Category: Professional Electric Blog

Smart devices have certainly made our lives easier in many ways. This includes in our homes, too. Many people wonder “can smart home devices save money?” There are so many smart home devices that it is often tough to choose. Here are 3 smart devices that are worth looking into for saving cost to your home.

Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats have been around for several years now. However, thermostats that can be controlled from your smartphone are a new addition to the market. Smart programmable thermostats can save thousands of dollars a year through many ways. First, there are “peak” power hours for electricity usage. Of course, this depends on the part of the country where you live. For example, peak hours of hotter climates will be different than say, the colder areas of the country. In either case, knowing your area’s peak hours and having a thermostat you control remotely really puts savings in your hands — literally. Control your air conditioning, heating, indoor and outdoor lights and even your hot water heater-all at the touch of a button.

Smart Power Strip

Have you heard of the term “phantom power?” Phantom power refers to power being used even when switches are turned off. Phantom power is a true money robber. An example of phantom power is your television set. Did you know that if a television is plugged into a power strip, as so many are, that it continues to suck electricity even when off? The way to combat this is to invest in smart power strips. Traditional power strips have several outlets that all get turned off with one switch. Smart power strips allow you to turn off outlets individually from your mobile device. This means you can turn off the power to the television and the Xbox, but leave necessary appliances with power, such as the cable modem.

LED Smart Bulbs

Investing in LED light bulbs and smart technology to control them is green in your pocket and for the environment. Smart bulbs are one of the most popular home devices on the market. They pay for themselves many times over, too. Smart technology in light bulbs will allow you to control lights and even give the illusion of you being home when you are not. Most light bulbs for home use now have an LED alternative available at big box stores.

If you are in need of 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!

Purchasing a new home is an exciting time! Although the move in the process can seem overwhelming, there is so much to look forward to. Before moving in, it’s important to inspect the home thoroughly to ensure your home is safe and move in ready. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t fret. Below is a checklist for new homeowners to use when inspecting areas of their new home.

Electrical Service Panel

You can find an electrical service panel in every home. They are typically located on the home’s exterior, in the garage or in the basement. The panel should be checked for any residue and damage. If any fuses are outdated, give Professional Electric a call to replace the circuit breaker switches.

Check the Wiring

The round fuses in the service panel will give clues as to how old the home’s wiring is. Houses that were built before 1950 may have knob-and-tube wiring. Homes built between 1965-1973 may contain aluminum wiring. As a homebuyer, you need to be aware of any wiring that needs to be replaced to help improve your home’s safety.

Outlets in Wet Areas

Now it’s time to head to the kitchen and the bathrooms. It’s critical to have ground fault circuit interrupters installed in any wet areas. Light switches should also be several inches away from water. Ground fault circuit interrupters should be tested periodically by homeowners and should be checked during your home’s walkthrough.

Interior Outlets, Light Switches, Appliance Chords

Interior outlets, light switches, appliance chords and ground fault circuit interrupters should be tested and inspected often. Be sure to tighten any loose outlets or replace them. Check them for any black smoke and to see if they are cool to the touch.

Test Detectors

Before moving in, test all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The home needs to have a well-working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, so remembering to test these is critical. Lastly, change any batteries if needed or purchase new alarms.

To avoid dangerous situations, make sure you are thoroughly checking all breakers and outlets. If you discover any of the issues listed above, be sure to call a licensed electrician to analyze the problem. Our electricians are licensed, insured and bonded to provide the best knowledge and leave you feeling safe and secure in your new home.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or have an electrical issue 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 us at (251) 473-5788. Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Most older homes have two prong outlets instead of three. The third centered hole is called ground and works equivalent to the left neutral slot because they are connected. There is a reason why the third slot is now included in newer outlets. Forget about the rewiring or even worse, reversed polarity and read about why you should replace those two prong outlets for good. Besides, the third time’s the charm!

The Ground Prong is Truly Groundbreaking

The ground prong plays a vital role in safety uses and access of metal-encased appliances. A ground prong can also be called an earth prong by electricians who know that it is not a floating ground, meaning it is not an original ground. It is meant to protect yourself from electrical shock and your appliances from any damages such as loose wiring in circuits. You will also be able to save some money from outlets shorting out and having to replace them each year. Avoid these risks from shock injury and make the switch today.

Avoid Outside Add-On Outlets or Prongs

While there might be additional temporary solutions such as adding a cheater plug to make the two-prong outlet compatible with a three prong, your safety risks reduce, and that shock factor becomes higher due to the actual ground prong not being there. Many who decide to upgrade by doing it themselves, can face breaker box grounding problems. Some people also decide to go with the three GFCI outlet route which will also put your electronics at risk and add further damage to them over time. The key is to stick with the original standard three-prong outlets because the ground prong itself is what protects from fuses.

Other Attachments are Not Fully Equipped

A GFCI outlet, for example, will not allow you to run a ground outlet or to even feed other outlets from it because most older boxes are not grounded. You would also have to accommodate the device with bigger metal boxes for wiring. Any additional outlets added to the two-prong not grounded style of outlet must go by electrical code for allowance of proper installation. Even so, the risk for ungrounded style attachments versus standard grounded outlets is all in the shock protection, meaning there is no guarantee you will be fully protected with the add-on attachments.

Making the switch from a two-prong outlet to a three prong is crucial for the work of a professional electrician for safe installation. Upgrade today to hassle-free plugins and let our Professional Electric team install your system at a low cost.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or need your plugins upgraded 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 service. Call us at (251) 473-5788. Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

With technology growing rapidly day by day, there are countless advancements being created to aid in saving energy and money. Setting up a smart network and connecting it to a variety of different smart appliances in your home will allow you to cut your energy rates significantly. There are many different smart appliances to choose from for your home. Here we will discuss some great ones that will save you a great amount of money!

Nest Products

To start off the list, we will begin with Nest. Nest is an innovative company that has its own line of smart appliances for your home, but it also has the ability to connect with countless other smart appliances. If you are looking to make your home a unified smart home, then the best option would be to start with picking your first Nest product.

Nest Learning Thermostat

The Nest Learning Thermostat is a great place to begin in order to start saving money in your wallet and turning your home smart. This smart thermostat will learn everything about your daily habits dealing with how you want a room heated or cooled. According to Nest, “Independent studies showed that it saved people an average of 10-12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. So in under two years, it can pay for itself.” Just using the Nest Learning Thermostat for a week will allow it to learn your habits on a daily basis. Do you like to wake up and eat breakfast in a warm temperature setting? Well this thermostat will learn your habits and warm your house upon awakening for breakfast. It will learn when you leave to go to work and then the thermostat will set to low power mode in order to save you as much money as possible.

Stack Lighting

The next smart appliance that aids greatly in conserving money and electricity is the Stack Lighting bulb. It is one of the many new cutting edge smart appliances that connects with Nest so everything can easily be controlled together. As with the Nest Learning Thermostat, the Stack Lighting bulb will learn exactly how you like your lights to be dimmed and when to be turned on. It mimics sunlight and uses the power of natural light and its sensors in order to conserve the most energy. Once you leave the room the light will turn off, upon entering it will turn back on.

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller

Last but not least, is the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. This is one big advancement in irrigation and saving your money. This smart sprinkler is extremely easy to set up all by yourself and the outcome is more than worth it to upgrade. This is another product that will connect with all Nest products through their app to truly unify your smart home. Using WiFi, it will water your yard based on the season of the year and real time weather patterns. The sprinkler will record exactly how much water is being used and will report it directly to the app. According to Rachio, “You can save as much as 30% on your outdoor water use, giving you one of the fastest paybacks of any smart home device.”

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 onFacebookand Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957  

© Southern View Media 2016  : Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.

There are different kinds of electricity, apart from the kinds that power our mobile devices or light up our homes. Static electricity is different from electricity that is generated by a turbine or chemical batteries. Here are 9 quick and interesting facts about static electricity for National Static Electricity day!

1. Static electricity is the buildup of electrical charges, made up of positive and negative ions, on the surface of an object. These charges stay in one place, hence the name static electricity.

2. Static charges build up when two surfaces rub against each other. When this happens, electrons move from one surface to another, so that one object will have a positive charge and the other, a negative charge. Rubbing two objects quickly, such as your feet on the carpet, will cause the buildup of a large charge.

3. You can use static electricity to power up an ordinary household light bulb using a balloon and your hair. You just need to blow up a balloon and tie off the end, rub it vigorously against the hair on your head for a minute or two and go into a dark room with your light bulb. Touch the two metal prongs of the light bulb against the surface of the balloon and watch it glow! Repeat rubbing the balloon to build up more static electricity. The more you do so, the more electricity builds up on the surface until you see more light.

4. Lighting is perhaps the best example of this kind of electricity. Scientists believe that lighting comes from the exchange of charges between ice particles within the clouds. Lighting is considered a bigger and more powerful version of the static electricity that we see on a daily basis.

5. During the Great Depression, huge amounts of swirling dust created large amounts of static electricity that were strong enough to render a person unconscious. This also resulted to electrical charges erupting from metal fences and the shorting out of electrical systems in cars. People resorted to carrying metal chains to offset the static charges.

6. Static electricity charges are the same charges that cause materials to cling together or your hair to stand on end. You can create static electricity by rubbing silk on a glass rod, fur or hair against a plastic comb.

7.Top uses of static electricity include printers and photocopiers, paint sprayers, air filters and dust removal. When it comes to photocopiers, static charges attract the ink or toner to the paper, resulting to a photocopy.

8. Static electricity can cause damage to electronic devices that have sensitive computer chips installed inside them. These chips are often encased in special containers or bags to protect them from static electricity damage. However, static shocks are generally not dangerous because the current is low.

9. Famous static electricity devices that show the amazing properties of static electricity include the Wimshurst electrostatic generator, the Bonetti machine and the Van de Graaf generator. The latter is very common in science museum, which you can see in exhibits for electricity demonstrations.

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 onFacebookand Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957  

© Southern View Media 2016  : Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. 

Safeguarding your home from electrical hazards extends beyond routine maintenance and repair of the electrical distribution system in your home. Any product powered by electricity must be properly maintained and checked for product safety recalls. Always check with the Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database to stay informed of recent product recalls. Here are some of the common household products recently recalled by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Hewlett-Packard Power Cords (specific models)

Hewlett-Packard recently recalled almost 6 million notebook computer and Compaq notebook power cords due to several reports of becoming overheated or melting. Also included were adapter-powered accessories. If you have any of these items throughout your home or office, check your cords immediately as this is a fire and burn hazard. The cords are black and have “LS-15” on the AC end of the cord.

If you have the recalled cord, Hewlett-Packard will replace it for free. DO NOT continue use.

Immediately contact Hewlett-Packard at 1-877- 219-6676 or online at www.hp.com/.

Ikea Nightlights (specific models)

Ikea has recalled PATROLL nightlights due to risk of electric shock. The cover can be removed to expose electrical parts. One child has been reported injured. The lights were available in orange, white and pink.

If you own one of these nightlights, immediately discontinue use and contact Ikea for a refund.

BSH Dishwashers (specific makes)

The power cord on Bosch, Gaggenau, Kenmore Elite and Thermador Dishwashers can become overheated and pose an electrical fire hazard.

Visit Bosch www.bosch-home.com/us and click on Support, then Safety Notices for information on serial numbers and location of specific models and to contact Bosch Home for more information regarding the recall.

Homelite Electric Blower Vacuum (certain models)

The system in these blower vacuums can overheat. This can cause them to spark or catch fire. Model numbers included in the recall are UT42120, UT42120A and UT42121.

Over 1,300 consumers have reported sparks, smoke, or fire with use of this product. Discontinue use immediately and contact www.homelite.com for details on a full refund and recall information.

Ventamatic Cool Draft Misting Fans

Two injuries involving electrical shock have been reported when using these fans due to them being improperly grounded. Included in the recall are “Cool Draft misting mid pressure and high pressure misting fans”. The fans fit on top of 15 gallon yellow or orange round Igloo coolers or gray 40 gallon water tanks.

Discontinue use of these immediately and contact the manufacturer at http://www.bvc.com/ for recall information

Always check your appliances and stay up to date with product recalls from the CSPC.

Whether you are constructing a new business or updating an old one, Professional Electric offers top quality lighting options and installation services. 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  

Interior designers know how the correct use of lighting can radically transform the feel and look of any space. Whether modern, subtle, glamorous or dramatic, thoughtful chosen accessories and fixtures can enhance and create ambiance while at the same serve purpose. Here are a few helpful tips on choosing the right lighting for your business:

Determine Your Lighting Needs

Before shopping for accessories or lighting fixtures, take the time to consider your goals. Determine the mood that you intend to set in each room of your business and the need for specific lighting in certain areas to enhance display or provide safety. All rooms have unique lighting needs. Task or direct lighting is suitable for an office. If your business is office in an office setting, try using, consider these types of illumination. You may need to work with fixtures or accessories that are already in existence as well as making a decision on where new ones must be installed. It is always important to seek the services of a professional electrician who is experienced in designing an efficient lighting plan that fits the specific needs of your business.

Modern Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is one of the more versatile lighting solutions for your business. Recessed lighting simply means the lights are installed into walls or ceilings. Your electrician can help you design and decide on your options for recessed lighting. You may choose to have LED lights, dimmers, use the lighting for ambiance or functionality, or both! Recessed fixtures are great choices with high ceilings or any time you want your business to have a modern feel.

Multiple Light Sources

You must never restrict yourself to a single lighting source. Numerous rooms work best with multiple lights that assist in accomplishing specific tasks and shifting the ambiance of the room according to the time and mood of the day. For instance,you might wish to install lighting within reach under counters and in pantries or light up any space that is dark and gloomy.

Whether you are contructing a new business or updating an old one, Professional Electric offers top quality lighting options and installation services. 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  

Electrical service provision is a technical and tedious process that requires trained experts who know how to install, repair and maintain electrical devices. The service provider should be one with many years of experience, licensed, and insured, but sometimes it can be hard to find a qualified and trustworthy electrician. An authorized electrician provides professional residential and commercial electrical services that satisfy clients’ needs, and this helps build a good reputation.

Electrical service providers also offer emergency services, as you never know when your electrical equipment might break down. Some of the services include:

– Electrical code correction

– Installation of outlets and switches

– Indoor and outdoor lighting

– Residential and commercial inspection of electrical equipment

– Aluminum wiring and repair

– Drier, range and air condition circuit

– Fast and affordable quotes

– Cable TV and phone jacks

With all these services DIY electrical work is not appropriate, as there are some risks involved, and you can be electrocuted. It is therefore advisable to contact an electrical company that has trained experts who will get work done within the shortest time possible without causing accidents. Electricians will ensure your safety by providing the following services;

Diagnosis of Electrical Problem, and Perform Repair

Sometimes you might experience a power shortage due to a breakdown in the wiring system, solar panels, or aging of the electrical gadgets. If this happens, you should contact an electrician who will diagnose the problem and find the main cause of the problem. Electrical wires are suppose to be fitted appropriately in order for them to work efficiently, so the electrician will repair the wires and ensure they are fitted correctly to prevent accidents. They conduct electrical testing to find problems relating to electrical lighting or wiring and then repair damages.

Installation of Electrical Equipment

Electrical companies have qualified electricians who have necessary knowledge and skills to install electrical appliances in both residential and commercial buildings. If you want these appliances in your home, our electricians can design, install, and offer maintenance services including the following:

– Fire alarm systems

– Power points

– Smoke detectors

– Ceiling fan safety switches

– Range-hoods and oven computer networking

– Phone outlets

– TV outlets

– Garden lighting

Upgrade Services

Sometimes your electrical appliances may need upgrading in order to function effectively. You can therefore enjoy our services, as we have qualified electricians who will ensure that your needs are satisfied. Upgrading of these appliances can increase their efficiency or help with energy saving, hence cutting down on your utility bills. Energy saving does not only conserve energy, but also helps in environment conservation and prevention of power surge and this includes:

– All lighting, lights, and light fittings

– Switchboards

– Mains capacity

Electrical Safety

Electricity is one of the most dangerous resources if safety measures are not observed. Electrical lines are supposed to run higher or buried deep underground to prevent accidents such as electrocution. Therefore, hiring us will ensure all the safety measures are put in place by conducting the following:

– Electrical safety inspection

– Installation of surge protectors

– Child proof outlets

– GFCI outlets

If you are in need of 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

* It looks great in any area. It does not matter where you place your LED lighting or how you use it- LED is sure to enhance any room and illuminate its beauty.

.* Illuminates and allows more colors to be visible with the naked eye, allowing any products displayed to be visually attractive to consumers.

* It lasts longer than traditional lighting- up to 15 years. This saves business owners of maintenance hassles and frees up more of your precious time. Take that extra time and invest it right back into your business!

* LED lights are energy efficient-saving you money on energy costs! Hello! Raise your hand if you don’t want to save money!…. We thought so.

* LED an be purchased in a variety of colors- making your business stand out and express any taste or style. LED is great mood-lighting!

If you’re ready to install energy-efficient or decorative lighting for commercial use, contact Professional Electric for unparalleled quality service. Serving Mobile and Baldwin Counties in Alabama, we’re licensed, bonded, insured, and we’re prepared to get the job done right!

Don’t forget to connect with Professional Electric on Facebook!

Mobile: 251-473-5788

Baldwin County: 251-929-8957

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As a homeowner, it’s natural to embrace the “do-it-yourself” mantra, which fosters a personal investment in your home. With a little hard work and a lot of patience, a number of projects can be accomplished. You might like the idea of saving money, but your efforts could be contradictory to the outcome with electrical work. Here are four reasons you should always hire a professional electrician:

1) Electrical work is dangerous and can be potentially fatal.

• DIY electric work causes about 10 deaths and 750 serious injuries per year.

• Electric wiring is intricate and involves considerations only a trained professional would know.

• One misplaced wire can cause a number of safety hazards, including electric shock and fire.

2) It is easy to cause serious property damage.

• Since electrical wiring runs through the walls of your home, getting to the necessary cables for repair requires some minor demolition. If you do this yourself, a small incision to reveal the offending wire could quickly turn into a costly gaping hole.

• You risk destroying your appliances and/or melting the wiring inside your walls.

3) It may be illegal.

• Every state has there own set of standards when it comes to electrical work.

• According to the Electricity (Safety) Regulations Act 2010, there are a few minor tasks, such as light switch installation, that are generally acceptable for homeowners to undertake.

• A number of states still require any electrical work be approved by an inspector, and if not done properly, resulting in expensive fines.

• Electricians are certified and licensed by the state, ensuring that any and all work that is done is in compliance with the state’s regulations.

4) It can affect your home insurance.  

• The goal of insurance companies is to assess the risks related to a particular policy. Any potential dangerous actions taken by the policyholder allows the insurance provider to make adjustments a necessary, which could be anything from higher rates to nonrenewal.

• A claim that is made based on faulty wiring may not be covered and could lead to the company nullifying your policy altogether.

Don’t risk the damage, legal trouble, and insurance trouble DIY electrical work could bring. More importantly, don’t risk safety of yourself and others around you. Hire a licensed and insured professional electrician. Contact the trustworthy team at Professional Electric for all of your residential and commercial electrical services.

Baldwin County: 1-251-929-8957