Commonly Asked Electrical Questions
February 22, 2024
Common Electrical Questions Answered
Can I repair my own electrical system?
Electrical work can be dangerous. If you don’t have any idea what to do or where to start, you need to hire an electrician to take care of any electrical needs you have. You don’t want to get injured due to not having enough knowledge. Don’t let electrical work scare you, there are some projects homeowners can do on their own. For example, you can change out light switches, receptacles, and light housings. Make sure you switch off the breaker to the electrical circuit you are working on before you start any project.
What is a GFCI outlet?
Do you know the outlets with the test and reset buttons? Those are GFCI outlets. GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. These outlets are used in wet areas of a home like a kitchen and bathroom. This outlet works by killing the power to the circuit if it senses a difference in the outgoing and incoming current. These outlets help prevent electric shock due to faults.
What’s the difference between a fuse and a breaker?
Fuses and breakers perform similarly. They disrupt the flow of power when there is a fault in the system. The major difference between a fuse and a breaker is that when a fuse trips, it needs to be replaced. When a breaker trips, it can be easily reset. That is why breakers are used more than fuses.
Why is my breaker tripping?
Have you lost power in a section of your home and when you go to your panel to check you see a breaker has been tripped? That is an electrical panels way of keeping you safe. When there is too much load on the circuit, the breaker will trip. The breaker trips to prevent your wiring from overheating.
How do I reset a tripped breaker?
- Locate the electrical panel and open the cover.
- A tripped breaker will be in the “off” position, or somewhere between “on” and “off”.
- Reset the breaker by moving it to the full “off” position and then back to the “on” position.
- This should restore power.
If the breaker trips again, it could be because too many things are plugged into the circuit, damaged wires, bad switch, or faulty wiring. If it keeps tripping, call a licensed electrician
to troubleshoot the issue for you.
Should I upgrade my 100 amp to 200-amp service?
Most older homes have 100-amp electrical panels. There wasn’t as much power being used then as there is now. New technology has increased the amount of amps homeowners need for all the new appliances and devices. It is worth the money to upgrade your service to a 200 amp to make sure you have enough power when you need it.
It is best to have an electrician do the upgrade. Call us
today to schedule a panel upgrade.
Now that we have answered some of the most asked electrical questions, your next move should be to contact a licensed electrician for upgrading or repairing anything electrical. You could worsen your issue or make a bigger problem if you try to fix it on your own.
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.
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