Electrician in Baldwin/Mobile County Alabama

Children are naturally curious and are unaware of the dangers of electricity. As their caregivers, we must take important safety measures to protect them from harm by teaching them early on about electrical safety. Here are some simple tips to keep your children safe from electrical dangers. Electrical Outlet Safety An electrical socket is such a tempting thing for toddlers. A child does not know that sticking their little fingers or objects into the holes can cause electric shock. Electrical outlet caps are a cheap and easy solution and will help give you peace of mind. All wall outlets throughout your home should be covered including those behind furniture.   For extra protection, call Professional Electric to install tamper-resistant self-test GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in your home. These devices help prevent shock by shutting off power if electrical ground faults are detected. The inserts will also prevent foreign objects from being inserted.     Electrical Cord Safety Cords plugged into your television or other appliances pose an added danger to children. To them, it seems like a toy but can expose the socket and cause electric shock if pulled too quickly. If possible, keep cords secured behind furniture or cover them with a cord protector. Appliance Safety Not only should you keep cords out of reach, but you should keep appliances away from little hands as well. Hair dryers, flat irons, toasters, blenders, electric razors or anything thing that is found on the counter should be placed up and away from curious minds. If one of these items comes in contact with water it may cause harm to your little one. Outdoor Safety If you have outdoor outlets, take the same safety measures for added protection. A passing storm may have caused power lines to fall in your yard but they could be hidden by fallen limbs. If this occurs, keep children indoors and call the power company to report any downed lines. Perform Electrical Maintenance While childproofing your home, it also an important time to observe any electrical issue you may come across. Flickering lights, faulty electrical outlets, plugs that are not flush, and appliances that do not operate when plugged in are all signs that electrical maintenance is needed. Have a professional electrician come to your home to do an assessment. Educate Them Above all, teach them that items such as electric outlets, cords, extension cords, and surge protectors are not to be touched or picked up. Toddlers love to explore and unfortunately, their curiosity can lead to danger. Instructing them to stay away from these potential electrical hazards will help keep them safe.

Traveling abroad is hugely popular in the summer. With the slower pace of work and school schedules, it makes perfect sense to have the itch of the travel bug during this season. There are many preparations for traveling outside of the US. Passport? Check. Foreign currency? Yep. Immunizations? You betcha.

Converters and adapters for electronics? Maybe not.

Converters and adapters for travel abroad are one of the most overlooked items in travel preparations. And with the airport security climate, more people are attempting to pack light. But not taking the time to get educated and buy the right tools can fry your beloveds. Nothing puts a damper on a vacation more than a damaged electronic, especially when it could have been prevented.

So let’s take a look at what these are and why they matter to your trip.

Resting easy First, rest assured that many of the household electric items you’ll be using are provided abroad in your lodging. Hairdryers and irons, for example. You can certainly rest easy with household, everyday items. If you’ll be staying for awhile in your visiting country, you may want to purchase an electric razor there.

For items like chargers for cameras, laptops and smart devices - such as your phone, you’ll need converters or adapters.

Electric Converters Most electric devices run on 110 volts in the US. Most of the rest of the world operates on 220-240 volts. Be sure to check the voltage requirements on the items you will be taking. If they cannot accommodate the higher voltage you are likely to encounter abroad, you will need to buy an electric converter. Electric converters are designed to step up or down the voltage. This enables electric items from one country to be used in another country without threat to the user (fire) or the device (permanent damage).

Pro Tip: You can also buy converters with built-in adapters.

Plug Adapters Plug adapters are also known as travel adapters. Keep in mind that even if your electric item can handle the voltage in another country, the outlet shapes are different. This small detail is also often overlooked in travel planning. How frustrating to take all the needed steps for a killer trip only to be stuck with non-chargeable items. Take precautions to research the country where you’ll be going to see if you’ll need to buy adapters. Adapters allow plugs of all sizes here in the US to fit into plug outlets used abroad. Plug adapters do not change the voltage of electric devices. They simply allow items from another country to adapt to the outlets in another country, safely.

Pro Tip: It’s easy to lose adapters and converters when hopping around the globe. If this happens they can actually be hard to find in stores abroad. However, hotel concierge staff often have an abundance of spares left from people just like you...or the would-be you now that you have our Pro Tip.

If you have additional electrical questions we can help answer before your big vacations, look no further than professional electric!  Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

How much money do you tend to spend on your electricity bill during the summer months? Let's be honest with ourselves here, are we being diligent and making a conscious effort to reduce the amount of energy you are using? Realistically, the main culprit in that high spiked electrical bill is due to the air conditioner. This is a problem many people face, especially those who are on a strict budget. Even though your electrical bill may be ready to spike this summer, there are some things you can do to ensure that the costs stays to a minimum. Keep reading to find out a few ways that can help you save this summer.

Don’t Set the Air Too Low This may sound a little crazy for the summer months, but try not to set your air conditioner any lower than 78 degrees. This may sound really hot to you, but it is just low enough to keep you cool. Most people opt to have the temperature around 72 degrees, but remember the lower the temperature the more you are going to pay. If you can, get a programmable thermostat that can help with your temperature while you are gone during the day and cool during the night.

Change Your AC Filter Did you know that a dirty air conditioner filter can restrict the flow of air? This means that your unit will have to work harder to pump cool air throughout your home. The final result is an inefficient system that can cost you a lot of money! Many filters need to be switched out at least once each month. In order to be sure of this, check your air conditioning unit to see what is recommended.

Keep the Windows Covered Are there certain windows in your home that get the most sun? If so, be sure to buy blinds or curtains to cover them. By covering them, it will help to reflect some of the heat from getting into your home, which in turn will keep your home cooler.

Plant Trees This may not be beneficial for a few years, but it will eventually save you money. By planting a tree that casts shade on your air conditioning unit, it will help it to run more effectively! If you plant trees that shade your home from the sun, it will help keep the heat outside, as well.

While the summer heat is quickly approaching, there are ways to combat it from getting into your house. Be proactive when it comes to your air conditioning unit and the amount of energy you are using on your electrical bill. As you have read, there are ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank!

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Mobile: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957 Remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

If you are looking for a way to save some money on your electricity bill, we have just the tip for you! If you haven’t heard the buzz about digital timers yet, it is time to catch you up. Digital timers are an elegant and simple way to save money and make your home energy efficient. You can install a few basic digital timers throughout your home and it will help reduce the amount of power that your electronics are using every month. Keep reading below for a few simple steps that will help you start saving money and reduce the energy you are consuming at home.

Unplug appliances Begin by simply unplugging the electronic devices that you would like to place a timer on. You can use it on a coffee maker, toaster, or pretty much anything you choose!

Set the intervals on the timer Digital timers can be set in intervals so that you can choose how many hours it will run. Typically they are set in 12-hour cycles. If you plan to use the time in conjunction with a coffee maker, and you only use it from 7am-9am, set the intervals to create this time frame. This will ensure that your coffeemaker will only receive power during the on interval and the timer will prevent power being drawn to your device throughout the entire day.

Plug in your timer Once you have set your intervals, plug your appliance into the timer and let the timer get to work! It will probably be a good idea to test the timer before you plug it in and leave it unattended. Try setting the timer so that it will come on in 1 minute from the time you plug it in and set it to turn off after five minutes! If your timer works as it is intended, then you are ready to set the times for your device and you will start saving money instantly!

There’s not much better than saving energy, except for saving money along with it! By installing digital timers to your electronics, it will help you to conserve energy by not having appliances running all day. Instead of your coffeemaker running for 22 hours, it will run for two hours and then be turned off! Get started using digital timers in your home and start reaping the rewards of saving money and conserving energy!

In our homes, it’s often the kitchens and bathrooms that we dream of being the most glamorous. Unfortunately, they’re also the two that receive the brunt of the work. So how do you marry the two? What is the best way to keep things functional while also maintaining your aesthetics? Professional Electric is here to help with these under the cupboard lighting solutions for kitchens and bathrooms.

 The Type of Lighting

 Rope Lighting

Don’t let the idea of Y2K décor detract you from this great option. The rope fits perfectly into the molding crook under cabinets. This can work well below upper cabinets to provide a soft uniform illumination across counters. It’s an even better option as a late night solution. Whenever you stumble to the bathroom in the middle of the night or go searching for a midnight snack, don’t worry about bumping into things thanks to the addition of rope lighting. It will fit under the footboard of cabinets and vanities to provide just enough brightness for your eyes to adjust.

 Puck Lighting

This type of fixture is more suited to the kitchen than the bathroom. The name is indicative of the shape, which resembles a hockey puck. It’s best for areas where you will prefer concentrated lighting. This means areas of the countertop where you might stand to read a recipe or over a spice rack. It is important to remember that you want to create a cohesive look. So, if you choose to install both pucks and rope, they should be separated or installed in a pattern.

 Lighting Bars

The most uniform choice will be lighting bars. They shed an equal amount of light across a surface area and can be extremely vivid or more of an accent depending on the brightness level you choose (see more information below). Because of the different directions this option can go, they’re great for everything from the entire area under cupboard to accents above a coffee or wet bar.

The Logistics

 Plug In

Perhaps the easiest and quickest option for your fixture is plugin. This means you can simply plug the fixture in to your nearest outlet. This is no fuss, no mess. However, it will generally require being turned on by a switch, as opposed to the following choices.

 Wired

You could wire the lighting directly into your electrical system, especially if there’s no easily accessible outlet. By wiring straight into your home, you won’t have to replace batteries or deal with wires hanging out of the wall. This can also be connected in such a way that anytime you turn on your kitchen lights, the under cabinet fixtures will come on as well.

 Battery

Keep things simple by choosing a cordless battery option. You will have to replace them at times but the installation will be modest. It will also make things easier if you decide to remove the fixtures at a later time.

 Motion  

No matter which of the previous options you decide on, ones that operate off of a motion detector can be great for those times you run into the bathroom or kitchen for a quick minute. This is also perfect for those late night lighting solutions. If you don’t want to risk it flickering off during those times, you are going to be still for a while, then keep the more prominent lights on a manual switch while making the nightlights motion detectable.

 Brightness Level

 Fluorescent

If you’re looking to light an industrial kitchen or a high traffic bathroom, then fluorescents are a very viable option. The brightness level is high and the low heat efficiency makes it safer for long periods of time and around produce.

Soft White

For those night fixtures and accent areas, choose a soft white level. It casts a lax glow that keeps the room warm while still providing ample illumination.

 LED

The best long-term choice is also the most efficient. LED gives off great radiance for cooking or over beauty prep tools. The dimmer option will also allow you to set the mood you’d like in each room.

If you have a feeling that there is some electrical issue in your home, whether it be a circuit breaker trip or a flickering light, you may want to find the root cause before it becomes a major issue such as an electrical fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2011, a total of 47,000 fires where caused by electrical issues in the home that were neglected.  

1.    That is Not Dinner     Burning in the Oven

Short circuits and loose connections are a probable cause for this odd smell. Be on close watch for charred outlets and switches when you smell this, and you are not cooking dinner. This should not be overlooked, and you must have someone come and inspect the issue to prevent a disaster that should be avoided by fixing the wiring in your home.

2.    Historical Homes May Need Some TLC 

Older homes that are quite dated likely have been renovated for cosmetic purposes. This also applies to homes that are not considered historic but are 50+ years old. During renovation, take a look at the wiring in your home to make sure everything is up to date and nothing is old and hazardous.

3.    No, Casper is not Flickering the Lights…

These days people can be a little over-superstitious at times. Before you come to the faulty conclusion that your home is haunted, turn off the circuit breaker and look for loose wires. Wires that are loose are one of the leading causes of house fires.

4.    Dead Outlets

It is definitely not normal to plug in your laptop without the laptop being charged. If the outlet works but it is hot to the touch or even makes a buzzing noise, there is a chance that the wiring surrounding the outlet is bad.

5.    Aluminum Wiring

Homes that were built in the 60s and 70s were not built with copper wires like they are today. Copper is a much safer conductor of electricity. Homes that were built in the time periods described above-had aluminum wires installed. Aluminum expands and contracts as the seasons change which can cause wires to become loose over time. If replacing the electrical system with an updated copper wire system is out of the budget, at least look into pig-tailing wires with copper endings.

6.    Burning Plastic Odor

You will know when the odor of plastic or even vinyl is prevalent in your home. Sometimes it is hard to find the source of the smell. Take a sigh of relief because you smell the burning of plastic. Oftentimes, you will not notice a thing when there is an electrical issue. You are very lucky to have caught a warning sign of a potential fire.

 Signs of faulty wiring are not always present, but when they are, you will likely smell it before it gets out of hand. Consider it a blessing that you are able to catch it in time as this is very rare. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, builders used aluminum wires in the homes. This caused issues with expanding and contracting wires in extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, this eventually caused wires to loosen and at times fail. Many people believe their home is haunted and will go as far blaming a ghost before they dare to consider short-circuited wires. A dead outlet is quite an inconvenience when you need to charge an electronic device. This could be a symptom of a bad outlet altogether. Homes over 50 years old likely need to be updated with not just new paint, but a new and improved electrical wiring system.

Power is an absolute necessity when it comes to dwellings and buildings, but, what if you are working outside in the cold and need to heat up and stay grinding? Of course, you snag your outdoor generator from your garage and dust it off. There have been numerous accidents that have occurred because of generators not being used properly. Let’s review a few ways to stay safe and avoid the emergency room this holiday season.

 As you know, generators produce carbon monoxide which is poisonous to our body. With that said, do not run a generator inside your home or in any enclosed space. Keep it running outside at all times until it is shut off. It never hurts to keep a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm handy just in case.

 When you need to get work done outside while it’s raining, it is best not to use a generator to keep the lights on or anything running without being covered. Go to your local tool and supply store and pick up a cover for your generator. This will keep you safe and keep the generator in tip-top shape so no water damage can occur.

 If you are using a generator that takes gasoline, be sure to keep it refueled as needed. Be careful not to refuel while it is running. Any gas that spills onto the hot generator can cause a fire to ignite and that can lead to some very serious burns or worst. Also, make sure that the unit is turned off and cooled down to touch to ensure that no fire will start. Storing your generator is also key to safety. It may be optimized for outdoor use but do not store it outside. Instead, keep it in your garage away from elements. If all else fails and you do not have room inside, purchase a small enclosure and place in your backyard.

 At least 50 fatalities a year occur from generators alone. Please stay safe this year and one more tip before you go: do not plug in the generator into an outlet! This is a method called backfeeding and is very dangerous- not just for you and your family but city workers too who handle utilities. There is a high risk of electrocution and this dangerous configuration bypasses your home’s circuit protection devices. Take the time to review these helpful tips and share them with others who own or are planning to own an outdoor generator.

 Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services. Mobile, Alabama: (251) 473-5788 Baldwin County: (251) 929-8957.