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Electrical Safety FAQ
1389 days
Home Owner FAQ
Why ought I get my home’s electric system inspected?
A recent study from the FPRF or Fire Protection Research Foundation showed older homes may have life-threatening electrical conditions that need to be inspected and corrected by electric experts, such as a certified electrician. Electric fires that begin behind your walls can be amongst the most dangerous and deadly. Your family and the fire alarms in your home may not notice an electrical fire until it is fully engulfed, affording you less time and fewer choices for escape. Having your abode inspected by a skilled electrical professional person, such as a qualified electrician, is a simple step to protect you, your family unit, and your household.
Who would be considered a ?qualified electrician??
A qualified electrician is a disciplined professional who has skills, knowledge, and experience associated with the installation and repair of electric cabling and equipment. These electricians ought be familiar with the electrical building code prerequisites in the localities in which they do work, and should likewise be familiar with the most recent requirements of the National Electrical Code? (NEC?). If you’ve an older home and need it inspected, you also might want to consider finding an electrician who’s familiar with the NFPA 73, Electric Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings.
How much does an electrical inspection cost?
For a assortment of reasons, the price of an electrical inspection may deviate, although it’s typically low in comparison to other costs related to purchasing a home. Above all, the value of such an inspection is clear. By identifying potential perils before a dangerous situation occurs you’ll be protecting your family and your home.
My electrical outlets appear new. How do I know if there’s a problem in my home?
A recent first-of-its-kind study from the Fire Protection Research Foundation shows that substantial electrical system risks can exist and may stay out of sight within and ?behind the walls? of older homes. The best way to evaluate and improve the electric safety of your home?s electrical system is to have it scrutinized by a competent electrician.
Can I do my own wiring?
Our lives virtually depend upon the safe utilization of electrical energy in our homes. Electricity is a leading cause of home fires in the United States. Even what some might think of as a ?minor? problem can lead to fire. So, it’s always safest to consult a educated electrical professional prior to having any electrical work done.
What type of wiring should my home have?
If wiring is properly installed and maintained, even aged wiring can continue to perform effectively and safely. Troubles can occur in any type of wiring when it’s not been properly put in or maintained. Problems also come about when changes, that did not meet well accepted, established safety provisions, have been made in the electrical system after the home was originally constructed. For owners of older homes, it’s vital that their entire electrical system be scrutinised by a qualified electrician. Confer with these professionals to ascertain what wiring would fit your home best.
What is the National Electrical Code? and how does it affect my home?
The National Electrical Code?, or NEC?, is the world’s most widely embraced electrical safety code. The code is on a regular basis updated to include the latest safety provisos and is issued by the National Fire Protection Association. Homeowners should insure that all electrical work done in their home conforms to the current electrical safety provisions. To do so, work with a qualified electrician.
What sorts of electrical safety risks can I look for on my own?
* Check electrical cords to make sure the wires are not beaten-up, cracked or loose. Whenever the cords need to be repaired, take the item to a professional repair shop, employ a qualified electrician, or replace with a new item.
* Make sure cords are not coming across thresholds or below carpets and avoid pinching cords against walls or furniture. If needed, have a qualified electrician put in more outlets.
* Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) reduce the danger of electrical shock by interrupting the electrical circuit when a electric shock hazard exists. Your home should have GFCIs about kitchen countertops, in bathroom(s), near laundry and utility sinks, in the garage, outside areas, in crawlspaces, and in unfinished basements.
But remember, the recent, first-of-its-kind written report from the Fire Protection Research Foundation demonstrates that real electrical system dangers might exist and can remain concealed in older homes. The best way to assess and improve the electrical safety of your home is to have your home audited by a trained electrical professional, such as a qualified electrician.
Where are ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) required to be installed by the current NEC??
The 2008 National Electrical Code? (NEC?) mandates GFCI protection for all 125V, 15A, and 20A receptacles installed:
* in bathrooms
* to serve kitchen countertop surfaces
* near wet-bar, laundry and utility sinks
* in garages and accessory buildings
* in unfinished basements or crawl spaces
* outdoors
* near a pool, or almost anywhere else you are likely to come across water or moistness.
The NEC? also now expects that if you replace an existent outlet in a position requiring GFCI protection, you must put in a GFCI.
If your home does not have GFCIs in these areas because the electrical system was installed in accordance with prior editions of the NEC?, you may desire to look at installing GFCIs anyhow. In the United States., GFCI outlets are very low-cost. Valuate your own risk factors: Does your finished basement ever get wet? Do you have little children? Do you employ your garage outlets to power outdoor tools? Does H2O or melted snow ever pool inside your garage? If so, you had better, at a minimum, have GFCI protection in those regions.
What problems constitute a fire risk?
Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have:
* Continual problems with blowing fuses or tripping breakers
* A tingling feeling when you contact an electrical appliance or other metallic objects
* Discolored or warm wall outlets
* A continual burning aroma or rubbery smell coming from an appliance, room, or area
* Flickering lights
* Sparks from an electric outlet
* Animal or insect infestation with the possibility of them gnawing on wiring
* Degradation due to moisture or flood damage
* Aged homes with out-of-date wiring that may demonstrate signs of cracking or damage to the wire insulating material.
Once again, check with a qualified electrician prior to doing any work on your electric system.
If my house doesn’t meet some of the rules and regulations, what should I do?
If you’re planning to modify your wiring, first check with your local building department about the licencing, permitting, and inspection necessities that may apply in your community. Prior to doing electrical work, we recommend that you have your home?s electrical system visited by a trained electrical professional person, such as a qualified electrician. And, make sure that work done in your home meets the most current electric safety requisites.
Do It Yourself Wiring – What You Need To Know Before You Purchase New Light Fixtures
1445 days
by ClintonR
in Electrical
Do It Yourself Wiring – What You Need To Know Before You Purchase New Light Fixtures
By John Pielecka
Lighting is one of those home improvement projects that everyone loves to do. Change that old chandelier to a fancy new one, or that small lighting fixture to a larger one that adds more light in the room. And one of the most popular ones, change that small light to a nice new ceiling fan. These are all great improvements to your home and relativity easy to do yourself, but whether you decide to do it yourself or hire an electrical contractor to do the work there are some things you need to consider before you go out and buy those new lighting fixtures.
The first thing you need to consider is the power requirements of the new fixture. If you are changing an old fixture with only one light bulb to one with two light bulbs, this will most likely not be a problem. But if it is a larger fixture or a chandelier you will need to take this into account.
You can go about this by finding out what is on the existing circuit that you intend to change the fixture on. Go to your main electrical panel and turn off the breakers until you find out which circuit the fixture is on. Next you will need to find out what is on that circuit, so with only that breaker off check and see what other fixtures or devices do not work. Next you will need to add up the current draw on the existing circuit, as per code you are only allowed to draw 80% of the current provided for by the circuit breaker protecting the circuit. For example if it is a 15 amp circuit breaker you are only permitted to draw 1200 watts, which is a total of twenty 60 watt light bulbs. At first glace this may seem like a lot but I have seen people have 20 60 watt light bulbs on a single chandelier.
Checking to make sure that you don?t overload the circuit is very important; you will also need to make sure that the switch or dimmer is rated for the proper current draw of the fixture.
The next thing you need to look at is the weight of the new fixture, the box you are attaching it to has to be rated for the weight of the new fixture. Different electrical boxes have different ratings as far as the weight that can hang from them. This will only come into play with larger fixtures or ceiling fans. A ceiling fan must be hung from a box that is rated for a ceiling fan. If you are installing a heavy fixture or a ceiling fan you will most likely need to change the box also.
The National Electrical Code allows you to hang up to 50 lbs. from any electrical box that is threaded to accept No. 8-32 machine screws. Make sure your electrical box is securely fastened before you hang a new light fixture from it. If your light fixture weighs more than 50 lbs or is a ceiling fan, you will need to install a fan brace box. Check the label to make sure the box is designed to support the weight of your fixture.
Considering these aspects in advance will help you be better prepared for the project before you purchase the fixture. It will also keep you safe and compliant with the National Electrical Code.
John has been in the electrical industry for over 20 years and is currently running wireityourself.com an online do it yourself home wiring site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Pielecka
Aluminum Wiring Hazards When Buying a Home
1445 days
by ClintonR
in Electrical
Aluminum Wiring Hazards When Buying a Home
By Michael Del Greco 
If aluminum general circuit single strand wiring exists keep in mind it has been linked to an increased risk of house fires. The house fires are caused by overheating at connection points.
Further inspection and evaluation by an electrical contractor familiar with aluminum wiring must be conducted prior to expiration of your inspection contingency to determine what upgrades are necessary or desirable. All connections must be checked for signs of damage or overheating. Expect it to be difficult job that few electrical contractors around “want to do”.
The connection points can experience overheating or become loose due to the properties of aluminum wiring. Upon fitting the wiring with special connectors and outlets, the wiring is considered to be safer. Contact the home owners insurance company you intend to use to determine if coverage will be impacted. Please point your browser to http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/516.pdf for more detailed information!
Even if you as a buyer do not care about the aluminum wiring you can rest assured that the person who buys the home from you when you sell it may very well ask you to pay to cure the hazard.
Aluminum single strand wiring is all Romex type (non-metalic) I have never heard or seen any single BX type wiring.
Michael Del Greco is President of Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm. He has performed thousands of home inspections in New Jersey since 1993. He has taught the New Jersey Home Inspector Licensing classes and New Jersey Home Inspector CEU classes as well as participated in developing questions for the National Home Inspector Exam. Michael’s home inspector resume may be viewed at http://www.accurateinspections.com/michael2.htm.
Visit http://home-inspector.NewJerseyHomeInspection.com for a list of home inspectors in New Jersey.
This article may be freely reproduced if it is not altered and the above two lines are reproduced with active hot links.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Del_Greco
Electrical Circuits and the Effects of Current
1445 days
Electrical Circuits and the Effects of Current
By Karel Kosman
An electric circuit (also referred to as electrical make) is a closed circuit of electrical conductors in which a current of electricity flows from one or more charged sources. Negatively charged electrons move within these conductors using electrostatic forces. The intensity of the current running through the circuit depends on the charged source, the device consuming the energy, the cross-sectional size and length of the conductor, and the temperature and nature of the substance the conductor is composed of.
A simple electrical circuit is made up of a source (a battery or other source producing electrical energy, such as a generator), a consuming appliance which, using this electrical current, executes some work (such as the light that a light bulb emits), and the wire (conductive substance) which joins the various components of the electrical circuit.
The [breaker] switch serves to disconnect or complete (connect) the electrical circuit. Most circuits can be disconnected by a single switch. A mechanical switch is made of movable metallic parts which join together to allow the current within the circuit pass through. When the switch is turned “off”, this section of the circuit becomes open, meaning a break in the circuit is created.
There are many types of switches which contain a minimum amount of mechanical components, like electronic switches such as transistors.
The magnitude of a current is measured in amperes. Electric output is the product of electrical charge (voltage) and current, whereby, with a constant electrical output, there is indirect proportion between voltage and current.
Because the electrical current serves to transfer energy to an appliance or some equipment, it may cause harm to organic matter, where touching a part of an electrical circuit charged under voltage may cause burning. The extent of damage depends on the magnitude of the current and on the duration of the contact.
Even with low voltage equipment, touching even one of the conductors poses a threat to life, in particular if the person is standing on good conductive material, such as a wet floor (amperage, or the speed of flow of electricity, is what can kill you, not voltage alone).
Electrical current can be harmful to skin (may cause burning) and can also induce a heart attack. Because our muscles are controlled by electrical currents coming from the brain, a body subjected to a current of electricity may induce a short circuit of the heart muscle, which can result in a cramp and a subsequent ceasing of heart activity.
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Electrical Circuits and the Effects of Current Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karel_Kosman |
Electrical Safety Training – Best Electrical Safety Tips For Your Home
1455 days
Electrical Safety Training – Best Electrical Safety Tips For Your Home
By Joseph Celestine
Every home has electricity flowing through it and normally safe however, if you have young children or are planning to do work on you home, you must make sure you have some basic electrical safety training and electrical safety rules. Electricity is a part of modern society however without the proper precautions electricity can kill very easily. This article will give you some very basic electrical safety tips.
Small children love to learn by exploring and touching. Parents and caregivers must diligently remove any electrical hazards in their home and keep their children safe. First remove or repair any loose electrical lines. If you have loose electrical sockets or frayed wires protruding from the wall, you should have the issues fixed by a trained electrician. You can easily find one on the Internet. Also, replace any frayed power cords on electrical appliances you use. In some cases you can have a frayed power cord repaired but you should also consider replacing the appliance completely.
After any electrical wiring issues in your home have been repaired, take some time to learn about electricity and what to do in the case of an emergency. When there are small children in your home you must know what to do in the case of an electrical emergency. Purchase a training DVD that will explain electrical safety in an easy to understand detail. If learning from a DVD is not for you, some communities offer electrical safety training for free through the electrical power company. The goal of learning about electrical safety is to not become an expert in electricity or electrical repair but to gain enough knowledge to be able to react in an emergency.
Now that you have training and the most pressing electrical hazards in your house resolved. Start childproofing your home. Cover all electrical sockets with plastic electrical socket covers to prevent your child from poking items into the sockets. Be sure that the covers you choose to use cannot be removed easily by your children and are large enough that they are not a choking hazard.
Finally, prepare for the possibility of an electrical fire by purchasing a fire extinguisher specially designed for electrical fires. Water should never be used on an electrical fire because the water has the potential to cause the fire to spread. Knowing about electrical safety means being prepared for the possibility of an electrical fire by purchasing a chemical fire extinguisher and checking the charge on your extinguisher yearly.
While chances are you will never need to use your electrical safety training or use your fire extinguisher the knowledge of electrical safety tips in the home is vital to protecting your children. Take the time to take electricity and electrical safety rule serious and your house will be happy and healthy for years to come.
Learn more about electricians in Lake Mary Fl, electrical safety training, electrical safety tips and electrical safety rules quickly and easily by visiting http://www.lakemarybusinessdirectory.com a very popular website that provides resources, articles, and Seminole County consumer information and business reviews.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Celestine
How To Repair A Florescent Light
1455 days
by ClintonR
in Electrical
How To Repair A Florescent Light
By Bill Eller
Repairing a florescent light can be done easily and quickly. If you change out the bulbs and the lights do not light up bright, it is probably the ballast. Make sure the light switch is turned off. This will insure that there is no power at the light fixture. The tools required for this procedure are wire strippers, lineman pliers, nut driver and multimeter. See tool list section for more information.
Remove the bulbs and the center cover. The center is usually held by tabs. You can squeeze the cover and get it out of the tabs on either side and drop it down from the fixture. Carefully remove the wire nut from the black wire coming out of the ceiling and connected to the ballast. Note: this is the “hot’ wire. Use the lineman pliers to separate the black wires. You can put the wire nut on the wire that comes out of the ceiling for safety while removing the ballast. Disconnect the white wire in similar fashion. Next use the wire strippers to cut the remaining wire connected to the ballast within 2 or 3 inches of the ballast. Use the nut driver to remove the nuts holding the ballast in place. Note: the ballast me be physically warm to touch. you can use a rag or cardboard to hold the ballast while removing the wire nuts. The ballast will have a model number on it. Most home florescent lights have 120volt ac ballasts that can be purchased at the local hardware store.
Use the nut driver to install the ballast. Connect the red wire to red wire and the blue wire to blue wire. The 2 yellow wires on the ballast are then connected to the 2 yellow wires going to the light sockets. You can twist the slack wire together to keep it tucked under the cover. Connect the white wire to white wire and last connect the black wire to black wire. Replace the cover and bulbs and you are done!
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I am a retired electrician with over 30 years experience. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Eller |
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