DON'T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD

Winter is here.  It is not too late to prepare for the next winter ice storm and blizzard.  Generators are still in stock and ready for delivery.  Our licensed electricians are ready for the installation.

What is the definition of a generator:  A device that can supply electricity to your home or business during power outages is casually referred to as a generator.

During an emergency, it allows you to continue using essential appliances such as air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, as well as lights. An electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electric energy. Let one of our qualified licensed electricians discuss your generator options.

Below is more information on choosing the right generator for your needs.  There is a generator for every budget.  Read the information below and call us today for a free estimate.  Remember a licensed electrician should always install generators and outlets.  We are here to help you make an informed decision about the best emergency back up generator for home or business use.

HOW TO CHOOSE A GENERATOR

Home generators can be portable or stationary (sometimes referred to as standby). They run on a variety of fuels, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas (NG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Portable gasoline models run generally on the least expensive end. For a long term emergency consider standby units. Standby generators come in a variety of KW sizes to suit just about every need.  Standby generators will provide continuous power because they are hooked up to an external fuel source, such as natural gas line.

SELECTING THE FUEL

Your choice of fuel should be determined by the type of generator you choose. Most residential standby generators can run on either natural gas or LPG (usually called propane). Portable generators generally run on gasoline.

GENERATOR INSTALLATION

A standby generator is mounted outdoors on a cement pad near the fuel source. Many models already come with a mounting pad, but you still need to prepare a location that is flat and has provisions for water drainage. To prevent exhaust gases from entering a home or business, locate the unit in a well-ventilated area away from doors or windows. Call Sylvia Electrical for a free estimate and to discuss your generator needs.

HOW TO WIRE YOUR SYSTEM

A standby power backup device connects to the home or business wiring via a transfer switch. The transfer switch prevents "back-feeding" into utility lines (which is dangerous and illegal). Many standby generators come with a pre-wired transfer switch. It is strongly recommended that all electrical connections be done by a licensed electrician.

We would be happy to discuss all your generations options with you. Call 978-535-6661 today! Don't be left in the cold.

5 Dangerous Electrical Situations (And How to Deal With Them)

The stance most of us take with our electrical system is "out of sight, out of mind', but sometimes it can act in ways we don't expect. Read up on these 5 scenarios so you aren't left in the dark (or worse)!

What To Do If... a GFCI Trips the Circuit.
If your GFCI has cut off power to whatever appliance you are using, it is because the current began leaking instead of all being directed back to the source. One of the most common causes is that the appliance has come into contact with moisture. If your GFCI trips:

• Turn off and unplug the appliance. (It's easy to forget to actually turn it off since the power has already been cut off, but if you don't then you're in for a surprise when you plug it back in!)
• Check it for moisture. If you find any, dry it off thoroughly.
• Make sure your hands are dry.
• Plug the appliance back in.
• Press the "reset" button on the GFCI.
• Turn the appliance back on.

If the outlet still does not work or continues to trip frequently, call an electrician as there may be a greater problem than moisture.

What To Do If... Your Electricity Goes Out.
You're sitting there minding your own business and the next thing you know, it's pitch black and your music has stopped, the microwave doesn't show the time, and the sorrowful howl of a wolf echoes on the wind as scraggly branches scrape your window like long fingers. Maybe.
First things first- assess your situation. Did ALL of your power go out, or just a portion of the house? What is the weather like? Have you got practically-apocalyptic thunderstorms, or is it bright and sunny?
Next, get thee to the electrical panel. Check all of the breakers including the main breaker: are any of them tripped? If so, switch them back to "on" and see if that solves your problem. If not....
Check to see if anyone else in your area has experienced a power outage, and call your electricity provider's emergency number.
In a situation like this you will discover very quickly whether you are prepared. Have you got emergency candles, matches, blankets, and a battery-powered radio in an easy-to-reach place?

What To Do If... Someone Experiences an Electrical Shock.
As you may know, electrical shocks can occur with different levels of severity. Some do little more than raise the hair on your arms and make a loud "POP". Others leave a nasty burn. Others still leave no evidence at all, but that doesn't mean they are not dangerous.
The first thing to do is to make sure that the individual is no longer in contact with the source of the shock. Whether it was an outlet, an appliance, or a conductor, make sure that the victim is no longer touching it. In the event of a severe burn during which the muscles seize and the victim can't let go, the first thing you should do is try and turn the power off at the breaker.

• DO NOT touch the source of the shock, even if that's where the power switch is.
• Turn off the main breaker if you have to. If this is not possible, use something dry and non-conductive (like a dry wooden broomstick) to push the person away from the source.
• Call 911.

After a less-severe shock (that the victim was able to let go of by his/herself), have the victim sit down and assess the damage:

• Are there any burns or marks at the shock location?
• Does the victim feel lightheaded, dizzy, or have vague pain anywhere in his/her body? It is possible for internal organs to be damaged from a shock even if you can't see any outward signs.
• If anything seems "off", such as tingling, numbness, paralysis, vision/speech/hearing problems, or any period of unconsciousness, seek medical attention regardless of how the person says he/she feels.

What to Do If... An Electrical Fire Breaks Out
Electrical fires are special. Contrary to everything we learned in school about fire, you can't fight an electrical fire with water. Water plus electricity equals more danger. If you accidentally get wet near volatile electrical wiring or equipment, or even touch anything wet near the electrical source you are putting yourself in serious danger.
If a fire breaks out and you know that it has an electrical source (such as at an outlet, at your electrical panel, or an appliance that is plugged in), use a chemical fire extinguisher to put out the flame. Baking soda is also a good choice, if you can get to it safely and quickly. Never try to put it out with water. If you don't have access to a chemical extinguisher, unplug the equipment if it is safe to do so, turn off the power at the electrical panel if you can, and exit the area.
Call 911 and tell them it is an electrical fire so they can combat it properly and safely.

What to Do If...You Discover Damaged Wires/Wiring
Say you're doing a little TLC around the house, maybe working on a honey-do list, and you discover some wires that are cracked, frayed, or otherwise damaged. Regardless of whether they are still functioning, it is important to immediately call a licensed electrician to have them inspect it and replace the wiring if necessary.
If you are concerned that the wiring may cause an immediate hazard (the outlet/switch/area is hot to the touch, buzzing, or emitting smoke or sparks), turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Do not use electricity in that area until the problem has been resolved.

Call 877-535-6661 and talk to the qualified, licensed electricians at Sylvia Electrical for a free estimate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6879390 by Sharayah Pranger

Free Home Inspection, Read On......

This article is both interesting and informative. It is written by an independent author and hits
the nail right on the head. Call Sylvia Electrical Contracting today for a free estimate and home
inspection. Toll free 877-535-6661

Is Your Electrical Wiring the Fuse for a Bomb in Your Home?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, "During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances." One of the most misunderstood areas of the home and home safety, almost every homeowner has some misconceptions about how their electrical system works. Getting a better understanding of the possible dangers lingering behind your walls and around your electrical sockets may just save your home and your household.

Electrical Fires: Invisible, Odorless, and Deadly
What to know how dangerous an electrical fire can be? "An electrical fire rarely gives off a smell," says Clarence Williams, licensed electrician and founder of W M Electrical Services in the greater Washington D.C. area. "It doesn't smoke so the smoke detectors don't go off right away." Faulty electrical wiring heats up and will begin to smolder, often taking a year or more to finally ignite. There are no warnings that an electrical fire is about to start. Worse yet, they can be some of the trickiest fires to extinguish once they get going. For one home Williams had serviced, the homeowner had hooked up the electrical wiring for two wall sconces backwards. The wall spontaneously burst into flame, nearly taking the house with it.

Myths about Electrical Wiring and Safety

1. Fuses and Circuit Breakers: Fuses and circuit breakers protect the wiring and electrical circuit, not the circuit itself or the appliances and loads they're connected to. This one is huge. Williams says he's even talked to some electricians who were mistaken about the role of fuses and breakers. This means that if a current is high enough to damage the wiring, the fuse or breaker will detect this and open the circuit. However, unacceptably high currents can cause insulation damage and overheating that threaten to either damage electrical appliances connected to the circuit or cause combustible materials near the wiring to ignite. Rather than simply relying on fuses and circuit breakers, you need to ensure that wiring is properly sized and appropriate appliances are put on separate circuits.

2. Old Homes Need Electrical Upgrades: When homes are built, strict building codes and a professional, licensed electrician all but guarantee a safe electrical system in the home. "Even a home built in 1900," Williams says, "should be perfectly safe today, if nobody has tampered with the wiring." Of course, since most people can't live without a microwave and other modern appliances, almost no home goes too long with its original wiring. Most problems with electrical wiring occur when these upgrades aren't done right. Microwaves, computers, space heaters, and air conditioners are the biggest culprits, but any appliance, even toasters, may require alterations to your electrical wiring.

One common problem was the unfortunate habit—somewhat common during the 70s—of using aluminum wiring. Aluminum wiring will expand and contract when heated and cooled, causing loose connections that are extremely dangerous. To maintain the safety of your home, aluminum wiring must be retrofitted with copper "pigtails" that prevent these loose connections.

3. Extension Cords are Safe: Many homeowners know that different extension cords have different electrical ratings and capacities. Few actually heed the requirement that their extension cord be rated to match the appliance it's plugged into. Extension cords running to computers, air conditioning units, and space heaters, and any major appliances must be able to handle the load. Otherwise the extension cord will heat up, causing the entire circuit to become unsafe and potentially able to create an electrical fire. Particularly, dangerous is the habit of running an extension cord under rugs, furniture, or anything else that will capture this heat, instead of allowing it to dissipate.

The Golden Rule
These myths are important to debunk for homeowners, but they don't compare to this single piece of advice: Don't, don't, don't do it yourself. Asked what the most common cause of faulty electrical wiring, Williams says without hesitation, "People trying to do it themselves, and people passing themselves off as licensed electricians." Plumbers and handymen are the most common posers, but as a homeowner, you absolutely must check to make sure the person you hire has the necessary licensing.

The DIY culture is a natural extension of American know-how, pluck, and the shortage of qualified contractors in the home improvement industry. Many homeowners turn to the Internet for information about their projects. This won't cut it for electrical work. In fact, many electricians refuse to dole out advice about projects online not to protect their profit margins, but to avoid getting sued by a homeowner who misinterpreted the information. When it comes to electrical work in your home, perhaps the best wisdom comes from Socrates. If you know nothing else for sure about your electrical wiring, know the fact of your own ignorance and hire a licensed electrician.

Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.

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The Importance of Your Home Electrical System

Your home's electrical system is like the body's central nervous system - and the electrical service panel is the heart of your home. It's important that it's installed correctly, and for homes over 30 years old, you should seriously consider modernizing your electric panel to avoid dangerous connections that could result in fire.

A power provider, an electric or utility company, brings electricity to each home and installs a meter. Everything past that point, including the electrical panel, is the homeowner's responsibility. Upgrading and replacing an electrical panel is therefore up to the homeowner as well. This work requires a licensed electrician. Call Sylvia Electrical Contracting toll free at 978-535-6661 and we will answer all your questions.

Do your lights flicker? Are you still replacing fuses in an antiquated electrical panel? Or are your breakers tripping constantly? If so, your home is likely equipped with just a 60 amp electrical service, or a 100 amp electrical service, rather than the standard 200 amp electrical service that is installed in most homes today. You should upgrade or replace your electrical panel.

Why You Might Need to Upgrade or Replace Your Electrical Panel:

Major Renovation or Home Addition
Using 60 Amp Electrical Service
Using 100 Amp Electrical Service
Panel Box is Making a Crackling Sound
Fuses Blow Regularly
Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently
Appliances aren't Running on Full Power
Flickering Lights
Outlets are Two Prongs (non-grounded)
Multiple Extension Cords
More Outlets Necessary
Need to Add a Sub Panel
Require a 240v Circuit
Power Surge Arrestor Needed
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) Outlet is Required
Homeowners Insurance Requires an Upgrade

"Why Hire an Electrician"

I recently searched the question"Why Hire an Electrician". I read the following article by Bob Rutledge that says it all. Enjoy the read and then call Sylvia Electrical at 877-535-6661 for all your electrical needs. Hire a licensed electrician in for your next home improvement job so you don't sacrifice quality and safety. If a pipe leaks, the floor gets wet and some minor property damage may occur. If electricity is not handled correctly, severe injury or death can occur. So count on an electrical contractor for getting the job done right and done safely. Think about it. If a handyman can't do the work that it takes to become a licensed electrician, they will probably perform improper or incomplete electrical repairs. This will eventually lead to serious, recurring electrical problems. The work will have to be redone or worse yet, may cause damages to life and property.
State licensed electricians carefully screen their staff to make sure they are fully prepared before tackling electrical jobs, and treat them with the accuracy and precision they deserve. You should always hire a skilled electrician to perform any electrical project, including home or office electrical wiring, installing a ceiling fan, electrical inspection or construction and remodeling. Outlet Wiring and Circuit Panel Upgrade by Electricians If you who try to handle electrical issues yourself, it can prove to be really dangerous and even fatal in a worst-case scenario. Go through the following checklist to see how important it is to hire an electrician for you and your family's safety.
Electrical issues can be complicated and you may not have enough knowledge and expertise to handle the situation. A good electrician has the required knowledge and experience to deal with electrical complications and therefore he is likely to be able to analyze the situation better and handle it accordingly. Dealing with electrical issues inappropriately may endanger your and others' life at the same time. Hence, assigning an electrician for electrical jobs is always a safer option. Allowing an electrician to take care of any electrical problem that you may be faced with will also help you ensure the safety of your house and business. Fixing an electrical appliance yourself may result in damage to your equipment; an electrician is more likely to handle it better than you would.
Hiring an electrician is no doubt a very important thing to do whenever you are faced with any electrical issue from adding and electrical outlet to bathroom and kitchen remodeling, but also remember you need to choose a good electrician in order to make sure that the repairs are made correctly.
Dealing with an electrician will ensure that you get the electrician that is best suited to your electrical needs.