Assurance Electrical Services: Tips on safe use of extension cords at your Prescott home

The easiest solution to the problem of not having an outlet nearby is an extension cord. But even when you choose the proper cord, it is always just a temporary solution. Extension cords used over long periods of time are susceptible to damage and deterioration that can lead to electrocution or fire. Assurance Electrical Services has some advice about using extension cords to help ensure electrical safety in your Prescott home.

• Always use the appropriate cord. Look for indoor/outdoor use as well as the wattage rating to make sure you don’t overload it.
• Do not run cords through snow, water or through walls or conduit.
• Do not chain cords together; plug each one into an outlet.
• Do not attach more than one appliance to an extension cord.
• Never use a cord that has visible damage or that feels hot to the touch.
• Never alter a cord or bypass the security measures. Do not cut off the ground prong to make it fit or force a polarized plug into a non-polarized outlet. (Polarized plugs have one prong that is bigger than the other).
• Only use cords approved by Underwriters Laboratories. These are independent testing laboratories than ensure the product is safe for use.

If you have a lot of extension cords in your home or business, it’s an indicator that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Choose the safest option and call Assurance Electrical Services. We can install outlets wherever you need them and help you power everything you need in your Prescott home in a safe way. Call to schedule an appointment at 928-713-2177. Learn more at http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

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Prescott Commercial & Industrial Electrical
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Assurance Electrical Services talks about light switches for your Prescott home

Is it time to change out your light switches? Possibly the most ubiquitous electrical device in homes today is the wall switch. We use them to control the flow of electricity to other devices throughout the house; this includes turning on lights, fans, outlets, garbage disposals, etc. Switches play a vital role in keeping a home functional, but very few homeowners know that not all switches are created equal. Assurance Electrical Services wants to make sure that Prescott homeowners are educated before changing their light switches.

Single-Pole
The single-pole switch controls lights and other devices from a single location. Its simple design is useful for a majority of situations. The single-pole has screw-terminals. One connector is used for the incoming power, and the other connector is used for outgoing power.

Double-Pole
The double-pole is typically used for commercial applications. This switch has four “hot” connectors for power and one neutral connector. The double-pole can handle significantly higher voltages and amperage, and it usually controls a 240-volt circuit.

Three-Way
If you have two switches in your home that control the same light, this is typically accomplished with the help of a three-way switch. These switches have three screw-terminals.

Four-Way
Four-way switches are probably the least common. They are used to connect three-way switches when you need to control the lights from more than two locations. Like the double-pole switches, they have four connectors plus a ground.

Depending on how your home is wired, changing light switches can be simple. However, working with your home’s electrical system is very dangerous, so proper safety precautions must be taken before beginning a project. It is highly recommended that you hire a licensed and trained professional for any electrical work for your Prescott home. If you are looking for a professional electrician that will get your light switches changed quickly and properly, contact Assurance Electrical Services at 928-713-2177 or visit http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

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Assurance Electrical Services discusses the pros and cons of LED lighting for your Prescott home

In recent times there has been a big emphasis placed on the environment, so it follows that homeowners are turning to the “greenest” products they can find. LED lighting, with its energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, are making it the lighting of choice. Assurance Electrical Services shares the pros and cons of LED lighting for your Prescott home.

When it comes to any product, there are both pros and cons. LED is no exception.

Here are some of the advantages to using LED lighting:

Energy efficiency. An LED lamp offers between 80-90% energy efficiency in contrast to a traditional incandescent light bulb. In other words, when the LED lamp is turned on, about 80% of the energy used to illuminate actually goes into creating the light, while the other 20% is given off as heat. This results in a lot of savings, both in terms of the energy used and money being spent on electricity. As a bonus, the LED lamp emits much less heat making it a safer bulb as it's cool to the touch.

Less electricity to start up. A standard 60-watt incandescent light bulb will use about 525 kWh of electricity per year. However, a comparable LED lamp will only need to use about 65 kWh of electricity.

Long lifespan. A standard incandescent light bulb will last anywhere from 750 to 2,000 hours. A fluorescent lamp will provide about 20,000 hours of light. However, some LED lamps can last for as long as 100,000 hours!

Here are some of the disadvantages to using LED lighting:

Price. Even though over recent years the price point for LED lamps has continued to drop, it is still a bit pricier than incandescent and fluorescent lighting. This factor could potentially make the installation of LED lighting more costly than the budgets some people can bear.

Temperature. LED lighting has also been found to be sensitive in terms of temperature. How well an LED functions can be directly related to the temperature in which it is located. If an LED lamp is used in a warm environment, it may cause the lamp to overdrive and fail. Because of this, LEDs generally require a heat sink to help keep them cool and operating properly.

Color limitations. LED lamps generally create white light using diodes of different colors that when all are illuminated together makes white light. In the past, this has sometimes led to the color emitted by an LED lamp to be a bit too blueish or cool. Modern technology has corrected a lot of this. But sometimes the LEDs themselves can begin to diminish in terms of the color quality of the light produced.

Is LED lighting best for you? Weigh the pros against the cons and decide. Assurance Electrical Services hopes this discussion of LED lighting for your Prescott home is helpful to you. If you need any kind of electrical work or consultation, call Assurance Electrical Services at 928-713-2177 or visit us online at http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

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Assurance Electrical Services shares ideas for lighting upgrades for your Prescott home

There are many reasons to upgrade the lighting in your home. You may be getting ready to sell or remodel your home, or your home may not be bright enough. Your reason for upgrading will help determine the type of lighting you should use. Assurance Electrical Services shares ideas for lighting upgrades for your Prescott home.

General Lighting
General lighting is designed to provide the right amount of light for you to move around your house. This light helps make every part of your home accessible. The only areas in which you may not find general lighting is an attic or a garage. Recessed lights and overhead lights are typically used for your general lighting needs.

Task Lighting
There are parts of your home that require more light than others. Your kitchen countertops, for example, require additional lighting for preparing food. The desk in a home office would require extra lighting. You can think of task lighting as the lighting you need to get work done (or read a book).

Accent Lighting
If you want to make a part of your home stand out, accent lighting is the way to go. This type of light helps draw attention to specific elements in your home. These elements may include a portrait, an accent wall, or a sculpture. If you want to sell your home or give your home a fresh new feel, accent lighting will give you the aesthetic you want.

Regardless of the type of lighting you choose, it is vital that you follow proper safety practices. If the lighting fixtures are not properly installed, your new upgrades could damage your home or put your family in danger. If you have questions about lighting upgrades or professional installation, contact Assurance Electrical Services. We provide the quality work you need and the friendly service you want. For information, call 928-713-2177 or visit us online http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

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Assurance Electrical Services asks: Does your Prescott home show signs of hazardous electrical outlets?

Electrical fires are a threat to life and property. Assurance Electrical Services asks that you check to see if your Prescott home shows signs of hazardous electrical outlets.

The sad fact is, home electrical fires account for 51,000 fires per year and more than 500 deaths according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. About 5,300 of those fires are caused by electrical receptacles. The good news is, most of these fires could be easily prevented by recognizing the warning signs of a faulty outlet in your home and getting routine maintenance.

Here are some warning signs of potential outlet hazards:

• An outlet or power strip is overloaded. Outlets may have multiple plug options, but that does not mean they are capable of handling huge loads of power. Power strips can add to the number of items a single outlet can handle, but the amount of power may exceed their capacity. Do not plug multiple high-voltage items into a single outlet or power strip. You will likely overload the circuit.
• An outlet is next to the shower or bathtub. An outlet should always be a safe distance from a water source. There should be a minimum of 3 feet between outlets and your bathtub and shower. GFCI receptacles improve the situation, but it is always best to contact a qualified electrician and have the outlet moved. The cost of removal of an outlet and installation of a safer alternative is much less than the cost that will result from a house fire.
• Unprotected outlets. For some reason, young children are fascinated by electrical outlets. Playing with an outlet can cause a child to be shocked or burned, and if a child inserts a metal object into that outlet, the result could be severe electrical shock or a fire. Child safety wall plates are the best solution. If you do not want to replace the outlets in your home, at the very least install plastic outlet covers.

Assurance Electrical Services wants you to be sure your Prescott home does not show signs of hazardous electrical outlets. If you need help reviewing your home’s electrical system, or for any other electrical needs, call Assurance Electrical Services at 928-713-2177. Learn more at http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

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Assurance Electrical Services discusses common electrical upgrades for your Prescott home

Summer is upon us, and that means it is time for renovation projects. Whether you are remodeling your bathroom or are adding a room to your home, your project may require you to upgrade your electrical wiring and main circuit breaker. Upgrading your electrical system is no small task. During the planning stage of your renovation, there are a few electrical upgrades to consider and include in your plan. Assurance Electrical Services wants to make sure your Prescott home receives the electrical upgrades it needs.

Why Upgrade?
As technology progresses, so do the power requirements for your home. We have more electrical devices in our homes than ever before, and many older homes were not built to handle the power load. Your decision to upgrade your electrical system may be due to breakers that are tripped on a regular basis.

What Should I Upgrade?
Here are three of the most common electrical upgrades for your home:

• Wiring
• Circuit Breaker
• Electrical Service

New Wiring
Homes that are several decades old may still have knob and tube wiring. While this is not inherently bad, it does limit the amount of power available to you. New wiring will allow you to run the microwave and the blender at the same time without blowing a fuse or tripping a breaker.

Circuit Breaker
Over the years, your home’s electrical system may have been updated several times. While this is a good thing, it can also mean you do not have enough available circuits to complete your current project. If you are simply out of slots, you may be able to add a sub-panel. However, if your home has 60-amp service, you will likely need to upgrade your electrical service and your electrical panel to accommodate the increased draw on your system.

Electrical Service
When it comes to your home’s systems, it is usually a bad idea to upgrade one part without upgrading another. This is especially true of your electrical service. You may have new wiring and a new circuit breaker, but if you have 60-amp service, it is likely you will constantly overdraw your system.

Before taking the leap to upgrade your electrical system, consult with a licensed electrician to learn what upgrades your Prescott home may need. Most importantly, do not attempt to upgrade your electrical system yourself. Improper installation or mismatched power requirements can pose a significant danger to your home and your family. If not done with the proper permits, it could hurt your home’s resale value or void your homeowners insurance in the event of a fire. If need help navigating your home’s electrical upgrade, call Assurance Electrical Services at  928-713-2177 or visit us online at http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

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Assurance Electrical Services talks about the dangers of overlamping in your Prescott home

What is overlamping? Overlamping is when you install a light bulb with higher wattage than what is recommended for the light fixture. We have all been here before, a light bulb burns out, so we go to the closet and grab the closest available light bulb. Other times, we only purchase 100-watt bulbs, so we can see clearly in our home. But we make these decisions with little or no thought for the wattage of the light fixture. Electrical requirements for home appliances and devices can be complicated and challenging to follow, so Assurance Electrical Services wants to educate Prescott homeowners on the dangers of overlamping in terms everyone can understand.

The Dangers of Overlamping
So you put a brighter bulb in your lamp, what is the worst that could happen? The insulation on light fixtures is created with temperature limits. If your light bulb is 100-watts and your lamp is rated for 60-watts, the additional heat from the hotter bulb can overheat and melt the socket and wiring insulation. This in turn can create an electrical arc which is responsible for starting house fires. At the very least, you risk damaging your light fixture beyond repair.

How to Prevent It
Check your light fixtures to ensure they are at or below the rated wattage. The wattage recommendation is typically located on the fixture’s wire jacket. You should also see the letters “NMB” or “NM”. “NMB” means the fixture can withstand temperatures up to 194 degrees which is the highest possible rating. Finding the wattage rating on older fixtures may be more difficult than checking the wire jacket.

Overlamping poses a severe risk for your home and family, and it should be dealt with quickly. If you have questions about overlamping or would like to have the fixtures in your Prescott home checked by a professional, call Assurance Electrical Services at 928-713-2177. Visit http://www.myprescottelectrician.com for more information.

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