Enjoying a Shock-Free Summer

7016309225 • July 17, 2024

Essential Electrical Safety Tips

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, summer brings with it a myriad of outdoor activities, vacations, and fun-filled adventures. Amidst all the excitement, it's easy to overlook potential electrical hazards that can arise during this season. From outdoor festivities to home maintenance tasks, understanding and practicing summer electrical safety is crucial for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. So, before you dive headfirst into summer fun, let's explore some essential electrical safety tips to ensure a shock-free season.

Outdoor Entertainment Safety

From backyard barbecues to poolside parties, outdoor entertainment is a staple of summer. However, it's essential to use electrical devices and appliances outdoors safely:

- Water and Electricity Don't Mix: Keep electrical cords, outlets, and appliances away from water sources to prevent electric shocks and potential electrocution.

- Invest in Outdoor-Rated Equipment: Use only outdoor-rated extension cords, surge protectors, and electrical appliances designed specifically for outdoor use.

- Watch Out for Overhead Power Lines: When setting up outdoor activities, be mindful of nearby power lines, and ensure that any structures, such as tents or umbrellas, are far away to avoid accidental contact.

Pool and Water Safety

Pools and water-related activities are synonymous with summer fun, but they also present unique electrical hazards:

- Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs):Ensure that all outdoor electrical outlets near pools or water features are equipped with GFCIs to prevent electric shocks.

- Regular Inspections: Routinely inspect pool and hot tub equipment for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Promptly address any issues to prevent electrical accidents.

- Keep Electrical Devices Away from Water: Never use electrical devices or appliances near pools or water sources, and always keep them at a safe distance.

Outdoor Lighting

Summer evenings are perfect for outdoor gatherings and late-night stargazing, but proper lighting is essential for safety:

- Use Outdoor-Rated Lighting Fixtures: Install outdoor lighting fixtures that are specifically designed for exterior use to ensure safety and durability.

- Avoid Overloading Outlets: When setting up outdoor lighting, distribute the load across multiple outlets and avoid overloading circuits to prevent overheating and potential fires.

- Turn Off Unnecessary Lighting: When not in use, turn off outdoor lighting to conserve energy and reduce the risk of electrical hazards.

Storm Preparedness

Summer storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning strikes, posing significant electrical risks:

- Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and stay informed about incoming storms to take proactive measures.

- Unplug Electrical Devices: During severe weather, unplug electrical devices and appliances to prevent damage from power surges caused by lightning strikes or power outages.

- Invest in Surge Protectors: Install surge protectors to safeguard sensitive electronic equipment from power surges during storms.

- Think about purchasing a standby generator. Click here to read our post about generators.

Home Maintenance

Summer is an ideal time for home maintenance tasks, but it's essential to approach electrical projects with caution:

- Leave it to the Professionals: For complex electrical tasks or repairs, always hire a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes. Call us for your electrical repairs!

- Inspect Outdoor Wiring: Check outdoor wiring, such as extension cords and holiday lights, for signs of damage or wear. Replace any frayed or damaged cords promptly.

- Keep Flammable Materials Away: When using electrical equipment outdoors, keep flammable materials, such as gasoline or propane, at a safe distance to prevent fires.

Summer is a time for making memories and enjoying the great outdoors, but it's essential to prioritize electrical safety to prevent accidents and injuries. By following these essential tips, you can ensure a summer season that is not only fun and enjoyable but also safe and free from electrical hazards. So, as you embark on your summer adventures, remember to stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe.

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History of Electrical Breakers

By 7016309225 • January 17, 2026

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

Flickering Lights?

By 7016309225 • December 17, 2025

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.