case of a malfunction in the device or appliance you are using. Whenever an electrical fault occurs, the ground prong is designed to swiftly route the excess current to the ground, thereby averting the risk of electric shock. Not only that, the ground prong also helps to prevent electrical fires by significantly reducing the buildup of static electricity or sparks.
Answer: Electrical components require grounding to ensure safety. Grounding refers to the process of connecting the component to the earth using a wire. This essential practice aids in preventing electric shocks to people and protects sensitive equipment. Failure to ground electrical components can cause electric charges to accumulate and pose a hazard to people, as well as damage electronic parts.
Answer: A circuit breaker may trip due to a variety of reasons. Overloading the circuit is a common reason for circuit breaker tripping. This happens when too many appliances or devices are drawing more current than the circuit can handle. Short circuits can also cause a circuit breaker to trip, which happens when the hot wire touches a neutral wire, causing a sudden and significant increase in current. It usually requires a licensed professional electrician to fix, so If it happens frequently, call Altitude Electric.
Answer: A short circuit happens when two electrical wires touch each other when they are not meant to. This can cause too much electricity to flow, which is dangerous and can start a fire or break electrical equipment. Signs of a short circuit are:
1. A switch flipping off or a fuse breaking
2. Sparks or fire coming from electrical things like plugs, outlets, or machines
3. A burning smell or smoke coming from electrical things
4. Machines or devices not working or being weaker than normal
5. Buzzing or humming sounds coming from electrical things
If you think there is a short circuit, turn off the electricity in that area, unplug any machines, and get help from a professional electrician.
Answer: Whole-house surge protection is a system that is installed in a home’s electrical panel to protect all of the electrical devices and appliances from power surges. Power surges are sudden increases in electrical power that can damage or destroy electronic devices, including televisions, computers, and refrigerators.
Benefits of whole-house surge protection include increased safety for homeowners and the longevity of expensive electronics. These devices often experience damage from surges in the electrical grid, which can lead to costly replacements or repairs. The system will ensure that electronics will remain protected from unexpected power surges. Additionally, whole-house surge protection can also increase the value of a home for potential buyers who value advanced safety features.
Answer: Switching to LED lights can save a significant amount of money on your energy bill. LED lights use around 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. For example, if you replace a 60 watt incandescent bulb with a 10 watt LED bulb, you would save 50 watts of energy every hour that the light is on. Over time, these savings can add up to a significant amount. The cost of LED bulbs has decreased over the years, making it easier and more cost-effective to switch. Additionally, LED bulbs last much longer than traditional bulbs, which means that you will also save money on replacement bulbs and maintenance costs.
