Electrical Service Brookhaven 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.

Reasons Why 2018 is The Year for New Lighting

It’s a new year which means it’s time for a change and what better change than new light? When it comes to lighting your home in 2018, a change can definitely do you and your home some good. So if your lighting is older than you can remember, here are 3 reasons to update your lighting for 2018!

Better Aesthetics

Light fixtures go in and out of style. Over time, your light fixtures might start to look a little bit outdated. Having new light fixtures installed in your home can give your rooms a more modern or contemporary look.

More Energy Efficiency

A lot of people are jumping on the “go green” bandwagon. It’s all about finding new and different ways to make your home more energy efficient. Upgrading from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs can help you save energy and money.

Increased Resale Value

If you plan on selling your home in 2018, upgrading your home’s lighting is a must. After all, updated light fixtures increase the overall resale value of your home. Best of all, new light fixtures can entice potential buyers.

Are you interested in shedding some light in your home? If so, turn to TFC Electric. We work and collaborate with architects and designers to create a lighting plan that fits your needs. We have a variety of different lighting fixtures including Wac, Halo, Bega, Lightolier, Lumark, Lithonia and many others. Call us at 631-589-2800 to request service.

Hidden Electrical Hazards in the Home

Out of sight, out of mind. While this theory may apply to some things around the home, your electrical system isn’t one of them. Even if all seems well, there could be something going on behind-the-scenes that puts your home in danger.

Here are three hidden electrical hazards that all homeowners should be aware of…

Old wiring

The average lifespan of an electrical system is 30-40 years. But according to HouseLogic, roughly 30 million American homes are 50 years or older. An outdated electrical system is prone to blown fuses, a shortage of outlets, and even the risk of fire.

Arc faults

An arc fault occurs when an electrical current is steered off course, usually due to damaged wiring. Arc faults are a leading cause in electrical fires across the country, and can be triggered by something as simple as a loose outlet connection. Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) can be installed for as little as $50 and can prevent up to 75% of all arc fault-related fires.

Low-quality products

Have you ever purchased an electrical device (be it an extension cord, circuit breaker, or light switch) for well below market cost? Well, there’s a reason the price was so low. Often times, these products are counterfeit, low-quality goods that do not meet federal standards. Your best bet is to only purchase electrical products from reputable retailers, and look for the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) seal of approval on all items.

Do you suspect that electrical deficiencies are putting your home in danger? Homeowners in Suffolk County, Long Island can count on the experts at TFC Electric for professional inspections, repairs, upgrades, and installations. If you live in Smithtown, Huntington, Islip, or the surrounding area, give us a call at (631) 589-2800 to get started with a free estimate.

Home Safety Tips for a Happy Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – don’t let an accident put a damper on your holiday season. From electrical hazards to slippery weather conditions, a lot can go wrong during this time of year. Luckily, the pros at TFC Electric have compiled this list of tips to help keep you safe at home and on the road:

Holiday Lighting

Inspect all lights and extension cords for damage prior to using.
Make sure all outdoor electronics are labeled as safe for outdoor use.
Check that ladders are safe, stable, and secure before attempting to climb.
Fasten all decorations securely, making sure not to damage the cords.
Don’t overload your electrical outlets or extension cords.
Unplug all electrical decorations before attempting to replace a bulb.
Turn off all lighting displays (indoors and out) before leaving the home or going to sleep.

Christmas Trees

Artificial trees labeled as “fire resistant” are the safest option.
If you must use a real tree, make sure it is well-watered. Dry trees are more flammable.
Maintain at least 3 feet of space between your Christmas tree and heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, or candles.
Never decorate the tree with lights which are damaged, loose, or broken.

Shopping

Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. Always park in a well-lit, crowded area.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash.
Keep close tabs on all credit card spending.
Don’t overload yourself with packages.

Entertaining Guests

Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before serving them.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure your entree is fully cooked.
Ensure outdoor walkways are well-lit and clear of snow and ice to prevent slipping.
Keep sharp objects and choking hazards out of reach of small children.
If alcohol is served, make sure everyone has a safe ride home.

Traveling

Double check that all windows and doors are securely locked before leaving.
Install automatic light timers in your home so it still looks occupied.
Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from the outside.
Have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up newspapers and mail.
Beware of slick conditions on the road.

If you live in Suffolk County, Long Island, count on the experts at TFC Electric to help keep your home safe this holiday season. We offer residential electrical inspections, repairs, and upgrades to make sure your home is ready to handle even the most extravagant lighting displays. Contact us online to get started with a free estimate, or call us directly at (631) 589-2800.

Electrical Problems To Lookout For When Buying A Home

Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, so it’s only natural to want to make sure you buy the right one. For experienced homeowners, you may be familiar with the typical problems to be aware of when house hunting – mold, roofing problems, major structural damage. But if you’re only about to start the search for a home for the first time, there are a few things you need to learn before you head out – starting with electrical problems that are definite red flags.

Common Electrical Problems At Home

Since faulty electrical systems can result in major damage to a home, sometimes as serious as a house fire, you’ll want to ask all parties involved (the seller, the home inspector, you get the idea), if any of the following issues are present:

Exposed electrical wires. Electrical wires aren’t a toy, and for the most part, they really shouldn’t be visible to you or anyone else in the home. Not only does this pose a safety risk for families with young children who will pick up just about anything, but it also opens the door for more physical damage to occur.
DIY electrical repairs/installations. Many homeowners love to approach things DIY style, and in some cases, that isn’t a bad thing. However, electrical work should never be done by anyone but a professional, as it is not only dangerous, but could result in a home not following code.
Lights that flicker. Although flickering lights may only mean that a light bulb is loose, it could also mean that the electrical wiring in the circuit breaker is loose – a much more serious problem.
Failing electrical outlets. This one may seem like a no brainer, but it’s certainly one worth talking about. If some of the home’s electrical outlets aren’t working, that means there is a larger underlying problem to deal with – wiring may be loose or the outlets themselves may be damaged.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Suffolk County, New York, the team here at TFC Electric Inc. can perform an electrical inspection to ensure that all work was performed safely and correctly. After the inspection is completed, we will provide you with a Certificate of Compliance accordingly.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with us, please call (631) 589-2800 today.

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?

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 Best Time To Have An Electrical Inspection Performed

Did you know that home electrical fires are responsible for approximately 51,000 fires each year, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage? In fact, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) also reports that electrical distribution systems are the THIRD leading cause of home structure fires.

Considering how dangerous faulty electrical systems can be, we can’t stress enough how important it is to have yours inspected regularly. By having a licensed and qualified electrician enter your home and inspect your system, you can determine whether or not the electrical work is up to code, and, if not, you at least have the knowledge that you need to get it fixed right away.

While the frequency of electrical inspections in your home may differ from your neighbors, some general guidelines for knowing when to get an inspection are as follows:

Any time that electrical work is done in your home, whether it’s to your current system or the addition of new wiring, a professional should always ensure that it has been done correctly.
If you plan on buying a home, it is recommended that you have an electrican inspect the current electrical system so that you can find out if the home is up-to-date and meets the required codes.
If you haven’t had a home inspection in the last five years, an electrical inspection is a good idea to confirm that your system is still safe and not hazardous to you, your family and your home.

When you choose TFC Electric Inc. to perform your Suffolk County home’s electrical inspection, we will provide a Certificate of Compliance accordingly once the work is complete. Our service is always designed to meet or exceed national and local electrical codes, and we comply with NEC standards 110% of the time.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for an electrical inspection with one of our expert electricians, please call (631) 589-2800.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Panel Upgrades

You don’t have to be a homeowner to have heard about electrical panels, but if you are a homeowner, then it’s your job to be familiar with them as they are the main hub for all of your home’s electrical circuits. In addition to being familiar with what they are and how they work, you should also have some knowledge on when an upgrade is required and how to go about having one done – if you’re looking for information like this, you’ve come to the right place! Below, take a look at our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about electrical panel upgrades:

Q: What warning signs suggest it’s time to upgrade an electrical panel?
A: If your electrical panel regularly overheats, makes unusual noises, or gives off a burning or hot smell, it’s likely time to upgrade. However, if anything else seems out of the ordinary to you, you should still contact us right away to have your system inspected.

Q: Is upgrading the electrical panel the same thing as rewiring a house?
A: It is not! Your electrical panel is the main part of your electrical system and is the place where power is brought into your home so that it can be used throughout. Although the panel is where your wires originate from, upgrading your panel and rewiring are different tasks.

Q: If I get the right parts, is upgrading the electrical panel easy to DIY?
A: Just like any other electrical repair or upgrade, never try to DIY when it comes to your electrical panel. The only people who should ever touch anything that has to do with your electricity is a licensed professional!

Q: Is an upgrade necessary to remodel my home?
A: This really depends on the type of remodeling you’re planning to do, but if it’s a major remodel such as adding on to your existing home, then maybe. That’s because you need to make sure your electrical system can handle all of the new electrical requirements your new and improved home will have!

For those of you in Suffolk County, New York, the team here at TFC Electric is your source for all kinds of electrical service upgrades. To schedule an appointment with one of your service experts, please call (631) 589-2800 today – we also offer FREE estimates!

What To Expect From TFC Electric

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for electrical repair services or new electrical installation services, at TFC Electric, we’ve got you covered. Serving all of Suffolk County, the team here at TFC Electric strives to provide safe, high quality electrical service to all who rely on us for their electrical needs.

If you’ve just moved into a neighborhood that we service, or if you’ve been a resident for quite some time but have a need for a new electrician, here’s what you can expect if you choose us:

Emergency service: We know that electrical damage can happen at any time, which is why we provide 24 hour, 365 days per year emergency call service. Just call (631) 589-2800 and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible!
Our undivided attention: Regardless of how big or how small the job is, our team will always provide you with their undivided attention to ensure that things are done correctly and to your satisfaction.
Expert technicians: Electrical work can be tricky, and if not done correctly, it can also be a safety hazard. That’s why we employ only the best technicians! When we knock on your door, you can expect to open it and see a technician with all of the experience needed to perform service.
Exceptional workmanship: Your satisfaction is our number one priority, so we go above and beyond to ensure that you are happy with the service our highly skilled technicians perform.
Complete and total respect: Our customers are the reason we can continue to do what we love, so you can bet that every member of our team will always treat you, your family and your home with the utmost respect.

As we said earlier, you, the customer, are our number one priority, and we’ll do whatever it takes to ensure you’re happy in your home! To hear what some of our other customers have said about the services we’ve provided, be sure to check out our testimonials. Then, to learn more about our services or to contact us for service, please call (631) 589-2800.

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