Author: southernviewmedia

Before understanding why electricity needs to be grounded, it is important to understand how electricity runs throughout your home. There are two types of wires that are needed to complete a circuit to carry electricity. There is a ”hot” wire, which is typically a black wire, that carries a negative charge and there is a “ground” wire, which is usually gray or white, that carries a positive charge. The “ground” wires are connected to your outlets.

What if my “ground” wires are failing?

The electric system is designed to get rid of negative energy into the part of the earth in which your house is built. The ”ground” wires have the job of returning this energy into the ground. The negatively charged wires attract the positive charge, allowing for safe energy flow throughout your home. If your “ground” wires are failing, your electrical system should have a plan to prevent short circuits or electrical fires. Wires, called “grounding” wires, should run parallel to the “hot” and “grounded” wires, as an alternative route for electrical currents.

How do I identify “grounding” wires?

One of the easiest ways to identify “grounding” wires is to look at your outlets. If your outlet has a third, round prong plug-in, it is indicated that you have a system of grounding wires. If most of the outlets in your home do not have the third slot, there is a chance that your electrical system does not have a grounding contact. 

What could happen if my house isn’t properly grounded?

If your home is not grounded, your appliances could pass electricity through your body as a negative charge outlet to the ground, this is the result of electrocution. Electrical fires are another possibility of having a home that is not grounded. Although new codes require household electrical systems to be grounded, older constructed homes may not have been required. One of the most common electrical mistakes is the failure of groundwater lines. This could allow electricity to run through your water pipes. The best way to make sure that you’re home is safely grounded is to have a safety inspection performed on your home. 

What if I need an electrical home safety inspection? 
Schedule your safety inspection with Professional Electric today by calling (251) 473-5788 or online at professionalelectric.biz. We will be glad to help you with any questions or concerns that you may have.

The lighting in our homes can make a significant difference in the overall look and ambiance. More importantly, it can also bring up the value in the home and prevent any safety hazards from occurring due to outdated lighting. Knowing when it’s time to update the lighting in your home can save you time from doing it yourself as well as help save money on your energy bill. 

Flickering lights

You may see flickering lights as a sign of a burnt out or dull bulb. However, flickering lights also indicate a deeper issue with the electrical system. Outdoor landscape lighting, for example, can begin to flicker and cause trouble with even power distribution. This will also cause trouble with being able to see at night and throughout the property. Updating outdoor lighting can fix this issue as the infrastructure is renewed. 

Having two-pronged outlets

Two-pronged outlets are usually seen in older homes. But making the switch to a three-pronged outlet is safer since it prevents electric shock or a fuze. It also ensures there is a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter outlet) in place as it reduces any risks with electrical faults. 

You are using extension cords more often

We all have them laying around our homes: extension cords. While they are known to be useful, they are also known to only work for an extended period of time. Using them too long can eventually lead to a fuze or become a fire hazard. This means you will need to make the upgrade on more outlets for your residential lighting. 

Poor installation 

If there are hanging light fixtures in the home with wires sticking out or overall damaged residential lighting, there is poor installation that requires updated lighting. Each light fixture requires appropriate light fittings,otherwise, short circuits will likely occur. Calling a professional electrician that specializes in residential lighting and installation will ensure that it is done according to code and avoid any violations. 

Sudden blackouts 

Sudden or frequent blackouts are another common sign that residential lighting requires updating. Some residential owners will have a generator at hand that will help alleviate when blackouts occur. It is important to take notice of when they occur and if the surrounding vicinity has the same problem. If you notice that you are the only one experiencing this, it is most likely a broken fuse has taken place only on your property. Not only will the blackout affect the electrical wiring system, but will eventually cause permanent damage.

Does your residential property require updated lighting? We offer 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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional! 

A whopping 93 percent of Americans spend their time inside their homes. Whether we enjoy quality time with our loved ones or we are busy throughout the day, by the end of the night, we have no choice but to call it lights out. The dark might not be for everyone, but there are many ways to illuminate and have outdoor power throughout your residential property or commercial space. There are many uses and benefits to having outdoor lighting, all while saving the environment and your wallet. With a few simple upgrades from the experts, running power outdoors is not as hard as you may think. 

Outdoor extension cords 

There are never enough hours in the day. As humans, we aim to have a productive schedule before the sunsets. Luckily, the day can continue with the use of outdoor extension cords. Bulbs will shine bright, but only for a limited time due to trip hazards and GFCI circuit breaker issues. Reading and following basic safety precautions is always highly advised, such as looking that the watts and cord length match and following safety measures like unplugging cords when not in use. 

Using a receptacle 

Installing a receptacle is another way to get outdoor power going. It might require a few holes on the walls to make way for the cable and ring. Though it is a somewhat lengthy process, professional installation is highly recommended, as there is proper coding to follow. An added GFCI protection, if not grounded properly, can cause electrical shock. 

Running a branch circuit 

To properly run a branch circuit, it begins in the power panel leading to the sub-panel where the branch circuit makes its way to reach outdoor power. The receptacles and lights are especially useful for outdoor lighting. Homeowners enjoy working on late outdoor projects and also help for safety reasons as they are motion-activated. 

Better Solutions 

The great outdoors will require our help to illuminate surroundings just as much as the inside of our homes do. However, running power outdoors is only meant as a short-term solution. Professional electricians can carefully update permanent outdoor fixtures as they are certified and have the proper equipment to do so. Outdoor lighting is strategically installed throughout your property for ultimate safety and comfort in mind. Technicians will also use adjustable LED features and easily troubleshoot if necessary. 

Light up the outside of your home or business with new permanent upgrades. 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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Just like our homes and businesses, industrial sites have electricity that powers buildings and projects to keep things running smoothly. There are professionals who are trained to work primarily on different electrical sites. The professionals trained to work in businesses are called commercial electricians and the electricians trained to work in industrial settings are industrial electricians. The titles sound similar and both work in places of business rather than in homes, but what exactly is the difference between the two? 

Training They Receive

Most electricians receive the same basic training. They learn the basics of electrical, the dangers of working with electrical and the vocabulary that goes with it. They also learn basic functions of electrical installation and repair. Depending on what type of electrical they will be working in, they may be required to complete specific specialized training.

Where They Work

Commercial electricians often work on the electrical systems in places that are frequently visited by customers, like retail stores and restaurants. They also work in places like office buildings or warehouses. They ensure that everything is working properly, is up to code and is safe for both employees and customers. 

Industrial electricians work in places that many of us don’t frequent, unless we work there as well. These places include electrical firms, construction, steel manufacturers, automotive plants and mining companies. These are places with complex electrical systems and often extremely high voltage electrical. 

What They Do

The type of work an electrician does is completely based on their skillset, training and work environment. A few of the typical tasks of a commercial electrician does on a regular basis may include:

• Installing electrical wiring and components 
• Inspecting and maintaining electrical systems 
• Planning and installing new electrical systems 
• Repairing or maintaining heating and cooling systems 
• Installing the electrical components of security systems

A few of the typical tasks an industrial electrician does on a regular basis may include: 

• Reading and interpreting drawings, blueprints, schematics and electrical code specifications
• Installing, replacing or repairing electrical wiring, switch boxes, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
• Testing electrical and electronic equipment
• Maintaining, repairing, installing and testing electrical components
• Conducting preventive maintenance

We help make lighting solutions possible without breaking the bank. If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services, or if you’re in need of 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. Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

You’ve probably got at least one smart device in your home. Maybe it’s a smart tv or perhaps a smart home device or smart lighting? These devices are typically controlled using our voices, our phones or even other smart devices. These smart home features can make life a little easier and a lot more fun.

If you like techy stuff inside your home, you’re going to love outdoor smart lighting. Not only is it easy to use and fun to show off, but could make your home a safer place for your family. 

What is Outdoor Smart Lighting?

There are hundreds of outdoor smart products. From video doorbells to electric locking systems you can deck your home out with the latest technology. One of those outdoor technologies is smart lighting. This could include floodlights, pathway lights, porch lights, garage lights and so much more. 

What are the Benefits and Uses? 

Outdoor smart lighting isn’t just fun to have, it’s actually an extra layer of protection and security for you and your family. Smart lighting that turns on when someone crosses your yard at night or approaches your door will allow you to see who is there without having to go out and turn a light on. This will deter intruders and also give any video surveillance you have some extra light to capture their face. 

Pathway lighting is great for when you’re coming or going at night. By illuminating your path you can see clearly where you are walking which will help you and your guests avoid taking a tumble. Do you have kids that plan on coming home late? Keep the porch light on for them and easily turn it off from your phone if they forget. 

Smart lighting isn’t just for practical purposes, it’s also great for enjoying your home at night. Jazz up that backyard BBQ or a pool party with fun smart lights. You can change the hue and the brightness to give your party the ambiance it needs. 

How Can I Get it Installed?

By now you’re probably convinced that some outdoor smart lighting would be perfect for your home, but how do you get it installed? Some smart lighting is easy to install and you can just swap out bulbs or plugs, but if you want the full nine yards and professionally installed lighting you better call Professional Electric. Our professionally trained team can help you get your home working the way you want in no time, so give us a call today!  (251) 473-5788