Assurance Electrical Services examines types of outlets for electrical upgrades at your Prescott home

If you have just moved into a new home, want to update your current home, or are getting ready to sell your home, you have probably considered updating the electrical outlets. This is a simple and affordable method of giving your home a modern aesthetic. Though it is a small change, this small detail gives your home a fresh look and feel. Assurance Electrical Services examines various types of outlets to upgrade your Prescott home.

GFCI
Most homeowners do not keep up-to-date on building code. You may be aware of GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupter), but did you know they are a requirement in kitchens and bathrooms? The GFCI shuts off power to an outlet if there is a short circuit or ground fault. For example, if you were using an appliance in your kitchen and water spilled on the floor over your feet, a short circuit could allow electricity to pass through you to the floor. The GFCI outlet shuts off power before this can happen thereby protecting you from electrocution.

20 Amp Outlet
There are many appliances that may require additional power. Refrigerators, microwave ovens, and clothes dryers are all examples of power-hogging appliances. Appliances such as these should use an outlet that supplies 20 amps. These outlets provide the necessary power for the appliance without blowing a fuse. One way to recognize a 20 amp fuse is by the notch on the left outlet prong.

Switched Outlets
If you do not want constant power to an outlet, a switched outlet may be the right choice for you. The switched outlet includes a switch and an outlet in the same unit. This allows you to manually turn the power off whenever you may need.

USB and Smart Outlets
Technology is rapidly changing and electrical outlets are being updated to meet the demands of modern homes. USB outlets typically include two USB ports on an outlet between the top and bottom prongs. This gives you the ability to plug in your mobile device or tablet without needing an adaptor.

Another new advancement in outlet technology is the Smart outlet. This outlet gives you the ability to control the power to your outlet from your phone via a wifi connection. A pretty handy feature when you’re away from home.

Regardless of the outlet you choose, it is important to have your electrical system inspected by a licensed professional. Different outlets may have different requirements that need to be met. If you are considering installing new outlets in your Prescott home, call Assurance Electrical Services at  928-713-2177 or visit us online at http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Commercial Electrician
Residential Electrician in Prescott
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Assurance Electrical Services talks about electrical hookup for an RV at your Prescott home

Many Prescott residents own an RV. While some have chosen to rent storage space for their RV, many homeowners park their RV at their home. This offers many benefits over traditional storage. Even if you park your RV elsewhere, you still bring your RV to your home before and after your trip, and may need to plug in to get things ready or clean up. It is important to be prepared before bringing your new “home away from home” to your “I like where I live” home. One of the most important preparations is having the right electrical hookups. Assurance Electrical Services wants you to know what it takes to get your new RV hooked up to your home power.

Dedicated Breaker
You may be tempted to use an extension cord and plug into the nearest outlet of your home. This can create many issues both for your home and your RV. The first step is to give your RV a dedicated outlet. A dedicated outlet will prevent you from overloading your home’s electrical system. Without a dedicated line, you may blow breakers in your home’s electrical panel or damage appliances that share a breaker with the RV. With the proper power requirements, you can simultaneously operate multiple appliances inside your RV. This is especially helpful right before setting off on a big trip, so you can make certain everything is in working order.

Know Your Amperage
The flip side to the electrical equation is the safety of your new RV. Your RV will have a 30 amp or 50 amp electrical system. This can be determined by checking your owners manual or by looking at the prongs on the power cord. A 3-prong connector means your RV requires 30 amp while a 4-prong means it is 50 amp. Attempting to draw too much or too little power from your home may result in blown fuses, damaged appliances, and heartache from damaging your new RV.

Having the proper electrical hookup is essential for plugging in your RV at your Prescott home. Assurance Electrical Services can send a licensed and trained electrician to get your home ready in no time. We will also let you know if your main breaker cannot handle the additional power load. If you have questions about running a dedicated breaker for your RV, or for any other electrical needs at your home or business, call us at 928-713-2177 or visit http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Commercial Electrical Services
Electrical Troubleshooting in Prescott
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Assurance Electrical Services recommends upgrading your Prescott home wiring for your electric vehicle

Electric vehicles are the future. If you haven’t gotten one yet, it's only a matter of time before it’s a real option for your next car. When you do finally take the plunge, you’re going to need to charge it. Assurance Electrical Services recommends upgrading the wiring at your Prescott home for your electric vehicle.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The nice thing about electric vehicles is that you can “refuel” them at home. There are three levels of charging stations, each one charging faster than the next.
   
Level 1

• Uses standard 120v outlet
• ~36 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle

Level 2

• Uses a 240v outlet (like the one used for an electric clothes dryer)
• ~6.5 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle 

Level 3

• Uses 480v 3-phase AC outlet (industrial-sized power supply not normally in homes)
• ~1 hour to fully charge the battery.

Upgrading from Level 1 to Level 2
Obviously, it is well worth it to upgrade to a level 2 charger. This would enable you to charge your vehicle overnight so it is ready for the next day. The problem is that most homes do not have a 240v outlet located in the garage or wherever you plan on parking your vehicle. Unless you only plan on driving your new electric vehicle every three days, you’re going to need an upgrade to your electrical system.

Hire a licensed electrician to install your electric vehicle charging station
Installation of a 240v outlet requires a direct line to your electrical panel and possibly even an upgrade to the panel itself. You should always hire a qualified professional electrician when dealing with anything electrical.

Assurance Electrical Services would be happy to walk you through what will need to be done. We are licensed, bonded and insured, and you can depend on us to do the work safely. Give us a call at 928-713-2177 and schedule your free estimate today. For more information on the electrical services we provide, visit http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Licensed Electrician
Commercial Electrical Services in Prescott
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Assurance Electrical Services discusses preventing power surges in your Prescott home

Defend your house appliances, electronics, and personal devices from serious harm. Technology has outpaced conventional home wiring, so every charging phone, computer, and TV puts a strain on a house’s circuits. So many devices pulling on power at once can cause serious problems. Assurance Electrical Services wants to discuss keeping your household electronics safe from internal power surges in your Prescott home.

• Keep small appliances like toasters, lamps, and gaming systems unplugged when not in use. Too many items on one circuit (the wiring in your home) can pull too much energy and cause internal surges.

• Update old wiring to accompany the modern electricity demands of TVs, phone chargers, and computers. If your house has strange quirks like a light dimming when a hair dryer turns on, you should definitely upgrade your house wiring before it becomes a fire hazard.

• Fix circuits that may be overloaded with too many large appliances at once, like a refrigerator and microwave in the kitchen. You can ask an electrician to install new circuits dedicated to specific appliances to relieve other circuits.

The power to prevent a power surge is in your hands. Other common causes of surges, such as lightning, are actually some of the least likely events to occur. Be proactive about surges by unplugging and upgrading your Prescott home’s circuits today. If you would like to know more about keeping your house electronics safe, give Assurance Electrical Services a call today at 928-713-2177 or visit us at http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Licensed Electrician
Panel Upgrades/Changes in Prescott
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