When do you need a qualified electrician? It isn't always obvious!

Flicking lights can be a sign of trouble!

So it would seem that you should know when you need an electrician but that isn’t always true! Right here are 8 signs or reasons that you need a qualified electrician.

1. You have lights that flicker. The most basic part of this is that if a light bulb is flickering you might simply need to replace the defective light bulb. If after changing the light bulb you find that the light bulb still flickers (annoying at best), you may have an electrical wiring issue. Time to switch off that light; as well as, pick up the phone and make that call to a qualified electrician!

2. A tripping electrical circuit breaker. Breakers are there for a very good reason and if they are tripping then you most certainly have a serious issue! This could be very dangerous scenario which could lead to a house fire. Time to make that call!

3. At any time or place that you experience a shock from an appliance or when using an electrical appliance you need a qualified electrician! Electrical socks can seriously injure you or even kill you! They can also result in a home fire. Truly NOW THIS is the moment to call that qualified electrical expert!!!!

4. If you hear “buzzing” and you know you don’t have bees in the walls then most likely you have an electrical wiring issue. That buzzing is most likely caused by electrical wiring too close to each other or the insulation is breaking down. At any rate it’s time to make that phone call to qualified electrical expert!!!! Don’t waste anytime but go make that call!

5. If you have any discolored or burned electrical outlets… Don't use them! And you know what time it is.. Make that PHONE CALL! This type of issue could bring about a home fire and or perhaps a fatal shock!

6. If you smell something burning and you know you're are not cooking! A burning odor isn't great and you need to make that PHONE CALL TODAY!

7. If you notice any type of heat around plug outlets or light fixtures. This means you have issues for example… with a plugin appliances like a blender or food processor. When you utilize the mixer does it get really warm or over heat? Make that TELEPHONE CALL NOW. Your qualified electrician won’t fix your appliance but can check to see if the outlets and wiring are working properly. Regardless, MAKE THAT CALL!

8. If you ever see sparks or flames coming from an electrical wall socket, light fixtures or the like… guess what. It’s time to pick up the phone and make that CALL NOW.

In closing, if you see or experience any of these issues then you know what to do… make that call! It’s important to understand when you need a qualified electrician or when not. So, if you should have any questions with this please give us a call or email.

Todd Hillside

Hill Electric in Palm Desert CA.

760-772-1770.

todd@electricianpalmdesert.com

http://electricianpalmdesert.com

Smoke detectors their relevance for your safety and the safety of your family

Smoke detectors their relevance for your safety and the safety of your family

All houses built in the last Three Decade are required to have a smoke detectors installed and ready to use. Smoke alarms only have a life expectancy of Ten Years and after that they should be replaced by a qualified electrician. Some alarm business or even fire alarm companies can legally install smoke alarms which can be linked right into a reporting interaction center (fire or police). 

If you have an older residence, or your smoke alarms more than Ten Years old, you need to seriously consider replacing them with new technology. You qualified electrician can advise you or provide you smoke alarms that are right for your home situation.

Did you know that in a house fire you have as little as three minutes to get you and your family out of the house? This is no joke! You need good smoke detectors in your home! 

There are 2 different types of technologies of smoke detectors: ionization is one type and the other is photoelectric. Each type utilizes an entirely different technology to detect a home fire, so which one is the correct type for you home? Also there are now smoke detector units that have double technology alarm systems.

Photoelectric Smoke detectors

These systems are most reliable with a smoldering fire; which are, the most common fires seen within houses and homes. How they work is very interesting. These detectors find smoke bits (airborne particles) between 2 optical sensing units (transmitter as well as receiver). When the "signal strength of the optical receiver sensor begins to drop, the smoke detector with alarm! 

Ionization smoke alarm

This sort of device uses a small amount of radioactive material to identify smoke airborne particles between the two sensors; much the same way as the photoelectric detectors functions. These type of smoke detectors work best with open flames! 

The fire department suggestions

As stated by the experts any smoke alarm is much better compared to none in use at all. Which smoke detector does the fire department favor? The dual sensor type! 

Main house power or battery operated?

There are basically 4 ways that smoke detectors can be powered:
      1. Main power connected to a residence alarm system with a battery backup
      2. Extended life lithium battery which is non-replaceable, not such a good option.
      3. Main power with a 9 volt standard battery back-up
      4. Battery ran (typical 9 volt battery)

Purchasing a smoke detector.

You can do a DIY and go purchase your very own smoke detector; however, Hillside electric can pick the new approved detectors for your house plus mount/install them so you can relax by understanding you have the most current smoke detectors protecting you and your family. Just a qualified electrical contractor should install your smoke detectors in your home or office.

Where do you mount a smoke detectors for maximum protection?

The position of your smoke detectors are important for your home fire security. Routine areas consist of:
      - Bed room ceilings
      - Corridors and or hallways
      - Living areas for example your living room, game room, or TV room
      - If you have a Multilevel home… then one of the best places is at the top of the staircases

Places you DO NOT put them:
      - Cooking areas
      - Bathrooms

Testing your smoke detectors in your home to make sure they

are working.

It is suggested that a once a month test of your smoke detectors be performed. You can do this on the first of monthly for simple memory. You need to additionally change your batteries (if possible) annually or comply with the manufacturers suggestions about battery substitute and battery life.

Todd Hill Electrical Contractor in Palm Desert CA.

Hill Electric

760-772-1770

todd@electricianpalmdesert.com

http://electricianpalmdesert.com