Commercial electricians perform detailed evaluations of energy use across systems to identify saving opportunities.

Every time a circuit breaker trips in your home, it’s doing something incredibly important—protecting you and your electrical system from danger. But have you ever wondered where these little safety devices came from, or how we protected homes before they existed? Here’s a quick look at the evolution of electrical breakers, and why they’re one of the most important inventions in modern electrical safety. ⚙️ Before Breakers: The Age of Fuses (Late 1800s – Early 1900s) Before circuit breakers became common, homes used fuses to prevent electrical overloads. A fuse contains a thin wire that melts when too much current flows through it, stopping the circuit. The problem? Once a fuse blows, it has to be replaced—every single time. Fuses worked, but they were: Inconvenient Easy to install incorrectly Prone to over-fusing (dangerously replacing with a higher-rated fuse) ⚡ Enter the Breaker: Early 20th Century Innovation The concept of the resettable circuit breaker emerged in the early 1900s, offering a reusable, more reliable solution. The first patent for a circuit breaker came in 1924 by Hugo Stotz (working with Siemens), whose design used a bimetallic strip to detect overcurrent. Breakers gained popularity throughout the 1930s–50s, especially in industrial and commercial buildings. Why they caught on: Could be reset instead of replaced More precise at detecting electrical faults Better suited for growing electrical demands 🏠 Breakers in the Modern Home (1960s–Present) By the 1960s and 70s, circuit breakers became the standard in new residential construction across the U.S. and many parts of the world, replacing fuse boxes entirely. Modern home panels include: Standard breakers – for basic overcurrent protection GFCI breakers – to protect against shock (especially near water) AFCI breakers – to prevent electrical fires from arc faults Dual-function breakers – offering both GFCI and AFCI protection These advanced breakers are required by modern electrical codes in many areas, and they’ve drastically reduced electrical fires and injuries. 🔌 Why Breakers Matter More Than Ever Today’s homes use far more electricity than they did 50 years ago. With more appliances, electronics, EV chargers, and smart tech, the demand on your electrical panel is greater than ever. Circuit breakers are the unsung heroes, silently monitoring every circuit to: Prevent overloads Stop short circuits Protect people and property 🧑‍🔧 Should You Upgrade Your Breaker Panel? If your home still has an old fuse box or outdated breaker panel, it might be time for an upgrade—especially if you’re: Experiencing frequent tripped breakers (check out our blog about troubleshooting electrical circuit tripping ) Adding new appliances or renovations Living in a home over 30–40 years old Find you need to upgrade your panel? Give us a call and we can give you a free estimate to upgrade your electrical panel

Noticing your lights flickering lately? Whether it's just a quick blink or a persistent issue, flickering lights aren't something to ignore. While some causes are harmless, others can be a sign of a much bigger electrical problem lurking behind your walls. We believe in addressing electrical issues early—before they turn into safety hazards. Here’s what flickering lights could mean, and when it’s time to call in a professional: ⚠️ Loose or Faulty Bulbs Let’s start simple. Sometimes, flickering is just a matter of: A loose bulb in the socket An incompatible bulb, especially with dimmer switches A bad connection between the bulb and socket contacts 🛠️ Try turning the bulb off, tightening it, or replacing it with a fresh one. If the problem stops—great! If not, keep reading. ⚡Overloaded Circuits Do your lights dim or flicker when you run the microwave, HVAC system, or vacuum cleaner? This could mean: A circuit is overloaded and struggling to supply enough power Your electrical panel may be undersized or outdated for your current energy needs ⚡ Solution: An electrician can evaluate your system and recommend upgrades, such as a panel replacement or circuit expansion. 🔌Faulty Switches or Loose Wiring Flickering in a single fixture—especially when touched or adjusted—may point to: A loose connection in the light switch Frayed or deteriorating wires behind the wall A faulty fixture that’s wearing out 🔥 Loose wires can generate heat and even lead to electrical fires—don’t delay an inspection if this sounds familiar. 🏡 Whole-House Flickering Lights flickering throughout your home? This could signal: Issues with your electrical panel or main service line A failing main breaker Problems with the utility company’s supply line This is a more serious issue that requires a licensed electrician’s immediate attention. ⚠️ Never ignore widespread flickering—it’s often a sign of a potentially dangerous voltage problem. 🌩️Power Grid Fluctuations or Storm Impact Sometimes flickering comes from outside your home. Storms, power line damage, or utility equipment issues can all cause fluctuations in your service. We have a blog about how to set your house up for stormy weather. Check it out here ! While these may resolve on their own, frequent or prolonged issues should still be evaluated to protect sensitive electronics and ensure safety. 🧑‍🔧 When to Call a Pro If flickering lights happen often, are unpredictable, or are accompanied by: Burning smells Buzzing from outlets or panels Warm switches or outlets Tripping breakers 👉 It’s time to call a licensed electrician.

Discover the top four signs your business needs electrical repair and how timely services can prevent downtime, hazards, and costly equipment damage.

Thanksgiving today is a warm, cozy holiday filled with good food, family, and football. But imagine trying to pull off your Turkey Day traditions without electricity—no oven, no lights, no parade on TV, no fridge full of leftovers! Electricity plays a huge part in how we celebrate Thanksgiving now, and it’s easy to forget that it wasn’t always this way. Let’s take a little journey through history to see how far we’ve come—and how power has changed the way we celebrate the season. 🕯️ Before the Flip of a Switch: Thanksgiving in the 1800s When Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, most homes relied on oil lamps, wood stoves, and hand-powered kitchen tools. Cooking a full Thanksgiving meal meant: Chopping wood for fuel Baking pies in cast iron ovens Storing perishables in iceboxes, not refrigerators Lighting the dinner table with candles or gas lanterns There were no electric carving knives, no slow cookers, and certainly no "smart ovens." ⚡ The Spark of Modern Comfort: Electricity Enters the Scene Electric power began lighting up American homes in the late 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1920s–30s that electricity started becoming more common in middle-class homes—just in time to revolutionize the Thanksgiving experience. Electric ovens made cooking faster and more precise Refrigerators extended food storage Electric lighting meant more family and guests could gather late into the evening Radios and, later, televisions brought entertainment to the holiday table Fun Fact: The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with a television broadcast aired in 1948—and it’s been a Thanksgiving staple ever since! 🦃 Thanksgiving in the Age of Smart Homes Fast forward to today, and we’re cooking turkeys with Wi-Fi ovens, setting timers with smart speakers, and managing the entire meal with a phone app. Modern Thanksgiving might include: Programmable smart thermostats to keep guests comfortable LED holiday lights that save energy and reduce fire risk Backup generators ensuring nothing interrupts the big meal EV chargers for guests arriving in electric vehicles Watching the game in 4K while the robot vacuum cleans up crumbs 💡 We’re Thankful for Progress—and for You We’re grateful for the modern power that keeps our homes safe, warm, and full of life—especially around the holidays. And we’re even more thankful for the customers and community who trust us to keep that power flowing year-round. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen, installing smart devices, or making sure your panel is ready for holiday guests, we’re here to help. Contact us for a pre-holiday electrical inspection or service—so your Thanksgiving can be powered by peace of mind. Wishing you a bright, warm, and happy Thanksgiving from all of us at KrisLee Electric! 🦃

Ensure safety and reliability with professional electrical repairs. Hire a licensed electrician to handle hazards, comply with codes, and protect your property.

Halloween is a time for glowing jack-o’-lanterns, spooky decorations, and front yards lit up like haunted houses. But with all the extra lights, extension cords, and power-hungry props, it’s also a time when electrical safety is more important than ever. At KrisLee Electric, we want to make sure your Halloween is all treats—no shocks or fire hazards. Here are a few Halloween electrical safety tips to keep your home safe while staying festive: 🎃 Use Outdoor-Rated Decorations and Cords Not all Halloween decorations are built the same! If you're plugging in lights or inflatables outside, make sure: They’re labeled for outdoor use Cords and plugs are weather-resistant Outlets are GFCI-protected to prevent shock 💡 *Tip: Don’t run cords through doors or windows—they can pinch and damage the wires.* 👻 Avoid Overloading Circuits It’s tempting to go all out with lights, sound effects, and fog machines—but too much on one circuit can trip breakers or start a fire. Use multiple circuits if possible Don’t daisy-chain extension cords Use smart plugs or timers to manage loads ⚠️ If you notice flickering lights or warm outlets, it’s time to unplug something! 🕯️ Switch from Candles to LEDs Open flames in jack-o’-lanterns and along walkways look cool but come with serious fire risk—especially around costumes and dry leaves, opt for: Battery-powered LED candles Solar pathway lights LED string lights for a spooky but safe glow 🔥 Bonus: LEDs use less energy and last longer, too! 🧛 Keep Walkways Clear and Cords Taped Down Trick-or-treaters may not see cords in the dark. Prevent trips and falls by: Using cord covers or heavy-duty tape Running cords along the edges of walkways, not across them Keeping decorations out of the main walking path 🎃 Test Your Smoke Detectors and Outlets With extra electricity running through your home, make sure: Smoke and CO detectors have fresh batteries Outdoor outlets are properly sealed Extension cords are free of frays or damage 🛠️ Need an outlet upgrade or GFCI repair before the big night? We’re just a call away. Stay Safe and Spooky! 👷‍♂️⚡ We love Halloween as much as you do—but we take electrical safety seriously. If you need help getting your home Halloween-ready or want an inspection before the holiday season, we’re here to help. You can check out these other spooktacular safety tips to help you have a Boo-itful Halloween, Schedule a fall electrical checkup today and enjoy a worry-free Halloween!

If you've ever bought or lived in an older home, chances are you’ve heard of knob-and-tube wiring. This vintage electrical system was standard in homes built from the 1880s through the 1940s—and while it was innovative in its day, it raises some serious concerns today. So, what exactly is knob-and-tube wiring, and is it something you should be worried about? Let’s break it down. ⚙️ What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring? Knob-and-tube (often abbreviated as K&T) is a method of electrical wiring that uses ceramic knobs to hold wires in place and ceramic tubes to guide them through wooden beams. Unlike modern wiring, it has: No grounding wire Separate hot and neutral wires, run individually Cloth or rubber insulation (which can deteriorate over time) While it worked well for the lower electrical demands of early 20th-century homes, it wasn’t designed for today’s energy-hungry appliances or safety standards. 🚩 Why Knob-and-Tube Wiring Is a Concern Many homeowners ask us: “Is knob-and-tube wiring dangerous?” The answer? It can be. Here’s why: No Ground Wire Modern wiring includes a ground wire for safety. K&T lacks this, which increases the risk of shocks and fire—especially when used with today’s electronics. Insulation Breakdown The cloth insulation used in knob-and-tube systems becomes brittle over time, exposing live wires that can arc or overheat. Modified or Improperly Repaired Wiring Many homes with K&T have had "DIY fixes" over the years—mixing old wiring with modern components. These mismatched setups often violate code and pose safety hazards. Overloading the System Homes built with K&T were never designed to handle the load of modern HVAC systems, microwaves, EV chargers, or multiple electronics. 🏡 Can You Sell or Insure a Home with Knob-and-Tube Wiring? Many insurance companies are reluctant—or outright refuse—to insure homes with active knob-and-tube wiring. Even if you find coverage, expect higher premiums. Some mortgage lenders may also deny loans until the wiring is updated. If you’re selling a home, outdated wiring could be a deal-breaker for buyers. 🔧 What Should You Do if You Have Knob-and-Tube Wiring? If your home has knob-and-tube wiring, here are your options: ✅ Schedule a professional inspection – to assess condition, safety, and potential upgrades ✅ Consider a full or partial rewire – especially in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms ✅ Avoid insulating over it – it needs space to release heat, and insulation can become a fire hazard ✅ Don’t plug modern high-wattage devices into older outlets – they may not be safe or up to code ⚡ Ready to Upgrade? We Can Help. At KrisLee Electric, we specialize in evaluating and replacing knob-and-tube wiring with modern, safe, and code-compliant electrical systems. Whether you’re renovating, buying, or selling an older home, we’ll guide you every step of the way. 📞 Contact us today for a professional inspection or estimate—because when it comes to electrical safety, what you don’t see can hurt you.

Storm season is no joke—high winds, lightning, heavy rain, and power outages can do serious damage to your home’s electrical system. But with a little preparation and help from the pros, you can protect your home, your appliances, and your family’s safety. Here’s how to get your electrical system storm-ready: Install Whole-Home Surge Protection Lightning strikes and power fluctuations during storms can send dangerous surges through your electrical system. These spikes can damage: TVs and computers Refrigerators and HVAC systems Smart home devices 🔌 A whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel adds a crucial layer of defense, reducing the risk of expensive damage. Secure and Inspect Your Outdoor Electrical Components Storms bring wind and water—two things you don’t want messing with your electrical setup. Be sure to: Check that your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected and weather-sealed Inspect exterior wiring, conduits, and boxes for damage or wear Secure loose electrical fixtures, lights, and wiring to prevent them from becoming storm debris 💧 Water + electricity = danger. Keeping everything sealed and elevated helps prevent shorts and shock risks. Consider a Backup Generator When the power goes out, a backup generator can keep the essentials running—lights, refrigerator, medical equipment, even your Wi-Fi. There are two main types: Portable generators – good for short outages, but must be operated outside with proper ventilation. Whole-home standby generators – kick on automatically and power large portions of your home. We install stand by generators! Read this blog about investing in a standby generator. ⚠️ Generators must be installed with proper transfer switches to prevent backfeeding into the grid—a serious safety hazard. Know Your Electrical Panel Your breaker panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. In a storm: Know how to safely shut off power if needed Ensure all breakers are clearly labeled Have the panel inspected if it’s older or frequently tripping 🛠️ A storm is not the time to discover you’ve got an outdated or undersized panel. Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection Before the storm season ramps up, have a licensed electrician inspect your: Panel and grounding system Surge protection setup Outdoor connections and GFCIs Backup power sources A proactive check-up can prevent dangerous surprises during severe weather. Stay Safe, Stay Powered 🌧️ Storms are unpredictable—but your electrical system doesn’t have to be. At KrisLee Electric, we help homeowners prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws their way. 📅 Book your storm prep inspection today and protect what matters most.