JERMAR Electric Service is always looking to help people find the best solution possible for their electrical problems. If you should have a serious electrical issue, for safety reasons, we always recommend you contact a professional instead of trying to fix it yourself.
Here are some safety tips to prevent shocks and fires in your home.
1. Plugs/Outlets - If they seem loose or wiggle/wobble it is best to have them replaced by a licensed electrician to prevent fire. Another dangerous action is to try and force a plug into a socket or to adjust a plugs metal prongs to make it fit.This can lead to causing a shock. Never remove a ground pin from a 3 prong plug so it will fit into a outlet. This too can lead to causing a shock. You can purchase adapters for this at most stores.
2. GFCI -means Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. They should be installed anywhere there is water such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms and outside your home. They prevent shocks that could occur. Older homes may not have these and you should have them installed by a licensed electrician as it could save a life.
3. Round Fuses VS Circuit Breakers - this is a safety issue especially if the fuse panel is damaged or deteriorating. Circuit breakers are more sensitive than fuses they are made to detect shorts and overloads, therefore tripping before a serious situation occurs. Most homes that have fuse panels are older and when the panels were installed they did not have all the appliances and electronic devices we have today, fuse panels were not made to hold these loads. Another issue is that the majority of insurance companies now require that fuse panels be replaced with circuit breakers.
4. Surge Protection - A surge protector protects against surges, spikes, lightning, etc. Surges may come down the utility line, thru the phone line, thru your cable, from within the home or nearby. A surge protector on your panel is the first line of defense in protecting your expensive electronics and appliances. The surge protector may sacrifice it’s self to protect your electrical system and electronic equipment from surges. Secondary protection comes from the simple plug in type you can get at most stores. We live in the lightning capital of the world. It is advised that you have surge protection on your panel installed by a licensed electrician.
5. Generators -You should never install a portable generator directly into your electrical panel. It can back feed into the utility lines when your power is restored. This can electrocute or critically injure you or others. Hire a licensed electrician to connect the generator to your house wiring using a transfer switch.
When it comes to safety it is always best to hire a licensed
electrician for any electrical work you plan to do in your home.
Jermar Electric Service is family owned & operated state certified electrical contractor that has been serving Lee County since 1986. They specialize in both residential & commercial repairing, remodeling, troubleshooting in addition to any & all new electrical needs.
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