This
page addresses common questions handled by our support staff, along
with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here
as questions.
Have
your Electrical System checked at least once every 5 years
Your
electrical system should be maintained and basic precautions should be
observed to protect your home, personal property and the lives of your
family.
The
Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 45,000 fires
can be attributed to potential problems with your Home Electrical
System. These fires result in approximately 440 deaths, over 1400
injuries and over 430 million dollars in property loss each year.
The
cheapest insurance a property owner could get is to make sure the Home
Smoke Detector system is in proper working order, batteries replaced,
detectors cleaned or replaced when needed. You should also have your
electrical system checked every few years. You should develop a routine
for checking your heating, cooling and electrical system every few
years, just like people an electrical system may break down, become
over burdened and not operate properly or not be of sufficient capacity
to handle the power
If you hear
a sizzling noise or feel heat near or around any electrical outlet or
apparatus or have lights flickering or see an arc or sparks from any
electrical source, call an electrician immediately. If you smell
anything that you feel smells like smoke, plastic burning then also
call your local fire department immediately. If you know which fuse or
breaker controls the circuit effected turn the breaker off or remove
the fuse, It is better to have an electrician do a emergency call when
experiencing any of the above issues than to potentially have a fire.
There should
be a sticker posted on your electrical panel outlining when and what
inspections have been done to your home, In Montgomery County Md. you
may also call the Office of Permitting Services to get the list of
permits and inspections done for any home in Montgomery County MD. Some
homes were inspected prior to the county maintaining records, call
240-777-6230 to find out what your permit status is on your home or
visit at http://permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov/dpstmpl.asp?url=/Main.asp
Also
when buying a home ask seller for any maintenance records he may have
on your electrical system.
There are
many reasons to upgrade your electrical system, sometimes you simply do
not have enough electrical capacity to support a modern day home with
appliances like microwaves, hot tubs, Jacuzzi, toaster ovens, Air
Conditions and other high power consuming appliances. Please visit our
blog to learn more about Heavy Ups, AKA service or panel upgrades.
http://caryelectric.blogspot.com/2009/07/everything-you-always-wanted-to-know.html
In
Montgomery County, most homes use the Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)
and they require the homeowner to be responsible for the service cable
to be in good condition. If you see damage to the outer cable
insulation or covering have it checked immediately, Water can travel
down these cables into your panel and water is a major reason for an
electric panel or circuit breaker failure. Whenever you do a heavy up
and increase the load to your home you must always replace the service
entrance cable running down your home to the electric meter.
You should
make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order
each year, it should be part of your spring cleaning. Check twice a
year and replace batteries each spring whether the detector works or
not and vacuum dust around detectors, remember smoke detectors are
ionization detectors and may be affected by tar residue from
cigarettes, hairspray, grease from cooking. It maybe necessary to
replace detectors that shows signs of excessive exposures to these
conditions.
We do not
recommend the use of extension cords, however sometimes extension cords
are used by homeowners. Extension cords should only be used on a
temporary basis; if you need an outlet have one of our electricians
install one for you. Always make sure your cords are the newer cords
which are polarized, make sure that you use a properly sized cord for
the apparatus (lamp, clock etc) never use a cord smaller than a # 16
gauge, and never over-load a extension cord. More can be found: http://www.montgomeryelectricianmd.com/518CPSC%20Electrical%20wiring.pdf
Yes, however
the support box may have to be replaced with approved fan safe box.
Ceiling fans are heavy and rotate the National Electric Code requires
that ceiling fans be adequately supported by UL approved ceiling fan
boxes. We always recommend you use a qualified electrician to do any
modifications in your home. Remember your insurance company requires
that all work be done by licensed and qualified people otherwise they
may not be required to cover any losses.
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