Electric Repairs Suffolk County Archives

The Space Heating Safety Tips You Should Know

The cold weather is upon us, so that can only mean one thing–homeowners will be dusting off their space heaters. Portable space heaters are a great way to supply your home with additional heat in the winter. However, if not properly used they can also cause a fire or electrical shock. As you begin breaking out the space heaters, keeps these tips in mind.

Read Instructions

Prior to using a space heater, read the warning label. The label should also let you know whether or not the space heater was tested for safety in a laboratory.

Check the Quality

Never use a space heater that has frayed or damaged wiring. If you discover this type of damage, you may have to purchase a new space heater.

Don’t Forget to Shut it Off

Do not leave your space heater on when you are not in the room. Remember to turn off and unplug the space heater if you are leaving the house or going to bed.

Keep Your Distance

Remember that even space heaters need their space. Keep all flammable objects and materials at least 3 feet away from the unit.

Watch Where You Plug

Do not plug your space heater into an extension cord or power strip, as it can start a fire. Plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet.

At TFC Electric, your safety is our number one priority. If you experience an electrical emergency this winter, call 631-589-2800 immediately. We can troubleshoot and safely restore your electrical system. We can deliver peace of mind for you and your family.

What You Need To Know About Tamper Resistant Receptacles

You may or may not have heard the term “Tamper Resistant Receptacles” thrown around. Do you know what it is? If not, don’t worry. We are here to tell you everything you need to know about Tamper Resistant Receptacles.

Required By The NEC

As of 2008, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that new buildings and residences have Tamper Resistant Receptacles installed in them. If you are purchasing a new construction home, it is important that Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TTRs) are installed properly.

Protect Children From Electrical Shock

To a baby or small child, a outlet might look like a fun toy. Each year, children suffer from electrical shock and burns when they stick their fingers into an outlet. TTRs can prevent these types of injuries. If you have little ones at home, it is imperative that you have TTRs installed. After all, it could make your home a safer place for them.

Inexpensive To Install

If you have an older home and do not have children, you should still have TTRs installed. After all, you will most likely have children visit your home at one point or another. Fortunately, TTRs are inexpensive to install.

Are you interested in having TTRs installed throughout your home? If so, turn to the professional electricians at TFC Electric. We can get the job done right in less time than you think! Call 631-589-2800 today to schedule service.

Web Source: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/electrical/tamper-resistant-electrical-receptacles

How To Prevent Electrical Overloads

No homeowner wants to deal with an electrical overload. They seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent an electrical overload. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Understand How Power is Distributed In Your Home

All of the power in your home moves from your electrical panel to branch wire circuits. It is important for you to know how much power each circuit can handle. As a rule of thumb, do not exceed the allotted amount of watts that the circuit supports. This will help you avoid an electrical overload.

Use Appliances Correctly
Do not plug multiple appliances into an extension cord. After all, doing so could lead to an overload. Instead, heavy duty appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines should all have their own dedicated circuits. This is due to the fact that heavy duty appliances will require more power than smaller electronic devices.

Is your electrical system experiencing overloads on a regular basis? If so, there might be a problem at large with your electrical system. The electricians at TFC Electric can get to the bottom of it. After all, our electricians are great at troubleshooting. Call 631-589-2800 today to schedule service.

Electrical Tips Every New Homeowner Should Know

Are you a new homeowner? If so, congratulations! Settling into a new home can be exciting and stressful all at once. Now that you are a homeowner, it is important for you to get acquainted with the different systems that make up your home. For instance, you should know a thing or two about your home’s electrical system. Keep reading to learn more.

Indoor Electrical Tips:

Extension cords are only meant for temporary use. Do not use an extension cord for long term use.
Never use a power cord that is tattered, frayed, worn or damaged. To be on the safe side, purchase a new one.
Have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed in the kitchen, bathrooms and outdoor areas.
It is a good idea to label the switches in your electrical panel.

Outdoor Electrical Tips:

Never use a portable generator indoors–including the garage and basement.
When your portable generator is in use, it should be located at least 20 feet away from your home.
Make sure that the extension cord you are utilizing outside is intended for outdoor use.

Have you noticed an electrical problem in your new home? If so, it is not an excuse to test your handyman skills. Instead, turn to the professional electricians at TFC Electric. We can get the job done right, but more importantly, safely. Call 631-589-2800 to request service.

Web Source: https://www.nationwide.com/electrical-safety-tips.jsp

How To Ensure That Your Home Meets Electrical Codes

Whether your home is brand new or 100 years old, it must meet electrical codes. Not sure if your home’s electrical system is up to par? Keep reading to find out if you need to make any upgrades.

The Kitchen

There are plenty of heavy duty appliances located in your kitchen. Make sure that each heavy duty appliance has its own dedicated circuit. Doing so can prevent a power outage.

Bathrooms

It is no secret that water and electricity do not mix. However, water and electricity can easily meet in a bathroom. To prevent electrical shock, be sure to have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters installed in all of your bathrooms.

Hallways

When you are walking in your hallway, you will need to see where you are going–especially in the middle of the night! Make sure that your hallways have ample lighting. Doing so could prevent a trip and fall accident.

Bedrooms

Wall outlets in a bedroom should be installed no more than 12 feet apart. It is a good idea to have a wall outlet installed next to the door in your bedroom. This outlet can be used to power a lamp or a light fixture.

Want to get your home’s electrical system up-to-code? Have an electrical inspection with TFC Electric. 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.

Web Source: http://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/does-your-home-meet-the-electrical-codes/

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/

How To Care For Your Electrical System Before Going On Vacation

Some people go on vacation during the winter. We don’t blame them! After all, they are trying to escape the cold weather we are experiencing here on Long Island. Will you be traveling this season? If so, be sure to take care of your electrical system before you jet off. Below is a list of appliances and electronic devices you should adjust or shut off prior to your departure.

Remember to shut off all of the lights on your way out.
Do not turn your heating system off. Doing so could cause your pipes to freeze. Set your thermostat to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Put your water heater on the lowest setting possible.
Unplug appliances that have clocks on them.
Unplug microwaves, coffeemakers, toaster ovens, TVs, stereos, computers and any other electronics you have.
Shut off power to your washer and dryer off from your home’s electrical panel.

If you return home to electrical problems, don’t fret. The professional electricians at TFC Electric can perform repairs and electrical upgrades on your system. Call 631-589-2800 to request service.

Web Source: https://www.bchydro.com/news/unplug_this_blog/2012/vacation-checklist.html

Electric Blanket Safety Tips

Long Island is experiencing another cold winter. Homeowners across the island are firing up their furnaces to stay warm. However, blasting the heat can cost you a pretty penny. Luckily, an electric blanket can keep you warm for less. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind when using an electric blanket.

Before plugging your electric blanket in, inspect it for signs of damage. If the cord is frayed or damaged, do not use it. Instead, purchase a new one. It’s better to safe than sorry!

Never put other objects on an electric blanket that is in use. This includes but is not limited to pets and other blankets. Doing so could cause your blanket to overheat.

An electric blanket can make you feel warm and cozy. So much so, that you may start to doze off. However, it is imperative that you unplug the electric blanket before going to sleep.

Web Source: http://www.esfi.org/resource/heating-pads-electric-blankets-safety-290

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How To Treat A Victim Of Electrical Shock

Electrical work should only be performed by a licensed electrician. Nonetheless, homeowners continue to attempt “Do-It-Yourself” projects. Not only can it result in faulty work, it could put you in danger. If your electrical system malfunctions, it could give you an electrical shock. Below are some tips on how to treat this condition.

Do not touch the person who has been shocked. Touching them could transfer the shock from one person to another.
Dial 911 to report the incident.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Shut off the power source as soon as possible.
After the victim is rid of the electricity, make sure they are breathing and have a pulse.
If the victim has shallow breathing, perform CPR on them.
Advise the victim to lay down and keep their legs elevated.
Never touch burns or blisters.
A doctor can determine whether or not the victim has internal injuries.

Our main concern is your safety. The best way to avoid electrical shock is steering clear of DIY electrical projects. If you need an electrical service or repair in your Long Island home, turn to the professional electricians at TFC Electric. Call 631-589-2800 for all of your electrical needs.

Web Source: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/needtoknow.asp

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