Last updated 2 months ago
When it comes to home electricity, it is important to remember that not all outlets are the same. A high-voltage appliance might require a 220V outlet, and it’s important to be able to identify them correctly.
In this video, an electrical contractor explains how to identify a 220V outlet. It is actually a relatively simple process, requiring only testing the plug and memorizing the shape. Watch the video to learn more.
If you ever encounter any problems with the electricity in your Denver home, be sure to contact McBride Lighting and Electrical Services at (720) 250-9777 for assistance. You can also visit our website to learn more about what we offer.
Last updated 2 months ago
You can learn about when it’s time to upgrade your home’s wiring and how to prevent electrical fires from causing damage to your home by checking out the links below. McBride Lighting & Electrical Services of Denver invites you to explore our website for more safety information, or call us at (720) 250-9777.
Find out why it’s important to hire a professional electrician to examine your home’s electrical system by visiting this page from AsktheBuilder.com.
These easy-to-follow tips from Wisconsin.gov can help you understand how to keep an eye out for potential electrical problems in your home.
Get some sobering statistics and learn how you can prevent electrical fires on FEMA.gov.
Visit ThisOldHouse.com to understand the dangers of old wiring and problems that can indicate it’s time to have your electrical system upgraded.
This article from HouseLogic.com offers some practical information that can help you become aware of potential electrical fire hazards in your home.
Last updated 3 months ago
There are at least 1,000 injuries every year due to electrical fires, and one of the most important facts to know about these accidents is that nearly all electrical fires can be prevented. The winter months are especially hazardous for homeowners who have unseen dangers in their electrical systems, or for those who don’t take the right measures to ensure they use heating, lighting, and other electrical appliances safely.
How Electrical Fires Start
According to FEMA, almost all electrical distribution fires, such as those that start behind walls or electrical panels, can be blamed on faulty electrical components and old wiring. The main cause of other accidental fires is the misuse of extension cords, power strips, and circuits by plugging in too many appliances into one outlet.
When to Check Your Appliances
It’s important to keep an eye on all your electrical appliances and accessories. For example, if you regularly use an extension cord, check it before each use. Look at each end for signs of fraying or separation from the plug heads, and always use the cord away from high-traffic areas. Check the cords of your appliances along their entire length. Discard or replace appliances with signs of damage.
How to Employ Safe Practices
The best way to prevent most electrical fires is to use common sense and educate yourself on your electrical system. For example, only connect one high-energy appliance to a single outlet, and be aware of which outlets are connected to which circuits in your electrical service panel. Major appliances should have dedicated circuits, and these circuits should be able to handle the amount of power the appliance draws.
Your electrical system does require maintenance. McBride Lighting & Electrical Services can provide the necessary inspections and care to ensure that your system remains safe year after year, reducing your risk of electrical fires. Schedule an inspection by calling us at (720) 250-9777 today. Take 10% off your next service call when you visit our website.
Last updated 3 months ago
If you’ve never heard of vampire energy before, certain appliances may be draining your wallet without you even knowing! When you actively use energy, you can expect to see the results on your utility bill, but there are some appliances that literally suck energy even when they’re not turned on.
Americans have anywhere from 20 to 40 appliances or devices that use so-called vampire energy. This standby energy can be wasted, for example, on a rechargeable toothbrush—even when fully charged, an electric toothbrush wastes about $1.50 per year. Depending on your local energy costs, a desktop PC could use something in the neighborhood of $34 per year! As this video explains, these costs add up, to the tune of about one month’s electricity bill extra annually.
By using Energy Star-qualified appliances and other accessories like smart power strips, you can cut your standby energy usage by 70% or more. This reduces your contribution to greenhouse gases as well. For more information about becoming more energy-efficient, saving money, and going green, call McBride Lighting & Electrical Services at (720) 250-9777.
Last updated 3 months ago
Your electrician can bring your home into the modern age with an electrical system upgrade. There are a few sure signs that indicate it’s time to have your home’s wiring updated to something newer, safer, and more efficient. For example, many problems can be solved with newer electrical panels and other components.
You Have Aluminum Wiring
Many older homes utilize aluminum wiring. It is widely accepted by electricians that this kind of wiring is unsafe by nature. Old aluminum wiring is prone to overheating, which is one of the primary causes of electrical fires. Expansion and contraction of aluminum wiring in your devises (light switches and outlets) can case devises to fail as well as fires in the boxes and walls. Exposed aluminum wiring inside your walls can create arc hazards, which also spark fires and may present a danger to you and your family.
You Experience Frequent Outages
Common signs of inadequate wiring are frequent tripping of circuit breakers and blown fuses. Most modern electrical service panels use circuit breakers only, so if you’re still using fuses, you’ll definitely want to consider an upgrade. Power fluctuations that occur during windstorms or inclement weather are clear indications that your existing wiring is not up to par. Such wiring likely presents a code violation and could be unsafe. It’s time to have an electrician examine your system.
Other Features of Your Home Need Updating
If you want to enjoy more modern appliances or add a big flat-screen TV to your media center, a wiring facelift is in order. Some of today’s appliances need more power, which has to be safely delivered. Many older service panels and aged wiring are not able to provide the safe level of current necessary to power modern appliances and are incredibly inefficient. By having your electrical service panel and your wiring updated, you can enjoy safe, reliable power delivered with improved energy efficiency.
McBride Lighting & Electrical Services can analyze your home’s existing wiring and help you understand the benefits you will gain if it’s time to upgrade. Give us a call at (720) 250-9777 and let one of our experienced electricians improve your Denver home’s safety and performance with new wiring.
