Category: Electrical Repairs

Getting Your Electric Inspected for The New Year

When it comes to your electrical system, you should have it inspected annually, and what better time to start than the New Year? So while your spirits are high and you’re in the mood for change, here are a few reasons to schedule your annual electrical inspection today!

Prevent Electrical Hazards

Many homeowners only have an electrical inspection done when they first purchase the house. One inspection of your electrical system is not enough. Over time, your electrical system can fall victim to electrical hazards, such as electrical fires and electrocutions. Having an annual electrical inspection can prevent these scenarios from happening.

Up To Electrical Code

We will test all components of your electrical system to make sure everything is in good working order. Best of all, the work we do is up to code. If any part of your system needs to be updated, we will let you know. We comply with NEC standards and work with inspectors to make sure that the job is done safely.

Electrical inspections serve as reassurance that all work was performed to code and is safe. Upon completion, we will provide a Certificate of Compliance accordingly. Call 631-589-2800 to schedule an appointment.

 

Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Home’s Electrical System

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An inadequate electrical system isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a safety hazard. Be on the lookout for these three signs – they could indicate it’s time for an electrical service upgrade.

1. Your home still utilizes a fuse box.

Fuse boxes are the predecessors to modern day circuit breakers. They were designed at a time when homes had few electrical devices (outside of light bulbs and maybe a television), and cannot handle today’s electrical loads. In fact, insurance companies may refuse to write you a homeowners policy if your home still uses fuses.

2. Your circuit breaker frequently trips.

Even if your home has a circuit breaker, it’s not a guarantee that all is well. If your breaker box frequently trips, it is telling you it cannot meet the electrical demands of your household. If you have recently added any high-powered appliances to your home, your breaker will need to be upgraded in order to compensate for the increased load.

3. Your lights constantly flicker or dim.

Flickering lights may seem like a small problem, but they actually indicate a big underlying issue. There are a few reasons why your lights may constantly flicker, including:

  • Electrical overload – if your lights flicker when a large appliance (such as a dishwasher, or even toaster oven) is turned on, your circuit is being overloaded.
  • Loose connection – a loose connection can occur anywhere between your main breaker box and the light bulb, including inside the electrical panel, outlet, or light switch.
  • Arcing wires – arcing wires can cause a spark to jump from one line to another, which is a fire hazard.

Have you noticed any of these signs in your Suffolk County home? The experts at TFC Electric are just a phone call away. We offer professional electrical upgrades to homeowners in Huntington, Brookhaven, Islip, and the surrounding area. Contact us online to get started with a free estimate, or call (631) 589-2800.

The Causes of Blown Fuses

Have you ever been sitting at home, all going well, when all of a sudden part or all of your power goes out? If you have, you’re not alone, and if you haven’t, don’t panic if it should happen in the future – blown fuses are not uncommon.

Before we can get into what causes a blown fuse, let’s quickly go over what exactly a blown fuse is. Essentially, your home is protected by either a circuit breaker or a fuse, which can support a certain number of amps. The purpose of having a fuse is to protect your home from damage that would result from too high of a current running through your electrical system.

So what causes a blown fuse?

Electrical Repairs Islip | Electrical Repairs Brookhaven

Most of the time, blown fuses occur as a result of an overloaded circuit – in other words, if a circuit is trying to support more amps than it was designed to, the fuse will blow so that the electrical wires do not burn or break down.

Another common cause of blown fuses is electrical shorts – electrical shorts occur when a hot wire touches another hot wire or a neutral wire. Additionally, electrical shorts can happen if there is a break in a wire within a circuit or when a hot wire touches a ground wire or the side of a metal outlet box. Regardless of which event happens in your home, the fuse will open and turn off the circuit in question.

What should you do if you experience a blown fuse?

The answer to this question is simple! If you’re located in Suffolk County, New York, just call the team at TFC Electric Inc. We are a full service electrician serving all of Suffolk County and can perform a number of electrical repairs to ensure that your home is safe and equipped with electricity that works.

For more information about our electrical repair services or to make an appointment with one of our electricians, please call (631) 589-2800.

The Common Causes of Flickering Lights

Have you experienced flickering lights in your home? If so, you know how irritating it can be. However, flickering lights are not just an annoyance. They could be connected to a larger problem with your electrical system. Below are the common causes of a flickering light bulb. 
 
A Loose Light Bulb
It turns out that it does matter how tightly you screw in a light bulb! If you do not screw it in tight enough, it will be too loose. A loose bulb could be the cause of your flickering lights.
 
An Old Light Switch
Overtime, the switch of your light fixture can get worn out. To find out if this is the cause of your flickering lights, simply jiggle the switch. If the lights start to flicker, you have your answer. 
 
Voltage Problems
Have you ever turned on a heavy duty appliance and noticed that the lights flicker for long periods of time? If so, there is a problem at large with your electrical system. In most cases, it is a voltage problem. Nonetheless, a licensed electrician should be the one to make that diagnosis. 
 
Have the lights been flickering in your home? If so, the professionally trained electricians at TFC Electric can put an end to it. Just give us a call at 631-589-2800. We can help you see your home in a new light. 
 
Web Source: https://www.redbeacon.com/hg/3-causes-flickering-bulbs/
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Repairs You May Need To Make After An Electrical Inspection

There are a few reasons why homeowners have electrical inspections performed. For one, electrical inspections should be performed when you purchase a home. They should also be performed on a regular basis. This ensures that your electrical system is safe. Below are two of the most common repairs that arise from electrical inspections.
 
Whole House Rewiring
Your electrician may discover that your home’s wiring is old or faulty. It is also a possibility that your home’s wiring is aluminum instead of copper. In both of these cases, whole house rewiring is needed. 
 
Electrical Service Upgrades
If your home has not been inspected in years, it is possible that your electrical system is outdated. Our electricians can perform electrical service upgrades to bring your electrical system up to code. All of the work that we perform meets or exceeds all national and local electrical codes. 
 
If you have just purchased a home on Long Island and would like to have the electrical system inspected, turn to the pros at TFC Electric. We will deliver peace of mind for you and your family. Call 631-589-2800 to schedule service.
 
Web Source: http://www.improvementcenter.com/electrical/home-inspection-fail-electrical-plumbing-and-roofing-oh-my.html
Electrician Huntington | Electrical Repairs Suffolk County | Electrician Suffolk County

​Common Electrical Issues in Old Homes

There are plenty of old homes here on Long Island. The architectural features of old homes make them very charming. However, old homes may have an old electrical system to match. An outdated electrical system is bound to have inefficiencies.  Below are the most common electrical issues associated with old homes. 
 
Not Enough Power
Electrical systems that were designed 30 years ago were not intended to handle the amount of power we use today. If you have an old electrical system, it might not supply your home with enough power for your appliances and electronics. You may need an electrical panel upgrade. 
 
Old Wiring
Wires are not built to last forever. As the years go by, wires lose their insulating material. This can lead to an electrical fire in your home. To prevent this from happening, have your home rewired. 
 
Not Up To Code
Overtime, electrical codes change. If your electrical system was installed years and years ago, it is probably not up to code. An electrical inspection from TFC Electric can ensure that your home’s electrical system meets or exceeds all national and local electrical codes. 
 
If you need any assistance with your electrical system, turn to TFC Electric. Our technicians respectively do the job with care, to ensure our customers are satisfied with the work performed. Call 631-589-2800 to schedule an appointment.
 
Web Source: http://www.phxnews.com/commentary/7-common-electrical-problems-old-homes/
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3 Reasons Why Your Electrical Outlets Are Sparking or Buzzing

When you plug in an electrical device, you expect it to provide the device with power. You do not expect it to start buzzing or sparking. Clearly, something is awry with your electrical system. Below are some possible reasons why your electrical outlets are malfunctioning.
  • ​Malfunctioning Contact Blades – ​As the contact blades get older, they can get worn out or become loose. Luckily, there are some outlet receptacles that let you tighten the contact blades.


  • ​Faulty Wiring Connections – It is possible that the buzzing and sparking is not coming from the receptacle. If that is the case, there could be a poor connection in the wiring. ​


  • Damaged Wiring – Do you have an older home? If so, it may have an older electrical system to match. In this scenario, damaged wiring could be to blame.
​Is your home’s electrical system experiencing buzzing or sparking outlets? If so, this is not a “Do-It-Yourself” project. Instead, turn to TFC Electric. Our electricians do the job with care, to ensure our customers are satisfied with the work performed. Call 631-589-2800.
 

What To Do When The Power Goes Out

We’ve all been there–that moment of sheer panic when the power in your home shuts off. A million thoughts start to race through your mind. While panicking is a natural reaction to the situation, it won’t help you solve the problem at hand. Below are some things you should do when the power goes out.

  • A power outage that occurs in the fall or wintertime can leave you feeling cold. Bundle up to stay warm.
  • If you are still cold, take a warm shower. It will raise your body temperature.
  • Do not go near or touch a downed power line in your community. Instead, alert authorities.
  • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors shut. Doing so will keep your food fresher.
  • Remember to unplug all of your heavy duty appliances.
  • Never use a portable generator inside your home.
  • Have a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for announcements on the power outage. Your utility company may have an idea of when your area will receive power.
  • Avoid driving during a power outage. After all, the traffic lights will most likely be out.

If you need assistance with
restoring the power in your home, just call the professional
electricians at TFC Electric. We offer emergency service, 24/7. Call
631-589-2800 for all your electrical needs.

Web Source: http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/winter_lightsout.html

 

​Electrical Contractors in Sayville, NY

Do you want to work with an electrical contractor who is committed to customer satisfaction, excellent workmanship and the highest levels of professionalism? If so, the answer is simple–choose TFC Electric! Find out how we can shed some light on your home’s electrical system.

Our Services:

Need assistance with your home’s electrical system? Turn to TFC Electric. Our technicians respectively do the job with care, to ensure our customers are satisfied with the work performed. Call 631-589-2800 to schedule an appointment.

​Safety Tips for Extension Cords

Chances are, you have extensions cords in your home. Are you using them properly? Below are some tips on how to use extension cords safely.

  • Never overload an extension cord, as it could cause damage to your electrical system.
  • Many people are unaware the extension cords are not meant for permanent usage.
  • Cords should not be run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors.
  • Instead of using an extension cord for multiple appliances, have additional outlets installed in your home.
  • Extension cords are meant for one appliance.
  • Do not connect an extension cord with another extension cord.
  • Purchase extension cords that have been tested and approved by an independent testing laboratory.
  • If your extension cord is hot to the touch, refrain from using it.
  • Avoid using extension cords that are damaged or frayed.
  • Use indoor extension cords inside your home. Outdoor extension cords should be used outside.

Our main concern is your safety. We hope that these tips keep you and your family safe. Do you need an electrical service or repair in your Long Island home? If so, turn to the professional electricians at TFC Electric. Call 631-589-2800 for all of your electrical needs.

Web Source: http://www.esfi.org/resource/extension-cord-safety-tips-478