Emergency Service Electrician 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.

How To React To A Downed Power Line

The weather sure can take a toll on our homes and our communities – it can knock down trees, it can cause flooding, and it can certainly knock down power lines. Considering the recent storm we experienced here on Long Island, we felt that there was no better time than now to discuss what you should do if you come across a power line that is either hanging on by a thread or that is already on the ground.

Although it may sound obvious, we can’t stress enough how important it is to never touch a downed power line. While you may assume that there is no electricity running through it at this point, the fact of that matter is that the line could still be live – when touched, that means danger. In fact, you should even avoid driving over downed power lines too.

Now onto what you should do. If you see a downed power line in your Suffolk County community, it’s best to:

Contact the power company and alert an emergency service such as 911 of the area that has been affected.
Keep all children and pets away from the power line, and make neighbors aware of the situation so that they can do the same.
Avoid touching nearby fences, trees, or even your home’s siding if you suspect that it has come into contact with the downed power line.

If you are in your car when a power line falls and it happens to hit your car, stay inside of it (unless of course there is an emergency such as a fire). Yes, we know it can be temping to want to get out, but the ground around your car could become energized as a result of coming into contact with a live wire. That said, call for help immediately and wait until either the fire department, police or other qualified professional lets you know it’s okay to exit.

In an event such as this, you’ll likely also need to contact an electrician to determine if any damage has been done to your electrical system as a result. For those of you in Huntington, Brookhaven, Smithtown, Islip, the Hamptons and other Suffolk County towns, let that electrician be us!

To learn how the team at TFC Electric Inc. can help you with all of your electrical repairs, please call (631) 589-2800 today.

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

Electrician Huntington | Electrical Repairs Suffolk County | Electrician Suffolk County

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

How To Prevent Electrical Emergencies

Electrical emergencies can happen when you least expect them to. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent this from occurring in your home. Keep reading to learn more.

Never attempt a “Do-It-Yourself” project on your electrical system. Instead, have all electrical work performed by a licensed electrician. It will ensure that all of the work performed is in alignment with local and national electrical codes.
Have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed in your home. This is especially important for certain rooms, such as the kitchen, bathrooms and outdoor areas. GFCIs make sure that water and electricity do not meet.
It is important to use the correct extension cord. For instance, an indoor extension cord should be utilized indoors. An outdoor extension cord, on the other hand, can be used in the great outdoors.
Do not use an extension cord that shows any sign of damage. Doing so increases the risk of an electrical fire.

We understand that there are some electrical emergencies that need to be fixed immediately. That’s why we provide emergency electrical services to all of Suffolk County and Fire Island. If you experience an electrical emergency, call 631-589-2800. We work around the clock to ensure your safety and give you peace of mind.

Web Source: http://www.cableorganizer.com/articles/preventing-electrical-hazards.html

The Qualities of a Good Electrician

Don’t let just anyone do electrical work on your home. You’ll want to have all electrical services performed by a good electrician. You may not know what qualities are associate with good electricians. We are here to let you know what attributes to look for when hiring an electrician.

Years of Training and Experience

Above all, your electrician should be licensed and insured. This ensures that your electrician received training. The electricians here at TFC Electric are experienced and extremely skilled.

Problem-Solving Skills

The solution to an electrical problem may not be cut-and-dry. It may take some troubleshooting to get to the bottom of it. Luckily, our electricians have great problem solving skills. They are qualified to handle any electrical problem, big or small.

Communication Skills

Last but certainly not least, electricians should have great communication skills. Our electricians certainly do! This is important because they can explain the work they have performed. That way, you will know what is going on with your electrical system.

TFC Electric Inc. provides safe, high quality electrical installations and repairs by experienced electricians. We make sure the job is done right, and more importantly, that the job is done safely. Call 631-589-2800 for all your electrical needs.

Web Source: http://www.ehow.com/info_7995750_qualities-electrician.html

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/

The Most Common Residential Electrical Code Violations

The “Do-It-Yourself” movement has gained popularity among homeowners. However, homeowners should never perform work on their electrical system. After all, it can result in an electrical code violation, or worse. Below are some of the most common electrical code violations in residential homes.

Installing a carbon monoxide detector or smoke detector near an HVAC duct.
Putting low-voltage and line voltage cables in the same electrical box.
Forgetting to install GFCI receptacles in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas.
Installing too many wires, outlets, and switches in an electrical box.
Receptacles that are installed more than 24 inches apart.
Installing new electrical appliances into old wiring.
Mounting an outdoor light fixture onto sheathing or siding.
Putting an electrical panel near a sump pit.
Neglecting to give the electrical panel 3 feet of space.

Do you fear that you have electrical code violations in your home? If so, have an electrical inspection performed by TFC Electric. We will make sure that your electrical system is up to code. We meet electrical codes and comply with NEC standards. Best of all, we get the job done safely. Call 631-589-2800 to schedule an inspection.

Web Source: https://home-inspections.knoji.com/common-electrical-safety-violations-found-in-the-home/

Electrical Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without outdoor lights and electronic gizmos and gadgets! Remember that all electrical decorations should be handled with care. Below are some electrical safety tips to keep in mind this season.

Before using an electrical decoration, check it for signs of damage. If it has loose wires or connections, do not use it.
Never overload your electrical outlets.
Do not connect more than 3 string of lights.
Opt for battery-operated candles instead of wax candles.
Do not leave the kitchen if you are cooking something.
Electrical cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall.
Remember to give heat generating appliances at least 3 feet of space.
Do not use electrical decorations that do not have a certification label.
Be sure to shut off and unplug all electrical decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.

At TFC Electric, your safety is our number one priority. If you experience an electrical emergency this holiday season, 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.

Web Source: http://www.esfi.org/resource/top-10-holiday-safety-tips-337

Common Electrical Emergencies

If you are not careful with your electrical system, it could result in an emergency situation. We understand that it can be frightening experience for anyone involved. However, working yourself into a frenzy will not help the situation. Below are some of the most common electrical emergencies.

Electrical Shock

Faulty wiring, unstable electrical appliances and frayed cords can cause an electrical shock. Unfortunately, it can lead to burns or even heart failure. Anyone who experiences an electrical shock should seek medical attention immediately.

A Tripped Breaker

When a fault develops within a circuit breaker box, the switch is tripped. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as an overloaded circuit, faulty connections and fault appliances.

A Power Cut

When the power cuts out, do not assume that it is the power company’s doing. There could be a problem with your individual home’s electrical system. To be sure, check your trip switch, wiring and appliances for damage.

If you experience an electrical emergency in your Long Island home, turn to the pros at TFC Electric for assistance. We provide a 24 hour, 365 days per year emergency call service. Give us a call at 631-589-2800.

Web Source: http://www.electricity-guide.org.uk/emergencies.html