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Fall Electrical Safety

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September 7, 2018 at 3:53 pm

Electrical Safety Tips This Fall

Another season means another reason to have fun! While summer had people depending on air conditioners and cooling equipment, autumn is generally colder. Expect to switch the use of appliances and electrical equipment in this upcoming season, which means you have to look into a new set of electrical safety checks.

Don’t fall into the trap of disregarding electrical safety during the fall season! Check out our tips to keep your autumn as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Safekeep summer electrical equipment

You probably won’t be using trimmers and lawn mowers as often as last summer, and so it’s good practice to put them in their proper storage locations. Leaving them exposed to the elements may degrade these tools and increase the risk of damage.

Prepare your fall tools

Likewise, it’s time to take out your leaf blower and snow clearing equipment. Have a quick check on the tools and their respective wires for signs of damage or malfunction. Don’t use them if you see some issues and have them either repaired or replaced before fall comes.

Check your extension wires

Summer may have been brutal for your electrical system, especially as you use cooling equipment more often. This is the best time as ever to check the integrity of your extension cords. Immediately replace any cords with signs of wear and tear.

Clean up leaves as soon as you discover them

Don’t let fallen leaves collect and cover your outdoor electricals such as lighting installations or power outlets. Failing to clear them away may invite moisture into your electrical system, which will definitely increase the risk of short circuits.

Protect your outdoor electrical outlets

Because the fall season is wetter than summer, make sure that your power sockets are protected from moisture. You may install a screw cover or replace it with a GFCI outlet for better protection.

Prepare for more frequent light bulb changes

Because fall has generally less daylight hours than summer, expect to use your indoor lighting more frequently. Having said that, check the status of your existing light bulbs. Are they still working well or are they showing signs of becoming busted?

It’s also a good idea to stock up on replacement bulbs because the higher frequency of use will definitely shorten the life of your existing lamps. Just be sure that what you’re buying is the correct wattage and compatibility with the lighting receptacle.

Final Word About Fall Electrical Safety

We at Wire Craft Electric are concerned about your safety. If you think there are some electrical issues in your home as fall arrives, give us a call as soon as possible. Our skilled professional electrical staff will attend to your needs pronto!

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August 31, 2018 at 3:48 pm

Ambient, Accent, Task: Choosing The Perfect Lighting For Any Room

ambient lighting

It may look like a simple and minor part of home design, but using the right lighting can drastically change the mood and theme of any house. But did you know that you can choose between three kinds of lighting? In this article, we will look into ambient, accent, and task lighting, and how each lighting type can fit your specific home needs.

Aside from looking at technical stuff, choosing the right illumination for a room involves knowing the three types of lighting. Get to know the difference between ambient, accent, and task lighting, and how you can maximize these concepts.

Ambient Lighting

The most basic kind of illumination is called ambient lighting, which aims to increase the brightness of the entire room. The overall illumination that it produces can cover the widest area of the three types in this article. In other words, ambient lighting serves as the base illumination from which you can accentuate using the other kinds of lighting.

Some examples that make use of ambient lighting include ceiling fixtures, wall-mounted fixtures, chandeliers, and fluorescent lamps.

Accent Lighting

Also called directional lighting, this type is designed to put focus on pieces of furniture or specific areas of the room. Because it is meant to highlight sections of the room, it should be at least three times brighter than ambient lighting.

Some of the best places where you can put accent lighting are behind paintings, near sculptures, besides houseplants, and under cabinet doors.

Task Lighting

This kind of lighting essentially puts a spotlight on specific areas meant for you to accomplish tasks. Some great examples of task lighting include a table lamp on a study desk, mirror lights installed in the vanity table, and ceiling lamps directly above the dining table.

Final Word

Make sure that you know the features of each type before jumping into a decision. More importantly, your electrical system should be ready to accommodate the kind of lighting that you want. We at Wire Craft Electric can help you assess your existing electrical system. That way you can determine the readiness of your home in terms of installing a new type of lighting.

Make use of the lighting types listed above through mixing and matching them inside your home. Look for ways to layer the different types to make your room illumination visually stunning.

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August 24, 2018 at 1:36 am

Electrical Technical Terms That Homeowners Need To Understand

electrical terms

Can you imagine life without electricity? When the power is out, chances are you will feel anxious and on the edge. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to know and understand some of the most fundamental technical terms related to the electrical system.

Although electricity is consumed on a daily basis, most homeowners are not educated on basic electrical terms. What’s worse is that they have little to no idea on the dangers of electrical malfunction and the strategies to minimize accidents when handling electricity.

To enrich your electrical vocabulary, take a look at some of these terminologies that professional electricians use regularly.

Circuit

This term refers to a path or route wherein electricity can pass. Technically it is the “electrical circuit”. Most professionals who handle this type of job are using the term “circuit”.

As the term implies, it’s a circular or looping mechanism. Electricity is carried out by electrons that pass through the circuit. The electrons will do one of two things: (1) leave the circuit towards a ground or appliance, or (2) return to the power source to complete the circuit.

Short circuit

This phenomenon occurs when an ungrounded circuit accidentally connects with a grounded circuit. This is usually caused by an abnormal connection (whether intentional or accidental) in varying voltages. When this happens, parts of the circuit with low resistance may experience overheating, thereby causing fires or circuit damage.

Some of the common culprits of short circuit include faulty wire insulation, house pests, loose wire connections, and malfunctioning appliances. If you suspect any of these issues in your home, take the initiative to call us at Wire Craft Electric.That way we can help you protect your home from further electrical damage.

Circuit breaker

This is a device that automatically breaks or stops the flow of electrical current. It’s usually a safety tool to prevent electrical circuit damage, mostly from a power overload or a short circuit.

You may find this either inside an electrical box or installed on its own in a conspicuous area of your home. Don’t be afraid to touch this device, because this can really save you from electrical accidents.

Ground

This term refers to a reference point of any electrical circuit, either as a connection to the earth or a return path for current. A ground may be accidental or intentional, the latter of which is extremely important in preventing damage of home electrical devices from power surges. In other words, grounding will help your electrical system offload any excess current.

Final Word About Electrical Terms

Basic knowledge of electrical terms is a must for homeowners. This is in order to help identify areas where electrical system problems may arise.

Knowing these things is also important when it comes to describing your electrical problems to the technicians. It would be easier for them to to the troubleshooting and repair.

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August 15, 2018 at 2:50 am

Smart Home 101: Tips and Tools For Upgrading

smart home

With so much technology at your fingertips, you can easily automate your home to become a smart home. With just a flick of a finger or a simple voice instruction, everything in the home may be wired up to be conveniently scheduled for activation.

What’s great is that you can easily turn your humble abode into a fully automated or smart home. Try these tips and tricks to know where and how to start automation in your house.

Consider priority concerns in the home

Is security one of the priority concerns or is it energy consumption? How about coming home to perfect mood lighting and room temperature? Whatever your first preferences to automate are, start looking into options on how to upgrade.

Make an initial layout or list for your smart home

You don’t have to be an engineer in order to plan out how you would like a smart home device to be put in place. There are people who can help you install the gadgets that you need, such as closed-circuit television cameras, alarm systems, and automated lighting systems. All you need to do is make a rough layout where you need the equipment to be strategically set up.

For instance, if you want to use energy efficiently, you may want to schedule when to turn on (or turn off) the electricity in your home. With a smart home, lights and home appliances will be automatically shut off when you leave the house.

Explore your options before deciding on automation

Educate yourself on automation, especially on the do’s and don’ts. Find the most recommended tools or equipment that comply with safety standards. It’s also a good idea to ask friends, relatives or colleagues about their experiences in upgrading to a smart home.

Find a professional to help upgrade your home

After all the planning and research, make sure to tap the services of a professional who can help you with the home automation you desire. We at Wire Craft Electric are ready to answer your queries and respond to your needs. We aim to deliver service that is fast, reliable and of the highest quality.

Final Word

Imagine coming home to a relaxing ambiance with music playing, lights turned on, and the room temperature set to your liking. Those things are all possible, thanks to a smart home upgrade. Once your home is all set up, you will no doubt enjoy the perks of automation.

Just in case you need a help from a professional, you can contact Wirecraft.

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August 11, 2018 at 12:23 am

A Handy DIY Guide To Changing A Light Bulb

How many homeowners does it take to change a light bulb? One person should suffice, but it wouldn’t hurt to know how to properly replace a light bulb. This guide will teach you how to do the light bulb replacement yourself, along with some safety tips.

Steps in Changing a Light Bulb

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly – and safely – replace any light bulb in your home:

1. Shut off the power in the lighting fixture.

You don’t have to go to the main electrical panel to turn off the power all over the house. All you need to do is either turn off the breaker where the lighting receptacle is, or turn the light switch off.

2. Let the bulb cool down before handling.

Some bulbs – especially incandescent lamps and other old models – tend to heat up when they’re lighted up. As soon as you switch the power off, wait a couple of minutes before touching the bulb.

Although LED lamps aren’t too hot to the touch even when turned on, it wouldn’t hurt to be on the safe side when handling hot bulbs.

3. Use a secure platform when replacing overhead bulbs

Never attempt to replace ceiling lamps while standing on a rickety chair! Make sure to use a sturdy ladder or a stable surface that you can confidently stand on without fear of the structure collapsing beneath you.

4. Replace the old bulb with the new one.

First things first, make sure that you know what kind of bulb base you are using – is it bayonet or screw cap? If you don’t know this, you might end up buying an incompatible lamp for your receptacle.

Take a firm and steady grip of the old bulb as you turn it counterclockwise until it gets released from the receptacle. Set aside the old bulb, and then install the new bulb by rotating it clockwise into the socket.

5. Turn the power on.

You will know if you’ve done the job well when you see the bulb get lighted as you switch on the power. If the lamp does not turn on, it might be possible that the installation is loose. Repeat the steps above, then unscrew and screw back the lamp into place.

Final Word

Although a light bulb replacement sounds easy, disregarding safety may cause you to incur additional expenses and increase the risk of accidents and fires. If you have a question or a point of uncertainty when it comes to your home electrical system, don’t hesitate to contact us at Wire Craft Electric.

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July 31, 2018 at 2:09 pm

5 Critical Questions To Ask Your Home Electrician

Electrician

Got an electrical concern that needs immediate attention? If you recently encountered something amiss in your electricals within your house, it might be time to ask for the help of an electrician.

On the other hand, while your home electrical system may look like it’s running smoothly, it probably won’t hurt to ask your trusted electrician about it as well.

Things You Can Ask Your Electrician

Here are five questions that you may ask an electrical contractor in terms of electrical concerns at home.

1. Do you have a license?

One of the first things you need to ask any electrician before working on your home is a license to carry out such work. Contractors who are licensed to carry out electrical work give you the assurance that your electrical concern will be attended to by a professional.

2. Are you insured?

Another factor that separates good electricians from the sketchy ones is whether they offer an insurance for the work that they do. The electrical professional should be able to present an insurance policy when you ask it from them. This is critical, in case something goes awry during the job.

3. How long will the job take?

Time is of the essence when it comes to electrical work – especially in the case of electrical fires or frequent flickering of lights. Don’t hesitate to ask the electrician about the duration of the work.

Knowing how long the job will take brings a lot of benefits:

  • Gain an idea when you can use the electrical system again.
  • Assign people who will stay at home while the work is ongoing (especially if you need to go to work).
  • You will know when to keep kids away from the area and when they are safe to return.
  • You can estimate how big the problem is, and perhaps prepare yourself in terms of expenditure.

4. Can you give me a cost estimate?

Speaking of expenses, don’t be afraid to ask the contractor for a cost estimate. You can refuse if the total cost goes beyond your budget.

In that case, do any of these things if you feel like the cost is too high:

  • Ask for a reconsideration of the offer
  • Ask which parts are important and which ones needs future attention
  • Look for another electrical contractor to ask for their price quotation

5. Do you offer free assessment?

Most electrical contractors offer free checkup of your electrical system, and will only bill you as soon as you’ve agreed on the course of action to take.

Final Word

It’s perfectly alright to ask your electrician some tough questions. After all, handling your home electrical system is no light matter. Feel free to ask us at Wire Craft Electric, in case you have electrical queries.

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July 23, 2018 at 3:03 pm

Steps To Put Out An Electrical Fire

How to put out an electrical fire

Steps To Put Out An Electrical Fire

What will you do if you see an electrical outlet burst into fire? It’s easy to panic when you witness this phenomenon, especially if you don’t know what to do. Before you make things worse, learn these steps on how to properly address an electrical fire incident.

What To Do In Case of an Electrical Fire

1. Do not panic.

The most common reason why an electrical fire becomes worse has something to do with heightened emotions. Most people go on panic mode when they see fire, most especially when it’s coming from an electrical appliance or power outlet.

This first step cannot be stressed enough: calm down.

2. Cut off power in the affected area.

As soon as you identify where the electrical fire is happening, look for a way to shut off the electrical power in that section. If it’s a small appliance on fire, unplug it from the outlet. If it’s a wire or receptacle, shut off the power at the panel.

3. Use baking soda as a first aid.

When you’ve isolated the fire and made sure that there’s no more power supply to the affected area, you may douse the fire with baking soda. This is effective when the fire is small and controllable, such as a burning toaster oven or power strip.

4. Never use water to put out the fire.

Even if you know that you’ve disconnected the burning electrical appliance from the source, do not attempt to put the fire out with water. Chances are, you may not have totally removed the electricity yet, and this may cause an electrical shock. Remember that tap water conducts electricity pretty well, and this would make things worse if you get electrocuted during the process.

5. Call emergency services or an electrician.

Regardless of what happens after the four steps above, don’t forget to call professionals who can address the issue permanently and suppress the fire totally. You may call us at Wire Craft Electric so that we can assess the situation right away.

If the fire hasn’t stopped yet, it’s always a good idea to call 911. In short, don’t be too confident and say that you’ve stopped the fire yourself.

Final Note

Always be on your toes when it comes to home safety, especially when we’re talking about electricity. By preparing for an emergency event such as an electrical fire, you can prevent further damage and be able to address the issue without batting an eyelash.

Again feel free to contact us just in case you need help and support.

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July 20, 2018 at 12:11 am

How To Save Big on Power Costs During Summer

power costs

Your home air conditioning unit and refrigerator are probably working overtime these days, as the summer season peaks. Here are some cost-saving tips to bring down your electricity bill even in this hot weather.

Check how efficient you’re using energy at home

One of the first things you need to do is assess the integrity of your electrical system and the efficiency in using energy inside your home. You may not realize it, but you’re sending money down the drain just because you’re wasting electricity.

Keep indoor climate intact

Maintaining the temperature inside your home may involve heater systems or air conditioning units, but you can improve the energy efficiency by making sure that external factors aren’t affecting your indoor climate.

Here are some practical ways to keep the temperature stable inside your house:

  • Close your doors and windows as often as possible.
  • Seal any cracks and gaps in windows and doors.
  • Add window curtains to filter out sunlight or the outdoor atmosphere.

Use alternatives to cooling systems

In some cases, the ambient temperature is still bearable and you may not need to turn on the AC. One cheap alternative is to install and use a ceiling fan.

Consider adjusting the thermostat up

Are you sure you need freezing cold temperatures to survive the summer? One technique to save on power costs is to turn up the thermostat to the highest possible temperature that you can handle. You can actually save roughly 10 percent a year if you set the thermostat at least 10 degrees higher.

Use natural light

If temperature is not a problem with you, try to save on electricity by using the natural illumination of the outdoors. Open up your curtains to let the sunlight in and brighten your house.

You may also consider installing a roof light – that is, converting a portion of your roof and ceiling into thick transparent glass. This allows natural light to come into your home while still being protected by the outdoor elements.

Switch to energy efficient lighting

Summer is the perfect time to change your light bulbs because most of the day is naturally illuminated anyway. If you’re still using old incandescent bulbs, replace them with CFL or LED lamps. This can actually reduce your electricity bill for lighting by more than half.

Final Tip on Power Costs

Regardless of the season, using electricity efficiently can let you save significantly on power costs. Don’t miss out on this last tip: turn off any electrical appliances when not in use. A lot of people disregard this simple act, but it can really cut down your electricity expense.

You may tap us at Wire Craft Electric, and we’ll be more than happy to check the energy use in your house.

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July 6, 2018 at 12:04 am

Important Things You Need To Know About Electrical Insulation

Electrical Insulation

When it comes to electrical safety, insulation is one of the first lines of defense that you need to implement in your home. Can you imagine holding live exposed wires when you connect them to a power source? Without electrical insulation, expect severe accidents and real danger to you and your family.

Tips About Electrical Insulation That You Need To Know

Most homeowners won’t be able to notice the sheer importance of insulation on electrical wires. In this article, we will look at some important information about electrical insulation.

Materials may be classified as an insulator or not.

When talking about insulation, know that some materials conduct electricity (known as conductors), while others don’t (such as insulators). In its most basic description, insulators possess high resistance to electrical flow. In other words, if you come in contact with an insulator, it’s very unlikely for you to get electrocuted.

Note: Most metal objects – such as copper wires and steel prongs – conduct electricity well.

Electrical Insulation

When have an object, do you know if it’s an electrical risk or not?

Some of the most common insulators that you’re probably seen and even touched include plastics, glass, clay, rubber, and Teflon.

Rubber was used in the early days as the main insulating material for electrical wires. These days, though, manufacturers have shifted to plastics.

Electrical Insulation

Through the years, insulated wires may become exposed due to natural degradation of the insulation. Make sure that you perform a regular inspection of your entire electrical system to check for exposed wirings and other electrical hazards.

Wire insulation comes with labels.

You may not notice it, but electrical wire insulations have proper labels for proper uses. Here are some examples:

  • T = thermoplastic, the most common type of insulation
  • H = heat-resistant up to 75 degrees Celsius
  • HH = heat-resistant up to 90 degrees Celsius
  • N = coated with nylon to withstand oil and gasoline
  • W = resistant to moisture

Most electrical wires at home make use of a combination of these insulation properties, most notably THWN and THHN.

Final Word

As a safety precaution, make sure that all wires and conductive materials have insulation or taken away from reach. In case you need assistance Wire Craft Electric are just a phone call away!

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July 1, 2018 at 9:03 pm

Static Electricity, Its Dangers and How To Prevent Them

The Dangers of Static Electricity and Preventing It

The Dangers of Static Electricity

Have you experienced getting jolted by a spark of electricity when you touched a door knob or hand rail? Today, we will talk about static electricity, the dangers of this common occurrence, and tips on how to protect yourself from injury or property damage.

What is Static Electricity?

In a scientific perspective, static happens when there’s an imbalance of charges between two objects. When two surfaces experience an electrical imbalance, only one of two reactions will occur:

  • The surfaces will repel each other, when they have the same charge.
  • The surfaces will attract each other, when they have opposing charges (positive and negative).

We generally witness static electricity in the following scenarios:

  • The hairs on your head stand when electrons from a hat transfer to your hair.
  • When you rub a balloon against a carpet of a piece of clothing, it will stick to the wall without any adhesives.

Why Is Static Electricity Dangerous?

The danger of static electricity comes when the transfer of charge is so great that it creates a spark. One of the most common occurrences of static electricity dangers is refueling a vehicle. The driver may be carrying excess electrons, which may create a spark when you touch the fuel pump. Exposing the spark to volatile gasoline may create an unexpected combustion.

Another danger is static electrical shock. When an object builds up too much electrical charge with no means of release, you may get electrocuted as you touch the charged object.

Tips To Prevent Damage By Static Electricity

Here are some effective tips to make sure that risks caused by static electricity are minimized:

  • Avoid wearing rubber-soled footwear: Rubber is an excellent insulator, and so wearing rubber-soled shoes may create a significant amount of static in your body.
  • Apply grounding in your home appliances: Some of the devices in your house may collect static electricity over time, if there’s no way to discharge them. Make sure that your appliances have a grounding mechanism in order to release the excess static.
  • Ground yourself: If you think you may be carrying some static electricity, touch an inert metal object to discharge the electricity.
  • Keep indoor air humid: Dry air increases the risk of static electricity buildup in your home. The best way to address this is to keep the relative humidity above 30%. A humidifier may do the trick.
  • Keep skin moisturized: If your skin is dry, it has a higher likelihood of developing static electricity. You may apply lotion or moisturizer on your hands and skin.

Final Word

Static electricity may look like a small concern but disregarding the source of the problem may prove to become catastrophic. If you need help assessing the electrical safety of your home, don’t hesitate to contact us at Wire Craft Electric. Our skilled professionals are on standby waiting to address your next electrical concern.

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