Electrical Definitions and Information Category

Computer Wiring

A computer should have its own outlet with protection from lightening and if the breaker trips.
It will also be necessary to have a three-prong outlet in order to plug a surge protector into the outlet.
It is not wise to use an adapter for a two-prong outlet.
This is not safe.

A professional, licensed and insured electrician can install all the outlets you’ll be needing to run your computer.
An experienced electrician will be able to assist you with all your computer, internet and phone wiring….and be able to eliminate any cords or cable lines lying around the computer area.

Power Surge

A power surge can and often does damage electronic equipment.

For computer equipment, it is always wise to use a surge protector, which helps eliminate surges of power that can damage the circuitry in the computer.
This is true for almost all of your electronics including the new HDTV’s.

Power surges can be damaging depending on the amount of power as well as how often it happens. You need to use a grounded outlet for all electronics and appliances. Lightening is a form of power surge as well as faulty wiring or incorrectly installed wiring.
Refrigerators can sometimes cause a power surge as well as window air conditioners. You can have a power surge come through satellite TV, cable lines and phone lines as well.
In most cases, your wiring can be at fault if not installed properly, or your wiring may be old and in need of an upgrade.If you turn on the microwave and the refrigerator starts running, a power surge may occur.
Sometimes people overload circuits or fuses and a power surge can result. It is important to have large appliances on their own circuits and have the proper outlets installed.
If you notice power surges when certain appliance turn on or when you are running many items at one time, it may be wise to have some electrical work done to separate some appliances that are on the same circuit breaker or fuse. If you have a fuse box, have an electrician update your electric by replacing the fuse box and wiring with a circuit breaker box.
Experienced electricians will make sure that the panel is large enough to handle the size of your home and all your electrical needs. This is important to protect all your electrical items and save on future costs for damaging power surges. Power surges are a warning that something is not right in your home.
To ensure the safety of you, your family and your home, you should have a professional, licensed, insured electrician thoroughly inspect the wiring in your home if you feel you are experiencing any electrical problems.

Meter Boxes

Meter boxes are read monthly by the utility companies to determine how much gas, electricity and water you are using in your home or business.
It is always wise to look at these boxes from time to time to see if they are working and to see if the meter is moving rapidly.
A rapidly moving electric meter could mean you have a faulty meter or something in your home is drawing a huge amount of electricity. This is a cause for concern.

You need to find the problem immediately or you could end up with a rather enormous utility bill.
If you find a rapidly moving meter, call an experienced electrician who can troubleshoot appliances and wiring in your home. It’s a good idea to keep a record, yourself, of your meter reading. You can compare your reading to that on your monthly bill. If the two readings aren’t the same, the meter might be faulty.
If you think you are using to much power, call an professional, licensed, insured electrician to take a look around your home or building. If the electrician finds a problem with the meter instead of in your home, the utility company can be contacted.

Generators

Generators are used for many different reasons.

In The Home:
Generators are used for backup when power is lost.
Depending on the size of the generator, you can run refrigerators, washing machines, small appliances and lights to your home. The size of the generator will determine the wattage output.

The more wattage of the generator, the more power you will have to power your home. When the power goes off, a generator will kick in to accommodate your electrical needs.
Homes that have individuals with medical needs that require electricity will want a generator to have power in the case of a power outage.
In a Business Environment:
Generators installed in buildings have an automatic turn on when it senses that the electrical power has shut down.
There are portable generators for short-term power outages. Both types are needed there is a power outage that could last longer than one day. Businesses that rely on power to operate install generators so that they can stay operational during power outages regardless of the duration.
Installing a generator is a project that only a professional, licensed, insured electrician should undertake.

Phone & Cable Outlets

Phone outlets in your home are the answer to unsightly telephone wires and extension cords.

Outlets for phones, can be placed anywhere in your home so long phone cord or phone jacks aren’t needed. The phone wires are run in the walls to an outlet plate where you simply plug in the phone cord. If you use cordless phones, you may want an electrical outlet next to it for the power cord.

What is a bonded electrician?

A bonded electrician has paid for a performance bond which guarantees that your work will be started and completed in a timely manner with a satisfactory end result.

If the electrician does not adhere to this guarantee, and you are dissatisfied, the bonding company will offer you compensation. Many bonding companies also offer a referral service which enables you to check references through the company.

Switches

If you are looking at switches, you will find three types of wall switches used today.

The silent switch, mercury switch and the toggle switch are the most common switches used in today’s homes. There are different ways to install different switches, and there are specific switches for indoor and outdoor use. The easiest and safest way to replace switches is to call a professional, licensed, insured electrician.