In the event of flickering or dim lights, erratic electric appliance or motor operation, inoperable switches or devices, damaged wiring, breakers that won’t reset, or experiencing electric shock it is time to call a qualified electrician for service.

GFCI- Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor, AFCI- Arc Fault Circuit Interruptor, LED- Light Emitting Diode, VFD- Variable Frequency Drive, PLC- Programmable Logic Controller, POCD- Primary Overcurrent Device

Diagnosing outlet or device issues by turning breakers on / off, testing / resetting GFCI outlets, or replacing lamps in light fixtures are within the average homeowners skill range.

Yes, all outdoor receptacle outlets must be of the GFCI type or protected by such a device. Risk of electrocution (death) is very real on outdoor receptacle outlets due to moisture and outdoor outlets should be verified by a qualified electrician that they are protected by GFCI device.

A breaker panel contains circuit breakers which are user resettable devices in the event an electrical fault condition occurs. A fuse panel contains fuses which are sacrificial components that must be replaced in the event an electrical fault condition occurs.

To reset a circuit breaker it must be fully actuated to the OFF position and then returned to the fully ON position. If it fails to remain in the fully ON position an electrician needs to identify the root of the problem and make repairs accordingly.

A surge protector is an overvoltage protection device that clamps a dangerous incoming or internally created voltage spike to a near normal voltage level. Voltage spikes are a common occurrence where lightning occurs and is often transmitted into the home or business from incoming power lines. Modern electronics are especially susceptible to damage from harmful voltage spikes such as copiers, printers, TV’s, game consoles, sound systems, computers, and other such devices. Surge protectors are recommended on all modern homes and businesses.

A humming noise often means there is an issue with either a circuit breaker, circuit breaker panel, or a piece of equipment connected to the panel.

Hot breakers are indicators of a dangerous condition known as circuit overload. Too much electrical current is flowing through the breaker and the breaker generates excess heat. There are many factors in determining the root cause for this condition. It is often due to incorrect wire size, breaker size, or poor connection from the breaker to the breaker box itself. The worst part of this condition is there is a very real danger of fire. The poor connection of one breaker to the breaker box can ruin the whole breaker box and be very costly to repair or replace.

If an electrical outlet has any signs of physical damage such as cracking, prongs broken off in the outlet, plug doesn’t stay securely in the outlet after being inserted properly, or the device running from the outlet has any signs of erratic operation the outlet is not safe for use.

No. A new refrigerator may trip the circuit breaker (causing food spoilage) if installed on a circuit that currently has other electrical outlets or electrical loads.

Fluorescent lights flickering have several possible sources - Damage to the lampholders, lamps at the end of their effective lifespan, failing electronic ballast (a ballast converts the incoming electrical voltage to a frequency and voltage that the lamps use to excite the internal gases of the lamp to produce light), poor connections within the light or wiring from the switch.

Existing switches can often be changed to dimmer switches to dim incandescent lighting and most modern LED lighting. Lights that are controlled from more than one location require special dimmer switches.

Bathrooms, kitchen countertops, garages, and all outdoor receptacles must be GFCI protected.

Buttons on a GFCI Receptacle are for the purpose of testing the proper operation of the GFCI device and must be done monthly by the home or business owner. The TEST button simulates an electrical shock condition that is sufficient to electrocute (death) a person triggering the GFCI circuit to disrupt the electrical power flow (trips). It is completely safe to perform the test and must be done MONTHLY according to the GFCI manufacturer. After the GFCI outlet has tripped the RESET button must be pressed to return normal operation to the outlet.

Conventional circuit breakers protect the wiring from an electrical overload condition. It prevents too much electrical current from flowing through the wiring and devices that would cause damage due to either excessive instantaneous electrical current or prolonged lower levels of electrical current.