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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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June 23, 2018 at 2:39 am

Electrical Safety Tips This Summer

electrical safety

Bathing under the sun and frolicking with family and friends all sound like perfect summer fun. However, if you disregard the importance of electrical safety, you might be spending the rest of summer recovering from an injury or depressed over property damage. Let our quick guide help you enjoy summer more by keeping safe in terms of electrical use.

Tips on Electrical Safety For Summer

Don’t let accidents and injuries ruin your summer! Follow these electrical safety tips so that you can enjoy the warm season as much as you can:

1. Stay away from plugged-in devices when your hands are wet.

Summer is a great time to dip in the pool or take a bath as often as you can, but it’s also exposing you to a higher risk of electrocution especially when your body is still wet.

Before handling appliances and devices that are plugged in, make sure to dry your hands first. Water (whether tap or chlorinated) and electricity form an electrifyingly deadly combination.

2. Keep electrical devices away from water.

Another common blunder is when people put power strips, extension wires, or charged devices near the pool or bathtub. A few splashes of water onto electrical devices is all it takes to damage property or cause physical injury. If it’s possible, place electrical wires and devices at least 10 feet away from any source of water.

As an alternative, consider using charged or battery-operated devices instead of plugging them into live electricity.

3. Cover electrical outlets and receptacles near wet areas of the house.

Whether it’s the bathroom or your pool deck, make sure that your power outlets are covered when not in use. The same is true with exposed receptacles. This will prevent water from splashing onto them and causing untoward incidents.

4. Consider installing electrical safety devices.

For areas where moisture is common – such as the bathroom or kitchen – you may want to think about replacing your existing power outlets with GFCI variants. These devices shut off the power to the outlet when it senses short circuiting caused by moisture seepage.

5. Learn how to address electrocution cases.

In the event that there is electrocution, do not attempt to rescue or resuscitate them. They may be carrying extra charge that may also electrocute you as you touch their skin. Instead, immediately dial 911 so that the first responders can address the issue.

Final Word

Being in the know in terms of electrical safety will definitely make your summer memorable for the right reasons. If you live in Seattle and have electrical concerns, give us a call at 206.855.5061 and Wire Craft Electric personnel will get in touch with you.

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June 7, 2018 at 2:40 am

Charger Adapter 101: Why Does It Heats Up?

Charger Adapter Heating Up

If you own a laptop or smartphone, have you experienced having your charger adapter heat up while you’re charging the device? Most people dismiss this phenomenon as normal, but this may be a sign of something serious.

Reasons Why A Device Charger Adapter May Heat Up

Let’s run down some of the reasons why some adapters heat up as you plug them.

Normal phenomenon

Most causes involve a standard warming up of the adapter’s resistive components.

Incompatible charger adapter

A charger with a terminal that’s compatible to a device port (say, a micro USB cable and port) doesn’t necessarily mean that the charger may be used to charge the device. In some cases, this may cause an increase in temperature on either the adapter or the device itself.

Cheaply made devices

Some devices are dirt-cheap and may not have gone through strict electrical or electronic evaluation to clear them from potential risk. In the same sense, some third-party adapters may not be built with the proper safety precautions as those coming from big-brand or OEM companies.

Placing connected chargers on heat traps

Have you noticed that your charger or smartphone heats up during a charge? When you put it on the bed or a cushioned surface? That’s because this kind of surface restricts air flow on the device or charger. This essentially traps the heat and thereby increases the temperature.

A quick fix would be to place the device or charger away from a cushioned surface and onto a flat table. You may also put it on a rack or platform where air can flow freely to remove the heat off the device.

Device malfunction

When the smartphone, laptop, or any electronic device has an electrical malfunction, this may cause a short circuit. It surely heats up either the device itself or the connected adapter.

Electrical system abnormality

Although this is a rare occurrence, an issue with your power outlet or the electrical loop may cause a heat-up of your device charger adapter. This is difficult to diagnose, especially if you’re not well versed in terms of electrical stuff.

Are You Suspecting Something Amiss in Your Electrical System?

There’s nothing wrong with being too careful, especially when we’re talking about home electrical concerns. If you think that your charger adapter is heating up, you can reach out to us.

Let our electrical professionals at Wire Craft Electric troubleshoot the source of the problem before something untoward happens. Whether you are in Bothell, Seattle, or Bellevue, we have you covered. Call us today!

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June 4, 2018 at 2:39 pm

How To Clean Electronic Home Appliances Safely

cleaning appliancesCleaning the house is a pretty common chore, but it’s another thing when we’re talking about cleaning the appliances at home. If you’re not careful about cleaning electronic home appliances, you might end up with physical injury or damage of equipment.

While most appliances – whether it’s in the kitchen or your entertainment room – have safety features that prevent electrocution as much as possible, an incorrect method of cleaning them may do more harm than good.

Safety Tips on Cleaning Electronic Home Appliances

Check out some of the best tips on cleaning appliances safely and without damaging them:

1. Unplug before cleaning

Small appliances have circuits and wires that are close to each other and cleaning them (especially with wet implements) may lead to short-circuiting. The best preventive measure is to turn them off and unplug them before cleaning.

2. Clean electrical cords

Wires of electronic appliances tend to build up dust and grime over time, especially those used in the kitchen. You may clean the electrical cord with a moist rag or a feather duster, but make sure that it’s not plugged in. Don’t use harsh chemicals that may corrode or eat up the wire insulation.

In case you see a frayed or exposed wire, don’t use the appliance anymore. Have it fixed before use, or replace it altogether.

3. Identify washable parts before starting the cleaning process.

If you’re considering to wash the blender with soap and water, think again! You might be rendering some sensitive electronic parts wet, leading them to damage or a short circuit. Read the product manual to know which parts of the appliance may be washed and which areas need to be cleaned in special ways.

4. Clean air vents

Some home appliances such as compact refrigerators and microwave ovens have air vents that are designed to blow hot air out of the motor and prevent it from overheating. Over time, the vent may pick up dust and debris, which may block the holes and increase the chances of the appliance’s motor to overheat.

Here’s a quick fix: Clean the vents with a moist rag or cotton swab. After cleaning, make sure that the air vent is at least 2 inches away from walls or potential obstruction.

Do You Have An Electrical Concern Regarding Cleaning Appliances?

If you are not sure about handling your electronic appliances or if you feel like something is wrong with your electrical system, give us a call at Wire Craft Electric and our professional electricians will visit your home to do a quick assessment.

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May 30, 2018 at 12:52 am

Electrical Hazards in the Bathroom

electrical hazards

Water and electricity form a literally electrifying combination, and it should be part of your responsibility as a homeowner or building manager to make sure that these two things don’t come into contact with each other. The bathroom is one of the most moisture-exposed areas of the house, and so it carries a lot of serious electrical hazards that you need to take note of.

Electrical Risks in Your Bathroom

If you disregard any of the potential hazards on this list, you might end up with damaged appliances and electrical fires coming from the bathroom.

Unsafe electrical outlets

Most bathrooms have at least one power outlet for small grooming appliances.

Handheld appliances

A hair dryer or electric razor is commonly found in the bathroom sink, and it may be a potential hazard if you accidentally immerse an exposed cord or let moisture seep into the power outlet.

Exposed lights

Hanging lights may look amazing, but remember that there are accidents waiting to happen inside the bathroom.

Exposed wires

Another definite no-no is the presence of bare wires in a moisture-filled area such as the bathroom.

Electrical Safety Tips In The Bathroom

Here are safety tips related to electricity use in the bathroom:

1. Address electrical issues immediately.

If you notice frequent flickering of lights or an abnormal electrical spark when you plug in a small appliance, have your electrical system checked by a professional home electrician. The same is true for exposed wires or busted bulbs.

2. Unplug or turn off unused electrical items.

Nothing is safer than unplugging appliances when they’re not in use. Moreover this prevents a potential electrical issue.

3. Replace old electrical outlets with GFCI variants.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets has the ability to cut off power when a potential electrical issue arises. This is a preventive approach to ensure that moisture seepage into electrical outlets won’t cause sudden sparks or short-circuiting.

4. Don’t handle electrical appliances with wet hands.

Tap water is a good conductor of electricity. Make sure to keep your hands dry whenever you use your electrical razor or handheld hair dryer.

Need Help In Terms Of Electrical Hazards and Safety?

It isgood to follow the tips that we presented above. In addition to that, it’s also a good idea to have your bathroom’s electrical system checked for possible malfunction. With skilled professional electricians in our arsenal, we at Wire Craft Electric offer a wide range of services including home safety inspection and troubleshooting of electrical issues. Contact a professional now.

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May 25, 2018 at 12:47 am

Why Does an Electrical Outlet Spark When You Plug In An Appliance?

why does an electrical outlet spark when plugging in

Why Does an Electrical Outlet Spark When You Plug In An Appliance?

Fireworks may look amazing up in the sky, but it’s definitely going to send you in panic mode if you see sparks flying out of your electrical outlets! These may not look like it can cause a huge amount of damage, but there might be a need to look into it. In this article, let’s list down some of the most common reasons why you see a spark when you plug something into an electrical socket.

Are All Sparking Incidents Cause For Worry?

Before we get into the list of reasons, let’s get one thing straight: An electrical outlet sparking is a pretty common occurrence that (in most cases) is considered normal.

Electrical current runs continuously through your home electrical system, from the main panel to the wires, fixtures, and outlets, and back. The moment you plug in an appliance into the socket, a portion of the electricity gets transferred to the plugged device. The transfer is fast and may result in a visible spark caused by static electricity.

Reasons for Electrical Outlet Spark

Having said that, there are some cases wherein the spark may be an indication of a more serious electrical issue. Here are some potential reasons behind electrical outlet sparking:

Moisture

When water seeps into an electrical outlet, it may cause a spark as soon as you plug in an appliance. Check the source of the moisture entry – it may be an accidental spillage or a roof leak.

If you have a ground fault interrupter outlet, the power may automatically get shut down as a safety mechanism.

Old system

Electrical systems that have been in existence for decades contain wires and outlets that may have deteriorated over time. Loose connections or worn out wires may result in a short circuit and lead to an electrical spark.

Short circuit

As its name implies, this occurrence involves a potential shortcut in the electrical current. Short-circuiting is one of the leading causes of electrical outlet spark. It is something that you need to address immediately.

Worried About Electrical Outlet Spark at Home?

If your power outlets have any of the electrical spark mentioned above, give us a call at Wire Craft Electric.

We can help you fix the issue as soon as possible. An electrical spark may be common. Still take note that it may also be telling you about an undiscovered problem in your electrical system.

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May 17, 2018 at 12:04 am

Keeping Your Pets Safe From Electrical Shock

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Electrical Shock

It’s inevitable for dogs, cats, and other pets to become curious about wires and electrical outlets. When left unattended, this may lead to electrical shock, causing injury and accidents at home. We’ll look at important safety tips to protect your beloved pets from one of the most common causes of electricity-related accidents.

Why should we think thoroughly about electrical safety for pets? For one, most pets are naturally curious, leading them to sniff and lick unusual items such as plugged appliances. Another reason is that most electrical sockets are within the reach – and are about the same vertical distance from the floor – as your pets.

Electrical Safety Tips For Better Pet Protection

If you care for your pet’s welfare, you need to put electrical safety as a top priority. Here are some tips to make sure that your pets are safe from electrical shock:

Cover electrical sockets

Pets may become curious with sockets and lead them to poke their noses and paws in them. Protect your beloved pets from electrocution by installing socket covers.

Organize power cords

When your power cords are disorganized and splayed on the floor, your dog or cat may chew on them. You can solve this potential hazard by binding your wires in clips and tubes, as well as keeping your wires way above your pet’s height.

Fix exposed wires and electrical issues

Exposed wires are accidents waiting to happen, regardless if it involves your pets or the people in your home. Address any exposed wiring or unusual electrical problems as soon as you discover them.

Turn off appliances when not in use

Aside from saving on power costs, shutting off unused appliances can also improve the safety in your home. Appliances plugged into sockets may be too inviting for your pets and lead them to touch these things.

Take your pets away from areas with electrical equipment

A sure way of protecting your pets from electrical shock is to put them in an area where there is absolutely no electrical connection. You may place them in a kennel or a section of your home without nearby electrical wires and sockets.

Most electricians are focused on technical matters, but we at Wire Craft Electric go the extra mile by conducting home safety inspections, troubleshooting common home issues, and other related services. Part of our service include advocating electrical safety and helping you live in an electrically safe home.

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