Author: southernviewmedia

WHAT IS A POWER SURGE?

According to the NEMA Surge Protection Institute, it is possible to have a voltage surge, current surge, or a power surge. The most common is a voltage surge, where large voltages spike on the grid- such as increased usage of AC in the summer or large machinery cycling on and off, or when local lightning strikes. A lightning strike can be so local as to only affect one or two circuits in a home. Electrostatic discharge can also cause a surge. Some reports estimate that a home may have over 20 surges a day just from the cycling of internal appliances and switches. In addition, there are over 20 million lightning strikes per year in the United States.

WHICH TYPE OF PROTECTION DO I NEED?

Because of the varying nature of surges, it is recommended that you consider 2 different ways that damage can happen. So, to protect from grid surges, use a whole house protector. For the more localized damages, circuit protection is useful. House protection comes in two forms; one is installed between the power lines and your meter, and the other is between the meter and your panel. Circuit protection may be permanently installed, such as with panel installations. Temporary protection refers to plug-in protection. Keep in mind that the run of the mill plug-in unit will not protect against the incredibly high voltages of a lightning strike. If this is the goal, then you need to spend some money on the best unit you can find, preferably with at least a 600 joules rating.

While appliances may be taken out with a surge, the most likely damage is done to the sensitive electronics which are in use everywhere today. In fact, over the last few years, most major appliances have become those sensitive electronic devices due to computerized functions.

In addition, you may want to protect from surges on the telephone, modem, and even coaxial lines.

WHAT DOES GOOD PROTECTION LOOK LIKE?

To visualize what needs to be done, first remember that you must have proper grounds established as the surge protection is going to direct these surges somewhere. If you don’t have the required grounding, get that taken care of.

Install at least one whole house form of protection, although it is ideal to incorporate both. You can install both home surge protectors for less than the cost of one medium level appliance. In many cases, you can also add the outlet protection and still be under the cost of a high-end refrigerator. If you have quite a few expensive electronics or machinery in your home, use both.

In addition, use outlet or circuit protection for the specific outlets which power your delicate electronics and expensive appliances. This helps with in-home surges caused by cycling of those appliances as well as lightning strikes.

WHO CAN HELP WITH YOUR INSTALLATION?

We can. Call Professional Electric today to get your home assessed. We can tell you if your electrical system is up to date and check the grounding to give you an estimate for your surge protection. 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.

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.

Nothing feels better on a chilly night than a warm electric blanket. Blankets and mattress pads can keep you warm. However, with the mattress pad, the heat comes from under you, so it feels warmer than a blanket. One will make a huge difference from the other, and both options have some safety concerns if used improperly. Manufacturers have made many changes in the last few years to help keep people warm and safe. Older blankets may not have all the safety features, but may work just fine.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you use electric blankets to keep a warm bed: DO
1. TURN IT OFF. If you can’t remember to turn it off when you get up, then put your blanket on a timer so that it shuts off automatically. While you are setting up the timer, you can also set it to come on half an hour before your bedtime, and crawl into the warm coziness. Having your bed controlled by a timer is the safest and most secure way to use it. Set it and forget it.

2. EXAMINE THE BLANKET AND CORD ON A REGULAR BASIS. Like every electrical device, the cords can become worn or damaged, creating a fire hazard. Be sure to inspect the entire cord, as well as both ends. They should connect tightly with no wobble or wiggle room. The blanket or mattress pad should likewise show no wear or exposed filament wires.

3. KEEP IT ON THE LOWEST SETTING ALLOWING COMFORT. Nothing is worse than crawling into a cold bed, cranking the blanket to a high setting, falling asleep warm and snuggly, and waking in a sweat. Instead, warm the bed gently before climbing in and set it at a lower temperature.

Here are a few DON’TS
1. DON’T LEAVE IT WADDED UP AND TURNED ON. This is a fire in the making. Your blanket should be spread out on a nicely made bed. This is one reason that a mattress pad is easier for kids.

2. DON’T PLUG IN A DAMP BLANKET. Since today’s blankets are machine washable, be sure it is fully dry after laundering. If something is spilled on the blanket, unplug it and clean appropriately. Allow enough time to let it dry thoroughly.

3. DON’T BURY AN ELECTRIC BLANKET UNDER A PILE OF COMFORTERS AND BLANKETS. If you are using one, then a light bedspread over it will suffice.

4. DON’T LEAVE SMALL CHILDREN ALONE. Children don’t manage their body temperature as easily as adults and will overheat quickly if an electric blanket isn’t closely watched. Even if the child was snuggling with you, make sure they get up when you do, or power down the blanket.

The only thing more important than comfort is safety. Being warm is not as wonderful if you have concerns about remembering when to turn it off, or if you don’t trust your kids to do so. It is not a good feeling to suddenly wonder whether you turned off the blanket, as you pull in to work an hour from home (especially if you tend to throw the covers into a heap when you get out of bed).

If you have any questions about the safe use of these wonderful appliances, or any other electrical questions for that matter, give Professional Electric a call. 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.

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.

It is that time of year again, and people are scrambling to decorate their homes. Everybody loves driving around and looking at the beautiful displays, but they represent a LOT of hard work. If they aren’t done correctly, they can also represent a danger to the family in the home. With that said, remember these things when you start getting your sparkle on:

INSPECT, INSPECT, AND INSPECT! Look at every string and decoration over before using it this year.
SPEND THE MONEY. Buy the things you need to make your home safe. If you see a frayed cord or have a cord cap that needs replacing, then get new ones. A few years of saving money by using old or damaged items may be negated when one fire erupts.
USE GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS (GFCI’S). If the outdoor decorations don’t have one built in, then be sure your outdoor receptacle is protected, either at the outlet itself or in the breaker panel.
AVOID STANDING WATER OR AREAS WHERE WATER MAY GATHER. If you know that water will accumulate, then pass that area over.
HAVE A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF AMPERAGES AND THE LOADS ON YOUR CIRCUITS. Divide the total wattage by the voltage available, usually 120 Volts, to figure the correct amperage. Most outdoor receptacles are 20 Amp, so don’t overload them.
USE THE HEAVIEST OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORDS. Overloading an extension cord is asking for trouble. If you are putting several strings of lights on it, then get the heavier option. The minuscule difference in price is easily worth a good night’s sleep.
PURCHASE LIGHTS RATED FOR OUTDOOR USE. LED’s are a great option since they don’t give off heat and are not a fire hazard. They also are more efficient to use and last longer.
USE THE CORRECT CLIPS. Do not staple your lights to the house. One staple that perforates a cord can cause a fire. Instead, find the gutter clips or screw-in clips and use those. Once you have them installed, the lights will go up easily next year as well.
USE THE CORRECT LADDER! While we are talking about installing those clips, make sure you do it from the properly sized and safely inspected ladder. You should not be standing on the top step or reaching beyond the “belt buckle rule”. This rule says that if you are on a ladder, the center of your waist, the buckle area, should not extend beyond the side rail of the ladder. Doing so means that your center of gravity is extended too far out, and you risk a fall.
IF YOU DECORATE YEARLY, INVEST IN EXTRA OUTDOOR RECEPTACLES NEAR WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED. This eliminates the over-use of extension cords and allows you to get to power where it is needed. If you decorate your entire yard from one outdoor receptacle, you will find it wonderful to have one or two more put in.
PUT THEM ON A TIMER OR LIGHT SENSOR. This not only keeps them from burning all day, but it saves on your power bill, and that means more money for presents and decorations.
TURN THEM OFF BEFORE LEAVING HOME OR GOING TO BED. You can turn them on again when you get home.
Lights are a wonderful way to enjoy the holidays. Please do it safely so you can enjoy them again next year. Happy holidays from 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.

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”

As a homeowner, you’ve probably encountered renovation projects. Whether they involve maintenance or new ideas that you want to incorporate for function or style, one of the first things you must decide is the level of skill involved. Then, you can determine whether you can tackle it yourself as a DIY project, bring in friends and family who have more developed talents, or bring in the pros. As you make the decision, consider these things:

· CODES AND PERMITS: Be sure that your project falls within the boundaries of acceptable changes. Find out if you need a permit and ask if any part of the work requires a licensed pro. Many areas allow some work to be done as you wish, but plumbing or electrical projects may need a licensed worker to complete them. Inspections may be required as the work progresses.

· TIME FRAME: Do you have time to complete the project? Would you be better off bringing in your troops to help, or would your time be better spent overseeing a professional who will most likely accomplish the task much more efficiently? If you expect completion within a set period of time and the time frame is tight, bring in the pros, at least for part of the work, to help keep it on track.

· TOOLS NEEDED: Do you own the tools that the job will require? If you purchase them, are you still saving money by doing it yourself and will you get enough use of those tools to warrant the purchase?

· SKILLS AND TALENTS: Do you have the necessary skills? Can you do the job safely and in an efficient and cost-effective manner, or do you have the basics down well enough to pick up these skills while doing this project? Sometimes it is a great thing to have friends who can help, but if the job is a significant one, you may not endear them if you ask for a long-term time commitment.

· RETURN ON INVESTMENT: If you must do a job two or three times to get it right, it could cost more than having someone involved from the onset who knows what they are doing and how to do it right. If you have never laid tile, bring in someone who knows how and learn while they get it started. Then you can move forward with confidence.

Professional Electric has the back-up you need to make your projects complete. Pick the parts of the job that you feel confident attempting, and let us help with the rest. Our electricians have the extensive training needed to keep you safe. Years of experience mean that they can get the job done before you can finish reading instruction manuals or watching DIY videos. Meanwhile, you can be working on the more fun parts! Balancing the factors above will bring your project in on time and under budget. The team at Professional Electric will help you come out looking like a pro!

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.

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”

Power is an absolute necessity when it comes to dwellings and buildings, but, what if you are working outside in the cold and need to heat up and stay grinding? Of course, you snag your outdoor generator from your garage and dust it off. There have been numerous accidents that have occurred because of generators not being used properly. Let’s review a few ways to stay safe and avoid the emergency room this holiday season.

As you know, generators produce carbon monoxide which is poisonous to our body. With that said, do not run a generator inside your home or in any enclosed space. Keep it running outside at all times until it is shut off. It never hurts to keep a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm handy just in case.

When you need to get work done outside while it’s raining, it is best not to use a generator to keep the lights on or anything running without being covered. Go to your local tool and supply store and pick up a cover for your generator. This will keep you safe and keep the generator in tip-top shape so no water damage can occur.

If you are using a generator that takes gasoline, be sure to keep it refueled as needed. Be careful not to refuel while it is running. Any gas that spills onto the hot generator can cause a fire to ignite and that can lead to some very serious burns or worst. Also, make sure that the unit is turned off and cooled down to touch to ensure that no fire will start. Storing your generator is also key to safety. It may be optimized for outdoor use but do not store it outside. Instead, keep it in your garage away from elements. If all else fails and you do not have room inside, purchase a small enclosure and place in your backyard.

At least 50 fatalities a year occur from generators alone. Please stay safe this year and one more tip before you go: do not plug in the generator into an outlet! This is a method called backfeeding and is very dangerous- not just for you and your family but city workers too who handle utilities. There is a high risk of electrocution and this dangerous configuration bypasses your home’s circuit protection devices. Take the time to review these helpful tips and share them with others who own or are planning to own an outdoor generator.

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.

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.

If you have a feeling that there is some electrical issue in your home, whether it be a circuit breaker trip or a flickering light, you may want to find the root cause before it becomes a major issue such as an electrical fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2011, a total of 47,000 fires where caused by electrical issues in the home that were neglected.

1. That is Not Dinner Burning in the Oven
Short circuits and loose connections are a probable cause for this odd smell. Be on close watch for charred outlets and switches when you smell this, and you are not cooking dinner. This should not be overlooked, and you must have someone come and inspect the issue to prevent a disaster that should be avoided by fixing the wiring in your home.

2. Historical Homes May Need Some TLC
Older homes that are quite dated likely have been renovated for cosmetic purposes. This also applies to homes that are not considered historic but are 50+ years old. During renovation, take a look at the wiring in your home to make sure everything is up to date and nothing is old and hazardous.

3. No, Casper is not Flickering the Lights…
These days people can be a little over-superstitious at times. Before you come to the faulty conclusion that your home is haunted, turn off the circuit breaker and look for loose wires. Wires that are loose are one of the leading causes of house fires.

4. Dead Outlets
It is definitely not normal to plug in your laptop without the laptop being charged. If the outlet works but it is hot to the touch or even makes a buzzing noise, there is a chance that the wiring surrounding the outlet is bad.

5. Aluminum Wiring
Homes that were built in the 60s and 70s were not built with copper wires like they are today. Copper is a much safer conductor of electricity. Homes that were built in the time periods described above-had aluminum wires installed. Aluminum expands and contracts as the seasons change which can cause wires to become loose over time. If replacing the electrical system with an updated copper wire system is out of the budget, at least look into pig-tailing wires with copper endings.

6. Burning Plastic Odor
You will know when the odor of plastic or even vinyl is prevalent in your home. Sometimes it is hard to find the source of the smell. Take a sigh of relief because you smell the burning of plastic. Oftentimes, you will not notice a thing when there is an electrical issue. You are very lucky to have caught a warning sign of a potential fire.

Signs of faulty wiring are not always present, but when they are, you will likely smell it before it gets out of hand. Consider it a blessing that you are able to catch it in time as this is very rare. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, builders used aluminum wires in the homes. This caused issues with expanding and contracting wires in extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, this eventually caused wires to loosen and at times fail. Many people believe their home is haunted and will go as far blaming a ghost before they dare to consider short-circuited wires. A dead outlet is quite an inconvenience when you need to charge an electronic device. This could be a symptom of a bad outlet altogether. Homes over 50 years old likely need to be updated with not just new paint, but a new and improved electrical wiring system.

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!

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In our homes, it’s often the kitchens and bathrooms that we dream of being the most glamorous. Unfortunately, they’re also the two that receive the brunt of the work. So how do you marry the two? What is the best way to keep things functional while also maintaining your aesthetics? Professional Electric is here to help with these under the cupboard lighting solutions for kitchens and bathrooms.

The Type of Lighting 

Rope Lighting

Don’t let the idea of Y2K décor detract you from this great option. The rope fits perfectly into the molding crook under cabinets. This can work well below upper cabinets to provide a soft uniform illumination across counters. It’s an even better option as a late night solution. Whenever you stumble to the bathroom in the middle of the night or go searching for a midnight snack, don’t worry about bumping into things thanks to the addition of rope lighting. It will fit under the footboard of cabinets and vanities to provide just enough brightness for your eyes to adjust.

Puck Lighting

This type of fixture is more suited to the kitchen than the bathroom. The name is indicative of the shape, which resembles a hockey puck. It’s best for areas where you will prefer concentrated lighting. This means areas of the countertop where you might stand to read a recipe or over a spice rack. It is important to remember that you want to create a cohesive look. So, if you choose to install both pucks and rope, they should be separated or installed in a pattern.

Lighting Bars

The most uniform choice will be lighting bars. They shed an equal amount of light across a surface area and can be extremely vivid or more of an accent depending on the brightness level you choose (see more information below). Because of the different directions this option can go, they’re great for everything from the entire area under cupboard to accents above a coffee or wet bar.

The Logistics

Plug In

Perhaps the easiest and quickest option for your fixture is plugin. This means you can simply plug the fixture in to your nearest outlet. This is no fuss, no mess. However, it will generally require being turned on by a switch, as opposed to the following choices.

Wired

You could wire the lighting directly into your electrical system, especially if there’s no easily accessible outlet. By wiring straight into your home, you won’t have to replace batteries or deal with wires hanging out of the wall. This can also be connected in such a way that anytime you turn on your kitchen lights, the under cabinet fixtures will come on as well.

Battery

Keep things simple by choosing a cordless battery option. You will have to replace them at times but the installation will be modest. It will also make things easier if you decide to remove the fixtures at a later time.

Motion 

No matter which of the previous options you decide on, ones that operate off of a motion detector can be great for those times you run into the bathroom or kitchen for a quick minute. This is also perfect for those late night lighting solutions. If you don’t want to risk it flickering off during those times, you are going to be still for a while, then keep the more prominent lights on a manual switch while making the nightlights motion detectable.

Brightness Level

Fluorescent

If you’re looking to light an industrial kitchen or a high traffic bathroom, then fluorescents are a very viable option. The brightness level is high and the low heat efficiency makes it safer for long periods of time and around produce.

Soft White

For those night fixtures and accent areas, choose a soft white level. It casts a lax glow that keeps the room warm while still providing ample illumination.

LED

The best long-term choice is also the most efficient. LED gives off great radiance for cooking or over beauty prep tools. The dimmer option will also allow you to set the mood you’d like in each room.

These under-the-cupboard lighting solutions for kitchen and bathrooms from Professional Electric can help turn these two working rooms into pleasant spaces. 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.bizand 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!

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