HELPFUL ELECTRICITY FACTS

• For any new installation or remodeling job that requires electrical wiring.
• If you are resetting circuit breakers on a regular basis, your circuits may be overloaded and need replacing.
• When your lights are dimming when other appliances are turned on, there may be a drop in voltage, and a need for an electrician.
• When your lights flicker or you smell an electric-type burning odor, wiring connections may be at fault causing arcing to occur.
• If you overload outlets, run extension cords, or use many power outlets for your appliances, you should consider having additional outlets installed to prevent fire hazards.
• Fear of doing an electrical project yourself is the best reason to hire an electrician - it will give you peace of mind and protect your home or business.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) outlets must be installed in any area where electricity and water could come into contact, including bathrooms, kitchens, basements, pools, spas, utility rooms, attached garages and outdoor areas.

The are three basic types of GFCIs:

1. Receptacle - used in place of the standard outlet - protects against ground faults when electrical appliances are plugged in.
2. Circuit Breaker - GFCIs installed in a panel box to protect select circuits - designed to shut off electricity in the event of a ground-fault, or will trip when a short circuit or an overload occurs.
3. Portable - a plastic enclosure with plug blades in the back and receptacle slots in the front that plugs into an outlet receptacle - the electrical appliance is then plugged into the GFCI. Portable GFCIs allow flexibility when using receptacles not protected by GFCIs.

Certain electrical circuits require Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) in order to meet ‘national electrical code’ requirements. 

An AFCI is a circuit breaker designed to prevent an electrical fire by disconnecting the power from a circuit when an unintended electrical arc is encountered.

An example of an unintended electrical arc is a downed power line caused by storms or trees falling. 

For more information related to AFCI protection visit the AFCI Safety Organization.

It is impossible to cover all questions related to electricity on this website. We are happy to address any other questions you may have. 

Please CALL or EMAIL us with your  inquiry:  

Phone: (434) 447-2688

E-Mail: electmod@yahoo.com