Category: Professional Electric Blog

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 More importantly, it can also bring up the value in the home and prevent any safety hazards from occurring due to outdated lighting.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

How many times have you gotten up in the middle of the night to get a drink from the kitchen or use the restroom without feeling the need to turn on every light leading your way? Most often than not, installing under-cupboard lighting is a good option to consider for handy lighting solutions. They are easy to rewire and install, contain motion sensors and come in a variety of cool and warm tone colors to choose from. Kitchen and bathroom lighting solutions are installed safely by our highly trained electricians so that IP zones are carefully planned beforehand. So sit back and relax as you think about why under-cupboard lighting would suit you best. 

Kitchen Spotlight

Your kitchen might already have plenty of light fixtures including recessed lighting, chandeliers,  a hood range and island pendants. Why add LED under cupboard lighting? It serves to illuminate areas that are not otherwise possible with other kitchen light fixtures. Under cupboard lighting solutions provide a kitchen spotlight that is both aesthetically pleasing and quicker access to add an efficient source of light compared to other general lighting that takes over larger surfaces. You can keep under cupboard lighting on at any time of the day while saving money on energy. It is especially useful at night and has dimming options, a set-timer for easy on and off switch mode functions and motion censored functions such as manual cabinet door opening and closing movements. Homeowners will admit that grabbing a drink or making a late night snack never felt so satisfying with an under cupboard lighting! 

Modern Day Bathroom

Upgrade your home’s modern-day bathroom with under-cupboard lighting solutions that are perfect for guests and an everyday useful experience for yourself and your family. Get ready by your vanity mirror as you easily reach for everyday products under his and hers sinks with convenient under cupboard lighting. Choose from automatic switches or controlled remote functions. Our interior and exterior lighting solutions make dark, hard-to-reach spaces a more open and bright concept. Or, you can choose from the floor under cupboard lighting for a visibly safe walking distance. Homeowners enjoy a space that is specifically tailored to their family’s everyday routines. From kids getting ready and brushing their teeth at night, to late-night skincare and perfume displays, there is always room for lighting solutions that work. They are discrete in appearance with wiring and the designs vary from cylinder-shaped tubes to easily removable strips. 

Let us help you install under-cupboard lighting for your kitchen and bathroom today. We help make lighting solutions possible without breaking the bank. 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!

Commercial electricians are professionally trained and licensed to install, maintain, inspect and repair the electrical systems in commercial buildings. Commercial buildings include restaurants, office buildings, retail stores and other buildings used for commercial purposes. They do not work in residences or homes. 

The work that a commercial electrician does day-to-day may depend on the type of business or commercial building they are working in for that job. Some of the most common tasks done by a commercial electrician are: 

Installing electrical wiring and components – When a building is built, remodeled or updated there is a need for electrical wiring and components to be installed. This includes things such as light switches and writing for lights, automatic doors and a plethora of other things. 

Inspecting and maintaining electrical systems – Electrical systems must be inspected and maintained to ensure they are working, that they are safe and that they are up to code. Commercial electricians must check new and existing electrical systems regularly. 

Planning and installing new electrical systems – When a new building is built, all the electrical work must be done from the ground up. That means a team of commercial electricians needs to be hired to map out the system, as well as, install it. They will need to ensure that everything is functional and works with the aesthetic and architecture of the building. 

Repairing or maintaining heating and cooling systems – Many commercial buildings are much larger than residential buildings, therefore they have much larger heating and cooling systems. As normal wear and tear happen on the building, there will be regular maintenance and occasionally repairs that need to be made by commercial electricians. 

Installing the electrical components of security systems – Most commercial buildings have some sort of security or alarm system. This differs from building to building and may include things like camera surveillance systems and door alarms. They may need to install these electrical components and make sure they are all working properly. 

Commercial electricians play an important role in the everyday functions of all the businesses and commercial buildings around us, that’s why it’s important to have electricians who are well trained and knowledgeable in their profession. The team of commercial electricians at Professional Electric is just that. Give us a call today and see how we can help with your commercial (or residential) electrical needs in the Mobile area!

Electricians are the knowledgeable people trained to install and fix issues with the electrical systems of homes and businesses. Usually, there are electricians who tend to work in residential buildings and ones that work in more commercial environments. Besides just their titles, what’s the difference between the two?

Where They Work

As the name implies, residential electricians work in homes and residences. Residential electricians are the folks who install wiring in new homes and who come to your house when you need new wiring installed or replaced. They can also perform inspections on your home’s electrical systems to make sure it is safe and up to code. It’s always good to know a professional residential electrician in case you do a remodel or need repairs done. 

Commercial electricians are the ones who work in our offices, stores and other places of business. They often work on power outlets and lighting in these places. Because commercial buildings often use more power than homes, many businesses have contracts with commercial electricians to maintain their place of business regularly. 

Education and Training 

While the basic training for both types of electricians is very similar, they also get trained and practice in their specific field. Systems are different in homes than it is in businesses, so they must be prepared for and knowledgeable about the type of electrical work they will be handling in their profession. 

Outside of the general scope of electrical work, those who work in residential environments may also study things like grounding, circuits, air conditioning, appliance systems and motors. Those who work in commercial electrical may study things like lighting, voltage systems, computer cabling, generators and surveillance cameras. 

Day to Day Work

The day to day work of residential electricians can be very routine, giving them lots of time to become very skilled at their craft. Many residential electricians are extremely efficient because they do the same tasks over and over. 

Commercial electricians usually handle a wider variety of tasks for different types of businesses, making their skills very well rounded while still being efficient and detail-oriented.

Living in your home is a comforting and rewarding feeling, especially if you have lived there for a long time. However, with that time, your home becomes older and may need electrical upgrades. While you may think nothing of it, not upgrading or rewiring your home can become a fire hazard in the long run. So how and when do you actually know when it’s time to rewire your home? We share tips on how to know below.

Flickering lights 

Flickering lights are easily the most noticeable sign to look out for when considering if you should rewire. This means there are loose wires that can be easily fixed by an electrician.

Smelling fire

The burning smell of fire is not safe and is indeed an indication of a shortage or faulty wires. It can sometimes be seen as burnt fire marks on power outlets. It is therefore important you follow up with a residential electrical service provider immediately. 

Hot electrical wires/plugs

It is normal for things that are plugged in over an extended period of time to start overheating. However, hot electrical wires and plugs that are hot to the touch mean you need a residential electrical service to come in for inspection. This could be an early warning for a fire hazard. 

Light bulb burnouts

Have you ever had a light bulb burn out just a short time after you installed it? It could possibly be because your wiring is overheating and there is not enough voltage to withstand it. Instead of continuing to buy new bulbs, save electricity and money by getting a rewiring done. With upgraded wiring, you are able to take advantage of LED saving options. 

You have two-pronged outlets

Having two-pronged outlets instead of a three-prong can easily cause a shock or fuze. Why? Older homes are built with two-prong outlets and sometimes with even one. Two prong outlets are not grounded meaning all panels are at risk. It is a good idea to make the switch and protect your electronics from further damage with ground fault circuits. 

An outdated fuse box

Outdated fuse boxes may contain aluminum wires which are prone to safety risks. Oftentimes, they are also mislabeled in decade-old houses and can be hard to fix if it begins to trip. If you notice these things, it is time for a rewire. Rewiring also means having to take down wall coverings such as drywall in order to properly install a circuit breaker. In this case, any new electrical construction will require a special permit and coding from a professional electrician. 
If you are in need of any residential 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! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Make the holidays festive this year with outdoor lighting for your home. Be part of what your neighborhood looks forward to and make seasons bright for all ongoing sightseeing drivers. Aside from a fun tradition, outdoor lighting for the holidays makes for the perfect time to get creative with all LED electrical possibilities. 

Go Big or Go Home

There is the common misconception that houses filled with holiday lights scream for a high electricity bill. Let us debunk this thought and tell you there are LED options that will save loads of money rather than using non LED bulbs. Residential outdoor lighting will make not only accentuate the holiday decor you already have but also bring a professional aesthetic to your home. It also always adds value and will last for years to come. So bring out the holiday spirit and go big this year and let there be light!

Illuminate Your Neighborhood With An Entrance 

Illuminate your neighborhood with an entrance with outdoor lighting that wows. Let your front door, porch, landscape and surrounding pine trees stand out with updated light fixtures. Your holly wreaths, pre-lit garland and winter decor will sure not go unnoticed. Light fixtures can be installed wherever there are sconces, walls and post lighting. Upgrade to motion activated lights for an even more outdoor lighting experience. 

Wonderland Pathway Accents

Make your driveway, stairway, garden and walkway a winter wonderland pathway to impress your guests. Brighten it up with LED bulbs and ground lights that work as accents and are solar powered to help you save you on your electricity bill. They come in a variety of voltage capacities for maximum integrated outdoor lighting. Choose from sleek designs, different tones of colors and even waterproof features for those snow cold days. 

Holidays and Beyond 

Feel the holiday stress ease away with full control. You can turn on and off all your holiday lights with the push of a button. Avoid the hassle of extension cords once and for all and have an electrician run a conduit from an existing circuit to a receptacle instead. This allows you to connect more holiday outdoor lighting without the risk of shocking hazards. Another benefit of having running power for outdoor lighting is that you can have it beyond the holidays. During cold winter months, coming back from grocery runs is a breeze when you have appropriate lighting in the garage or driveway. 

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!