FIVE COMMON SUMMER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Frozen treats, dips in the pool, and air conditioning are what summers are made of. If you are seeing any signs of a power struggle in your home to keep these cool things working, be sure to have them checked out. The electricians at Professional Electric will be happy to check out your home if you are observing any of these problems:

1. TRIPPED BREAKERS may be a result of overloading your circuit with an air conditioner or fan on a circuit which is already close to its limit. Try turning off some other devices in the area. You may know what the issue is if you were vacuuming or making coffee or running the microwave when the breaker tripped. You may need to move some items to other circuits or simply stagger usage so that different things run at different times. You may also want to consider calling Professional Electric to have an inspection. We can tell you whether your wiring is obsolete and what we can do to fix it. Remember that older homes were not designed with the electrical needs of today’s families in mind. Only in the last two generations have we needed outlets galore in every room, and circuits upon circuits for appliances. Our grandparents had lamps and radios, with possibly one television in the whole home. Today, we have entertainment centers, computers, and more in nearly every room. So, if this is an ongoing problem, you may need to add circuits, or even consider a rewire of your home to bring it to a point of safety.

2. CEILING FANS may be operating backwards if you haven’t switched them for the summer. Remember that your fans should turn counter-clockwise when looking up at them in order to pull the air down. While powering down to reverse direction, take the time to clean it well and wash the shades for the lights. Turn them off when you aren’t in the room, as they don’t really maintain temperature, but instead offer a cooling sensation by moving the air across your skin. Also consider replacing the older lightbulbs with LED options while you have the ladder out to save money year-round!

3. OVERUSE OF EXTENSION CORDS may be an issue if you don’t have outlets where you need fans. Extension cords are designed to be a temporary solution, and should never be buried under carpets or rugs. Inspect them for wear or damage, and unplug them if you feel warmth or heat when running your hands down the length of the cords. Do not plug extension cords into other extension cords.

4. FLICKERING LIGHTS when the cooling system kicks on may be a sign that your system is not functioning properly. Call Professional Electric for an inspection of your cooling system. It may be as simple as a cleaning or coolant charge. Remember that when your appliances are not functioning at peak, you will be paying extra on the electric bill for the added power.

5. BROWN-OUTS are a more systemic issue, and in most cases are not caused by one consumer. The demand for power during the high heat puts such a drain on resources that the power dips, and you may see lights flickering or hear your appliances groaning. When this is an issue, the power company may ask you to conserve usage by waiting to do laundry or other household chores until evening or night hours.

Don’t live with electrical issues. Get them resolved. Wiring problems are not an inconvenience, they are a safety issue. Professional Electric can help you sleep better at night knowing that your family is safe and protected. Give us a call.

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 to Keep it Professional!

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HOW MANY CIRCUITS SHOULD BE IN YOUR MOBILE, AL HOME?

There are many factors which play into the answer to this question, so instead of a minimum number which could easily change, we are going to look at a checklist:

● You should have two circuits which are designed for small appliance use in the kitchen and dining room areas. These are strictly for the operation of your coffee machines, blenders, food processors, toaster and convection oven, and other such devices.

● You will need to add circuits for your other kitchen necessities, such as the dishwasher, garbage disposal, and a range hood. These may not be shared with the two circuits above so you may need one or two circuits for these items.

● Refrigerators and freezers should be on designated circuits as well, but you may share a circuit with the two appliances. In homes with more than two refrigerators or freezers, don’t put more than two on any one circuit.

● You will need a designated range circuit if you have an electric range. This will be a two-pole breaker with at least a 40-amp rating. If you have a separate double oven or wall oven, consider a second one for that.

● You may have one circuit for a single bathroom, and if it is not shared between bathrooms, you may also add the lighting to it, so it is best to consider each bathroom a separate entity and put a GFCI at the first point in the room, or use a GFCI breaker in the panel.

● Expect to use one circuit for every 3 volt-amperes per square foot. You may have two or three circuits in a small house, and many more in a larger one.

● Basements, attics, decks, and other areas of the home will need lighting at minimum, and several circuits at maximum, so the intent of use will determine your needs. Depending on whether you have multiple recessed lights in the ceiling or a couple lamps plug in can determine the number of circuits, accordingly.

● Many of these circuits, especially those in damp or outdoor areas, or near water, will need to be GFCI protected. Sinks, laundry areas, bathrooms, basements, and garages are some of the areas which will need them. Some codes also call for AFCI protection, so be sure to ask.

● Remember that if you have the capacity in the panel, it is much better to break the circuits down in such a way that you have more than you need. Overkill is good in this case, as you shouldn’t have problems later with overloading. Building a home, or even re-wiring one, isn’t something that you want to do twice.

As you can see, your home may have an entirely different number of required circuits needed. The basic criteria is the same, but each home is very different. You may have many bathrooms, a lot of lighting, or several entertainment areas. Either way, don’t overload your circuits because this can be a fire hazard and cause problems in the future.

Remember that if you are unsure, in over your head, or overwhelmed, we have electricians available who will help you get the job finished, correctly, and on time. Give Professional Electric a call and Keep It Professional!

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.

TOP CAUSES OF ELECTRICAL FIRES

Per the National Fire Protection Association, between 2010 and 2014, there were over 45,000 fires per year involving electrical issues. These fires caused more than 400 deaths per year, and over $1.4 BILLION in property damage. Are you guilty of doing any of these things which may contribute to those statistics?

1. IMPROPER USE OF AN APPLIANCE causes many fires. This section has many applications and may include different ways to misuse items. For instance, how many of you have ever put a 100 watt bulb into a light with a maximum rating of 60 watts? Most of us have at one time or another, because we just need that extra light. Right? Well, there is a reason that lamp or light is rated for the wattage that it is assigned, and you do risk overheating when you substitute. In fact, for the best protection, switch to LED light bulbs. You can go larger with those, as they don’t use as much energy, and they don’t give off heat. The light is awesome, and you should be able to see whatever you need to see. Another instance of misuse is leaving a heater on when you are gone. This can result in a fire also.

2. OVERLOADING may be on a circuit level, or even the whole home. If you have an older home, and the wiring has never been touched, you are more than likely overloading the existing power feeds. How do we know that? If you have a home from the 1900’s or even as new as the 1950’s, we can be certain that the electrical usage during the time when the home was built was minimal compared to today’s needs. In the 1900’s, most rooms had a lamp or two. There may or may not have been a refrigerator or washing machine, and later a television or stereo. However, only in the last few generations are there computers in every home, and now there are multiple mobile devices. Entertainment centers hold a wide array of electronics which allow our televisions to do everything imaginable. If the home has been upgraded, you can still get into trouble by stringing electrical cords. Some fires are also caused by changing a breaker or fuse to a higher amperage just to stop tripping from overloaded circuits. Unless you know what you are looking for, or have a thorough inspection done, the fact that a previous owner or tenant may have changed out a breaker could go completely unnoticed. When this happens, the wiring in the home is no longer protected, and heat and fire may result.

3. TIME is an enemy of mechanical connections everywhere. Although tightened properly when installed, screws and connectors may work loose over time, especially if the technique was not perfect when completed. Even poorly made joints in wall and ceiling boxes may suffer over the years, and cause problems later.

If you are not sure of the condition of the electrical system in your home, Professional Electric can do a complete and thorough home inspection to get a clear picture of your power supply. We can help remedy any issues that you may suspect, and bring your home up to code. Give us a call today to schedule that appointment.

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 to Keep it Professional!

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HOW TO TEST YOUR METER BASE

If your electric bill has suddenly gotten higher than you expected, but you don’t think you are using more electricity, there are a few things you can do to verify your usage.

First, turn off the main breaker in your panel, which will turn off the power to everything in the house. If you have other buildings on the power supply, you will want to turn off each one. Now go to the meter, and verify that the usage is zero. You may want to wait a little while and be sure the usage is still zero. The conclusion to be drawn here is that there is no creeper voltage draw. What is being registered is actual usage.

If you still feel there is a mystery, switch all breakers off. Turn your power back on. Begin turning breakers on and checking to see if any of them speed the meter up more than expected.

Most hardware stores will carry an item called a Kill-a-Watt. This device plugs in between your appliance and the outlet, and will tell you the usage of your home needs. As your appliances age, they are less efficient. Other reasons exist as well, such as the coils needing cleaned on your refrigerator, or a loose belt on the washing machine. Regular maintenance of your appliances is a good idea.

Ask yourself if anything is different. If you have a well pump, are you hearing it cycle more frequently. If so, check immediately to be sure there are no leaks in the plumbing which would keep the pump running. Are you running air conditioners that haven’t been used for a few months? Did you install a pool, and now have pumps and heaters working to keep the pool clean and warm? Is there a new freezer in the garage? Did you add new lighting in the pole barn? If necessary, walk room to room and area to area, and make a visual checklist. If you have livestock, and are running fans for them, this may add to the electric bill. Have you been doing more laundry or taking more showers than you were for some reason? Are the children leaving items on when they leave their rooms?

Go online, and study the usage charts of your home. If you have a smart meter, you can verify actual breakdowns by 15 minute segments. You will be able to see the air conditioner cycling off and on, and how things change based on the activities in your home. Check the rate for each Kilowatt Hour. Did the cost of your energy go up? Were there any new taxes or surcharges added? Are you paying for that new wind farm up the road?

A little detective work will usually provide several ways to cut costs. You will feel better about paying the bill when you know it is legitimate. You will also be able to see it drop as you eliminate unnecessary usage.

If you would like to conduct an energy audit to obtain a professional opinion, give Professional Electric a call. Their knowledgeable electricians will help you assess your usage, provide tips and tricks, and get you back in control. 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.

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SIGNS THAT YOU NEED TO REPLACE YOUR OLD WIRING

Every now and then, we find a very old home that is still wired as it was when it was built. These situations are rare; very rare, in fact. Why is that? Because those older homes couldn’t sustain our usage, and their owners were forced into updating. Let’s look at our needs.

Consider the activities and electrical needs of our grandparents. Even in the sixties, there were only a few electrical items. Our grandparents probably had a black and white television in the living room. Many homes didn’t have a television yet though, they may have just had a radio. There was a refrigerator in the pantry, as most kitchens didn’t provide space for them. Chest freezers were just coming on the scene, and few families had them. Lamps may have been used in a few rooms, mainly the living room or parlor, and the bedroom. Some families had a wringer washer to make life easier, but dryers weren’t common yet. Ceiling lights or wall sconces provided much of the light needed. Even decorative holiday lighting hadn’t arrived yet. Families that had a silver Christmas tree used a gyroscope to throw light on the shimmering branches.

When these homes were built, most rooms had one outlet. The electrical panel was most likely a 60-Amp fuse box, and wiring was knob and tube.

Fast forward two generations. Today every room of the home is an electrical jungle, filled with high efficiency appliances and high tech devices. The kitchen now has a massive refrigerator/freezer combination, dishwasher, microwave/convection oven, and a myriad of small mixers, choppers, blenders, sealers, crock pots, insta-pots, televisions, and more. In fact, today’s challenge is where to put all the electric toys when they aren’t in use. Bathrooms have hair dryers, razors, water picks, heated tile, heated towel racks, saunas, and even televisions and audio systems. Offices are filled with computers, faxes, copiers, several monitors, and televisions. Bedrooms have alarm clocks, televisions, and heated and cooled beds with servomotors to change position of the bed or massage the homeowner. Family rooms have huge televisions, game consoles, and sound systems which would amaze our grandparents. Every room of the house has a charging station for all our devices. Do you see the problem?

It didn’t take long for our usage to hit 60-Amps, and soar right on past. Today, most homes are built with a 200-Amp panel and include many breaker slots.

In between these two extremes, there are thousands of homes with 100-Amp panels, two-bladed receptacles, and many other issues. Just as the 60-Amp panels were blowing fuses in the seventies, there are often issues with homes built in the sixties or earlier, which weren’t ready for the usage we see today.

The most common signs are ungrounded receptacles, lack of ground fault protection in damp locations, a shortage of circuits in the home, especially in the kitchen, office, and family room, and shared breakers in panels due to a lack of available breaker spaces. If you have these issues, you are aware of them by now, due to the problems created by them.

If you have never had an electrical inspection by a qualified electrician, and you have had issues with tripping breakers, or you are always either searching for an extension cord or a three-prong adapter, please give Professional Electric a call. Let us dig a little deeper and be sure that your home has been properly updated, and not band-aided with poor quality electrical work.

A quality home electrical upgrade will not only make your life more efficient with ample receptacles in every room, GFCI circuits where needed, and properly isolated circuits throughout the home to avoid tripping them constantly; it will also make your home safer. There is a risk of electrocution or fire in homes with outdated wiring. Our knowledgeable electricians will help you assess your usage, provide tips and tricks, and get you back in control. 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.

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WHAT IS STATIC ELECTRICITY AND WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?

Static electricity is an accumulated charge caused by an imbalance of electrons and protons on things around us. Rubbing two materials together may slough off an atom or two as they touch. This creates an imbalance in one of the materials, which sits there waiting for an opportunity to balance itself when something with a corresponding imbalance comes close enough. The balancing discharge causes a pop of electricity or a static discharge. Because this voltage is just sitting there, is it called static. As it seeks to move to something else, the movement classifies it as current electricity, and no longer static.

Although the pop and momentary shock are discomforting, they generally are not dangerous. Many of us are aware of certain places where we tend to get shocked more often, such as the wool carpet at work, or we know from experience that a certain item may discharge often. These little shocks won’t hurt us. They won’t damage our pacemakers or cause mental issues. Often, we can eliminate this issue by simply humidifying the air, allowing it to be more conductive. Ionizers also help correct the problem.

Static electricity in the wrong environments, however, may be dangerous. Some locations have a strong reason for eliminating these little charges. Agricultural businesses, such as grain storehouses, accumulate dust which is easily ignited by a spark. The resulting explosions are lethal. Another danger with this type of set-up is that the actual movement of the grains as they are transported from truck to silo can accumulate a static charge. This sort of build up is usually thought out and the equipment is well grounded, but the transient sparks from other sources can be very explosive. Power tools are usually prohibited in these areas.

Pharmaceutical plants, manufacturing facilities, and other factories using chemicals and gases which are explosive must protect themselves and you from explosions. These places usually have required grounding of any moving item to eliminate static build-up, and tools are also closely monitored or prohibited.

Many locations which handle electronic devices will also protect them by utilizing grounding straps on any humans or moving objects. A small electronic charge is capable of damaging semiconductors, rendering a circuit board inoperable. Many times, these boards are also wrapped in insulating bags to help avoid contact with static charges. As our electronics become smaller and smaller, the charges necessary to damage them are correspondingly smaller. Static electricity becomes more and more of an issue.

Another situation which illustrates the danger of static shock is lightning, which is the discharge of ions, imbalanced as weather fronts collide. The lightning bolt is a huge static spark with the current seeking “earth ground”. We all understand the dangers associated with this type of static electricity. Because of the high voltage in this example, death is a possibility. Herds of livestock have been killed by one bolt of lightning. Fires have started. Lightning may be the deadliest static discharge of all.

Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services. Mobile, Alabama: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957.

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WHAT SHOULD I ASK MY NEW ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR?

There is a reason that certain tasks are considered skilled trades. When you hire someone to perform these jobs, there may be safety concerns, which, if not addressed with the proper training, may cause harm or death, either now or in the future. The risks just are not acceptable, so take the time to ask a few questions. If the answers aren’t what you need to hear, please do not just settle for the lowest bid. Your safety doesn’t have a price tag.

Here are the questions you should be asking before any agreement is reached:

· ARE YOU LICENSED, BONDED AND INSURED? While this doesn’t mean that the other questions are not important, there certainly is no reason to go further if this one isn’t answered correctly.

· HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS? While there is no magic number, the longer the better. The marketplace of opinions will not keep a poor businessman around for long. As time goes on, you can be more and more assured that they are doing things right.

· DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, OR INDUSTRIAL? While many companies do work in all three areas at once, you will also find some which are more centered. If you have a commercial job, you need a contractor with that experience.

· WILL YOU DO THE WORK? In a small shop, the owner may do all the work. However, in a growing company, the estimator is seldom the one who does the work, and no matter how much you like the one you are talking to, you want to know about the one who will show up with a toolbox.

· IF NOT, WHAT EXPERIENCE DOES YOUR EMPLOYEE HAVE? Even though the company is responsible for the electrician’s work, you want to know that the person showing up has a decent level of experience. You should feel good about him or her.

· DID ANY OF YOU COMPLETE A DEPARTMENT OF LABOR CERTIFIED APPRENTICESHIP? It is an important piece of training for the skilled trades, and one worth asking about. The apprenticeship should be four or five years in length, and in some cases the new journeyman finishes with a degree as well as a certificate.

· MAY I SPEAK WITH A FEW REFERENCES? There is nothing wrong with asking to talk to a few people about work habits, punctuality, professionalism, and tidiness.

· HOW DO YOU INTEND TO SUPPORT YOUR WORK? WARRANTY? INSPECTIONS? MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT? While this may vary based on the work you are having done, it is always good to know that there is a plan for maintenance or at least an inspection; and of course, a warranty is always good.

· WHAT IS THE TIMELINE IF I DECIDE TO USE YOU? If they are so booked that you can’t get my work done, then you have to search out another contractor OR take that heavy work load as a sign of good work, and work around their schedule.

· HOW WILL YOU COMMUNICATE WITH ME IF THERE ARE ANY ISSUES? Today, there are many ways to communicate. If the employees are not tech savvy, though, then you may be left in a bind while being told that they didn’t have a way to contact you. This is never a good thing, so be sure that they are adept with texting, calling, and leaving written notes.

By the time you have discussed these items, you should have a good feel for the contractor, and the way they work with customers, and that list of references is important, too. Whether you actually call or not is up to you, but the fact that you asked tells them that you are serious.

And if you want all the right answers, be sure to call Professional Electric. We will happily answer your questions, and provide many happy referrals. Our goal is to turn you into our next satisfied customer.

Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services. Mobile, Alabama: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957.

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Electrical Code Violations Common in Mobile, AL

Electrical code violations can be very dangerous and in extreme situations, even deadly. Violations of this kind are often caused by things such as faulty DIY attempts, outdated systems, and inexperienced electricians. It is a good idea to have your home inspected by a reputed, professional electrician to ensure the safety of your home and family. These are some of the most common code violations we see in our line of work, so if you see any of these in your home, you will want to have them repaired by a professional as quickly as possible to avoid fires and injuries.

New Lights, Old Wires

You’ve just purchased beautiful new light fixtures for your home, but your wiring hasn’t been updated in a long time. It’s important that you get your electrical system inspected and updated by a professional to avoid a fire. This is because most old wires were not made to withstand temperatures higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit – yet modern light fixtures are made for wires that can withstand temperatures of 194 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the date stamped on the insulation jacket to see how old your wiring is. If there is no date, your wiring is likely from before 1987.

Too Many Wires

Cramming too many wires into one hole is a surefire (pun intended) way to start an electrical fire. This is because when electrical wires are overcrowded, “burning” occurs. Burning is when a wire is too close to another wire and drags across the insulation, tearing it off. You want to be sure that for every ⅞ inch hole, you insert no more than three wires. If you notice your current wiring is overcrowded, call a professional to safely remove the wires where it is needed.

Wrong Size Circuits

The rule of thumb to remember for the correct circuit size is to use a 15-amp circuit for light fixtures, and a 20-amp circuit for a receptacle. You never want to have a receptacle on a 15-amp circuit. There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, a refrigerator can go on a 15-amp circuit if it is the only thing plugged into it. It’s also important to ensure that the wire sizes are appropriate for the size of the circuit.

Knob & Tube Wiring

Once upon a time, knob and tube wiring was the gold standard when it came to electrical technology. These days, they’re a big hazard. This is because they don’t support the amount of amperage needed today, the insulation used disintegrates over time, and the wires themselves aren’t grounded to anything. In homes built before 1950 that haven’t had the electrical system updated recently, it is a good idea to have an electrician take a look to be sure this wiring is not installed. It is important to note that most insurance will not cover buildings that have knob and tube wiring, and it is against the law to connect new light fixtures to it.

These are just a few examples of the most common types of electrical code violations. It is never a good idea to ignore issues when it comes to your electrical wiring. The best way to ensure you are not violating local code and endangering your home is to call a professional electrician to come out and take a look at it.

Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services. Mobile, Alabama: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957.

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Get To Know the Owners of Professional Electric

Professional Electric first opened for business in 1997. We’re honored to have grown into what we are today and to continue serving Mobile and Baldwin County with top-notch electrical workmanship. Our goal has always been to offer unmatched quality while giving you more bang for your buck. Today, we’ll get to know a little about our owners, Richard and Sarita Tanner.

Married for nearly 15 years, Richard and Sarita live in Tanner Williams, Alabama (about 40 minutes west of Mobile). While Richard is originally from Tanner Williams, Sarita is from Theodore, Alabama. They have three children and love to spend time with family and friends.

Richard went to trade school while in high school and received his journeyman’s license. After working for a local organization for a couple years, he decided to get his Master Electrician license. He succeeded on his first attempt and was the youngest Master in the state for a while. He started his own company in 1997 and has been working and growing ever since. Determination coupled with a strong work ethic has proven to be a recipe for success. Now in their 20th year in business, they have been blessed with a great staff and wonderful customer base. Richard and Sarita pride themselves in providing great services at a reasonable price. The intention is to create not just repeat customers but “cheerleader” customers… those that will continue to call us for assistance and refer us to their friends and family.

In addition to assisting in the day to day operations, Sarita also sells real estate for Better Homes & Gardens. Richard prides himself on being a hard worker. Some say he suffers from OCD, but he sees it as a gift. In his words: “There’s nothing wrong with being neat!” Being a man of integrity in this ever-changing world is probably the most important thing to Richard. He believes that one’s character will take one far in life.

When they’re not running their companies, Richard and Sarita love spending time with family, traveling, boating, and riding motorcycles. Richard’s hobbies include golfing and diving, while Sarita enjoys gardening or crafting! They both love to work out and stay healthy.

When asked about their favorite places to eat in the Mobile area, Richard prefers Dreamland and Newk’s; and Sarita prefers Pour Baby and Dumbwaiter- although they both agree that Bonefish is their absolute favorite! Going to the movie theater together is also a date night staple.

As for the future of Professional Electric? “We feel that the Mobile and Baldwin county areas are rich with potential! We look forward to being a part of the growth and prosperity that comes as a result of hard work, great leadership, and wonderful opportunities.”

We hope you enjoyed this peek into the lives of the owners of 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, Alabama: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957.

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Common Mobile, AL Electrical Code Violations

While some violations require sums of money to update or repair, others are simple issues that can be corrected quickly and easily. Beginning with some of the simplest ones, here are a few things to watch for and correct as soon as possible.

1. MISSING ELECTRICAL BOX COVERS: This looks harmless enough, and more than likely, someone laid the cover to the side and simply forgot to put it back on. However, since this violation falls under the safety category, it will get you cited. Keep a few extra covers in the utility closet and replace any that you notice.

2. USING THE WRONG COVER ON OUTDOOR RECEPTACLES: For many years, the covers with two gasketed receptacle covers for individual use were common. Today, we are supposed to install bubble covers, which allow an entire connection between cord and receptacle to be protected. If you see the old style receptacle, simply replace them to get ahead of the game.

3. TAKE THE TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR RECEPTACLES TO TAMPER RESISTANT VERSIONS. These new receptacles stop children from sticking things into them.

4. BE SURE YOU HAVE PROPER CLEARANCES AROUND YOUR PANELS. If you have that garage fridge sitting in front of your panels, move it. Panels require a workspace in front of them. Be sure it is 30 inches wide, 80 inches tall, and 36 inches deep.

5. SELECT THE CORRECT CIRCUIT BREAKERS. Know the difference between a standard breaker, an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, and a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. If your system is grandfathered in, any changes at all can make updating the whole panel a requirement. Even if that hasn’t happened, be sure you purchase what you need. The purpose of a standard circuit breaker is simply to protect the house wiring from an overloading amperage, which could start a fire. It is not designed to protect people. Arc Faults are designed to be used throughout the home, and will catch issues such as pinched cords. Ground Faults are to be used in damp or wet areas, such as kitchens, baths, garages, basements and crawl spaces, and outdoors. Many local codes are now requiring Arc Faults in new construction, and some are also mandating that they be installed when an existing breaker is replaced.

6. IN NEW CONSTRUCTION AND UPGRADES, look for neutrals in all switch boxes. While it may not be needed immediately, the trend toward electronic switches has led the initiative to put neutrals in all switch boxes for future use. Be sure that the correct number of receptacles are installed. There should be one every six feet to eliminate the need for extension cords. Look for proper grounding and bonding. New recommendations allow the use of rebar in foundations to be used for grounding, as this provides a great way to ground a home. Bonding ties all the metals in the house through connective wires. This keeps you from getting shocked on water pipes or by touching appliances, which is common in older homes.

While these issues are some of the most customary, you see that many are simple fixes. If you are unsure of these items and considering a complete home inspection to help you understand the state of your electrical supply, give Professional Electric a call today. We can bring any issues to your attention and help you get them resolved quickly and efficiently. Your safety is our priority.

Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services. Mobile, Alabama: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957.

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