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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Residential Electrical in Prescott
Prescott Commercial Electrician
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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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Residential Electrical in Prescott
Prescott Commercial Electrician
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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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Prescott Commercial Electrician
Residential Electrical in Prescott
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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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Prescott Residential Electrical Services
Commercial Electrician in Prescott
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Prescott Licensed Electrician
Commercial Electrical Services in Prescott
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