Hire quality trained Electricians
The guests are on their way, the food is cooked and suddenly the light over the dinner table goes out. A new bulb doesn’t fix the problem, and neither does flipping the switch that controls the light circuit in the fuse box off and on. You know the same light has given you trouble before, and you might think you even know the difference between that green ground wire and the black hot wire. You remove the light switch from the wall and see some of the wires have apparently become disconnected. Time to just shut off the fuse and reconnect them, right?
Wrong. Each year 67,800 fires result from home electrical problems just like this one, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Twice as many of those are due to improper wiring as appliance failures.
It’s not that you don’t know what you’re doing or that you can’t read a how-to guide-the last residents may have done it improperly themselves. They may have reversed wires, replaced the wire with wrong gauge or put too much strain on the fuse (called over lamping). The only way to know you are correctly wiring is to use a special tool called a voltage meter to check for hot wires.
The only safe bet is to consult a licensed electrician. Electricians not only have the tools you don’t, like lineman’s pliers and voltage meters, they have extensive internships (typically 3-7 years) under their belts. They intern for a reason-without proper training, you can seriously hurt yourself by mixing up cables or not taking the proper precautions. For your own safety, and for the safety of the community, get in touch with an electrician about your electrical problems, however small. Your guests would rather eat by candlelight than not eat at all!
Nationally known tax, business, and financial consultant, Steven J. Weil, PhD, EA , is much sought after as a guest speaker and workshop leader. He has appeared on Good Morning America and is heard on South Florida radio with his “Daily Tax Tip.” His PhD is in Business Administration and he is also enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.
Emergency Lighting Testing – How and When You Should Test Your Emergency Lights
All places of work are required to provide adequate means of escape, and these routes and exits need to be properly covered by emergency lighting, so that they are visible even in a power cut. Assign a ‘Responsible Person’ to ensure these measures are in place.
The nature and extent of emergency lighting will vary with different premises, and the time that the lighting is required to stay on for could be between one and three hours. The basic function of this is so that there is enough lighting to get everyone safely out of the building in an emergency, but the longer the lighting last the better. In order to ensure that the lighting is functioning properly and able to last as long as it needs to, the emergency lighting system must be tested regularly.
Some of the more modern systems will be capable of testing themselves, but the majority of buildings will have older emergency lighting which requires manual testing. How this is done will depend on the system in place, but the usual method is to use a special switch with a ‘fishtail key’ to trigger the lighting.
The best way to organise your testing is to be systematic about it and keep an accurate record in a logbook. You should carry out different tests at regular intervals, weekly, monthly, six monthly and annually. Daily checking is recommended for premises with maintained lighting (emergency lights which stay on all the time). This just needs to be a visual check to ensure they are all working, and deal with any which are not.
A monthly check should include cutting the power to all lighting, just to ensure that all non-maintained bulbs (ones which only come on in a power cut) are working. If you do not have a testing facility with a fish key, you can do this through your fuse box.
Every six months it is a good idea to cut the power for at least one hour to ensure the batteries last long enough. At least once every year you have to carry out a ‘full discharge test’ which involves cutting off the power and letting the entire system discharge. It is preferable to get a qualified electrical engineer to do this and check the whole system at the same time. When you carry out a full discharge test, you should time this so that your premises are not in use for the following 24 hours, as the batteries will all be drained and the emergency lighting therefore not working.
You should use a special form to record every time you carry out a test. There are forms available online free which you can download. The form should record the date of the test, the result of the test, any remedial action you have taken, and a signature of the person carrying out the test. Your local fire authority has the right to check whether you are properly testing and maintaining your emergency lighting system, so keeping a logbook with these records in can be very helpful when this happens.
Electrocution: The Six Top Danger Points and How to Avoid Them
When you think of things that are strong conductors of electricity, power lines, wires and metals likely come to mind. Surprisingly, the human body can also be an excellent electricity conductor, and when electric currents hit the body several types of injuries may occur.
The body may go into cardiac arrest because of the electricity’s effect on the heart; muscle, nerves and tissue can be damaged due to the current; or thermal burns can occur if the body contacts an electrical source.
The severity of the injuries depends on a variety of factors (the voltage of electricity, the person’s state of health, how the current travels through the body and how quickly medical help is received), but, according to the National Institutes of Health, some 1,000 people die in the United States each year because of electric shock.
Fortunately, you and your loved ones can dramatically reduce the risks if you are aware of top electrocution threats in and around your home and take the simple measures to prevent them:
1. Extension cords. These handy tools can cause electrical burns and shock if they’re not used carefully. Cords that have exposed wires should never be used, as kids and pets can (and will) chew on them if they can get them. In fact, electrical burns to the mouth account for half of the extension-cord-related injuries to young children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Even an intact extension cord poses a risk. For instance, in one case a 15-month-old girl put an extension cord in her mouth and suffered electrical burns that required surgery.
To reduce the risks, keep extension cords out of reach of kids and pets, and always purchase cords that have the UL and OSHA labels on them (these cords have been subjected to strict tests to ensure they meet certain safety standards). Further, use common sense measures to be sure the cords are in good shape, including:
* Inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear.
* Replace old extension cords that are cracked or frayed.
* Only use exterior extension cords for outside use.
* Don’t overload cords or sockets.
* Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting it from the socket
* Only use extension cords when they’re absolutely necessary, and try not to use them for long-term purposes.
2. Electrical outlets. Most electrical outlets are located in areas of the home that children can easily reach. Close to 4,000 injuries associated with electrical outlets are treated in U.S. emergency rooms every year, says the CPSC, and about one-third of these occur when kids looking to explore insert metal objects like keys and hairpins into the outlets.
Since you can’t move your outlets away from your kids, it’s imperative to cover your outlets with the Sliding Decora Outlet Cover (for outlet covers requiring two screws, as in most newer homes) or the Standard Sliding Outlet Cover (for outlet covers requiring only one screw in the middle, as in most older homes.)
If you routinely have kids in your home, check out these simple, inexpensive but ingenious outlet covers by clicking on either link above! These easy-to-install outlet covers are spring activated, so they automatically cover outlets when any plug is removed. This means kids can’t insert objects or fingers into the outlets at any time!
It’s important to only insert appropriate plugs into electrical outlets (any other object poses an electrocution danger) and use caution when you do, such as being careful not to touch the metal prongs when inserting the plug.
3. Electric appliances. We become so accustomed to using electric appliances in our daily lives that it’s easy to become careless with their use. This is often when electrocution can occur. Even touching an electric appliance like a hair dryer with wet hands can cause a shock. Here are some other safety tips to keep safe around electric appliances:
* Don’t use electric appliances near water or while touching faucets or water pipes.
* Don’t use appliances that have worn plugs or cracked wires.
* Don’t attempt to fix electrical appliances on your own, even if it appears simple.
* Unplug appliances when they’re not in use.
4. Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Spas. The common risk that comes along with swimming pools and hot tubs is drowning, but the American Red Cross points out another, often overlooked, risk — electrocution. According to CPSC, the biggest risks of electrocution here come from faulty underwater lighting, aging electrical wiring, sump pumps, power washers and vacuums that are not grounded, and electrical appliances and extension cords that fall into the water. The risk is especially apparent if lighting and circuits aren’t protected by Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCIs), which are one of the best ways to prevent electrocution, CPSC says.
According to Hal Stratton of CPSC, “The best protection for families is inspection, detection, and correction of electrical hazards in and around swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. CPSC strongly encourages residential and commercial pool owners and operators to upgrade protection of the lights, receptacles, and switches with GFCIs. Older pools are the biggest concern, as underwater lighting fixtures may have degraded with age and may not be protected by GFCIs.”
5. Power Lines. High-voltage overhead power lines can pose a risk to people on ladders or other lifts. Says Thomas Moore of CPSC, “CPSC believes that there are still many electrocution deaths that could be prevented. Consumers should never place a ladder, antenna, or anything else near a power line. Consumers who come in contact with an overhead power line may not live to share their experience.”
Further, wires from a downed power line can also be deadly. Never go near a power line that is down, such as after a storm, as live wires can be present long after the pole falls (until the electricity has been turned off). People have also died after striking an electrical pole in a car accident and having the live wires touch the car.
6. Lightning. Lightning and thunderstorms are most likely to occur on hot and humid days. If you sense a storm approaching, seek shelter indoors immediately, as lightning can cause serious injury, particularly to those who are stranded outside without proper protection. According to Dawna L. Cyr and Steven B. Johnson, Ph.D. from the University of Maine, lightning can injure or kill people in five ways:
1. Through a direct strike that causes cardiac arrest or stops breathing.
2. A side-flash, in which the body acts as an alternate or parallel path for the current to reach the ground. If the current passes through the head or heart it can be deadly.
3. Current from a lightning flash, ranging from tingling shock to a massive current, can be diverted from a poorly grounded electric power pole through a wiring system.
4. Step voltage can radiate out through the ground from a struck tree or pole (this kills many livestock each year).
5. Indirectly, through fires, fallen trees or crushed cars.
During a lightning storm, avoid tall, isolated objects, don’t attempt to touch any fallen wires, and if you are struck by lightning be sure to seek medical attention even if the injury seems minor.
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Six Things NOT to Do to an Electrocution Victim
If you are with someone who is electrocuted, here is what NOT to do, according to the National Institutes of Health:
* DO NOT touch the victim with your bare hands if the person is still in contact with the source of electricity.
* DO NOT remove dead skin or break blisters if the person is burned.
* DO NOT apply ice, butter, ointments, medications, fluffy cotton dressings, or adhesive bandages to a burn.
* DO NOT touch the skin of someone who is being electrocuted.
* DO NOT get within 20 feet of someone who is being electrocuted by high-voltage electrical current until the power is turned off.
* DO NOT move a victim of electrical injury unless there is immediate danger.
Electric Wiring Diagrams
The term “Electric Wiring Diagrams” refers to diagrams of how a property or building is wired. When a property or building is constructed,the building plans for the property under construction would incorporate a set of Electrical Wiring Diagrams or drawings, as agreed by the Architect and developer or home owner.
An Electrical Wiring Diagram is essential for the construction process in that the plans will indicate the position of Lighting Points,Light Switches,Socket Outlet Points and Power Outlet Points for appliances and any other equipment as agreed,to allow installation of conduits and or trunking,light switch and receptacle boxes to accommodate the wiring and switches.
Electrical Wiring Diagrams will also plot the route where cables will be run throughout the building from the Main Panel or Consumer Unit to each of the designated power points Electric Wiring Diagrams normally takes the form of a line drawing,samples of which can be seen at our website below
Based on the Drawings provided the Loading or amperage consumption of a property can be calculated by the Electrical Contractor to ensure the correct gauge of wire and size of Main Breaker and Sub circuits breakers for protection is correct. Under rated wiring and oversized protection can cause damage to the wiring. It is important to Contact your Government or Local Authorities as to specific requirements or legislation with regards to The Electrical Wiring Code.
Although National Wiring Regulations are available,certain additional requirements may be necessary and required to comply with wiring regulations. Safety is imperative when it comes to electrical wiring and any work should be carried out by a Qualified Electrician or Electrical Engineer,and permits obtained from the local authority before any work commences. Be Aware, Electricity Can Kill. To understand how the layout of Wiring Diagrams are presented, visit our website below.
Electrical Wiring Diagrams will show how a building can be wired, but as with any construction these can vary greatly from project to project.
Poor Home Remodeling Creates Dangerous Attic Electrical Wiring
Plenty of people are afraid to go into their attic, it’s dark, dingy and after watching scary movies, can even be frightening. Small animals like mice, rodents, raccoons and even birds make their homes in these musty places, but every once in a while, you’re going to need to inspect this area to make sure there aren’t any problems that need to be repaired.
If you’re not having any problems with your electrical system, there’s a good chance that you won’t need to do any modifications or repairs to it. However, if you live in an older home where someone has added a room addition or done any remodeling work, you could have problems with your electrical wiring and would never even know about it.
I’m not suggesting that you go into your attic and check everything out today, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to grab a ladder, open your attic access hole and shine a bright light into this area to give it a quick examination. If you see electrical wires running in different directions over the insulation, there’s a good chance that your original home’s electrical system has been tampered with.
This might not be as big of a problem, but the areas where these new electrical wires are connecting to, could be. Inexperienced home repair contractors will often tie a new electrical fixture into an electrical box that is already at capacity. In other words you now have a problem with your home electrical system.
Often inexperienced remodeling contractors will cut electrical lines and splice a new electrical line into it and never even use a junction box. These types of connections will usually be exposed in your attic or taped up, but the problem remains, these electrical connections aren’t done properly and could create problems in the future.
If you find electrical wires in your attic that are laying on top of the installation or you can see the plastic connectors, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to call a local electrician to get some advice and see if there are any problems that need to be repaired.
Remodeling – Avoid Home Improvement Disasters Involving Gas and Electricity
Opportunity and danger are two sides of the same coin. Home improvement projects offer the opportunity to enjoy your home and to increase its value. Such projects; however, present the danger of personal injury, property damage, and unexpected expense if the work contains construction defects. Here are some steps you should take to maximize the opportunity and minimize the danger of home improvement projects. This article addresses common construction defects in exterior projects involving gas pipes and electrical wires. Related articles cover other construction defects.
1. Do your homework. People research many major purchases; but they spend thousands of dollars on home improvements with little or no research about avoiding construction defects or about hiring a qualified and reliable contractor. Information that can help homeowners is available from many sources. Books explain basic construction and building code concepts in plain language. Manufacturer’s installation instructions for many products are available on the internet. This does not mean that you need to become a construction expert before you embark on a home improvement project. You can and should; however, become educated so that you can recognize common construction defects. Being able to recognize construction defects puts the contractor on notice that you are an informed consumer.
2. Use only licensed and experienced contractors. Verify the status of the contractor’s license and whether any complaints have been filed against the contractor. Complaints against a contractor are not always a deal killer, but they are a red flag that requires more investigation. Obtain references from the contractor and contact them. Use at least one reference from a project completed over one year ago to help you determine the contractor’s response to warranty issues.
3. Obtain a building permit, if required. A building permit is usually required if new electrical circuits, water pipes, or gas pipes are installed or if there are significant additions or changes to any of these systems. A permit is usually required when adding to or making structural changes to a building. A permit is an inexpensive way to get inspections of the work by a qualified third party. It may also reduce your potential liability if a problem occurs. The contractor should obtain the permit. If the contractor is reluctant to obtain a permit, this is a red flag. The contractor may not be licensed to do the work, or he may have other problems that you may want to know about.
4. Look for common construction defects. Here are some examples of common construction defects in exterior home improvement projects.
Failure to bury gas pipes and electrical wires at required depth. Digging around buried gas pipes and electrical wires can damage them and cause gas leaks and electrical shocks. Bury most gas pipes at least twelve inches below the finished dirt level. Bury electrical wires at least twelve inches if the wires are ground fault circuit protected. Bury wires enclosed in metal conduit at least six inches. Bury most other electrical wires at least eighteen inches.
Failure to place electrical receptacles on a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuit when required. This is an electrical shock hazard. Place all exterior receptacles and all receptacles in garages on a GFCI protected circuit.
Failure to properly install and protect electrical wires. This is an electrical shock hazard if the wires become loose or damaged. Place most exposed and accessible electrical wires in approved conduit. Place electrical connections and wire splices in a covered electrical junction box. Electrical wires that are installed outdoors or that are buried must be approved for these uses.
Failure to protect gas pipes from corrosion. Corroded gas pipes can leak. Protect gas pipes against corrosion when they are in contact with the ground and when they are in contact with masonry and concrete. The gray paint on gas pipes around gas meters and pipe wrap tape are common corrosion protection methods.
Failure to properly install gas appliance flexible connectors. This is a gas leak hazard. Flexible connectors are the yellow (one common color) flexible tubes that you see between the rigid gas pipe and a gas water heater. These connectors are intended to connect one rigid gas pipe to one gas appliance. You should be able to move the connector at least two inches at the center of the connector. A connector that cannot be moved and is too tight strains gas connections at the pipe and at the appliance. The connector should not have a bend with a radius smaller than 1 ½ inches. A tight radius bend can weaken the connector and reduce gas flow.
Seize the opportunity to beautify and improve your home; but be aware of the dangers that such projects present and empower yourself to avoid these dangers.
Construction defects put your family’s health and safety at risk and cost you money. Everybody’s Building Code helps you avoid construction defects, whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor. Everybody’s Building Code explains the International Residential Code in plain language and illustrates it with numerous drawings and pictures. Learn more about avoiding construction defects at
How to Find a Qualified Electrician
You are responsible for making sure that all the electrical wiring in your house is sound and up-to-date. Faulty writing poses several hazards, not least among them a potential fire, which should give you more than enough impetus to make sure that when you need an electrical problem fixed, you hire an experienced and qualified electrician. Poorly designed or poorly repaired circuits can cause damage to electrical appliance motors by delivering the wrong amperage. But how do you make sure that you get a qualified electrician to work in your home? If you know what to look for, it is not all that hard.
Licensing
One of the basic ways to assess the professionalism of an electrician is check to see if he has a state “electrical contractors license”. There are “several” forms of licenses in many states. Don’t assume you are getting a “electrical contractor” until you check on their license type. Some types of licenses that are “very limited” due to their knowledge are LLE ( “limited license electrician” ) this person is not qualified to be an “Elctrical Contractor” ie: “Master electricians” are not Electrical contractors. Master electricians are at the next level higher than an Electrical Contractor. Master electricians have to pass a rigorous, standardized test and must provide proof of having been working as an electrician and attend an approved 5 year specialized industrial electrical apprenticeship school” and work 40 hours a week for 5 years under a master electrician. He must also be pass a major test on the National Electrical Code and keep up to date with any modifications made to it. A state electrical contractors license means that an electrician is qualified to plan, design, install and maintain electrical systems.
The other type of state licensing is that of the journeyman electrician. A journeyman electrician is one who has not yet qualified for a any licenses, but who (as required by the state) works with a master electrician. The law prohibits that journeymen electricians design electrical systems, but they are allowed to install wiring and equipment.
Permit
Before hiring an electrician, also think about asking if he has a valid permit issued by the local building department. Before a electrical inspector issues a permit, he checks the Licrensed Electrical contractor’s license and work to see if it stands up to regulation standards and building codes, so this is a good way to gauge if an Electrical Contractor you’re thinking of hiring is really reliable.
Choosing the Right Electrician for the Job
Like many other contractors, Electrical Contractors usually specialize in a specific field. Some do new construction sites, others go out only on service calls and others concentrate on commercial property work. Electrical Contractors specializing in remodeling, for example, know certain techniques specific to working with pre-existing wiring and electrical systems, techniques like snaking wires through finished walls, evaluating the power of circuits already in place and deciding whether to add service panels to handle increased power demands.
Recommendations
Lastly, another good way to find a good, reliable Electrical contractor is to ask the local electrical licensing agency if there are any complaints. Also check the BBB. So if you’re having a new room built and need an electrical contractor, do you checking on license type, complaints and the BBB.
When you sit down to interview an electrician, ask to be shown a copy of his state electrical contractor license and proof of insurance and check that they are current and that he has minimum liability coverage of $500,000. And remember to check his references.
Insurance
Insurance here in Tennesse have very loose laws on who they sell insurance to. Insurance co here in Tennessee can legally sell Commercial contractor insurance policy to an unlicensed person. Most all other states have laws that do not allow this practice. So be very careful as to not make a mistake and let the electrician you are about to hire show you a insurance card with a business name printed on it and mistake it for a license. A state and county license cards looks like this–
State and local Electrical Contractor License cards