How Lightning And Power Surges Damage Your Home Electronics

Lightning storms and power surges can devastate your electrical appliances and devices. A massive burst of electricity can fry just about any kind of electrical circuit. In fact, according to 2016 data by the Insurance Information Institute, more than $825 million was paid to claims of over 100,000 as a result of power surges and lightning strikes. Basically, this highlights the dangers and possible implications of power surges and when a bolt of lightning hits your home. Also, such forces call for preemptive measures such as installing whole-house surge protection. Your local electrician can add surge protection wherever necessary.

Lighting and power surges – an alarming amount of damage

Lightning can damage electronics Just about any kind of electronic device that’s hooked up to an electrical outlet can be affected by power surges. But how is the damage dealt and when? It’s best to understand the principles of electricity and how power surges affect electrical devices. In a nutshell, a power surge happens when there’s a sudden burst of electricity. This can happen in two ways. One is when lightning hits your home and electricity enters the wiring inside your home. The other way is when a massive load of electricity from the mainline suddenly bursts into your home’s electrical system. Without any protective measures, a power surge can damage electronics and more. Power surges can kill off electrical systems If the power surge is too great, it could even destroy your home’s electrical system. Everything from the mains panel, the copper wiring, and everything that’s hooked up to your electrical outlets will all be fried. In such events, you should call an emergency electrician. This is to ensure that there will be no risks of electrical fires. Power surges are notorious for causing electrical fires. In fact, hundreds of thousands of house fires are caused by faulty electrical wiring and more. Large appliance are also affected If you think that large appliances are not so easily affected, think again. Bigger household appliances are equally in harm’s way when it comes to power surges. That’s why you should call a North Myrtle Beach electrician right away in the event lightning hits your home. An electrician can provide you with different options when it comes to surge protection technology. There are individual surge protectors that only provide protection to one or a handful of devices at one time. Some are more complex but can protect the entire household from power surges. Hiring an electrician If a bolt of lightning were to hit your home, don’t panic. Instead, call a professional like NMB Electrician Pros for immediate repairs. At the same time, you should also inform the fire department in case a fire breaks out. If your home is not yet protected by a whole-house surge protector, the damages could be great. On the other hand, having the protective measures in place will limit the damage power surges can inflict.

Are you in need of professional electrical services? If you are, you should call NMB Electrician Pros today! You may reach us at (843) 491-4489.

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

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When Should You Repair Or Replace The Electrical Panels?

The electrical panels installed in your home are expected to last for decades. However, we all know that it won’t last for a lifetime. Given that, here are a few things you need to know regarding when you need to repair and when is the best time to replace your electrical panels. Indoor Lights Frequently Flicker or Dim Your indoor lights should only dim if it has a dimmer switch. Any other cases of flickering or dimming indicates a problem with your utility company or your electrical panel. Utilities, in some cases, experience lower energy availability or brownouts due to blown transformers or major storms. These are commonly isolated situations, and you will know if they are the cause of your problem after you get in touch with your utility company. In case you notice that your lights always dim, like when using appliances such as hair dryers, microwaves, as well as air conditioner, the electrical panel might have to be replaced. Talk to an electrician so you would know if our home’s electrical panel can still provide you the electricity you need or if it is time for an upgrade. Faulty Circuit Breakers Your home depends on circuit breakers to protect its electrical system from both short and overloaded circuits. The breakers function by interrupting the electrical flow if they detect one of these two problems. Though they function automatically, circuit breakers sometimes fail by not being able to prevent the flow in case of a hazardous situation. Broken circuit breakers don’t usually need a total panel replacement. Instead, get in touch with a professional electrician who can fix or change the malfunctioning breaker. Circuit Breakers Regularly Trip Circuit breakers usually last for several years without needing a major maintenance, however, when they begin to malfunction, it is time to inspect it. If your electrical system leads to a tripped breaker, you can usually simply reset it and continue its normal use. Breakers that trip constantly, on the other hand, indicate larger problems such as an overloaded circuit. Homes that are at least 30 years old were originally built with different electrical standards. Although this does not automatically imply that your electrical system is unsafe, it could suggest that the system is not safe, it could mean that the system does not support your contemporary demands. Older electrical panels cannot always cater to multiple devices like HDTVs, air conditioners, as well as clothes dryers operating simultaneously. Constantly tripped circuit breakers as well as overloaded circuits usually need a brand new electrical panel. A North Myrtle Beach electrician can tell you how much power your home requires. The electrical panels of older homes usually top out at 100 amps, but contemporary homes usually have 200 amp panels that will fulfill your family’s electricity needs and have plenty of room for a potential increase in the future. Warm Electrical Panels An electrical panel that feels warm or one that emits a slight burning odor usually is a sign of a bigger issue. These problems indicate that the wiring at the back of the panel is exposed or frayed. Since exposed or damaged wires can lead to home fires and loss of your breaker box, it is best to change the whole electrical panel immediately after discovering these problems. A licensed electrician will take out the electrical pane and check the wiring for potential problems before changing the unit. By updating the electrical panel and receiving experienced advice about the current state of your wiring, you can rest easy knowing that the electrical system of your home is safe. Electrical Panel Has An Outdated Design Electrical panels have changed tremendously over time and several designs that were common during the mid-20^th century no longer meet the modern electrical needs. In case your panel possesses a split-buss design, which depends on a half dozen breakers rather than a single primary circuit breaker, a replacement might be necessary. This design was able to meet the needs of homeowners four decades ago, however, the number of devices most houses power and the amount of power the majority of homes require today makes these old panels susceptible to an overload.

Call NMB Electrician Pros if you are having problems with your electrical panels, electrical outlets, or other parts of your electrical system.

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

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5 Reasons To Buy And Install A Standby Generator In Preparation For Hurricane Season

Hurricane is fast approaching. While our forecasting technology has greatly improved, it doesn’t completely take away the spontaneity of tropical storms. That’s why you should prepare your home for the worst-case scenarios. Power outages could last for days or weeks. It helps to have a backup generator just in case such incidents happen. There are plenty of generators out there and all of them offer a certain form of convenience. However, choosing one is a bit tricky especially if it’s the entire household that you want to run. Portable generators do just fine but they are limited to powering just a few household electrical items. You should ask your electrician regarding the capacity, installation, and type of standby generator that’s suited for your home.

Here are some of the benefits of standby generators over portable ones:

Standby generators are more dependable Portable generators are very convenient in the sense that you can take them anywhere at any time. On average, you can get 10-11 hours on a full tank of fuel at 50% load. They are perfect for camping and other outdoor activities. However, they can only provide limited power and will only run a number of appliances at once. On the other hand, a standby generator can last anywhere from 3-10 days on a full tank. When you come to think of it, when your area is hit by a major hurricane, power could be out for days. Of course, to wire up the standby generator to your home, you will need a North Myrtle Beach electrician. Convenience when it comes to switching power sources If you’ve ever used a portable generator before, you already know that you need to manually turn it on to use it. On the other hand, a standby generator will automatically switch on in 10 seconds after the power from the mainline goes out. This basically means that power will only be slightly interrupted and you can resume per normal. However, a residential electrician must first set it up and hook it to your existing electrical system to make switching power sources possible. Better quality Standby generators are built to last. In most cases, even the base models can last anywhere from 10-15 years. That’s very long service life. Even with just a few years of use, the generator can pay for itself and provide you with backup power when you need it. Lesser noise during operation Due to the small form-factor of portable generators, most of their design is put into power and efficiency. As for noise output, they can generate a lot of noise even for their small size. On the other hand, a standby generator can generate less noise as there are mufflers that greatly reduce the decibel range of the generated noise. Standby generators are less of a health risk When compared, standby generators offer less air and noise pollution than their portable counterparts. Instead of blowing carbon monoxide into the house, it directs all exhaust away from the house since standby generators are often located a few feet away from the house. To set up a standby generator for your home, hire an expert like NMB Electrician Pros.

Do you want to invest in a standby generator? Let NMB Electrician Pros help you out. You may reach us at (843) 491-4489.

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

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Is DIY Electrical Work Completely Legal?

If doing your own electrical work ever crossed your mind, have you ever thought about its implications? It is legal or is there laws preventing DIY electrical work? This article will let you in on whether it is legal for the homeowner to do DIY electrical repair. Read the rest of the article to know more!

Is it legal to perform electrical installation, repair, or maintenance?

The answer basically depends on the laws in your state. However, in most areas, DIY electrical work is completely legal. Of course, it must be given that you are the owner or occupant and that the electrical work is not for commercial purposes. This implies that you are free to do your own electrical work without the need for North Myrtle Beach electrician. But of course, the results won’t be as accurate unless you are skilled enough. Bear in mind that DIY is not for everyone especially when it comes down to electrical work. When is the right time to consider DIY electrical work? There aren’t that many electricians in your area Considering the number of options you have, it’s best to work on your own electrical repairs when there aren’t that many North Myrtle Beach electricians in your area. If you live in a remote or isolated area, the option of hiring a professional might not be as appealing or there’s none at all. It’s too expensive to hire an electrician for repairs, installation, etc. If you’re struggling to fit electrical repairs in your budget, you could consider DIY electrical work. However, if you sum it all up, hiring a residential electrician is much cheaper in the long run. This is because DIY electrical work tends to have lower quality than work done by a professional. Of course, this will depend on your skills. You understand the risks and safety protocols needed One thing that you should understand is that electrical work can be dangerous. If you want to do your own electrical work, you should at least be aware of the possible hazards associated with it. If you really want to proceed with DIY electrical work, be sure that you have safety gear and fully understand the safety measures needed. It is your only option If you don’t have the time to wait and the money to spend, DIY electrical work is even more appealing. If it is your only option, at least do some research on how to do it safely. Always put safety first. Should I even bother calling an electrician? There are millions of videos on the internet that could show you how you could wire a main electrical panel, install lighting fixtures, and more. However, all of these tutorials aren’t as easy when it comes a time that you get to do it on your own. If you want to avoid the hassle and just want the repairs done fast and clean, hire an expert like NMB Electrician Pros. With a professional electrical, you can never go wrong.

If you’re looking for reliable electrical services in North Myrtle Beach, NMB Electrician Pros is here for you. You may reach us at (843) 491-4489.

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

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Electrician Tips On Electrical Safety At Home

Among the worst problems, you can have at home are issues with your electrical system. You can’t see them and are not easy to access. On top of that, if you do manage to get your hands on them, doing your own repairs is a risky business. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly have of all the house fires in 2010 were caused by electrical problems. That’s how dangerous it can be when electrical problems go from bad to worse. You will need to hire a professional electrician to make sure your home’s electrical system is safe to use.

Here are some ways on how you can ensure electrical safety:

Using cords and plugs properly There are two ways on how you can use electrical cords and plugs. There are the right and safe ways and the other ones that will get you into trouble. When using extension cords, plugs, and any other electrical components used for appliances, observe the following:

• Make sure there are no frays or exposed copper wiring in all electrical cords in the household.
• Never lay electrical wiring underneath carpets.
• Only use extension cords for temporary applications and never as permanent fixtures.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safety.
• Don’t overload extension cords to avoid electrical fires.

Proper installation and placement of light bulbs and lighting fixtures When using lights, be sure that the lights are below the max wattage of the lighting fixture. This is to ensure that there will be no overloading. Also, always keep lights at least one foot away from anything flammable. Contact your local North Myrtle Beach electrician to repair any electrical issues. Observe proper usage and application of appliances Some home appliances require special care to avoid electrocution or any other incidents. When using appliances at home, observe the following safety protocols:

• Keep any heat-producing appliances away from flammable materials.
• Unplug appliances when not in use unless specified.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water unless they are designed to be used in or near liquids.

Added safety measures for your home If you have children or simply want to take the extra step towards a safer environment at home, you can always hire your local residential electrician to install certain safety measures. Ask the expert to install GFCIs or ground fault circuit interrupters and AFCIs arc fault circuit interrupters. Warning signs to look out for: If you notice any of these signs, call NMB Electrician Pros immediately. It is important to ensure that such issues are fixed right away.

• A tingling sensation when you plug in a cord or touch a switch.
• Your circuit breaker trips frequently for no apparent reason.
• You smell a burning smell when using an appliance.
• The faceplate of your outlet is warm to the touch and is discolored.
• Your lights flicker continuously.
• Electrical outlets spark when plugging in appliances.

For any electrical concerns, you might have, contact NMB Electrician Pros. We can provide you with nothing but the best electrical services in North Myrtle Beach. You may reach us at (843) 491-4489.

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

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