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Water and Electricity a dangerous combination

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October 19, 2018 at 3:29 pm

Water and Electricity: Is it a Dangerous Combination?

Time and again, we at Wire Craft Electric have been consistent in warning our clients – and you, our beloved followers – against exposing electrical components to moisture. This is especially critical in moisture-prone areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and the outdoors. But have you stopped to think why water and electricity don’t go well together?

The Science of Water

In its purest form, water is an electrical insulator. Meaning, it shouldn’t be able to conduct electricity or allow current to flow through it.

The danger lies with the components dissolved in water, specifically the ions in it. Although pure water doesn’t conduct electricity, this form of water doesn’t come naturally. In fact, most of the water that we come into contact with – tap water, bottled drinking water, or rain water – contain ions from varying sources.

Ions are particles that are electrically charged in their natural state and are good conductors of electricity. These particles turn the inert water into a natural electrolyte that allows current to pass through in the presence of an electric voltage.

Pure or distilled water does not contain ions, and so it won’t conduct electricity.

Avoid Combining Water and Electricity

You can be sure that you’re using distilled. Sweat from your skin, suspended particulates from the air, or dirt from the container’s surface can contaminate it. The best safety tip is to keep water and electrical components away from each other.

Safety Tips to Avoid Water-Electricity Contact

Make sure to implement these safety precautions to prevent any potential contact between moisture and your home electrical system:

  • Keep hands dry when handling electrical wires and plugs. You don’t want to become a human electrical conductor, do you?
  • Unplug electrical appliances when not in use. This is especially critical in moisture-prone areas – say, a hair dryer inside your bathroom or an induction cooker beside the kitchen sink.
  • Keep electrical devices and extension cords away from water puddles or running water sources.
  • Hire a professional electrical contractor to install electrical connections in swimming pools or bathrooms.
  • Use battery-operated appliances instead of electricity-driven devices for areas near water sources.

Final Word

If you want to be absolutely sure about the electrical safety in your home, give us a call at Wire Craft Electric. Our professional electrical personnel can perform a comprehensive electrical safety audit to identify risks and address them before they become worse.

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electrical system safety

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October 5, 2018 at 2:56 pm

How To Keep Your Electrical System Safe When You’re Away From Home

Are you sure that your electrical system is safe every time you go out of your house?

Whether you’re leaving for work or taking a vacation for the fall, keeping your home electrical system in check is absolutely critical in preventing accidental property damage or loss. After all, you can only monitor so much of your home whenever you’re away.

Before leaving your house unattended for a certain period of time, take precautionary measures to ensure safety and security of your home electrical system. Check out our safety tips below:

Unplug all appliances

The best first step in keeping your electrical system secure is to disconnect any plugged appliances from power sockets. Especially if you’re going away for a number of days, keeping your home appliances plugged in (even though they’re turned off) may still be at risk of short circuiting or faulty grounding.

Shut off the main power

Another safety tip to secure your home is to turn the main breaker off. This is only applicable if you have no perishable items in your refrigerator. However, this may not be a good idea if you have a security alarm system installed in your home – it won’t activate if you have no power at home!

Install electrical safety devices

You won’t know what freak accident may happen in your home while you’re away, and one potential risk is a lightning storm. To keep your system protected from a sudden bolt of lightning that may hit your house, it would be a great idea to install power surge protectors for the whole house.

Check the outdoor environment for potential hazards

Look out for anything outside your home that may cause untoward electrical accidents. These may include a bunch of dry leaves covering an outdoor lighting fixture/. Also some electrical wires exposed to moisture, and growing plants that may snap off nearby power lines.

It may be best to seek help from professionals. They are such as electricians, gardeners, and landscape architects to check the safety of your immediate outdoors.

Final Word

No one wants to enjoy a destination vacation or go to work, only to return home with an electricity-related accident. Make sure to maintain your electrical system regularly.

Need help inspecting your home? you can contact Wire Craft to help you out.

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power strip vs extension cord

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September 28, 2018 at 2:50 pm

Power Strip vs. Extension Cord: Which One Should You Use?

When talking about electrical accessories at home, it’s easy to interchange some of the common items that we see. Such is the case of the power strip and the extension cord, which are two distinct things. In this article, we will look into the difference between a power strip and an extension cord, and the right choice for your intended purpose.

Power Strip

As its name implies, a power strip is composed of a series of electrical sockets with a cable and electrical plug at its end. This device is designed to accommodate and power up multiple electrical devices that are in close proximity to each other, say the devices inside an entertainment room.

Some power strips come with a circuit breaker as a precautionary measure in case a short circuit or power overload happens. In some modern designs, power strips may have an automatic shut-off feature when the device or appliance remains unused for a number of hours.

Extension Cord

Based on its name alone, you can already predict what this electrical accessory does. An extension cord is a long electrical cable with at least one socket on one end and an electrical plug on the other. It is designed to extend a power outlet to a distant electrical device or appliance.

Extension cords come in a variety of forms, depending on the use. Some are only 2 feet long, while others run 30 feet or longer.

Situations Where Power Strips and Extension Cords Are Used

It’s easy to confuse the two terms, especially since some manufacturers have designed power strips with lengthy cables similar to most extension cords. However, the main difference between the two lies in the purpose:

  • If you want to multiply the number of electrical outlets from a single source, use a power strip.
  • If you want to stretch out a power source towards a distant appliance, use an extension cord

Here are some of the best ways to maximize the use of the power strip and the extension cord:

Power strip:

Entertainment rack with multiple audio and video devices, computer setup with printer and router, permanent installation of multiple sockets.

Extension cord:

Appliances far away from an electrical outlet, temporary electrical setup, extension of power to occasional outdoor appliances.

Final Word

Whether you use a power strip or extension cord, make sure that safety is at the top of your priority. Never overload a power strip with so many appliances, and don’t make an extension cord permanent.

Knowing the purpose of each tool, you can maximize the use of either the power strip or the extension cord.

If you need help installing a power strip at home, feel free to contact us at Wire Craft.

Unsure if your current electrical configuration is safe? Schedule a home inspection today!

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extension cords safety tips

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September 21, 2018 at 4:02 pm

Safety Tips When Using Extension Cords

Can you imagine a world without extension cords? These electrical accessories have evolved as indispensable tools in any home.

Although extension cords provide better distribution of electricity throughout your home, it’s important to keep them in tiptop condition. Make sure that you follow these safety tips to prevent accidents and property damage:

Check for signs of wear and tear

Exposed wirings or evidence of burned sections are telltale signs that something is bound to go wrong when you use the extension cord. Either address the issue immediately or replace it with a new extension wire.

(If you need help in checking your extension cord and your home’s wiring system for potential risks, give us a call at Wire Craft Electric, and we can do the work for you.)

Choose a safety-certified product

Although some extension wires may be more expensive than others, choosing a premium product may prove to be a wise financial decision. Having said that, look for a seal or certification to prove that the extension cord has been tested by a laboratory and labeled safe to use.

Protect the cord from moisture

Wet electrical accessories automatically invite short-circuiting, which may increase the risk of electrical fires in your home or facility. Make sure to use extension cords away from water sources.

If you need to use cords in moisture-prone areas such as the bathroom or kitchen, never use the extension cord when you observe that it is sitting on a water puddle.

Unplug unused cords

Precaution is always welcome in terms of electrical safety, and one simple but effective way of achieving this is by cutting off the power in unused items. The same goes with electrical cords – if you’re not using the extension cord, unplug it from the power socket.

Don’t use extension cords permanently

It’s easy to disregard the use of extension cords, which may lead you to use it on the same set of appliances for long periods of time. If you notice that you’re using a particular electrical appliance regularly and on the same spot, you might as well install a wall-mounted electrical socket.

Note that extension cords are meant for temporary connections only.

Never overload an extension cord

The convenience that extension cords bring to any home is vast. The effect is that you may find yourself plugging in too many electrical devices into the same cord. This is a big no-no, as extension cords can only accommodate so much electrical resistance.

Avoid “octopus” connections to the extension cord, where you plug in 4 or more appliances into a single extension wire. You may be inviting danger into your house!

Final Word

The extension cord is an extremely helpful tool to widen the scope of electrical supply in your home. Just make sure that you’re using it safely and effectively. This is so that you can get the most out of this handy electrical accessory.

Need help with any electrical concerns? Wire Craft can help you out. Reach out to us now.

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save on power costs

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September 14, 2018 at 3:56 pm

How To Save on Power Costs During the Fall

As the cold inches back into the new season, you need to prepare yourself for power consumption that involves heaters and other home appliances at the same time, save on power costs.

Here are some effective techniques to reduce your electricity bill during autumn:

Make the Sun Your Friend

With longer nights this season, expect to use your indoor lighting more. If you don’t want to spend too much on lights, use the natural brightness of sunlight to illuminate your home.

One way of doing this is by opening your curtains and letting the sunshine into your house. If you already have a sunroof, that’s even more fantastic!

In addition, because the fall is colder than spring, use the warmth of the sun as your natural heater. In short, make the most out of the sun.

Replace your light bulbs with long-lasting products

Because your home lighting will be used more during fall and winter, you need lamps and bulbs that will last long. Make sure to replace any busted bulbs with LED lamps.

Aside from its long service hours, LED lamps use significantly less energy than old incandescent bulbs.

Seal any window or door gaps

The heater will definitely become one useful device during the fall, and especially more during winter. However, you cannot use it efficiently if there are entry points for the cold outdoor environment. This includes cracks and gaps on windows, and the gap under the door.

You may buy caulk, ready-to-use window seals, or weatherstripping materials from your local hardware store.

Ready your heater and other electrical components before use

After being on standby for some time, your heater may need to be checked before using it again. Before fall sets in, make sure to schedule servicing for your heaters. The same goes with heat pumps and furnaces.

Schedule an electrical safety inspection

While you’re in the momentum of having your electrical equipment serviced, it’s also a good idea to schedule an evaluation of your entire electrical system. That way, you can address potential electrical issues before the new season kicks in.

Feel free to call us at Wire Craft Electric, because electrical servicing and electrical home safety inspections are just some of the services that we can help you with.

Final Word to Save on Power Costs

As with any other season, you can always optimize your electricity use by knowing how to handle electrical appliances and manage your indoor environment. We hope the tips above will help you enjoy the fall and save big at the same time.

Need more advice on power cost savings? Reach out to us at Wire Craft.

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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 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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