Electrician Tips On Basic Electrical Safety

Electrical safety should be made one of the top priorities in every household. According to statistics, electrical fires in the U.S. reach 51,000 each year and claim the lives of nearly 500 people including 1,400 injuries. Accumulated property damage of the fires reaches up to $1.3 billion. That’s how serious electrical problems can be. That’s why you should never skimp on hiring an electrician for inspections, maintenance, and repairs. If you want to make sure that you, your family, and your property are safe from electrical fires, check out the rest of this article.

Electrical safety tips from CHS Electricians Columbia:

Consider the age of your home and electrical system If you don’t know the exact age of your home, now is the right time to find out. Aside from the age of the materials used to build your home, there’s another important aspect that you should uncover. The age of your electrical system is also an important factor in enforcing electrical safety. Older homes tend to have a dated electrical system that might no longer conform to today’s standards. You should have an electrician like CHS Electricians Columbia inspect your home’s electrical system for safety purposes. Check all of your switches Your home has a lot of switches. Everything from the lights down to the smallest appliance you have will have some sort of switch on it. Have all of the switches inside your home inspected. There shouldn’t be any sparks, strange noise, warmth, or burning smells when you flick a switch. If you do notice some of these signs, it’s time to call a Columbia electrician. Inspect the circuit breakers Circuit breakers play a vital role in keeping your home safe from electrical fires. When an overload is detected, the corresponding circuit breaker will trip and cut off the electricity leading to the affected area. This averts the possibility of electrical fires and more. The circuit breakers must be check every once in a while to ensure they are properly working. Make sure all fire extinguishers are active Be sure to have a number of fire extinguishers placed strategically in the areas of your home like the kitchen, garage, and basement. Other than that, you should check if the fire extinguisher is still active or if it needs to be recharged. Make sure all electrical outlets are working Electrical outlets are important for everyday living. It is where your appliances connect for power. Any issues with your outlets must be resolved immediately to avoid further problems. Add surge protectors and upgrade to GFCIs To protect your home against power surges and lightning strikes, be sure to invest in surge protectors. Better yet, invest in a surge protection system that includes your entire home. You should also consider upgrading your regular electrical outlets to GFCI outlets. This is particularly important if you have toddlers at home.

Do you want to keep your family safe from electrical fires and other problems? Call CHS Electricians Columbia today! You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

CHS Electricians Columbia Columbia SC 29205 (803) 973-7324 http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

http://electricianscolumbiasc.com/electrician-on-basic-electrical-safety

Electrician Tips On Basic Electrical Safety

Electrical safety should be made one of the top priorities in every household. According to statistics, electrical fires in the U.S. reach 51,000 each year and claim the lives of nearly 500 people including 1,400 injuries. Accumulated property damage of the fires reaches up to $1.3 billion. That’s how serious electrical problems can be. That’s why you should never skimp on hiring an electrician for inspections, maintenance, and repairs. If you want to make sure that you, your family, and your property are safe from electrical fires, check out the rest of this article.

Electrical safety tips from CHS Electricians Columbia:

Consider the age of your home and electrical system If you don’t know the exact age of your home, now is the right time to find out. Aside from the age of the materials used to build your home, there’s another important aspect that you should uncover. The age of your electrical system is also an important factor in enforcing electrical safety. Older homes tend to have a dated electrical system that might no longer conform to today’s standards. You should have an electrician like CHS Electricians Columbia inspect your home’s electrical system for safety purposes. Check all of your switches Your home has a lot of switches. Everything from the lights down to the smallest appliance you have will have some sort of switch on it. Have all of the switches inside your home inspected. There shouldn’t be any sparks, strange noise, warmth, or burning smells when you flick a switch. If you do notice some of these signs, it’s time to call a Columbia electrician. Inspect the circuit breakers Circuit breakers play a vital role in keeping your home safe from electrical fires. When an overload is detected, the corresponding circuit breaker will trip and cut off the electricity leading to the affected area. This averts the possibility of electrical fires and more. The circuit breakers must be check every once in a while to ensure they are properly working. Make sure all fire extinguishers are active Be sure to have a number of fire extinguishers placed strategically in the areas of your home like the kitchen, garage, and basement. Other than that, you should check if the fire extinguisher is still active or if it needs to be recharged. Make sure all electrical outlets are working Electrical outlets are important for everyday living. It is where your appliances connect for power. Any issues with your outlets must be resolved immediately to avoid further problems. Add surge protectors and upgrade to GFCIs To protect your home against power surges and lightning strikes, be sure to invest in surge protectors. Better yet, invest in a surge protection system that includes your entire home. You should also consider upgrading your regular electrical outlets to GFCI outlets. This is particularly important if you have toddlers at home.

Do you want to keep your family safe from electrical fires and other problems? Call CHS Electricians Columbia today! You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

CHS Electricians Columbia Columbia SC 29205 (803) 973-7324 http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

http://electricianscolumbiasc.com/electrician-on-basic-electrical-safety

Electrician Columbia SC Tips – Ceiling Fan Installation

Ceiling fans remain a reliable method of cooling for many homes. In fact, HVAC professionals advise homeowners to install ceiling fans to aid airflow inside the home. A ceiling fan operates under a simple concept yet very effective. However, the installation of a ceiling fan isn’t for everyone. If you want to install one in your home but don’t have the tools or expertise to do so, it’s best to call an electrician Columbia SC. But of course, you could always give the installation a go. This article will show the steps you need to do in order to correctly install a ceiling fan.

How to install a ceiling fan:

Remove the existing lighting fixture Safety is the main priority. The first thing that you need to do is to turn off the electricity leading to the old lighting fixture. Then you have to unscrew the lightbulb from the fixture. After this is accomplished, unscrew the fixture from the ceiling. Remove the wires as needed. If you find it hard to accomplish the first step, call in an electrician to finish the job. Cut a new hole for the ceiling fan After the old lighting fixture has been removed, you need to cut a new hole for the ceiling fan. Refer to the installation manual for the correct size of the hole. The hole needs to be accurate in order to fit the base of the fan accordingly. Install a new electrical box Feed the electrical wire from the fan through the knockout hole in the pancake box. Press the box against the joist inside the hole that was previously made. Secure the box with the bundled screws Set the ceiling medallion in place The ceiling medallion is next to be installed. Apply adhesive to the back of the medallion and pass the wires through it. Fasten it with nails, driving them into the joist. Install the ceiling plate Hold the ceiling plate against the pancake box. Feed the wires through the center hole and secure the plate with screws. Assemble the fan While on the floor, assemble the parts of the ceiling fan. Remember, not all ceiling fans are built the same. There will be a specific way of assembling the fan. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guide to building the fan accordingly. Connect the wires Once you have completely set up the fans, it is time to connect the wires. The wires are color-coded so you won’t be confused. Once the wires are connected, position the fan against the medallion and secure it with screws. Attach the fan blades and lights After the fan assembly has been attached to the ceiling, install the blades and lights if any. If you find it hard to follow all the steps, hire a professional to do it for you. Working with appliance circuits can often be troublesome for novice DIYers. The best and most efficient solution is to hire a professional like CHS Electricians Columbia.

Are you looking for a reliable electrician? Don’t look any further! CHS Electricians Columbia is here for you! You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

CHS Electricians Columbia Columbia SC 29205 (803) 973-7324 http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

http://electricianscolumbiasc.com/electrician-columbia-sc-fan-installation

Electrician Columbia SC Tips – Ceiling Fan Installation

Ceiling fans remain a reliable method of cooling for many homes. In fact, HVAC professionals advise homeowners to install ceiling fans to aid airflow inside the home. A ceiling fan operates under a simple concept yet very effective. However, the installation of a ceiling fan isn’t for everyone. If you want to install one in your home but don’t have the tools or expertise to do so, it’s best to call an electrician Columbia SC. But of course, you could always give the installation a go. This article will show the steps you need to do in order to correctly install a ceiling fan.

How to install a ceiling fan:

Remove the existing lighting fixture Safety is the main priority. The first thing that you need to do is to turn off the electricity leading to the old lighting fixture. Then you have to unscrew the lightbulb from the fixture. After this is accomplished, unscrew the fixture from the ceiling. Remove the wires as needed. If you find it hard to accomplish the first step, call in an electrician to finish the job. Cut a new hole for the ceiling fan After the old lighting fixture has been removed, you need to cut a new hole for the ceiling fan. Refer to the installation manual for the correct size of the hole. The hole needs to be accurate in order to fit the base of the fan accordingly. Install a new electrical box Feed the electrical wire from the fan through the knockout hole in the pancake box. Press the box against the joist inside the hole that was previously made. Secure the box with the bundled screws Set the ceiling medallion in place The ceiling medallion is next to be installed. Apply adhesive to the back of the medallion and pass the wires through it. Fasten it with nails, driving them into the joist. Install the ceiling plate Hold the ceiling plate against the pancake box. Feed the wires through the center hole and secure the plate with screws. Assemble the fan While on the floor, assemble the parts of the ceiling fan. Remember, not all ceiling fans are built the same. There will be a specific way of assembling the fan. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guide to building the fan accordingly. Connect the wires Once you have completely set up the fans, it is time to connect the wires. The wires are color-coded so you won’t be confused. Once the wires are connected, position the fan against the medallion and secure it with screws. Attach the fan blades and lights After the fan assembly has been attached to the ceiling, install the blades and lights if any. If you find it hard to follow all the steps, hire a professional to do it for you. Working with appliance circuits can often be troublesome for novice DIYers. The best and most efficient solution is to hire a professional like CHS Electricians Columbia.

Are you looking for a reliable electrician? Don’t look any further! CHS Electricians Columbia is here for you! You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

CHS Electricians Columbia Columbia SC 29205 (803) 973-7324 http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

http://electricianscolumbiasc.com/electrician-columbia-sc-fan-installation

The Services A Residential Electrician Can Offer

Normally, a residential electrician offers a bunch of services. However, not all homeowners have an idea of the coverage that these electricians can provide. It is important to understand the services that electricians offer in order to quickly address electrical issues at home. In this article, we’ll be diving straight into the services that an electrician offers for homeowners.

Here are the services that you can avail yourself from a residential electrician:

Electrical upgrades to older homes Any Columbia electrician can effectively provide upgrades to older homes, making sure that the demands of modern life are met. But of course, you shouldn’t expect the same level of quality on all electricians. Some are just better than others at certain tasks. That’s why you should always take your time when searching for the right electrician. Fix faulty electrical outlets, electrical panels, and circuit breakers It is common to have a broken electrical outlet or two. The same goes for your electrical panel at home. Oftentimes, these components start to become problematic as they grow older. These components need to be fixed by a professional electrician. Don’t attempt fixing busted circuit breakers on your own or perhaps take apart an electrical outlet without the necessary precautions. Bear in mind that working with electricity is dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Even with all the safety measures in place, it is still dangerous. That’s why you should leave it to the professionals. Installing lighting fixtures or fans It may sound simple to replace a burnt light bulb. However, adding the lighting fixture itself is an entirely different story. You will need to have all the wiring in place, drill a hole or two, and proceed with the installation. Again, this task isn’t for anyone who has little to no knowledge of electrical work. Fixing electrical outlets and installing GFCIs If some of your electrical outlets are broken, you might want to repair or better yet, upgrade them. CHS Electricians Columbia can upgrade your regular electrical outlet with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters or GFCIs. In general, GFCIs provide a higher level of protection. If you’ve ever been electrocuted at least once in your life, you’d know how horrifying the experience can be. The role of GFCIs is to prevent nasty shocks from happening. That’s why it’s worth the upgrade from traditional wall outlets to GFCI outlets. Adding whole-house surge protection Have you ever seen lightning hit a house? It’s not a very good sight to watch. A bolt of lightning can easily fry electrical appliances in your home that are hooked to the mainline. However, a whole-house surge protection system can prevent this from happening. Surges of electricity, regardless of the source, will be redirected to the ground where it is dissipated. Only a licensed electrician can install such systems in your home.

If you are looking for reliable electrical services, you can count on CHS Electricians Columbia. You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

CHS Electricians Columbia Columbia SC 29205 (803) 973-7324 http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

http://electricianscolumbiasc.com/services-residential-electrician-can-offer

The Services A Residential Electrician Can Offer

Normally, a residential electrician offers a bunch of services. However, not all homeowners have an idea of the coverage that these electricians can provide. It is important to understand the services that electricians offer in order to quickly address electrical issues at home. In this article, we’ll be diving straight into the services that an electrician offers for homeowners.

Here are the services that you can avail yourself from a residential electrician:

Electrical upgrades to older homes Any Columbia electrician can effectively provide upgrades to older homes, making sure that the demands of modern life are met. But of course, you shouldn’t expect the same level of quality on all electricians. Some are just better than others at certain tasks. That’s why you should always take your time when searching for the right electrician. Fix faulty electrical outlets, electrical panels, and circuit breakers It is common to have a broken electrical outlet or two. The same goes for your electrical panel at home. Oftentimes, these components start to become problematic as they grow older. These components need to be fixed by a professional electrician. Don’t attempt fixing busted circuit breakers on your own or perhaps take apart an electrical outlet without the necessary precautions. Bear in mind that working with electricity is dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Even with all the safety measures in place, it is still dangerous. That’s why you should leave it to the professionals. Installing lighting fixtures or fans It may sound simple to replace a burnt light bulb. However, adding the lighting fixture itself is an entirely different story. You will need to have all the wiring in place, drill a hole or two, and proceed with the installation. Again, this task isn’t for anyone who has little to no knowledge of electrical work. Fixing electrical outlets and installing GFCIs If some of your electrical outlets are broken, you might want to repair or better yet, upgrade them. CHS Electricians Columbia can upgrade your regular electrical outlet with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters or GFCIs. In general, GFCIs provide a higher level of protection. If you’ve ever been electrocuted at least once in your life, you’d know how horrifying the experience can be. The role of GFCIs is to prevent nasty shocks from happening. That’s why it’s worth the upgrade from traditional wall outlets to GFCI outlets. Adding whole-house surge protection Have you ever seen lightning hit a house? It’s not a very good sight to watch. A bolt of lightning can easily fry electrical appliances in your home that are hooked to the mainline. However, a whole-house surge protection system can prevent this from happening. Surges of electricity, regardless of the source, will be redirected to the ground where it is dissipated. Only a licensed electrician can install such systems in your home.

If you are looking for reliable electrical services, you can count on CHS Electricians Columbia. You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

CHS Electricians Columbia Columbia SC 29205 (803) 973-7324 http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

http://electricianscolumbiasc.com/services-residential-electrician-can-offer

Columbia Electrician Tips - Installing A Generator Before Hurricane Season

Hurricanes can potentially be life-threatening. The devastation it can leave behind is enormous. Power could go out for days and communities are left without electricity to use for their daily needs. If you want to protect your family this coming hurricane season, you should be ready. Among the things that you should prepare is a generator. There are different types of generators that you can choose from. Portable generators don’t require installation by a Columbia electrician. However, standby generators need to be set up by an electrical expert.

Here are reasons why you shouldn’t brush aside the idea of owning a generator:

To provide full protection for your home and appliances Portable generators are just fine. They can provide electricity when you need it and power up your appliances. However, the capacity of portable generators is quite limited when compared to a standby generator. It is worth the investment to spend your money on a standby generator. Although you will need an electrician to set up a stationary generator, it can provide a greater amount of electricity and power up automatically when the power goes out, effectively protecting your home and appliances from electrical fires. Standby generators require less maintenance Unlike their portable counterparts, standby generators don’t need constant refueling. They can run on natural or propane gas which is already hooked up to your home. This means there’s little to no maintenance involved. It’s not often that there’s a blackout in your area. But when that time comes, your home will be prepared and your generator can power up without fail. You get to save food and money Let’s say electricity goes out for more than a week. Food in your fridge starts to spoil and you are left with no choice but to throw them out. However, if you have a standby generator installed, you can rest assured that all your food stock won’t go bad anytime soon. That’s one of the many conveniences of installing a stationary generator. Buy a generator now to avoid shortages There’s a huge chance that the power can go out when a hurricane comes. That’s why when hurricane season draws near, people stock up and that includes buying a generator for their home. Before the rush starts to build up, buy one for your family. If possible, choose a standby generator for greater convenience. Know the type of generator you need Before you rush into buying a generator, be sure that you fully understand what it is that you need. Consult with an expert like CHS Electricians Columbia to know more about the right kind of generator for your home. Each home has a unique set of electricity usage patterns. That’s why an electrician must first know how often you use electricity at home and for what. Through an inspection, an electrician can gauge and provide you with a recommendation on the type of generator that’s perfect for your needs.

Are you planning on buying a generator for your home? Call CHS Electricians Columbia to know more. You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

CHS Electricians Columbia Columbia SC 29205 (803) 973-7324 http://electricianscolumbiasc.com  

http://electricianscolumbiasc.com/columbia-electrician-installing-generator

Columbia Electrician Tips - Installing A Generator Before Hurricane Season

Hurricanes can potentially be life-threatening. The devastation it can leave behind is enormous. Power could go out for days and communities are left without electricity to use for their daily needs. If you want to protect your family this coming hurricane season, you should be ready. Among the things that you should prepare is a generator. There are different types of generators that you can choose from. Portable generators don’t require installation by a Columbia electrician. However, standby generators need to be set up by an electrical expert.

Here are reasons why you shouldn’t brush aside the idea of owning a generator:

To provide full protection for your home and appliances Portable generators are just fine. They can provide electricity when you need it and power up your appliances. However, the capacity of portable generators is quite limited when compared to a standby generator. It is worth the investment to spend your money on a standby generator. Although you will need an electrician to set up a stationary generator, it can provide a greater amount of electricity and power up automatically when the power goes out, effectively protecting your home and appliances from electrical fires. Standby generators require less maintenance Unlike their portable counterparts, standby generators don’t need constant refueling. They can run on natural or propane gas which is already hooked up to your home. This means there’s little to no maintenance involved. It’s not often that there’s a blackout in your area. But when that time comes, your home will be prepared and your generator can power up without fail. You get to save food and money Let’s say electricity goes out for more than a week. Food in your fridge starts to spoil and you are left with no choice but to throw them out. However, if you have a standby generator installed, you can rest assured that all your food stock won’t go bad anytime soon. That’s one of the many conveniences of installing a stationary generator. Buy a generator now to avoid shortages There’s a huge chance that the power can go out when a hurricane comes. That’s why when hurricane season draws near, people stock up and that includes buying a generator for their home. Before the rush starts to build up, buy one for your family. If possible, choose a standby generator for greater convenience. Know the type of generator you need Before you rush into buying a generator, be sure that you fully understand what it is that you need. Consult with an expert like CHS Electricians Columbia to know more about the right kind of generator for your home. Each home has a unique set of electricity usage patterns. That’s why an electrician must first know how often you use electricity at home and for what. Through an inspection, an electrician can gauge and provide you with a recommendation on the type of generator that’s perfect for your needs.

Are you planning on buying a generator for your home? Call CHS Electricians Columbia to know more. You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

CHS Electricians Columbia Columbia SC 29205 (803) 973-7324 http://electricianscolumbiasc.com  

http://electricianscolumbiasc.com/columbia-electrician-installing-generator

Household Electrical Safety – What To Know About Whole-House Surge Protection

You might be familiar with the term “surge protection” but somewhat confused or completely oblivious of what it really is. There are a lot of truths and misconceptions about surge protection especially the ones that offer whole-house coverage. This article will be shedding light on what surge protectors really are and how they can improve electrical safety at home.

Here’s what you need to know about whole-house surge protection

Before we dive into the details of surge protectors, let’s first understand what it really is. In simple terms, surge protectors provide a barrier against electrical spikes. Sudden bursts of electricity or power surges can be devastating to any electrical appliance whether they are plugged in or hardwired into your system. Most often, people associate power surges with lightning strikes. While it is true that lightning strikes cause major power spikes, the frequency of it happening is often overstated or exaggerated. On average, power surges occur within the home. Around 60% to 80% of surges happen indoors and are triggered by appliances like HVAC systems when they cycle on and off. Other high-power equipment can also trigger the same effect. In essence, using electrical devices that draw a lot of power can cause a power surge. That’s the reason why you should consult a Columbia electrician regarding the best type of power surge protection for your home. Here’s a list of the probable causes of power surges:

• Lightning strikes
• Inductive spikes
• Power outages
• Tripped circuit breakers
• Short circuits
• Power transitions happening on the same line

Types of surge protectors There are basically two types of surge protectors. The first and most popular types are individual plug-in suppressors. These are the ones that you can find built into power strips and extension cables. While they essentially provide surge protection, the applications are limited. Whole-house surge protection, on the other hand, has wider coverage. Instead of individually hooking up electrical devices to a surge protector, whole-house applications will protect everything. This includes appliances that are hardwired onto the electrical system. This means all of your appliance circuits are protected from a central location. In general, it is best to install a whole-house surge protector instead of individual suppressors. With your entire house protected, you don’t need to bother buying a separate suppressor for new appliances. Instead, the system will automatically protect everything plugged into electrical outlets and those that are hardwired. Who can install surge protectors? The installation of individual suppressors is fairly straightforward. Instructions often come with the package. However, for whole-house surge protection, you need to hire an expert like CHS Electricians Columbia. This is to ensure that everything is working accordingly. Electrical safety must be one of the top priorities in every household. Adding such protective measures will give you peace of mind. Always bear in mind that power surges are dangerous but can be easily averted through the use of surge protectors.

Are you in need of reliable and professional electrical services? Call CHS Electricians Columbia today! You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

CHS Electricians Columbia Columbia SC 29205 (803) 973-7324 http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

http://electricianscolumbiasc.com/household-electrical-safety-surge-protection

Household Electrical Safety – What To Know About Whole-House Surge Protection

You might be familiar with the term “surge protection” but somewhat confused or completely oblivious of what it really is. There are a lot of truths and misconceptions about surge protection especially the ones that offer whole-house coverage. This article will be shedding light on what surge protectors really are and how they can improve electrical safety at home.

Here’s what you need to know about whole-house surge protection

Before we dive into the details of surge protectors, let’s first understand what it really is. In simple terms, surge protectors provide a barrier against electrical spikes. Sudden bursts of electricity or power surges can be devastating to any electrical appliance whether they are plugged in or hardwired into your system. Most often, people associate power surges with lightning strikes. While it is true that lightning strikes cause major power spikes, the frequency of it happening is often overstated or exaggerated. On average, power surges occur within the home. Around 60% to 80% of surges happen indoors and are triggered by appliances like HVAC systems when they cycle on and off. Other high-power equipment can also trigger the same effect. In essence, using electrical devices that draw a lot of power can cause a power surge. That’s the reason why you should consult a Columbia electrician regarding the best type of power surge protection for your home. Here’s a list of the probable causes of power surges:

• Lightning strikes
• Inductive spikes
• Power outages
• Tripped circuit breakers
• Short circuits
• Power transitions happening on the same line

Types of surge protectors There are basically two types of surge protectors. The first and most popular types are individual plug-in suppressors. These are the ones that you can find built into power strips and extension cables. While they essentially provide surge protection, the applications are limited. Whole-house surge protection, on the other hand, has wider coverage. Instead of individually hooking up electrical devices to a surge protector, whole-house applications will protect everything. This includes appliances that are hardwired onto the electrical system. This means all of your appliance circuits are protected from a central location. In general, it is best to install a whole-house surge protector instead of individual suppressors. With your entire house protected, you don’t need to bother buying a separate suppressor for new appliances. Instead, the system will automatically protect everything plugged into electrical outlets and those that are hardwired. Who can install surge protectors? The installation of individual suppressors is fairly straightforward. Instructions often come with the package. However, for whole-house surge protection, you need to hire an expert like CHS Electricians Columbia. This is to ensure that everything is working accordingly. Electrical safety must be one of the top priorities in every household. Adding such protective measures will give you peace of mind. Always bear in mind that power surges are dangerous but can be easily averted through the use of surge protectors.

Are you in need of reliable and professional electrical services? Call CHS Electricians Columbia today! You may reach us at (803) 973-7324.

CHS Electricians Columbia Columbia SC 29205 (803) 973-7324 http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

http://electricianscolumbiasc.com/household-electrical-safety-surge-protection