For many people, electricity is actually a bit of a mystery – we know the light comes on when we flick a switch, but we aren’t exactly sure how it happens. Not only that, we know – whether from experience, hearsay or from reading this blog – that electricity is nothing to fool around with. Keeping in mind the inherent danger involved with electricity, it is best to ask any questions you may have before embarking on any electrical project. At Promise Electric, our master electricians are happy to answer any questions you may have. Here are some of the most common electrical FAQs we hear from customers like you.
Electrical FAQs and their Answers
- Why do my light bulbs keep blowing out? Although there are several reason that this could be occurring, it is important to rule out )or identify) overheating as soon as possible. A light fixture with a poor airflow design can cause your bulb to hear up excessively. While this is an inconvenience, it is more importantly a fire hazard, and should be checked out immediately by a licensed electrician.
- Is there a difference between a fuse and circuit breaker? Both items disrupt the flower of energy if they sense a problem. However, the difference lies in replacement options – a fuse will have to replaced once it is tripped, while a circuit breaker simply needs to be reset. This is the reason that circuit breakers are more common in Sarasota area residences than fuse boxes.
- What is a GFCI outlet? This type of electrical outlet is functionally designed to protect individuals from electrical shock if there is moisture present. GFCIs are required in bathrooms and kitchens according to building codes, and are also located on outdoor and garage outlets. They feature test/reset buttons. Pushing in the “test” button to turns off the GFCI, while the “reset” button turns the outlet back on once tripped. If the GFCI does not reset, call a local electrician.
- What exactly happens when there is a “short circuit”? When wires transmitting electrical current come into contact with the grounded conductor wire, a lot of heat is created. If you notice sparks in your electrical panel, a short circuit has occurred due to this heat, and the connection should be checked out by a professional.
- What is the difference between a regular breaker and an Arc fault breaker? All breakers prevent the wires in your home from carrying too much current. They are designed to automatically shut down if the circuit is overloaded or if a short circuit occurred. Arc fault breakers provide the additional ability to sense arcing in a circuit. Arcing occurs between two damaged conductors, causing exceptionally hot conditions and sparks – and presenting an imminent fire hazard. A regular breaker may not sense arcing, but an arc Fault breaker will, shutting the circuit down before it can ignite.
- My home was built with aluminum wiring – is it really a fire hazard? Aluminum wiring was commonly used in the late 1960s and 1970s , and in and of itself, is not dangerous. The issue with aluminum wiring is in faulty terminations in receptacles and switches, Because of its age, aluminum wiring can be deteriorating behind walls and switches, creating an unseen fire hazard. If your still has aluminum wiring, call a licensed electrician for an inspection and recommendations as to how to proceed.
- Is my electrical panel unsafe? An outdated electrical panel, often found in older homes in the Sarasota area, isn’t designed to meet the electricity demands of contemporary life. If your electrical panel is decades old, it may need upgrading in order to handle the load of multiple appliances and devices in the home.
Overall, it is our recommendation that you call an electrician if you have any electrical FAQs or situations in your home which may require attention. It is better to be safe than sorry -call Promise Electric today.
