SMITH ELECTRIC & ASSOCIATES

There are many interesting things that you did not know about electricians. Below are many things you might not know:

Most electricians do mechanical work as well

In the skill trade workplace, electricians are expected to do a variety of jobs outside their area of expertise. This might include leveling and aligning motors, repairing pumps, cylinders, gearboxes, compressors, and removing as well as reinstalling all mechanical items in the way of their objective.

Electricians are one of the most varied trades in the skilled labor industry

The specialties include: motor control, motor rewind, instrumentation, PLC, drives, industrial, marine, automotive, commercial, residential, automation, cranes, and landscape. They are also expected to understand audio-visual and IT as well as electronics.

Electricians have good thinking skills

They are required to use depending on their specialties, such as advanced math, geometry trigonometry, advanced formulas, conversion charts, blueprints, schematics, diagrams, tech manuals, and theories of operations. They also must enjoy reading, researching, and calculating.

Electricians risk their lives every day

The Navy EMA school states 30 MA at 30 VAC for 3 seconds can be lethal under the right circumstances. Studies show more people are killed by 110 VAC than any other voltage because of accessibility and the layperson's lack of trading. GFIC and ark-fault products have come a long way in making the house safer for everyone.

It takes almost as long to train a master electrician as it does a doctor

The IBEW has a mandatory 5-year apprentice program before you can become a journeyman. Most electricians accrue continuing education units during the course of their career. All electricians must stay abreast of the industry-wide changes in codes. materials, and hardware intrinsic to their trade.

They must pass a color blind test

In the electrical trade, the function of a wire in a circuit is designated by its color. Low and high voltage have their own color sequences as do power and control wiring within a circuit. For instance, a ground wire will be green, gray, or green and yellow stripe. Electronic components such as resisters have color codes as well.

They are also safety professionals

They have to be proficient in math, special skills, formulas, and variety of codes depending on the job. For instance, the NEC, fire regulations, ASTM international, and many OSHA chapters that strictly apply to electricity. They must also don PPE suitable to the hazards in which their environment could provide.

Doing it yourself has been popular more than ever for homeowners. There are more resources available to show you the correct way to do this than ever before. When dealing with projects especially involving electricity, it is very important to know your limitations. Special tools and training are needed for electrical work.

For the best way and safest way Smith Electric is here to help.  We’re based in Mobile, Alabama and licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia and have been proudly serving the Gulf Coast since 1992. Call us for 24-hour emergency service at 251-471-4723! Visit us online at www.SmithElec.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

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https://www.sepco-solarlighting.com/blog/keepers-of-the-light-10-surprising-facts-about-electricians

http://www.hays-nyc.com/do-it-yourself/surprising-7-facts-about-electricians-that-you-must-know/

https://www.platinumelectricians.com.au/blog/ten-facts-electricians/

When it comes to replacing your electrical outlets by yourself, it can be challenging. The safest thing to do is to call an electrician when you are having any problems with your electrical system or when you have tried to fix something yourself and made a mistake. However, if you are a do-it-yourselfer, follow these quick tips when it comes to installing a three-way light switch or replacing your electrical outlets.

 Three-Way Switch Installation

A three-way switch is a way to control a light from two different locations. These can be very convenient for staircases inside your home. Follow these steps when installing or replacing a three-way switch.

Step 1: Before you replace or install anything, switch off the power to that area on the electrical panel.

Step 2: Unscrew the switch and remove from the wall with wires still attached. At this point, you can take a voltage tester to ensure the power is turned off.

Step 3: Mark your wires and remove them from the switch. Marking or labeling the wires is very important to make sure you are plugging them back into the right places.

Step 4: Connect the wires to the new switch in their correct places.

Step 5: For added safety, wrap the main body of the switch with electrical tape and replace the switch in the wall box.

Step 6: Reattach the wall plate and turn the power back on.

 Wall Outlet Replacement

Replacing a standard wall outlet is a project homeowner can complete by themselves most of the time. There is still a chance that mistakes and injuries can happen. If this occurs calling a professional and trusted electrician should be your first step. Follow these steps when replacing a wall outlet.

Step 1: As mentioned above, switch off the power to that area before you begin replacing the wall outlet.

Step 2: As mentioned above, unscrew the outlet and test to make sure that the power is turned off.

Step 3: While wires are still attached to the outlet, label the black and white wires, then remove the wires.

Step 4: If the break-off tab connecting the two sets of terminals is broken off, remove the corresponding tabs from the new receptacle.

Step 5: Reattach the wires and replace the new outlet into the wall and screw it in.

Step 6: Reattach the wall cover and turn the power back on.

If you need a three-way switch installed or a wall outlet replaced, follow these steps when doing it yourself. If you run into any issues or need an electrician to walk you through this process, call Smith Electric and Associates.

 Smith Electric & Associates is located in Mobile, Alabama. We are licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia and have been proudly serving the Gulf Coast since 1992. Call us for 24-hour emergency service at 251-471-4723! Visit us online at www.SmithElec.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Getting organized isn’t always easy, we know! However, organizing your electrical panel can help save you a lot of time and confusion. You will be able to control any room in your home or company with the flip of a switch! In order to label your electrical panel successfully, you need to know which areas of your home are controlled by which circuit breaker. You never know when you’ll need to shut off your power! Keep reading below for some tips from Smith Electric and Associates to make organizing and labeling your electrical panel safe and simple!

 ●        Make it a team effort! This is a project that is made much simpler when done with a partner. The most effective process to complete this is to have one person flip the switches in each room, while the other individual is at the panel testing it.

●        Purchase blank sticky labels to put on each switch. Doing this is much easier than taping single papers!

●        Turn off every circuit in your household, then turn them on one at a time so you can note which fixture came on. From this, you will label the electrical panel.

●        Some sections of the electrical panel may not be for one breaker. If this is the case, it could be because of improper wiring. If this is the case, you should call Smith Electric and Associates.

●        Washing machines, water heaters, dryers, and ovens typically have more than one breaker due to the high amount of power used to operate them. Don’t be confused if this happens, it is very common!

●        If writing out the labels is too time-consuming, or you simply just don’t feel like it, you can number them. It just depends on what is easiest for you and what you prefer.

 The process of organizing and labeling your electrical panel can be time-consuming and at times, frustrating. However, the end result will be worth it! If you have further questions regarding this process, give Smith Electric and Associates a call today, we will be more than happy to help you!

 Smith Electric & Associates are licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia and have been proudly serving the Gulf Coast since 1992. Call us for 24-hour emergency service at 251-471-4723! Visit us online at www.SmithElec.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

No matter how handy you may be, there comes a point in any home, whether it be a remodel or expansion, where you should call in a professional. This is even truer in regard to safety-critical systems, such as the electrical system. You should not gamble with the safety of those who reside in the home, or future renters/owners, so contact Smith Electric and Associates if you experience any of the issues below.

 Damaged Wires

If you can tell the wiring of your home is visibly aged or damaged, it is time for you to call Smith Electric and Associates! We can bring things up to code before it gets worse.

 Buzzing, Sparking, Flickering, or Hot Outlets

If you experience buzzing, sparking, or flickering in your lights, outlets, or wiring, you will need professional help as soon as possible. All of these issues are signs of damage to the electrical system, if this goes unchecked it could cause a fire or electrocute someone. This warning also applies to switch plates that are hot to the touch.

 Burning Smell

If you smell burning plastic following turning on your lights or after you plug something into an outlet, you need to contact Smith Electric immediately. This could be an indicator of highly damaged wires in the wall. If you are able to, turn the power off in the area where the smell is at and monitor for a fire.

 Tripping Circuit Breakers

If your circuit breakers are tripping on and off frequently when you are using lights or other household appliances, this can be a sign that your electrical system isn’t able to handle the demands of modern appliances. When a breaker trips, it is a safety mechanism that occurs to prevent overheating of wires that could lead to a house fire.

 If any of the above is occurring in your home, you are experiencing a safety issue. It is critical to contact a professional inspector to evaluate your home and electrical system. Always put the safety of those who live in the home first, whether it be your family or renters.

 If you are still not sure whether you need an electrician or not, then contact us at Smith Electric & Associates! Smith Electric & Associates is in Mobile, Alabama. We are licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia and have been proudly serving the Gulf Coast since 1992. Call us for 24-hour emergency service at 251-471-4723! Visit us online at www.SmithElec.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

So, you’re looking to install new light fixtures? This is an exciting time to do household upgrades and this might include new outdoor lighting, modern hardware, or chandeliers.

 As always, our team is standing by to help you with your electrical projects, but for those do-it-yourself folks, or the ones who may be curious about how light installation happens.

 Here’s a basic step by step process outlining the basics of installing a new light fixture:

 Step One: Check local wiring codes and schedule an inspection. First, you’ll want to research to find the Housing Administration in your city or county - inspections require permits for a lot of residential projects, especially if it is inclusive of new wires - however, simply replacing or upgrading a fixture will not require permits or inspection. If you are adjusting wires, you will want to consult an electrician to help with the permit and make sure this is a safe venture.

 Step Two: Confirm or pick out your new fixture - be sure to look at a variety of options to find one or more fixtures you absolutely love! When searching, you’ll want to make sure you are getting enough light to illuminate your room - do you want dusk lighting, a soft glow or a bright all over visual lighting? Determine between a wall-mounted fixture, a sconce or more candlelit version to get the ambiance you’re trying to achieve.

 Step Three: Pick the right bulb for your fixture. Often the hardware store associates can be very helpful with this - or an online purchase will have suggested bulbs. For example, a small votive like lighting will need a smaller lightbulb than a traditional ceiling fixture. If you are installing a chandelier, you may need more than one light bulb.

 Step Four: Determine Voltage and requirements - the fixture you’ve chosen must be able to operate at the voltage available in that location in your home. Most will be 120-volt, but connecting wires and leaving others disconnected might achieve a new voltage -  you will want to consult an electrician if you’re looking to get into wire work, as we mentioned this may require a permit.

 Step Five: Complete your installation with the appropriate tools, such as a drill to install the new fixture - be sure to follow instructions from your new purchase and MAKE SURE ALL YOUR ELECTRICITY IS UNPLUGGED DURING THIS PROCESS! Once everything is in place, including your power source, new bulb, and wiring (with electrician's help) - re-establish power and turn on your light fixture to ensure everything is working properly.

  And, If all else fails Smith Electric is here to help. Call us to schedule an appointment to elevate this nuisance once and for all. Smith Electric & Associates is in Mobile, Alabama. We are licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia and have been proudly serving the Gulf Coast since 1992. Call us for 24-hour emergency service at 251-471-4723! Visit us online at www.SmithElec.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

A circuit breaker is designed to ‘trip’ under circumstances when it’s overworked. This can be frustrating, and often you aren’t sure exactly what’s causing it. Here are seven reasons your circuit breaker might be tripping:

 1.   Faulty Wiring

It’s highly recommended that an electrician review to see if faulty wiring could be the cause - this can be dangerous, but our team of experts is happy to review for this cause, and the other six listed below.

2.   Overload

Think too many cooks in the kitchen! This occurs when too many hair dryers are running, or cooking at the same time as utilizing a power tool. Make a note of what’s occurring prior to the shortage.

 3.   Old Circuit Breaker

Find out when your circuit breaker was installed and make sure it’s up to standard before diagnosing other issues.

 4.   High Powered Electrical Devices

Too many high powered electrical devices can cause the breaker to trip - temporarily losing power, this requires frequent restarts.

 5.   Short Circuit

This is different than just a breaker tripping - it’s a hot wire touching another hot wire, then a neutral wire - this can be caused by a wiring problem, an appliance or device plugged into an outlet, in the circuit. This can be challenging to diagnose.

 6.    Ground Fault

If a hot wire contacts a metal wall box, or a wood framing member - a ground fault can occur. This is dangerous in areas of high moisture, like your kitchen or bathroom - it’s another form of short-circuiting but specifically including the hot wire and metal contact.

  7.   Blocked Air Filter

If you haven’t changed your AC Unit, or AC Filter in a while - the internal fan and blower have to work much harder to keep your house cool by circulating air. This takes up more energy, which means your circuit breaker has to work harder - this can lead to short circuits.

  Smith Electric is here to help. Call us to schedule an appointment to elevate this nuisance once and for all. Smith Electric & Associates is in Mobile, Alabama. We are licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia and have been proudly serving the Gulf Coast since 1992. Call us for 24-hour emergency service at 251-471-4723! Visit us online at www.SmithElec.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

So, you’ve plugged in your MacBook charger and you’re ready to have a productive day of Netflix and coffee. Today turns out to not be that day. Your outlet seems to not be charging your MacBook and you are freaking out because you need to know if Meredith and Derek Shepard end up together or if he ends up with his ex-wife again. Here a few ways to fix this problem in no time.

 Light Switch

We are all guilty of this; it is a common mistake to turn off the light switch that controls the fan and the outlet. This will be a forever issue with modern homes that we all tend to overlook.

 Did the Breaker Trip?

GFCIs are common in rooms where water may come in contact with the outlet. They protect you from being electrocuted if water does near the outlet. These outlets are in kitchens and bathrooms and other areas where water and moisture are common. If the breaker on the GFCI outlet tripped, you will see one of two buttons sticking out. There is a RESET button and a TEST button. The RESET button will be sticking out like a sore thumb, it will be hard to miss. You may need to check the other outlets that have a GFCI as they could be connected.

 Breaker Panel

There are several circuits running throughout your home so it is possible that a circuit has tripped. Go ahead and locate your circuit breaker. It’s usually located in your garage or outside in the backyard. If you see any switch that is in between ON and OFF, switch it to the OFF position and then back to the ON position. If this neat trick worked, then congratulations! You performed a basic task of an electrician.

 These tips should have sufficed in getting that outlet to be working again. If you did not realize that the light switch was off and you are sweating bullets, do not worry- you are not the only one who does this and will not be the last person to do this, either. Also, make sure to hit RESET on any GCFI buttons that are sticking out. This is often overlooked and worries people because most do not know what those two buttons are for. Lastly, if you want to pretend to be a professional check the circuit breaker for a tripped circuit.

Keep us in mind for any electrical problems you cannot resolve yourself. Smith Electric & Associates is located in Mobile, AL. We are licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Georgia and have been proudly serving the Gulf Coast since 1992. Call us for 24-hour emergency service at 251-471-4723! Visit us online at www.SmithElec.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

You have been a homeowner for quite some time now and you have this owner thing down pat. You have been scrolling through Pinterest and have come across some home improvement ideas that will make your house look even more like a home. Start off the new year off right by going over this quick list.

 Change All the Light Bulbs to LED

●        LED lights are not a “green energy” fad. In fact, if you are looking to save some serious cash on your electricity bill this year LED is the way to go. Also, these light bulbs are perfect for lighting up the room (pun intended) and not giving the walls that washed out look.

Fresh Coat of Paint

●        You have not updated the walls in your living room since your third child and its time for something new. You will not be the only one who is at the hardware store looking for paint either so do not feel like you are alone in this world because adding a new color in the house is on a lot of people’s New Year’s Resolution List.

Is it Time to Refinance?

●        You and your spouse have been talking about shopping for a new mortgage loan for some time now. You are paying a decent rate and the mortgage payment is manageable but, your emergency savings could use some attention. You do not need to restart your mortgage you can continue where it left off and give a sigh of relief from all the money you will be saving from even just reducing the interest rate by one percent.

Change the Batteries in All Carbon Monoxide Detectors

●        You will never expect poisonous gas to fill the air in your house but, it happens all the time when carbon monoxide detectors are not properly maintained. Make it a rule every year to change the batteries. Some Americans make it a habit to do this when Daylight savings times approach. Either time of the year works so find out which is best for you.

Party Time!

●        This year- rearrange your furniture to instead of being pointed to the television like most of us do organically. Arrange the couches and chairs to face each other so when you invite guests over to entertain it is more natural to engage in conversation than it is to engage the television.

 If you need help preparing your home to be more efficient this new year then contact us at Smith Electric & Associates! Smith Electric & Associates is in Mobile, Alabama. We are licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia and have been proudly serving the Gulf Coast since 1992. Call us for 24-hour emergency service at 251-471-4723! Visit us online at www.SmithElec.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

It is that time of year again. Lots of decorations to be found and if you look hard enough, you can find some that people have put together in questionable fashion. Enjoying the season is great, but don’t risk a fire, fall, or shock to make things pretty. Here are a few things to remember to keep everyone safe and joyous when you decorate your home for the holidays:

·         SELECT: Decorations are made for indoor or outdoor use and sometimes they are not interchangeable. Be sure that your choices are appropriate for the location in which you plan to use them. There are great items available now in LED lighting and you just can’t lose when you go with them. LED’s are safe since they emit heat. They are energy-efficient, so your huge display won’t cost all the money in your Christmas account to keep it lit. They are durable and last a long time, so you won’t be replacing them every few years. Many newer LED strings actually offer all sorts of fun options, such as flashing, changing colors, and other patterns. Today’s light strings also don’t go out if one bulb burns out, so you won’t spend hours chasing down a problem.

·         INSPECT: Whether you purchase new or drag out the old stuff from the attic, it should be inspected. Look for any damage, exposed copper wire, burned or melted plugs, kinks or smashed areas, or signs of overuse. All of these are good reasons to put them into the trash. Decorations are inexpensive. Just replace them.

·         COLLECT: Now that you have all of your ideas, it is time to collect all of the necessary items. Head to the attic and the local big box store, and start assembling your display.

·         PROTECT: One of the biggest challenges of setting up decorative displays is the use of extension cords. Be sure your cords are UL listed, indoor or outdoor rated, and heavy enough to carry the current of your display. You may need extra power if you have a monster light arrangement, so run that carefully. Be sure that you have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters on your cords or the circuit in the panel which is feeding them. One other thing; you might want to protect your investment with a home security system, including cameras and/or perimeter protection.

·         REJECT: Damaged decorations, broken stepladders, inadequate extension cords, improper circuit protection, and bad hot chocolate should all be shunned. Because we all know that the best displays are built with lots of hot cocoa and cookies at the forefront.

We wish you and yours the merriest of holidays, complete with family time enjoyed, new memories made, old memories cherished, great food partaken, safe travel accomplished, granted wishes experienced, sweet dreams remembered, and much more. Thank you for another great year as your premiere electricians.

For help with your questions or concerns about becoming more energy efficient, call us! Smith Electric & Associates is in Mobile, Alabama. We are licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia and have been proudly serving the Gulf Coast since 1992. Call us for 24-hour emergency service at 251-471-4723! Visit us online at www.SmithElec.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!