Category: Professional Electric Blog

Ground faults happen when the electricity in your wiring doesn’t stay there, but finds another, faster way to the ground. If a person happens to be between the power and that ground, it can be deadly. Approximately 200 people in the United States are killed in ground fault accidents every year. In order to mitigate this danger, the ground fault interrupter, or GFI, was invented in 1961. You may even be familiar with them already. Outlets that have the red and black “reset” buttons between the plugs contain this special technology. Beyond the familiar bathroom plug, however, there are a few other important points to understand:

GFI’s are sometimes called GFCI, for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. Essentially, these special outlets monitor how much electricity is going in and how much is coming back out of the circuit when it is in use. When this amount doesn’t match, the device opens the circuit preventing dangerous electrical “leaks,” protecting you, your appliances and your home against shock and fire. Commonly, what you experience is the sudden shut off of your appliance and the need to push the button on the outlet to get it started again. What you may not realize is just how close you were to danger before the ground fault was “interrupted!”

Anytime electrical outlets are near sources of water, such as bathrooms, kitchens, unfinished basements and other extremely humid or wet conditions, a GFI is a good idea. Since water is such an excellent conductor, these areas are more prone to the kinds of problems these special plug adapters can eliminate. In fact,  the National Electric Code (NEC) requires GFCI/GFI outlets in all new unfinished basements, kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and, of course, outdoor receptacles.  In older homes, retrofitting in damp conditions can cost as little as $10 per outlet, or a breaker switch can be installed in the main panel for about $150 total.

Because lightning from storms or power surges from your main lines can damage the circuits in your GFI, you should test them at least once per month. It’s simple to do, and you don’t need an electrical degree to do it. Just plug in an appliance, like a lamp or hair dryer. Then turn it on and push the “test” button on the outlet. If the light stays on, it’s time to replace it! If the light goes off, however, you can rest assured that your unassuming little outlet is indeed, protecting you from deadly ground fault accidents.

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  

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

We all know that lighting illuminates areas that you need to see. Did you know that with a little creativity and inspiration, lighting can also aide in the creation of space?

Everyone could use a little extra space in the kitchen! Cabinet lights are one of the newest lighting trends. Innovative kitchen lighting is stylish, convenient, and can be done with just about any budget and in any kitchen! See how under the cabinet lighting can change your kitchen!  Here are 3 examples for inspiration.

⦁ LED Lighting

This style is not just for businesses or outdoors! LED track lighting under your cabinets will give your kitchen the ultimate upgrade! These are the perfect follow-up for new countertops. Bonus tip: If you are considering selling your home anytime soon, LED lighting anywhere will add long-lasting value and appeal due to the lower energy costs and longer lifespan.

2. Halogen Lighting

Halogen lights can make your cabinets shine like no other! They come in several options, include dimmable. Halogen lights tend to run hot, therefore they do have the potential to add heat to your kitchen.

3. Xenon Lights

Xenon lighting is very similar in appearance to the beams of the halogen lights. One major difference in the two is that xenon do not produce the heat that halogen lights produce. This can be a deciding factor if the materials your cabinets are made of are unable to withstand the heat from other types of light.

No matter what type of lighting you choose, be sure to call on the professionals for safe and proper installation! Check the materials of your countertops and see if they are susceptible to damage from certain types of light. Always seek help from a professional electrician when it is time for installation!

Are you upgrading and updating? Don’t forget to call on Professional Electrical for all of your lighting and electrical needs!
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  

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

As the world moves forward in the realm of technology, more and more jobs are needed to aid in managing this growing demand. From electricians to IT specialists, the career path is flowing with jobs for people that can help keep up with the required increase in service needed to keep everything powered on at all times.  Electricians are needed to ensure that your many devices are running with the proper power it needs to sustain a long life. From residential to commercial, there are endless electrical grids that require maintenance by a licensed electrician. Here are a couple of key benefits of joining this occupation.

Salary

We will start with what is one of the most important factors to pursuing this profession, the average salary.  Jobs in this field start out between $35,000 and $48,000.  The national starting average is on the higher end of that spectrum.  The type of electrical work you are qualified and licensed to service and install are two prime factors in determining your pay rate.  Working under a contractor can provide a higher starting salary but working independently can pay off big in the long run.

Work Environment

One of the major reasons why people become electricians is because you are not stuck behind a desk. As an electrician, you have the ability to work at a different place with every job you take on. Whether the location be residential or commercial, you will be out and about in the world. This is one of the best things about being an electrician, every day is a different experience and a different location.

Lifetime Work

Another great thing about pursuing a career in electrical work, you can be sure that your job will stand the tests of time and will always be in high demand. Technology is constantly changing and advancing pushing the need for qualified electricians. Electricity is a fact of life for the foreseeable future.  This high demand also leads to starting and average salaries constantly being driven higher.
This career can last you a lifetime and comes with many great benefits and is a significant skillset to have mastered.  The salaries are very competitive and the work environment changes daily.  Electricians will always be needed to keep up with the constant increase in population and the demand that puts on our electrical infrastructure.

Are you upgrading and updating? Don’t forget to call on Professional Electrical for all of your lighting and electrical needs!
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  

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

Living in the South, you know more than anyone how important it is to have reliable electricity. With the high levels of humidity and abundant heat, knowing you can count on your HVAC system is simply a necessity. If those uncomfortable conditions creep into your home, you can only imagine how frustrating it would be to lose power, whether that be to an appliance, lights, or your entire home.

Wouldn’t it be so much better – and more comfortable – if your power never went out in the first place? Or was repaired quickly, before you noticed the effects?

To ensure you have power that’s running properly, find an electrician who’s quick on their feet. Finding a knowledgeable professional can help eliminate that potential frustration (and expense) later down the line. In order to locate the best electrician, ask them these industry questions; consider it their interview in order to prove they’re qualified for the job.

1. How Efficient is Your Setup?

Is your wiring decades old? Do you have newer high-efficiency models that have years ahead of them? It’s likely that you got a brief rundown when you moved in, but it never hurts to get a second opinion. (Or to check and see how much the electrician knows.) Pick their brain and decide if they gave an honest review.

2. What Type of Upkeep is Needed?

Ask your potential pro what steps you should take to help keep your home or office in the best working condition. They might recommend upgrades, appliance or connection checks, or servicing appointments. Additional maintenance, such as cleanings can also help power move more efficiently. Listen to their tips in order to gauge if this is the pro for you.

3. How Much Will That Cost?

When an electrician is evaluating a problem with your setup, chances are you’re going to need some new parts and/or service time. Before getting surprised with a bill, ask how much X repairs will run. You should get a detailed answer, even if they let you know that Y or Z might be the cause, along with estimated prices with each outcome.

4. How Long Have You Been in the Business?

Experience is key. Don’t be afraid to ask a tech how long they’ve been in the power business, and what type of trainings they keep up with to continue their skills.

5. What is the Electric Company’s Employee Screening Process?

At Professional Electric, we know the best questions to ask electricians because they’re the questions we ask ourselves. How experienced is a pro? How much are they willing to help customers? Will they get the job done the first time? If the answer is no, we won’t consider putting them in your home, either. By following these detailed questions, you can be more confident about who you’re letting in your home, as well as their abilities to fix your power needs the first time around.

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  

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

Congratulations on your new home! Unless you were on the building site every day, watching your home go from an empty lot to a beautiful, finished home, there are some things you probably missed. And even if you watched your home construction, there were many things going on at once. What you did see may have confirmed that you may not understand what you were seeing. We thought you might have a few questions, so here are just a few very basic things you might like to know about Professional Electric’s quality electrical work.

1.     YOUR HOME WAS WIRED BY QUALIFIED, LICENSED ELECTRICIANS.

Our electricians are highly skilled craftsmen, trained in their field of expertise. We take pride in our work, and your home was built with the same level of craftsmanship that we would use in our own homes. We didn’t leave your home until we were content that your home was completed to our high standards.

2.     WE USED HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS.

Your home was built with high-quality components, and should remain trouble-free for many years, if not your lifetime.

3.     IT WAS INSTALLED TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF YOUR FAMILY’S POWER NEEDS.

Not only are our electricians highly skilled, but they are under the magnifying glass of the local building inspector, whose job is to assure that an expected level of safety and quality is met.

5.     IT MEETS THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTRICAL CODES.

If you ask ten people what their biggest fears are, eight would list fire in the top three. It is always a huge concern. Knowing what to look for in your home to keep it safe gives peace of mind. Here are a few items that are easy to observe, and your prompt attention to these will help ensure that your family is safe and sound.

LOOSE OR BROKEN WALL OUTLETS:

Wall outlets take a lot of abuse. Over time, they can become loose from the wall, or the sockets may break. Wiring may also become loose at the attachment screws, causing power to go off and on to a device. Wall outlets account for a large percentage of fires, and should be taken care of promptly.

FLICKERING LIGHTS:

Lights that flicker may indicate something as simple as a loose wire in the light socket, or they could indicate a variance in the power coming into the home. A qualified electrician can isolate the problem quickly and determine the correct fix.

FAILING SWITCHES:

Light switches do wear out. Replace old switches as they lose their clicky feel. Old wiring may be a culprit and a small spark could easily ignite a fire.

DAMAGED CORDS ON APPLIANCES:

Appliance cords can be damaged over time, whether the kids run over them with the vacuum cleaner, or they rub against something. The plug end may wear, and not fit tightly into the outlet. New cords are cheap fire insurance, and our electricians can replace them quickly.

BREAKERS THAT NEED RESET OFTEN:

If you find yourself resetting a breaker often, or you know that you can’t run the coffeemaker and the microwave at the same time, you need to have your distribution checked. Older homes especially are often underwired for today’s needs, and you may need new circuits added. If the wiring is adequate, it may be a faulty breaker that needs to be replaced. Either way, our electricians will know what to do.

UPDATED GFCI OUTLETS NEAR WATER SOURCES:

If you do not have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets near your bathroom and kitchen sinks, it would be a good idea to have them installed. These outlets will kick out in hundredths of a second if a direct path to ground is established, as can happen if an appliance is dropped into water.

OVERUSE OF EXTENSION CORDS:

Older homes simply weren’t built with enough outlets for our needs. It is common to see extension cords strung everywhere. Overuse of these cords can lead to circuit overload, overheating of the cords, and then fire. Avoid stringing cords together. If you simply need more power in a room, call us. Our electricians can add power where you need it.

For nearly 20 years, Professional Electric has provided the Mobile Area with skilled tradesmen who take pride in their work. Quality craftsmanship, great customer service, and satisfied clients speak volumes about the work we do. If you have any issues with your home wiring, call us. We will be happy to make you a satisfied customer, too.

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  

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

As LED lighting increases in popularity, several important facts have “come to light.” As more people install these bulbs in offices, shops, and warehouses, new findings are showing great promise for these bulbs. Some of these discoveries may surprise you, and all of these benefits will interest you.

• ENERGY COSTS will decrease with LED lighting. While incandescent bulbs burn at an efficiency of about 20%, LED’s will show an increase to 80%. Wasted wattage with an incandescent bulb is given off as heat, therefore you will save money in cooling costs as well as the basic efficiency of the bulb. Even though the up-front cost is a bit more, prices have come down, and the energy bill savings will give a quick return on investment. LED’s may also be powered with low voltage systems, again showing marked decreases in power consumption. This is indicated for use outdoors, but may also be applicable to other situations.
• LONG LIFESPAN means less maintenance, with an average use time of 100,000 hours. This means an LED bulb should provide 11 years of continuous operation or up to 22 years of normal use. One bulb will replace up to eight incandescents!
• DURABILITY indicated by these bulbs is incredible, and they hold up well in situations of vibration, shock, external impacts, and are indicated for use on construction job sites due to their reliability. Their “instant-on” capability allows immediate vision where traverse may be dangerous, such as cord-strewn walkways, dark stairwells, and work areas.
• FUNCTIONALITY IN TEMPERATURE EXTREMES where fluorescent lighting may fail due to low temperatures or over-heating is another benefit. These lights are great for outdoor light shows and perfect for walk-in coolers or even freezers.
• ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY and free of toxic chemicals, these light bulbs are also 100% recyclable. As many consumers show concern for their carbon footprint, LED lighting offers a great solution to conscientious energy usage.
• PRODUCTIVITY has been shown to increase. The natural daylight tones of the LED lighting are stimulating to the senses and conducive to work. Also, the lack of white noise from the ballasts may be a factor in an improved work environment. LED lighting is flexible and can be set up in a wide range of light, color, and distribution patterns. Schools are using well-designed systems to heighten awareness of students in classrooms. Manufacturing facilities are installing LED lighting in process areas. Offices are changing out fluorescent lighting and seeing changes in personnel work load patterns.
• THE NATURAL TONES OF THE LIGHTING are visually appealing, showcasing your products and merchandise in a flattering light, which will increase sales. Low UV emissions make LED lighting the only real choice for museums, libraries, art galleries and other areas with sensitive objects which may need protection from UV to preserve them.

If you currently are using incandescent, fluorescent, or high-intensity discharge lighting, we have shown you many reasons that you may want to consider upgrading or retrofitting for LED bulbs. Professional Electric has skilled, qualified, capable electricians waiting to take on your lighting project. Call us to design the best solutions for your space. We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 or visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

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

There are many different kinds of outlets. Within the confines of your house, you may find four or five different styles out outlets. In some areas of the house, near sinks and in basements and garages you may see GFCI’s. Behind the dryer and stove, you will see another kind of plug-in.

What actually lurks behind the cover plate on your outlet? Let’s talk about a very basic three-prong grounded outlet, found in most areas of the home or office. Remember if you decide to go hands-on, turn the power off.

The easiest way to find the correct breaker and kill the power is to plug a lamp or radio into the outlet. The radio works great if you are working alone, as you will hear when the power is off. As you switch breakers off and on, you will find the one that kills the device. Mark the panel so you know which one it is next time.
If you remove the cover and outlet, you will find three wires: black (hot), white (neutral), and green (ground). Note that the black wire is terminated under the gold screw, the white is under the silver screw, and the green screw gets the green wire. This is to assure correct polarity.  If you have one set of wires, this is the end receptacle on a circuit. However, in most cases, there will also be a set of wires leaving to power another outlet in the circuit.

You may find that the wires are “pigtailed,” or they may be pushed into the back of the outlet or screwed under the appropriate color screw. There are several methods of wiring a receptacle and any of these may be used.

Those large outlets that power your stove and dryer are 220V outlets, and those will be powered with 2 hots, a black and a red. You will also have white and green. These items will have their own breaker in the panel, and the breaker will be a 2 pole with two connected breakers. This is to assure that if one side of the breaker trips, it will shut off both sides for safety. These 220V appliances are generally stoves, dryers, air conditioners, and furnaces.

Understanding the basics of your electrical wiring is important. You should be able to go to the panel and find the appropriate breaker to shut off your power if an outlet is broken or worn. Of all the systems in a home or business, electrical wiring is the least understood by the majority of homeowners. Trusting your wiring to Professional’s skilled electricians will put you at ease. 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

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

One of the easiest additions to make when upgrading your kitchen is under-cabinet lights. Affordable, versatile, efficient, and easy to install, this upgrade makes good sense in many ways. Today, there are many forms of lighting available, and you can find exactly what you are searching for. Strip lighting will illuminate a large area. Puck lights cast light on specific areas, and tape lights will throw consistent light across the entire span of countertops. Installing more than one type will give you the options you need for a very versatile application. Here are reasons to consider installing at least one type of lighting under your cabinets.

1. TASKS: A well-lit workspace is easy to function in. Adding under-cabinet lighting directs brightness to your work area, and eliminates shadows thrown by your body. Whether you are watching your cookie dough to assure it is properly mixed, or reading a recipe, it will be clearer and easier with under-cabinet lighting. This direct illumination, placed exactly where you need it, is the last bit of lighting to complete your room. When added to your recessed, ceiling and pendant fixtures, it allows the whole room to be bathed in brightness.
2. AMBIENCE: When not working in the kitchen, the same lights may be dimmed to give a nice warmth to the area. In many of today’s homes, the open floor plans mean that every bit of ambiance in a space is influential to the decorating scheme. Use your under-cabinet lights to add a nice glow.
3. SAFETY: Use your under-cabinet lights to keep this central area of the home lit. Whether traversing through in semi-darkness, grabbing a glass for a late-night snack, or getting meds for a sick family member, you will appreciate the glow of your lights. LED lighting is also more cost-effective, so if you want to make it appear you are home and awake, leave them on for security reasons.
4. HIGHLIGHTS: Well-thought-out lighting layouts will allow you to showcase your collection of spices or accent your dried flower arrangement. Beautiful countertops, backsplashes, and appliances become art when the light is thrown on them in a darkened space. Grandma’s recipe box is highlighted with a flood of light, making it stand out as something special. Using your under-cabinet lights for more than work is easy, and your kitchen is beautified with everyday decor.

The trend toward LED lighting in the last few years increases the safety of the installation, and these lights may safely be left on around the clock. They are inexpensive to purchase and operate, and fun to use. Today’s options include color changing tape lights that can be set to a beautiful accent color and left dimmed for a designer look, and area lighting for feature accents. Lighting is much more than a necessity for tasks.

If you would like to add this feature to your kitchen, business or living space, give us a call. We can help you decide which lights will meet your needs, and our professional electricians will install them quickly so you can enjoy them.

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! Mobile: (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 the sun goes down on those long cold winter nights, up goes the thermostat to hold back the night chill. The colder months can be the most expensive time of the year for your family. With your children out of school for the holidays, large family gatherings, extravagant holiday lighting and decorations, cooking and baking preparations, and hot showers to break the chill can add costs to your budget. How can you keep with family traditions and creature comforts without going into debt this year?

Here are some helpful ways to save money on your electric bill when Jack Frost is not only nipping at your nose but your wallet too!

1. Proper maintenance and safety checks: Get your heating system a check-up by a licensed professional before the first cold snap. Having your system routinely cleaned and maintenance not only helps with safety but efficiency too. An efficient heating system will certainly save on costs.
2. Sealing the drafts and leaks: Check the windows and doors. Weather stripping or caulking around drafty cavities will reduce the amount of airflow entering or exiting the home. Place clear, plastic sheeting on the inside of your window frames and make sure that it is sealed tightly around the framing. Keeping the cold air from coming in and the warm air from going out will help with maintaining a steady interior temperature. Large fluctuations can cause your heating system to work overtime resulting in a large electric bill each month.
3.  Adjusting the temperature by dialing it back: Lowering your hot water heater to the warm setting saves on energy costs and scalding dangers, too. Whether you are awake or asleep, at home or away, wearing layers and lowering your thermostat to what is comfortable and safe can be a cost cutting method. A programmable thermostat can make it easy when adjusting the temperature, however, the key to saving money is consistency. This means proper use is necessary to see any results in cost cutting on your electric bill. *If you have a heat pump, follow the recommendations on temperature adjustments for running your system properly.
4. Open your curtains and let in the sunshine: Opening your south-facing curtains can provide some extra warmth during the day. Despite the cold temperature outside, the sun rays still bring in heat to your home. To maximize your access to the sunlight, trim back any trees or branches that would block the sunshine to your windows. Remember to close the curtains at night to reduce any drafts or cold air. The great thing about sunlight is that it’s free! This is a bonus to your monthly electric bill.
5. Clean and clear intakes and registers: Change out your air filters monthly to maximize your airflow into the system. A clean air filter helps with the functionality of your system. Clearing a path for air to flow unobstructed from your heating register is important. Placing furniture and rugs over the heating register limits the circulation of warm air throughout the room. The less your heating system must work to provide heat, the more money you will save.

Many people enjoy cooler temperatures, but even winter weather enthusiasts have to come in out of the cold!

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