Author: southernviewmedia

Electric cars are great for the environment. They can also be beneficial for your budget considering you’ll be purchasing far less fuel than you used to. If you have recently purchased an electric car, or are considering buying one, there’s a lot of terminologies that may be thrown your way making it puzzling to determine what you do and don’t need. There is some basic information that new electric car owners should keep in mind when it comes to equipment needs. Keep reading as we discuss how to charge your electric car at home and where the charger will go.

Equipment Needed

In order to charge your electric car at home, you have more options than you’d imagine. Your car can be charged with a 120- volt wall socket. Although this may seem ideal, it does take a long time to charge. For a faster charge, you can install a 220V charging station. This can be time consuming, but can be beneficial for people who drive constantly due to its rapid charge.

Where Does The Charger Go?

Chargers can be residential or commercial. Commercial charging stations are usually found at public facilities such as gas stations. There are also cities that provide public electric charging stations in parking lots. Residential electric vehicle chargers are installed in your garage or a standing unit by the driveway.  It’s important to use an experienced electrician when installing an EV station at home. This will help keep you from overloading your household electricity.

Tips for Charging Your Electric Car at Home

Depending on what option you choose to charge your car, charging it overnight will ensure a full charge throughout your day. Although a car with a full charge is your goal, be sure not to leave your car plugged in for any longer than needed. This can cause your car to over charged, possibly resulting in excess wear to the battery in the future.

Residential chargers are the best way to make sure you are able to keep your vehicle charged. If you have questions about installing an EV station at your home, contact the team at Professional Electric. Our team has the knowledge, training and equipment necessary to help you with whatever your electrical endeavors may be.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Ground-fault circuit interrupter, also know as a GFCI, is the only protection device designed to protect people against electric shock from an electrical unit. In order for a GFCI to work, it needs to be installed properly or the device will fail. GFCI outlets help to protect electrical wiring and receptacles from overheating and potentially catching fire. This helps to reduce the risk of injuries and burns. Keep reading as we dive deeper into a GFCI outlet and how it works.

How A GFCI Outlet Works

A GFCI outlet works by comparing the input current on the hot side to the output current on the neutral side. If there is a difference in current, then there is a current leaking out somewhere, which has the possibility to be someone’s body. In order to protect you from this occurring, the GFCI cuts off the power supply to the leaking device which helps to reduce any human tissue damage from errant current.

Where Should GFCI Protection Be?

GFCI protection should be installed any place there is a receptacle installed in an area that is subject to moisture. Moisture increases the danger of accidental shocks and by having a GFCI it will help to prevent these accidental shocks from happening. In residential areas there should be GFCIs in bathrooms, garages, crawlspaces, kitchens, laundry rooms and other areas prone to moisture throughout the property.

Having GFCI outlets throughout your property will help to make sure you and those who inhabit the property are protected from being electrocuted. If you have further questions regarding GFCI outlets or believe there are areas throughout your residential or commercial property that need GFCI outlets installed, contact the team at Professional Electric. Our trusted team of experts will answer any questions that you may have and will provide guidance on what steps are best for your situation.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric. Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

As the colder weather sets in, many people are turning to their space heaters for that extra bit of warmth. While space heaters are great for convenience and comfort, many house fires are started every year due to misuse. If you use a space heater to heat your home, then it is necessary to follow these proper precautions.

The Three Foot Rule
Experts suggest that space heaters should be kept a minimum of three feet from anything that will burn. This includes paper, curtains, articles of clothing and carpet. This rule not only goes for the front of the space heater but the back and sides as well. While this may be a drawback on convenience, this is a crucial element of safety and fire prevention.

Kids and Pets
Never leave kids and/or pets alone with a space heater and never leave a space heater unattended. The appliance could easily burn your furry friends or little ones. The heater could also get knocked over, causing a possible fire. Unplug space heaters when not in use and store them in a safe place away from children and animals.

Direct to the Source
The Electrical Safety Foundation International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety, advocates against using power strips or extension cords when plugging in your space heater. Space heaters use a lot of electricity and power strips and extension cords can overheat, which in turn could start a fire.

Keep The Unit Level
Always keep the space heater on a level floor. Avoid placing space heaters on top of any other objects or on an incline. The concern here is the space heater tipping over. Not all space heaters have a tip sensor and a heater is face down could get things heated quickly.

Use as Directed
Space heaters are not primary heating sources. They are to be used in addition to your current heating program. Use the appliance for what it is intended for and not as a substitute to heat or thaw items. Do not hang or place items such as clothes, blankets or towels on the heater. This could easily cause a fire.

Maintenance
Routinely check the cord of the space heater for damage or fraying. Check the outer casing for cracks, unusual discoloration and other deformations. Clean the space heater by wiping down the outside and using a can of compressed air to blow dirt and dust from inside the heater.

A space heater is a convenient and easy option for heating your home.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Hummingbird and South 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

At some point or another, all electronics get replaced. Maybe you upgraded to a newer model, perhaps they just don’t get used anymore, or maybe they’ve quit working. No matter what your reason is for disposing of your electronics, they need to be disposed of properly. Electronics can be donated, recycled or traded-in. They should never be disposed of with the regular trash as electronics can contain toxic substances like lead, mercury and cadmium that are harmful to the environment.

The first step when ridding yourself of unwanted electronics is to make sure that you have removed all personal information. If you are throwing out old cell phones, be sure that you erase all personal data and do a hard reset of the phone’s software. The same needs to be done for old computers. Deleting files and documents is not enough. Hard drives must be formatted correctly so that personal data is not recoverable by the next user.

Donate It

Just because you don’t want to use your old technology anymore does not mean that it could not be useful to someone else. Contact local charities or non-profits to see if they have any use for the item(s) that you are getting rid of. Old cell phones, computers, televisions, radios and other electronics are generally accepted if they are still in working condition. Know that these organizations likely do not have the means or resources to repair damaged electronics so they need to be in a reliable, functioning order.

Recycle It

Electronics do not go in the recycle bin like cardboard boxes do. Individual recycling centers are set up specifically for recycling electronics. Do a web search for an electronics recycling center near you.

Trade It In

Technology firms like Apple, Best Buy, Sprint and Amazon, to name a few, have systems in place to deal with used electronics. They know how to recycle the materials appropriately to keep hazardous materials out of landfills and lessen their environmental footprint by reusing old metals and glass. Some manufacturers even offer incentives for returning used electronics. Many cell phone service providers offer money back on a new phone when you trade in your old one and Amazon offers money on an Amazon gift card for eligible trade-ins. So bring your old tech to a firm that knows how to deal with it properly or check with your local retailers to see if they offer any incentives for bringing in electronics.

If you have any questions about disposing of old technology, or if you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services!
Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957
Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Hummingbird and South 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

Lighting is an important part of your home. It can create a specific atmosphere, open up your space, or highlight artwork. The type of lighting you use is what creates the aesthetic that you are going for, but not all light bulbs are created equally. LED bulbs have a multitude of benefits in comparison to regular fluorescent bulbs.

They Last Longer – LED bulbs do not have the filament inside like fluorescent bulbs do so there is nothing to break or burn out. They can last for over 11 years of use at full brightness.

They Are Energy Efficient – regular bulbs lose roughly 80% of their energy to heat loss, leaving only 20% for light. LED bulbs only lose 20% of their energy to heat. Because of their low heat loss, LEDs only require 10-20% of the power that other bulbs do. Energy savings means more money saved on your electrical bills.

They Are More Versatile – LED bulbs come in a variety of colors and shapes. They can replace almost any bulb in the house and they do not have the extra filters that other incandescent bulbs have, which means LEDs give off a truer, brighter color.

They Light Better – LED bulbs come to full brightness in microseconds. They are also able to be dimmed while still maintaining their true colors (whereas incandescent bulbs give off a yellow light when dimmed). Not to mention, LED bulbs also work in silence. There is no humming sound when the bulbs are turned on.

They Are Safe – less heat loss during use means that the bulbs are not hot to the touch. So no more burnt fingers and no more fire hazards for your house. They are also much more durable than regular bulbs, therefore, minimizing the risk of broken glass.

They Are Environmentally Friendly – LEDs do not contain harmful mercury in them as fluorescent bulbs do. Because they also outlast other bulbs and use up less energy, there is a less environmental impact when using LED bulbs.

They Save You Money – as mentioned above, less energy consumption translates to lower electric bills. While LED bulbs are more costly upfront, the energy savings, as well as fewer replacement purchases, add up very quickly to saving you money in the long run.

LED bulbs can be picked up anywhere that light bulbs are sold.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services!
Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957
Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Hummingbird and South 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

In the next few months, hurricane season will be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean you need to let your guard down. Tropical storms and hurricane activity usually peaks during the latter part of the season but you still have time to protect your home. Investing in a whole house generator will give you the power you need in case of an outage.

Convenience
If your home is connected to a natural gas line then you are eligible to have a whole house generator installed by a professional. Unlike portable generators which require gasoline to operate, a whole house generator only needs to be connected to its own natural gas line or propane. This means power will always be available because it is permanently connected to your home’s power system. The whole house generator will also automatically switch the power back on whether you are home or away.

Whole house generators also sit outside the home (much like an air conditioning unit) leaving you less to work do when there is a power outage. A portable generator would require you to go outside during the storm to fill it with gas (assuming you have your gas cans filled). Even though a portable generator will keep the lights on and some appliances, you are limited in the amount of power you have available.

More Power
While having any type of generator is beneficial during a weather emergency, you will want to make sure you have enough electricity to power your entire home. Appliances, medical equipment and heating and cooling systems all require a higher power supply. A whole house generator will not only keep the lights on but will give you peace of mind that your essentials are never turned off because the gas supply ran out.

They are Cost Effective
Nothing is worse than a refrigerator or freezer full of food that spoiled due to a power outage. Medication that requires refrigeration would also go bad if the power is cut to the refrigerator, causing possible health risks. A whole house generator will help keep your family fed and healthy by keeping the power supplied.

Adds Value to Your Home
Installing a whole house generator can be guaranteed added value, especially in our hurricane prone area. Potential homebuyers will like the additional protection it can give them during an extended outage.

Protecting your house and your family is essential during any weather event. Investing in a whole house generator will provide the safety and comfort your home needs during emergencies. Don’t get left in the dark. Call Professional Electric to discuss your whole house generator options.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Lighting is a necessary part of any indoor structure. The type of lighting chosen is dependent upon what you are trying to accomplish. Here are a few things to consider when you are thinking about changing from mounted light fixtures to recessed lighting.

When to use mounted lights versus recessed lights

Mounted light fixtures can come in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and colors. Mounted lights are part of a room’s decor and can be used to add decorative lighting. Smaller rooms with high ceilings are ideal for mounted lights as a single light will do for providing ample light to the space. Larger spaces require multiple light fixtures which can make a room feel cluttered and mounted fixtures on low ceilings can make a room feel smaller.

Recessed lighting is great for providing more light to larger spaces without being obtrusive. More lights can be used without causing the room to feel cluttered. Recessed lights can be strategically placed throughout rooms to highlight certain areas such as bathtubs, sinks, and even artwork. Recessed lighting can be installed in varying sizes, locations and quantities to achieve the desired light. The space between lights will depend on the ceiling height, general illumination goals, architectural details, and any additional lighting available.

Lighting Trims

Recessed lighting can be installed with a variety of different trims which appeal to differing aesthetics.

Flangeless trim – flush with the ceiling for a high-end look.
Flanged trim – a thin ceiling flange that sits on the ceiling’s surface
Square aperture – a square trim casing for a more modern architectural appeal
Round aperture – rounded trim, a classic and simplistic look also appealing to contemporary and transitional styles
Flat trim – for a clean and minimalistic look
Bevel trim – adds a visual depth to the lighting features=
Trim color – trim can come in a variety of different colors including black, white, satin nickel, brass, bronze, etc. It is usually encouraged by designers to have trim match the color of the ceiling. Trim can also be made to blend into wood and stone ceilings.

Additional Features

No matter what lighting you have, you have the option to add a dimming capability to your lights. Dimming the lights is not just great for areas that are considered entertainment spaces such as living rooms. Dimmers are great for any room where you may want to relax, such as bedrooms or bathrooms with tubs. Make sure to have dimming switches and the correct wiring installed when upgrading your lighting.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services!
Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957
Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Design and brightness play a big part in your kitchen remodel. Too dim and you’ll be searching for your silverware or if it’s too bright you’ll outshine your guests. Gone are the days of large, overhead fluorescent lighting. Today, there are several options available that will allow you to combine function with style.

LED Under Cabinet Lighting

A popular option for today’s kitchen is under cabinet light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. Installing LED lights beneath your cabinet will help illuminate the space where you do all of your prep work for your meals. This option is not only energy efficient but it can add value to your home as well. These fixtures are interconnectable to give off a more uniform look and are hidden out of sight. Also, since LEDs use less energy and require little maintenance you will rarely have to replace the bulbs.

This type of lighting also gives off a nice, soft glow when the other lights are turned off. Looking for a midnight snack? LED under cabinet lighting gently illuminates the kitchen without having the overhead lights turned on.

Recessed Lighting

A trend that never seems to go out of style is recessed lighting. What was once found mostly in the living room is now being used in the kitchen. This lighting option is created by hollowing out a hole in the ceiling in order to place the light fixture inside the opening. You can make it energy efficient by using LEDs instead of incandescent or halogen bulbs.

Recessed lighting can also be installed in your pantry and can be used to light a normally dark space. This option can also brighten a kitchen with dark cabinets or one that does not receive much natural light.

Decorative Ceiling Lights

The design of a kitchen shouldn’t be left to the countertops and paint colors; you need to think about the style of lighting you will want to install. From industrial to farmhouse chic, picking the right ceiling light will add value to your kitchen.

A popular option nowadays is the use of chandeliers. The right chandelier can set the ambiance of your space. You have the option of using multiple bulbs that emit light upward. When selecting your new chandelier, consider the length and width of the space you have chosen before it is installed.

Pendant lights come in many shapes and styles, and are perfect to install over an island. Pendant lights usually come in two or three light sources and when installed in the ceiling, emit light downward.

Our technicians at Professional Electric are the experts in lighting and LED installation. You will want a professional in your home and we will gladly meet with you to discuss all of your lighting options.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

Children are naturally curious and are unaware of the dangers of electricity. As their caregivers, we must take important safety measures to protect them from harm by teaching them early on about electrical safety. Here are some simple tips to keep your children safe from electrical dangers.

Electrical Outlet Safety

An electrical socket is such a tempting thing for toddlers. A child does not know that sticking their little fingers or objects into the holes can cause electric shock. Electrical outlet caps are a cheap and easy solution and will help give you peace of mind. All wall outlets throughout your home should be covered including those behind furniture.

For extra protection, call Professional Electric to install tamper-resistant self-test GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in your home. These devices help prevent shock by shutting off power if electrical ground faults are detected. The inserts will also prevent foreign objects from being inserted.

Electrical Cord Safety

Cords plugged into your television or other appliances pose an added danger to children. To them, it seems like a toy but can expose the socket and cause electric shock if pulled too quickly. If possible, keep cords secured behind furniture or cover them with a cord protector.

Appliance Safety

Not only should you keep cords out of reach, but you should keep appliances away from little hands as well. Hair dryers, flat irons, toasters, blenders, electric razors or anything thing that is found on the counter should be placed up and away from curious minds. If one of these items comes in contact with water it may cause harm to your little one.

Outdoor Safety

If you have outdoor outlets, take the same safety measures for added protection. A passing storm may have caused power lines to fall in your yard but they could be hidden by fallen limbs. If this occurs, keep children indoors and call the power company to report any downed lines.

Perform Electrical Maintenance

While childproofing your home, it also an important time to observe any electrical issue you may come across. Flickering lights, faulty electrical outlets, plugs that are not flush, and appliances that do not operate when plugged in are all signs that electrical maintenance is needed. Have a professional electrician come to your home to do an assessment.

Educate Them

Above all, teach them that items such as electric outlets, cords, extension cords, and surge protectors are not to be touched or picked up. Toddlers love to explore and unfortunately, their curiosity can lead to danger. Instructing them to stay away from these potential electrical hazards will help keep them safe.

 

We can help make your home safe and if you have additional electrical questions, look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”

Do-it-yourself home maintenance has become wildly popular. With the popularity of television shows that make it look easy, many homeowners are opting to tackle home repair on their own. While this is a great idea in some areas, in the realm of electrical it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Today, Professional Electric gives you a few reasons to call the trusted experts to address your electrical needs.

Bright idea: Consider that your time is worth money. Between the time it takes to gather knowledge needed to tackle a project, purchase the supplies and attempt the job – you can save money by hiring a professional first.

Saving money: Cost savings is the top reason homeowners believe DIY is the best choice. But in electrical repairs, you can actually wind up spending more by doing it yourself. First, it’s good to keep in mind that a professional will identify the problem accurately the first time. As a homeowner, you may spend countless hours on identifying the problem, re-identifying the problem, then working to try to fix that problem. Hiring a trained professional from the get-go frees you up to handle your other duties.
Safety issues: Electrical repairs and maintenance in the home have the potential to be extremely dangerous. Professionally trained experts have the expertise to take care of repairs and maintenance without risk of harm to you or your home.

Now: DIY on electrical can easily lead to electric shock or fire without much of a warning. You will think, based on your gathered knowledge, that you are placing everything where it belongs, only to start a spark, fire or shock.
Later: Improper wiring can lead to serious dangers in the future such as fires.

Peace of mind: Hiring a professional to address your electrical needs provides immense peace of mind. You will not have any second guessing as to whether or not the job was done correctly the first time or if one area could have been done more properly.

Bright Idea: Don’t leave safety to chance. There is a confidence in hiring a professional with hours of proper training.

Troubleshooting: The experts in electrical repair have countless hours of education and training. They are better equipped to troubleshoot the problem from the beginning and know exactly what to do and how to do it.

Work is guaranteed: Hiring your electrical work to be done by professionals, like us at Professional Electric, not only saves you time, money and safety hazards – but the work will be guaranteed for a certain amount of time.

Here at Professional Electric, we’d like to see you turn the DIY you know into “Doing it Yesterday” because that’s how fast we are!
Take the risk and stress off of yourself and give us a call.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!
© Southern View Media 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.”