Allstar Expert Tips

Common Electrical Safety

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 22:11:27 GMT

Electrical Safety : An Every Day Awareness

Electrical safety is of utmost importance in our daily lives. Electricity is a vital resource that powers almost everything in our homes, workplaces, and public spaces. However, it is important to remember that electricity can also be very dangerous if not used or handled properly. Electrical accidents can lead to severe injuries, electrocution, and even death. In this blog post, we will discuss some essential electrical safety tips that everyone should know.

1. Understand electrical hazards: Electrical hazards are everywhere, and it is essential to recognize them. Be aware of the risks involved when using electrical appliances and devices. Common hazards include frayed wires, damaged cords, overloaded outlets, and water near electrical outlets.

2. Keep appliances and electrical cords in good condition: Inspect appliances and cords regularly to ensure they are in good condition. If you notice any frayed wires or damaged cords, replace them immediately. Avoid using appliances or devices with damaged cords or plugs.

3. Don't overload outlets: Overloading outlets can lead to overheating and fires. Avoid using too many appliances or devices on a single outlet. Use extension cords and power strips sparingly, and never connect multiple extension cords together.

4. Keep water away from electrical devices: Water and electricity do not mix. Avoid using electrical appliances or devices near water sources, such as sinks, bathtubs, and pools. If an electrical device falls into water, do not touch it, and turn off the power supply immediately.

5. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs are designed to protect you from electrical shock. They detect electrical current leaks and shut off the power supply immediately. Install GFCIs in areas where water is present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets.

6. Never touch electrical devices with wet hands: Wet hands increase the risk of electrical shock. Always dry your hands thoroughly before using electrical appliances or devices.

7. Use the right electrical tools: When working with electricity, it is important to use the right tools. Make sure your tools are designed for electrical work and are in good condition. Never use tools with damaged insulation or exposed wires.

8. Hire a licensed electrician for electrical work: Electrical work should only be performed by a licensed electrician. Do not attempt to fix electrical problems yourself unless you are a qualified electrician.

9. Turn off the power before working on electrical devices: Always turn off the power supply before working on electrical devices. This can be done by switching off the circuit breaker or unplugging the device. Never touch electrical components while the power is on.

10. Keep children away from electrical devices: Children are naturally curious and may be attracted to electrical devices. Keep electrical devices out of reach of children, and teach them about the dangers of electricity.

In conclusion, electrical safety is essential for everyone's well-being. By following these simple electrical safety tips, you can reduce the risk of electrical accidents and injuries. Remember, when in doubt, always consult a licensed electrician. Stay safe!

Stay Safe: Electrical Storm Safety

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 19:47:04 GMT

Electrical Safety During and After Storms

Severe storms and natural disasters can cause a variety of electrical safety hazards in and around our homes. Lightning, downed power lines, and floods are just a few of the serious safety concerns associated with storms. Unfortunately, many of these electrical safety hazards remain long after the storm itself has passed.

To help protect you from storm-related electrical hazards, Tampa Electric and Allstar Electrical Experts are providing answers to common storm safety questions.

Lightning

What should I do if I am caught outside during a lightning storm?

Move to a low point. Lightning hits the tallest available object, so get down low in a crouched position if you are in an exposed area.
Stay away from trees.
Avoid metal. Don’t hold onto metal items like bats, golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets, or tools. Stay away from metal sheds, clotheslines, poles, and fences.
Stay away from water, including pools, lakes, puddles, and anything damp—like grass.
Don’t stand close to other people. Spread out.

What should I do if I am caught outside during a lightning storm?
Not necessarily, but sometimes. If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike. Do not lie down. Instead, crouch down, tuck your head, and cover your ears.

What should I do if I encounter a lightning storm while driving in my car?
Slow down and use extra caution. If possible, pull off the road into a safe area.

Am I safer in or out of my car?
Do not leave your vehicle during a thunderstorm. A vehicle is considered safe during a thunderstorm if it is fully enclosed with a metal top such as a hard-topped car, minivan, bus, truck, etc. While inside a safe vehicle do not use electronic devices, such as radio communications.

The storm is still raging outside. Are we safe from lightning if we stay inside the house?
Follow these indoor lightning tips to help keep your family safe inside while it's storming outside:

To avoid lightning strikes, stay away from windows and doors.
If possible, unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives. Avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords during storms.
Avoid contact with water and plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.

Can I talk on the telephone during an electrical storm?
Use corded telephones only for emergencies. You can use cordless or cellular phones.

I have an outside dog. Is it okay to leave him out there during a lightning storm?
Doghouses are not lightning-safe, and chained animals can easily become victims of lightning strikes. You should bring your pets inside to protect them.

Power Lines

What should I do if I encounter a downed power line?
If you see a downed power line, move at least 10 feet away from the line and anything touching it. The human body is a ready conductor of electricity.

The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone—and it could do that through your body.

What can I do to help someone who has come in contact with a downed power line?
If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 instead.

Can I use something that is not metal to try to move a downed power line myself?
Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electrocute you.

What should I do if I see a downed power line in the street while I am driving my car?
Do not drive over downed power lines.

What if a power line comes down onto my car or I didn’t see it until I’ve driven into it?
If you are in your car and it is in contact with the downed line, stay in your car. Tell others to stay away from your vehicle.

If you must leave your car because it’s on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffle away from the car.

Is a downed power line still dangerous if it has come down in water, like a pool or pond?
Water is a good conductor of electricity. Any amount of water—even a puddle—could become energized. Be careful not to touch water—or anything in contact with the water—near where there is a downed power line.

Flooded Areas

My area is flooding and there is standing water. Is it safe to go through there?
If you see a downed power line, move at least 10 feet away from the line and anything touching it. The human body is a ready conductor of electricity.

Use extreme care when stepping into flooded areas. Submerged outlets or electrical cords can energize water, posing a lethal trap.

My washer, dryer, and a few other appliances got really wet during the flood. Can I start using them again after they dry out?
Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet until they have been examined by a qualified service repair dealer. Electrical equipment exposed to water can be extremely dangerous if re-energized without proper reconditioning or replacement.

Does a flood affect my home’s electrical system, too, or just the appliances?
Electrical items, such as circuit breakers, fuses, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), receptacles, plugs, and switches, can malfunction when water and silt get inside. Discard them if they have been submerged. Have a licensed, qualified professional replace them.

Does it make a difference if the flood was caused by storm water or by a leaky water pipe?
Ocean water and salt spray can be particularly damaging to electrical equipment due to the corrosive and conductive nature of the salt water residue. Damage to electrical equipment can also result from exposure to flood waters contaminated with chemicals, sewage, oil, and other debris. No matter what caused the flood, electrical appliances should be examined by a qualified service repair dealer before being re-energized, and electrical items that were submerged should be discarded and replaced by a licensed, qualified professional.

Wet Electrical Equipment

My home wasn’t flooded, but some electrical appliances have gotten wet. Do the same safety rules listed above apply to my situation?
Yes—they still apply. Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet until they have been examined by a qualified service repair dealer. Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances, such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.

Where can I find out more about what should be done with water damaged electrical equipment?
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has produced a brochure, Guidelines for Handling Water Damaged Electrical Equipment, for use by suppliers, installers, inspectors, and users of electrical products to provide advice on the safe handling of electrical equipment that has been exposed to water. The NEMA brochure may be downloaded free of charge at: www.nema.org/stds/water-damaged.cfm.

Portable Generators

Caution: Use portable generators safely

DO NOT connect your portable generator to your home’s circuits. Plug your appliances directly into the generator. Connecting your generator to your home’s circuits may cause power to flow to outside lines, posing life-threatening danger to power restoration crews. Also, portable generators must NOT be operated near air conditioning ducts
or in residences or any enclosed space (including an open or closed garage), where deadly carbon monoxide gases could build up. Extremely high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal within minutes.

Can’t I just plug my generator directly into one of my home’s outlets?
Do not connect generators directly to the household wiring unless an appropriate transfer switch has been installed by a licensed, qualified electrician.

What could happen if I don’t have a transfer switch installed?
Without the proper transfer switch, power provided by the generator can “backfeed” along the power lines, creating a significant electrocution hazard for anyone coming in contact with the lines, including lineworkers making necessary repairs.

Can’t I just open the garage door to provide ventilation for the carbon monoxide?
Opening windows or doors or using fans does not provide adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide. Generators must be located outside a safe distance away from your home’s windows, doors, and vents, through which carbon monoxide can enter your home.

How far away from the house is a safe distance?
Preliminary research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) indicates that even 15 feet from the home is too close to operate a generator safely.

Remember your neighbors, too. Keep your generator a safe distance away

Is it safe for my children to play in the area around the generator?
No. Keep children away from portable generators at all times. Also be sure to store generator fuel out of reach of children.

How many appliances can I plug into my generator at one time? Can I use it for my window air conditioner and my refrigerator at the same time?
The capacity of generators varies. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction carefully. Do not overload the generator.

Post-Evacuation

The storm is finally over. Can I go home now?
First and foremost, do NOT return home until instructed by the appropriate local authorities. Once they give the go-ahead:

Return home during daylight hours, especially if power has not been restored.
If you smell gas, leave the premises and notify emergency authorities immediately. Do not turn on lights, light matches, or engage in any activity that could create a spark.

I’ve been told by my local authorities that I can return home now, but could there still be electrical dangers in and around my home?
Yes. Even if you have been authorized to return home, you should still take precautions to protect yourself from electrical hazards posed by downed power lines, flooded areas, and water-damaged appliances and electrical equipment. Stay safe and as always Allstar Electrical Experts are here if you need us.

Spring Cleaning Tips: Electrical Hazards Clean Up

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 22:10:37 GMT

Electrical Safety Tips For Spring

Spring has sprung! These next few weeks are traditionally the time of year we refresh the outdoor areas, clean the house, clear clutter, and replace many older items that are in disrepair or worn. Most people don't think electrical when they think "Spring Cleaning", but consider some of these tips to ensure your house is in top shape this spring.

1. Inspect Extension Cords
If you have outdoor extension cords you probably haven't checked them out since Christmas. We always recommend inspecting them before trimming or plugging in all those tools to do your spring cleaning and gardening. Be sure to replace any damaged or worn cords

2. Always Use GFCIs for Appliances

Don't forget if you have any outdoor appliances (like a refrigerator), you'll need to use a GFCI. They help protect your appliance and anything that is plugged into the GFCI from damage or malfunctions should it come into contact with water.

3. Replace Old Light Bulbs
Use energy saving replacement bulbs and you'll be saving electricity and money. Always be sure you are using the appropriate wattage light bulb as well as the right bulb for each light. For example: There are specific bulbs to be used for a dimmer.

4. Keep an eye out for wires!
When planting those spring trees and flowers in your garden, be sure to be aware of the full grown height of the tree and the root systems as well. Make sure your tree will be away from any power lines and the root system is free from any cables or underground pipes or wires.

5. Schedule a home inspection
Before getting into any bigger projects or remodels, be sure to have a professional electrician inspect thoroughly to be sure you are good to go on your spring refresh.

Enjoy the fresh start to the year and keep it that way by always practicing smart electrical safety!

6 Things Your Electrician Wants You to Know

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 14:16:32 GMT

Whether you're starting small with a new fan or fixture or looking to do a complete addition to your home, there a few important facts your electrician wishes you knew.

1. Understand GFCI
Bathroom circuit failures are among the most common service calls electricians get. By code, GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present. These cut off power if a circuit loses amperage. A single GFCI device protects everything else “downstream” on that circuit, because bathrooms are often not on an isolated circuit, a triggered GFCI will kill the power to outlets and lights that may seem unrelated. Often times, things can be even more confusing when the GFCI is installed at the electrical breaker box itself. This service call is especially common for outdoor circuits and in homes where multiple bathrooms are on a single circuit.

2. Never Ignore Warning Signs
Here’s the most important thing any electrician will tell you: Don't ever ignore the warning signs of problems in your electrical system. Whether it’s a popping noise from an outlet, a light switch that runs extremely hot, or a breaker that won’t reset, it’s important that you take every issue seriously. Luckily, most electrical issues can be resolved relatively quickly as long as they’re not allowed to fester.

3. Know Your Limits on DYI
The DIY mindset is wonderful thing. It's awesome to learn things about your home and grow your skills. But it’s just as important to know the boundaries and limitations of your skills.

If you are new to DYI electrical, only work on electrical components outside of the wall. As you develop your skills as an amateur electrician, you can do more advanced work. The problem arises when DIY enthusiasts with more enthusiasm than experience tackle an electrical project, then bury their less-than-perfect work behind a layer of drywall. Skip the big stuff for now.

4. Vampires Are Totally Real
An energy vampire is a device that continues to use energy and drain power, even when it is turned off. They lurk in your home, taking the form of phone chargers and cable boxes, computer cords and coffee pots. So while they aren't sucking your blood, these phantom energy suckers can account for as much as 20% of your monthly electricity bill. When an electrician gets a call about a high electric bill, these "suckers" are usually the first thing to be looked at.

5. Do Not Tape or Hold Down a Circuit Breaker

If you hold a breaker down with tape, the dangerous conditions will only continue, and you’ll be setting yourself up for a major issue in the future. Forcing a breaker to maintain contact is a disaster waiting to happen and should be avoided at all costs. Circuit breakers work, because they break the circuit! When a breaker keeps popping, you need to find and fix the problem.

6. White Isn’t Always Neutral, and Black Isn’t Always Live
We are aware that these are contradict best practices, but your electrician understands a home’s electrical system is large and complicated. Who knows how people may have worked on it, many of whom were not properly trained or following code. So when you open up an electrical outlet, you may find a confusing bird’s nest of wires, electrical tape and wire nuts.

That doesn’t mean you can’t work on it, but it does mean that you need to be careful and not make assumptions. Always use a non-contact voltage tester to verify that a line is dead before moving forward.

As always, if you are ever unsure about something electrical, connect with an Allstar Electrician.

What is a Ground Wire & Why Is It Important?

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 21:35:13 GMT

What is the Purpose of a Ground Wire?

Ground wires in your home can be built in protection from electrical surges. Make sure your home is up to code.

Ungrounded outlets can be extremely dangerous and are a leading cause of house fires worldwide.

Most likely you've heard the term “ground wire” and you are probably aware that they are installed in outlets around your home. But how does it work and what do they actually do?

How Does Electrical Grounding Work?

Grounding gives electricity the most effective way to return to the ground via your electrical panel. A grounding wire gives an appliance or electrical device a safe way to discharge excess electricity. An electrical circuit relies on both positive and negative electricity. This connection is what gives an appliance or electronic device the power it needs to operate. If something goes wrong, there will be a buildup of energy. This can cause the electrical connection and housing to store that excess power. When an electrical malfunction occurs, this power will be stored in internal wiring and external metal housing. A static electric shock is a simple example. You'll only notice this buildup when a connection is made to let lost the electricity being stored. A circuit breaker will shut off when a short circuit occurs. However, without a grounding wire, the electricity will still be present.

Dangerous if Not Properly Grounded

The reason we use surge protectors for our electronics is due to this excess power. If the surge of electricity finds a path through the structural elements in your home, it can spark a fire. Or worse, if the electricity comes through the human body, it can travel between the part of your body touching the outlet and your feet on the floor, causing burns, nerve damage or even death if the surge is powerful enough.

A grounding wire takes the electricity that has built up during the malfunction and sends it outside of your home back into the ground. The grounding wire is typically connected to either a metal internal structure within the appliance, or on the external housing. When the malfunction happens, rather than having the energy build up in the circuit, it flows back to the ground and turns off the circuit.

This grounding wire is a connection where electricity can safely be discharged without posing a threat to your appliances or electronics, or put you at risk with electrical shock.

Check Around your Home

A grounding wire is a part of most electrical outlets, lights, appliances, and electronics. Most newer homes built after 1960 have grounded plugs as a standard. In most cases, the grounding wire is the third prong that is circular and at the bottom of a power plug. You would be able to tell at a glance walking around your home.

If you aren't sure or have questions about the grounding of your home? We can help. Call an Allstar Electrical Expert.

6 Electrical Safety During Winter Holidays

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 13:28:16 GMT

Electrical Safety Tips For The Holidays

Tis the season – to celebrate safely! This isn’t just the time of year that we eat more than usual, it’s also the time when we have the most household accidents and fires.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates 860 yearly home fires are caused by holiday decor, and another 210 fires caused by Christmas trees.

The holiday season brings families and loved ones together for celebration. Whether hosting an event or traveling to someone’s home, the holidays take a lot of preparation. During the hustle and bustle, remember to make safety a priority to help ensure that nothing spoils the fun. The National Fire Protection Association estimates 860 yearly home fires are caused by holiday decor, and another 210 fires caused by Christmas trees. Follow these important six tips to keep your home safe all season:

1. Bulbs
LED bulbs-consider LED lights when you buy new…they last longer, create less heat, and are more energy efficient.

2. Trees
Keep your tree well hydrated- if it gets dry after the holidays, discard right away. Make sure your tree is not touching an outlet, and if you are using an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled fire resistant.

3. Lights
Do not string more than three strands of lights together—and be sure to use lights labeled for outdoor use outside, and those suitable for indoor use, indoors. When using outdoor lights, plug into a GFCI outlet. Elaborate decorations may require adding circuits—indoors or outdoors.

4. Cords and Wires
Never place lights or extension cords underneath furniture or carpet where it could get hot, or pinched. Inspect each cord for damage, and if damaged be sure to discard.

5. Candles
Use battery operated candles instead of real ones…and if you do use real candles do not leave unattended with children or animals.

6. Turn It Off!
Please, turn off all decorations, indoor and outdoor before going to bed.

Holidays can be the best time of the year… let’s keep it that way by always practicing smart electrical safety!