Category: Electrical
Should I Change a Two-Prong Outlet to a Three-Prong?
Yes, if you have a two-prong outlet it’s an “ungrounded” outlet and is unsafe. A 3-prong outlet, on the other hand, is a “grounded” outlet and is a much safer upgrade for your home and family. In fact, in 1962 the NEC (National Electric Code) began requiring that all new houses be built with 3-prong
Why Is My Outlet Burnt?
Do you notice charred marks around your outlet? Or do you smell an acrid burning odor near a plug? Here’s what you should do first: Shut off power (at the circuit breaker) to the burned outlet Call a licensed electrician for help A charred or burnt outlet is a sign that something’s not working right
Why Is My Outlet Hot to the Touch?
You go to unplug something into your electrical outlet, but you notice it feels warm. Should you be concerned? A warm outlet doesn’t mean your home is going to burst into flames or have severe electrical failure right away, but it’s a sign that something’s wrong. Think of a warm outlet as a symptom, like
What “Backstabbing” an Outlet Means and Why It’s Dangerous
“Backstabbing” an outlet is basically a shortcut to securing the wires on an outlet or switch. It was a common practice in the 1970s and 1980s but now quality electricians avoid it at all cost! Why? Well, it turns out that backstabbed wires are pretty dangerous and have even been found to cause electrical fires.
How to Tell if Your Circuit Breaker Needs Replacing
So you have a specific breaker that’s tripping pretty frequently. Now you’re questioning if that means it’s bad and needs to be replaced. Well, not necessarily. Replacing a breaker that’s tripping is like disabling a car alarm system because the alarm goes off. The alarm is most likely trying to prevent someone from breaking into
Wall Switch Will Turn on Fan, But Not Lights
Is your fan working, but not your lights? Don’t worry-we’ve seen it before. But before you call an electrician, there’s a simple diagnosis and repair you can do yourself: Make sure your light bulbs are working properly. In the next section, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to safely check your light bulbs.
Why Does My Outdoor GFCI Outlet Keep Tripping?
Most likely, your outdoor GFCI outlet is tripping due to one of these 3 problems: There’s a ground fault somewhere in the circuit. Moisture invaded the receptacle box. The GFCI outlet is faulty. So, how do you know which one is your problem? Don’t worry. We’ll show you how to determine what’s tripping your outdoor
How Many Smoke Alarms Do I Need in My House?
Having the right number of smoke alarms in your home isn’t just a safety measure, it’s the law. In fact, Arizona follows the 2006 International Fire Code (IFC) with amendments when it comes to this question. So what’s the answer? Well, for the most part, the number of smoke detectors you need depends on how
How Long Do Smoke Detectors Last?
According to the U.S Fire Administration, smoke detectors usually last about 10 years. This is why Phoenix city ordinance G-5898-2014, section 1103.8.3.1 4 (titled “Smoke Alarm Replacement) says, “Smoke alarm shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from the date of manufacture.” So, what exactly happens if you don’t replace the detector after
Why Do My Motion Sensor Lights Keep Flashing On and Off?
Your motion sensor lights are supposed to give you a sense of security and peace of mind. Instead, they’re driving you crazy because they won’t stop turning on and off, regardless of whether there’s an actual intruder setting them off or not. If your motion sensor lights keep flashing on and off, you should try:
