How Often Should I Have My Electrical System Inspected?

It's recommended to have a professional electrician inspect your electrical system every three to five years. Regular inspections help identify potential issues, ensuring the safety and reliability of your home or business. Our team at Electric City is well-versed in finding electrical issues during inspections.

What Are Signs That I Need to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

Frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, and an outdated electrical panel are clear signs that an upgrade is necessary. These issues can indicate overload, wear, or obsolescence, compromising safety. Upgrading your electrical panel improves safety and efficiency in your home or business by meeting the needs of modern appliances and technologies.

Why Are My Lights Flickering & Should I Be Concerned?

Flickering lights may signal various issues, including loose bulbs, faulty wiring, or problems in the electrical system. While occasional flickering might be due to minor causes, persistent or severe flickering could indicate an underlying problem, potentially compromising safety. Have a professional electrician quickly assess the situation to identify the root cause and address potential hazards. Electric City provides inspections and repair services to ensure your lighting system operates safely.

How Can I Improve Energy Efficiency in My Home or Business?

Improving energy efficiency involves various strategies for both homes and businesses. Consider upgrading to LED lighting, using energy-efficient appliances, and installing programmable thermostats. Additionally, ensure proper insulation, seal air leaks, and schedule regular maintenance for HVAC systems. Electric City provides personalized energy-saving services to help you save energy, cut utility expenses, and support a greener environment.

What Should I Do During a Power Outage at My Home or Business?

During a power outage, prioritize safety by turning off major appliances to prevent overload when power is restored. Use flashlights instead of candles for lighting, and avoid opening the refrigerator to keep food cold longer. If the outage persists, unplug sensitive electronic devices to protect them from potential power surges when electricity returns. Consider having a backup power source, like a generator, for essential appliances. Electric City can assist you with standby generator installation, ensuring uninterrupted power during outages at your home or business.

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Keep 4th of July Celebrations Fun and Safe with GFCIs

Electricians in Katy, TX Share Tips on Protecting the Home with GFCIs

How to Protect Your Home With GFCIs to Focus on Fun!

Most people think about the risk of fire from fireworks when they think of the 4th of July celebrations. While this is certainly something to take into account, there are other risks that summer celebrations pose, as well. A home’s electrical system tends to see more usage during summer celebrations like the 4th of July. And with increased use, there’s an increased risk of things going wrong. Luckily, homeowners can do plenty of things to protect their homes and keep their outdoor celebrations fun and safe!

Pool Pumps

Most people don’t give the pool pump much thought unless something goes wrong. If the pump motor goes out, it means that the pool will start to get dirty. The pump motor is essential for a nice, clean pool. But the motor requires electricity to run. And any time there’s water around electricity, a GFCI needs to be present for protection.

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. They’re designed to shut off the flow of electricity at very low levels. They work by measuring the flow and detecting an imbalance. Since they’re designed to shut off at low levels, they prevent injuries. Without GFCIs, the risk of electric shock increases. This is why the pool pump motor needs to be connected to a GFCI outlet as an added layer of safety.

Lighting Around and In the Pool

Everyone knows that water and electricity don’t mix. But if so, then why do pools have underwater lights? There have been instances when people have been electrocuted in the pool from electricity powering the pool light. This is another reason why it’s imperative to have the pool light connected to a GFCI breaker. Because, although these lights and sockets are specially made, they can fail. Luckily, a GFCI can trip in as little as a thirteenth of a second, which can save a life.

The same goes for the lights around the pool area. Not only are these lights outside and exposed to the rain, but they’re close to the pool, as well. Whenever water is involved, it’s always best to have GFCIs in place as protection.

Fans and Outdoor Appliances

fans The pool isn’t the only place that needs GFCIs around. Many other places around the home need them, too. Especially outside. When the 4th rolls around, it’s common to have fans, stereos, phones, and a whole host of other electronic devices plugged into outdoor outlets. And since the 4th happens in summer when it’s hot, there’s almost always some liquid around. Refreshing beverages, water balloons, sprinklers, misting fans — whatever the source, water on an outlet can cause electrical shock. But with a GFCI outlet for all outdoor electricity, the risk decreases dramatically.

Those who aren’t sure whether they have GFCI outlets/breaks in the correct places around the home should contact a professional electrician. Not only does it make good sense to have GFCI outlets in these places, but not having them means that the home is not up to code, in most cases.

About Electric City

Electric City has served Katy, TX since 2008. They’re locally owned and operated and always offer a live answer, no matter what time of day. They also offer straightforward pricing and a satisfaction guarantee. Ready to install a GFCI outlet? Contact them today!