Tips To Keep Your Electrical Outlets In Top Working Condition

You barely notice your electrical outlets unless you want to charge up your mobile device. While we rarely pay attention to this humble piece of hardware, we shouldn’t forget that it too needs to be maintained. In the U.S., around 25,000 fires are recorded each year due to faulty electrical outlets. This could happen to any home, which is the reason why it is necessary to keep them properly maintained. However, maintaining them isn’t a job for most people. If you’re not a certified electrician yourself or don’t have enough knowledge to do so, don’t try to pass it off as one of your DIY projects. Instead, have a professional do it for you. However, with some info and basic tools, you can see still properly maintain your electrical outlets, here’s what you should do:

Do frequent tests

A cheap outlet tester can save you heaps of money in the future. You can purchase this at your local electronics shop or hardware store. The best part is, you can do it yourself and with no electrical experience needed. All you need to do is insert the three-pronged plug into the outlet and check the light indications. Read the manual and see what the lights mean. This is a quick and easy way to check for faults.

Replace old wiring

This is a bit tricky but if you’re capable enough, this is a doable task. However, for more complex outlets, you should call in your North Myrtle Beach electrician to do the job for you. This job would involve turning off the electricity on particular outlets. If you’re not familiar with the electrical plan of your home, have a professional do it instead.

Don’t use cheap products

While you think you’re saving money on cheap electrical products, think again. Cheap products often come with cheap quality. You will get what you pay for. Avoid electrical shorts by buying top rated products that are designed and tested to handle specific tasks. Substandard products could lead to fires when under load. The heat that builds up in the copper wire could cause the plastic to melt, create a short, and combust.

Maintain all outlets in your house

Safety is your number one priority. Inspect all electrical outlets in your home. Some may be used more than others but it won’t hurt to check each one for issues. Remember, it only takes one faulty electrical outlet to create a fire. You should not take the risk. Outlets inside the home might not be as affected. On the other hand, electrical outlets outside your home may need more attention.

Leave major repairs to the experts

A professional electrician is your best bet against house fires if you find some more serious issues with your outlet. Call in an expert right away if you smell any burning odors coming out of your electrical outlet. Never try to replace your outlet and wiring if you are untrained. If you wish to repair it yourself, do it with utmost caution. However, the best approach is to always leave repairs to the experts.

Need to keep your home’s electrical system working fine? Call NMB Electrician Pros today!

  NMB Electrician Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (843) 491-4489 http://nmbelectricianpros.com info@northmyrtlebeachhomeservices.com

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Things Your Electrician Wishes You Knew

From the installation of new light fixtures and outlets to home renovations and electrical emergencies, electrician North Myrtle Beach can do almost everything. That is why you should have a reliable electrician on your speed dial. These well trained experts are always ready to enhance the comfort, safety, and function of your house. Just follow the tips listed below when working with an electrician so that you will never be left in the dark. Electrical Inspection Before You Purchase All homebuyers needs to get a general home inspection. However, a general home inspector cannot check the electrical system of the house as closely as an electrician North Myrtle Beach would. You should hire an electrician who could give your home a comprehensive electrical inspection, which is crucial especially if you are planning to buy an older house. He will inform you if there are any potential problems or if the house is up to code before you finalize the sale. Never Overload Your Outlet Even if you have enough space to plug in another appliance or a new power strip, that does not mean that you should. Your home’s circuits are made to take on so much. Your electrician would be very happy when you respect that restriction. Additionally, you will also lower the risk of starting a fire or blowing a circuit. Electricians Are Not Appliance Repairmen Is your stove not properly working? Or maybe there is something wrong with your refrigerator? You could get in touch with your local appliance repairmen, the store where you bought the appliance, or perhaps the manufacturer. Please do not call your electrician because this is not your job to fix your appliances. In case there is an issue with the electrical outlet where the appliance in question is plugged into, then that is a different story. Treat Electricians As Trained Professional Electricians are skilled and experienced at what they are doing. They have gone through training and apprenticeships. They stay updated about the local electrical codes and safety standards. A lot of people often make the mistake dealing with them like they are laborers. Some homeowners even try to ask them if they can pay less. Always remember that a reliable and reputable electrician will offer top quality services, which is worth every penny. Listen to them and be sure to pay them appropriately. If, in any case, you don’t trust what they are saying, then go ahead and look for another electrician who can help you out. Electrical Work Is For Pros Only There are some homeowners who are tempted to perform the electrical work on their own to cut costs on home improvement projects. Perhaps you can install a ceiling fan or lighting fixture on your own. However, if the job is much bigger than that, then you have to hire a professional electrician like NMB Electrician Pros. Doing so will save you time, money, and even aggravation down the road.

Call NMB Electrician Pros if you are looking for a reliable electrician in your area.

NMB Electrician Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (843) 491-4489 http://nmbelectricianpros.com info@northmyrtlebeachhomeservices.com

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Choosing, Buying, and Safely Using A Good Surge Protector

A lot of homeowners have more devices than the plugs on their walls, which is why they will most likely find a surge protector behind TVs and under their desks. However, surge protectors vary. There are some versions that may put your gadgets at great risk. Professional electricians have shared some tips to help you identify the good ones and how to use them safely. Power Strip Vs. Surge Protector The first thing you have to remember is that not all power strip is a surge protector. It might sound rudimentary but it is a critical piece of information that you need to know. Although a power strip will divide your outlet into several ports, a surge protector is made to protect your TV, computer, and other electronic devices from power surges as well as any noise or interference on your power line. Power surges might not be an everyday occurrence but they are common enough that they can cause damage to your electrical devices. Choose The Right Surge Protector When buying a surge protector, there are five major points that you have to consider. Purchase the right number of ports – do not simply assume that each surge protector have six or eight ports. There are some that have as many as 12 ports that are well spaced, allowing you to use every one of them. Purchasing the right number of ports can help ensure that you do not need to daisy chain the surge protector. Consider the gear to be plugged into the surge protector – carefully consider the things that you want to plug into the surge protector. You can pick the best one you can afford but you can save some money by purchasing a surge protector that is most suitable for the kind of equipment that will be plugged into it. For instance, you will need a more robust surge protector if what you want to plug into it are your TV and home entertainment. Check For UL seal – According to an expert electrician North Myrtle Beach, You also need to buy a surge protector that is certified by Underwriters’s Laboratories. It must at the very least meet the UL 1449 standards that is required for it to have the label transient voltage surge suppressor. This will help make sure that the surge protector you purchase and take home can really provide protection to all the equipment that will be plugged into it. Check The Absorption Rating and Clamping Voltage - The absorption rating is the amount of energy that your surge protector can absorb before it fails. You need to choose one that can handle at least 6-700 joules. The clamping voltage refers to the voltage that would trigger your surge protector or essentially whenever the surge protector begins to absorb energy. Choose one that is around 400 V or less. Check the warranty – there are some surge protectors that offer warranty the equipment plugged on it for certain damages in case a power surge won’t get through. Find out what is covered and what is not and how you can file a claim in case the surge protector fails.

Call NMB Electrician Pros for more information about surge protectors and more tips on how to keep your electrical system safe and fully function at all times.

NMB Electrician Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (843) 491-4489 http://nmbelectricianpros.com info@northmyrtlebeachhomeservices.com

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Electrical Safety Tips You Need To Know

We all use several electrical appliances on any given day. Electrical appliances are extremely common among modern homes and it is quite easy to forget that there are actual hazards and risks whenever they are being used. Take some time to brush up on how to use them safely and properly and be sure that all members of the family know them. All these can help prevent needless exposure to electrical safety risks and hazards. Basic Electrical Safety Tips Keeping yourself safe when using electrical equipment, light bulbs, extension cords, and electrical appliances. Electrical safety tips should be incorporated to your household rules. It will only take one simple mistake to spark a dangerous fire. But this can be prevented through simple preventive and effective solutions. Appliances

• All appliances must be approved by the Underwriters Laboratories.
• Unplug all appliances that are not being used
• Store electrical cords safely and out of reach of kids and pets.
• Avoid draping clothes or toys over warm appliances.
• Never make amateur upgrades or repairs.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water like pools, bathtubs, and sinks.
• Appliances that produce heat like televisions, clocks, as well as computer monitors should be provided several inches of clearance for good air circulation and cooling.
• Never operate appliances if your hands are wet
• Keep curtains, clothes, toys as well as other materials that combustible should be kept away from heat sources like heating vents, space heaters, and radiators.

Cords All electrical appliances have a cord and several houses use extension cords to increase the range of an electrical outlet. Listed below are some electrical safety tips that can assist you in keeping your cords in good condition to ensure safe operation.

• Always check the cords for kinks, cracks, or frays. If they are, call an electrician right away.
• Cords should never be used for anything else other than their intended purpose.
• Cords must always be plugged in firmly into the outlets.
• Never nail or staple cords to set them in place at any time. In case the cord won’t stay where you want it to be, use twist ties or tape to secure it.
• Don’t place cords underneath rugs because they can become a trip hazard. Plus, you won’t see it if they fray. Covering an electrical cord will also prevent it from staying cool.
• Never change a cord’s plug and that means not clipping off the third prong.
• Extension cords are short term solutions. You should minimize their use whenever possible.
• Use the correct length and weight of extension cord for the task. The cord must also be rated for outdoor and indoor use, whichever is needed.
• When you unplug the cord, don’t tug on the cord itself. You should pull the cord at the outlet.

Outlet

• Unused outlets should be changed to a solid cover plate or childproof caps according to the recommendations provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Never overload outlets with several power strips or adaptors
• Only use the right size of the plug into an outlet.
• You should consider installing a ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in areas that may be potentially hazardous like bathrooms, kitchens, crawl spaces, as well as unfinished basements.

Light Bulbs

• Use bulbs that have the right wattage needs for every fixture. If you are unsure, call an electrician North Myrtle Beach.
• Think about switching to CFL or compact fluorescent bulbs that offer the same level of light but at a lower wattage level.

Call NMB Electrician Pros if you need help in making sure that your electrical system at home is safe, secure, and fully functional.

 

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Do You Need To Update Your Electrical System?

Does your electrical system need an upgrade? Find out a few good reasons and electrical tips as to why you should consider upgrading sooner rather than later. Is It Time To Update? The electrical system of your house is comparable to the circulatory system of your body. The heart is the electrical panel while the veins are the circuits that carry electricity to all the lights, plugs and appliances throughout your home. Your electrical panel will determine how much power is still available for the circuits to send to all the appliances, outlets, and lights in your home. The number as well as the size of the circuit breakers will determine who the power will be spread out in your house. The first things you need to do when it comes to updating your electrical system are as follows:

• Upgrade the electrical panel
• Change the current meter as well as circuit breaker
• Change any damaged, obsolete, or potential dangerous circuit breakers or electrical panel

This will not affect the electrical wiring found inside your house. It will just provide your electrical system the ability to distribute more power to your home’s increasing electrical needs. The next thing to do is to add more circuits that will distribute the power to your appliances and the rooms. Other electrical updates also include replacing old receptacles and adding brand new electrical outlets. Should Electrical Panels In Older Homes Be Updated? Safety is the first and foremost reason why you need to update your home’s electrical system. In several older homes, circuit breakers do not trip even if the circuit is already overloaded. Usually, a circuit breaker will not trip because of a loose connection in some parts of the circuit. There are instances when homeowners become tired of the constant tripping of the circuit breaker. They add up to the problem by changing the current circuit with a larger one that the wire may not even be rated to carry. You need to protect your home and your family from an overload as well as the risk of shock and electrocution. One of the best electrical tips is to install a ground fault circuit interrupters. What Are The Signs That You Need To Update Your Electrical Panel? A few of the indications that you need to upgrade your system include frequent tripping of the circuit breakers, dimming of lights when you switch on other appliances, and you need to use adapters or extension cords so you will have additional electrical outlets for your home. Circuit breaker panels commonly have a life span of between 25-40 years. If what you have at home is older than that, if it is in poor condition, or only has a couple of circuits, and your breaker does not trip, then you should consider updating your electrical system now. Call a reliable electrician North Myrtle Beach to help you out. Call NBM Electrician Pros if you need to update your home’s electrical system or for other electrical-related concerns. Our skilled and experienced electricians are always ready to assist you. NMB Electrician Pros North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (843) 491-4489 http://nmbelectricianpros.com info@northmyrtlebeachhomeservices.com

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