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- Replacing Receptacles and Upgrading Lights: A Fluorescent to Led Replacement
We had the chance to visit a repeat customer in the Sandy Spring area recently. We’d completed some work for him in the past, but he’d called on this day because some of the receptacles in his garage weren’t working properly. Once there, we solved the problem by replacing all his receptacles. Easy peasy. But we also took a moment to look at his lighting set up. He was using old-school fluorescent light fixtures. We explained that we could help him convert his existing lights to a new – and far superior – LED system. Why Are LED Lights Better Than Fluorescent Lights? While there is nothing “wrong” with fluorescent lights, LED lights offer a number of important benefits, including: Greater Efficiency and Cost Savings : LED lights can convert as much as 95% of their energy into light; fluorescent lights convert only 5% or so of the energy they use into light. Lifespan : LED lights last up to 25 times longer than fluorescent lights do. No Warm-Up Necessary : LED lights are known as “instant on” lights, because they don’t require the warm up period fluorescent lights do. No More Flickering : LED lights don’t flicker the way many fluorescent bulbs do. Dimmable : LED lights can be dimmed, which provides greater lighting flexibility. Color : LED bulbs are available in a range of colors, while fluorescent bulbs are all varying shades of white. But most notably, LED bulbs don’t require ballasts . What Is a Ballast? A ballast is a small electrical device that is attached to a fluorescent light fixture, somewhat similar to a transformer. Its primary job is to regulate the amount of current flowing through the light. This is necessary because fluorescent lights require a ton of voltage to ignite when you turn them on. The ballast allows this, but then it prevents the bulb from drawing too much current, which would burn out the bulb quite quickly. This is important because ballasts can and do fail at times. Accordingly, you must at least consider replacing the ballasts whenever it is necessary to replace the fluorescent tubes. However, LED tubes work in an entirely different way, so they don’t require ballasts. Can I Convert My Fluorescent Lights to LED Lights? It is usually possible to replace most fluorescent light fixtures with LED fixtures. And that’s exactly what we did for this customer. Now he’s happily enjoying all of the benefits LED lighting solutions provide, and he never has to worry about replacing burned-out ballasts again. We’d love to examine your current lighting system and determine if your home or office would be a good candidate for an LED upgrade. Just schedule a knight and we’ll come check things out!
- Electrical Service Line Repair: Atlanta
If you’ve lived in the Atlanta area for any length of time, you may have forgotten one of the first things transplants and visitors notice first: The entire metro area is absolutely blanketed in trees. In fact, we’re often known as the “City of Trees,” given the amount of canopy cover we enjoy. But while they're gorgeous (and help to reduce AC bills in the summer), all of these trees do present one serious downside. They can topple over or drop limbs, which can bring down power lines and cause other kinds of damage, ranging from damaged wiring to electrical fires. And unfortunately, this can even happen when the winds are calm and the weather clear. Trees and Power Line Problems: A Common Electrical Repair Issue We recently received a call from an Atlanta resident experiencing exactly this kind of problem. After unexpectedly losing power, they looked outside to see a large sweetgum tree branch laying on the ground. That’s actually not a rare occurrence – these trees often shed branches with no warning during the dog days of summer. But unfortunately, this tree hadn’t merely shed a branch – it had shed a branch over the main electrical lines connecting the power company’s pole to their home’s electrical wiring. This damaged the line and left them sitting around in the dark. In fact, the falling branch didn’t just damage the lines. It actually ripped the power pole off the side of the house, snapping it into two pieces. And this kind of damage often complicates things. Who Is Responsible: Electrical Repairs in Atlanta, GA When a tree falls on top of the main electrical lines alongside the road, the power company has to come take care of these kinds of electrical repairs . By contrast, when you have faulty wiring inside your home, it’s your responsibility to have these kinds of electrical issues repaired. But while the responsibility for repairs at these two ends of the spectrum are pretty cut and dry, problems involving all of the electrical wiring and connections in between are often complicated. The power company will be responsible for some repairs, while you’ll be responsible for others, and every situation is different. But in this particular case, the homeowners needed our help. They needed the power pole repaired so that the power company could come out and reconnect service to the house. So, we got to work. Prompt Electrical Services in Atlanta, GA This repair wasn’t especially complicated – we broke out the ladder, and removed the existing tension bolt, weather head (the part that protects the wires from rain), and broken power pole. We then replaced everything with brand new components. As far as electrical work goes, this was about as simple as it gets. But that’s not the important thing. The important thing is that we were able to get out to the job site and do the work quickly. Our clients were sitting around without power, and we wanted to help get their lives back to normal. The power company still had to come out and reconnect service to their house, but because we’d completed our end of the work so quickly, they were able to provide same day service. Knightly Electrical Services: Certified Technicians for All Your Electrical Needs This kind of prompt service is something we take pride in. Electrical system problems can turn your entire life upside down, so we always do everything possible to provide the help our clients need in a quick and efficient manner. You can see this for yourself if you contact us. Simply head on over to our scheduling page and start getting the electrical repair services you need. No matter what kind of problem you need help with, ranging from the installation of electrical appliances to short circuits to flickering lights to bringing your home up to current electrical codes, one of our licensed electricians can visit your house, inspect your home’s electrical system, and provide the kind of reliable electrical work you deserve. From major problems to simple things like tripped circuit breakers, we can provide the maintenance or installation services you need. Just provide us with a little information about your electrical issue. Before you know it, your electricity problem will be in the rearview mirror, and you’ll be back to enjoying life as usual.
- Patio Heater Installation: Alpharetta
Bad contractor experiences are always frustrating. Few things are worse than hiring a contractor to fix a problem and then having to hire another contractor to come and fix the problems the first one caused! That’s why we don’t focus on being the first contractor you call – we focus on being the last . Installing Electric Patio Heaters for a New Customer We recently visited a customer in the Alpharetta area who’d been through one of these bad-contractor experiences. That’s actually why she reached out to us in the first place – she wanted help from a professional electrician after dealing with a less-than-awesome contractor first. Her request was simple enough: Like many people in the metro Atlanta area, she wanted to be able to enjoy her screened porch even when the temperature dips. So, she needed a new heater installed (two, actually). We explained that the Infratech 6,000-Watt Dual Element Electric Heater was perfectly suited for her needs. Equipped with two separate, independently operable infrared heating elements, this model provides fantastic flexibility. One element will generally keep you and your guests plenty warm when the air cools off. But when really cold weather arrives, you can fire up both elements to remain warm and cozy. We even installed two dedicated, wall-mounted switches to make this even easier to accomplish – each switch controls a different heating element. We also installed a five-hour automatic timer for her. This means you don’t have to worry about huge electric bills if you forget to turn the heaters off – the heater will turn itself off after operating for five hours (you can easily turn it back on if you like). The Benefits of Electric Heaters Many of the customers we speak with aren’t certain about which type of heater they want for the colder months. Many initially consider having a gas- or propane-powered heater installed. But once we explain the benefits electric heaters provide, most customers decide that electric heaters are the superior option for keeping their outdoor spaces more comfortable. A few of the most important reasons electric heaters are quickly becoming the most popular option include: Gas and propane heating devices produce a litany of harmful pollutants (including carbon monoxide), making proper ventilation an important consideration. But electric heaters don't produce any toxic gasses at all. The maintenance costs (not to mention the cost of replacement parts) for gas and propane heaters are quite high. On the other hand, electric heaters don’t require much on-going maintenance at all. In fact, the Infratech Heaters we install are backed by a 5-year warranty, so you'll be covered in the unlikely event that a problem arises. Electric units are up to 90% efficient, making them less expensive to operate than gas and propane heaters. This is because gas and propane heaters warm the cold winter air around you and then waste energy trying to blow this warm air in your direction. By contrast, infrared electric heaters use radiant heat technology, which directly warms your body. Propane and gas heaters present a litany of safety hazards -- don't forget that they literally burn fuel to create heat. Electric heaters, on the other hand, use safe infrared heating elements, and they are mounted on your porch ceiling, out of the reach of children and pets. While propane and gas heaters are often bulky and a bit industrial-looking, the electric heating systems we install will blend seamlessly with residential homes. There's no reason you should have to compromise your home's aesthetics to enjoy the warmth your family deserves. Electric Heater Installation: Get Exceptional Service and the Warmth You Deserve! There’s no reason to watch your outdoor space go unused during the winter months. Just schedule a knight , and let one of our reliable service technicians install a safe, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly electric heater on your porch. We get the job done correctly the first time, every time, so that you can move on and enjoy the benefits electric heaters provide.
- Generator Installation: Dunwoody
Power outages are the worst. They’re not only inconvenient, but they make you feel helpless. You just have to sit there, bored and in the dark, while waiting for the power company to do its thing. And unfortunately, power outages aren’t exactly rare in Georgia. On average , Georgia residents experience more than two power outages a year, with each having an average duration of more than five hours(!). That’s a long time to sit around without air conditioning. Fortunately, there is a solution – you can have a licensed electrician install a Generac Standby Generator . The right generator system will provide the backup power your family needs to remain comfortable during the next power outage. Pre-Installation Generator Services: Doing Your Homework and Providing an Accurate Estimate We recently had the chance to install a whole-home generator for a Dunwoody-area client. She had been considering having one installed for nearly 10 years and wanted us to come out and provide a written estimate. As always, we performed a proper examination of the home’s electrical system and the desired installation location – this helps to ensure our estimates are as accurate as possible. If there’s anything worse than a power outage, it’s getting a bill from a contractor that’s way more expensive than the initial estimate. So, we do our homework. As it turns out, we found a few interesting things during our initial investigation. For example, it appeared as though the former homeowner was also planning on having a standby generator installed, as a concrete pad was already poured and in place. The gas line had also been modified, though no electrical connections had been installed. But unfortunately, concrete pads are not ideal surfaces for standby generators. Often, tree roots and shifting soil can cause concrete pads to start tilting in just a few years’ time. This can cause serious problems for whole-home generators, so we explained that we’d need to install a pea-gravel pad, which would keep the generator level for years. Additionally, we noted that the electrical system in the home was relatively old , so we’d need to make a few upgrades to ensure everything would work properly. This involved moving some of the grounding hardware and reconfiguring the electric panel. We also explained that in order to ensure the generator was installed in a safe manner that would work best for her situation, we’d need to include an automatic transfer switch as part of the installation (more on this in a minute). With homework completed, we were able to provide our customer with an accurate estimate. She clearly found the quoted price attractive, as she immediately scheduled the installation. Whole-House Generator Installation: The Project Begins Standby generator installation is a big project that takes about three days to complete. So, we got to work – we always want to finish our jobs on time so we can get out of our customers’ hair. To start, we had to break up the existing concrete pad. With that finished, we ensured that the new location would be up to code, meaning that it would be at least 1 foot from the house and no closer than 6 feet to any windows. At this point, it was time to dig a shallow square hole, which we then lined with pressure-treated 4x4s and filled with pea gravel. Now, the generator would be able to remain level even if tree roots started tunneling beneath the pad. The Finer Points of Generator Installation: These Things Are Heavy Once we had the pad in place, it was time to lift the generator like a feather and place it on the pad. And by “lift the generator like a feather and place it on the pad,” we mean sweat, grunt, and groan while trying to wrestle this behemoth in place. This is a good time to point out that whole-home generators are not like the cute little wheeled generators you see people using at tailgate parties and campsites. Those backup generators may be capable of powering a big TV or a crockpot, but they certainly won’t be able to keep your AC, water heater, and oven working simultaneously. So, unless you want to keep running outside to switch from one appliance to another after you lose power, you’ll need a whole-home generator. And those kinds of generators are big and heavy – this particular backup generator weighed about 500 pounds. But we did get the job done (and without any audible swearing). With the generator in place, Mark – one of our certified journeyman electricians – started installing a vital component of this project: a Generac Automatic Transfer Switch . Backup Power Brains: What Is an Automatic Transfer Switch? You can think of an automatic transfer switch (ATS) as the brains of a whole-home generator setup. It’s essentially responsible for deciding when the generator should be providing power to your home and when it should shut down. This is important for setting up your generator as a “standby” unit. In other words, when you lose electric service from the utility company, the ATS signals the generator to start pumping power to your home. This provides incredible convenience. Were it not for the ATS, you’d have to go out and manually crank up the generator (and you know this would undoubtedly take place during a torrential downpour). For that matter, you may even have to dig your backup generator out of the garage and wheel it into place. But an ATS also provides an important safety function: It protects the lineman working for the utility company, who’s desperately trying to get your power back on. Without an ATS, your generator may start feeding electricity back into the grid. This could have very serious (potentially fatal) ramifications for the poor worker hanging from a pole 20 feet off the ground. An ATS also helps to manage the situation once the power does start to come back on. Often, when workers are trying to repair the lines, the power will flicker on and off many times each minute before finally turning back on for good. This could also cause serious problems, so the ATS keeps the generator functioning until it detects that the power is going to stay on permanently. Happy Client = Happy Electricians: Finishing the Generator Installation Job After replacing the backup generator foundation, placing the generator on the pad, and installing the ATS, we were able to check off the remaining boxes on our to-do list pretty smoothly. We made the necessary changes to the client’s existing electrical system, connected it to the gas line, and tested everything out. With the job nearly complete, we provided the client with a full demonstration. She was obviously very happy to have a standby generator installed for the next inevitable power outage. And we’d love to help you enjoy that same peace of mind. It’s not a question of “if” you're going to lose electricity in the coming months, it’s a question of “when.” Let us help by installing a whole-home generator for your house. Getting started is very easy – simply schedule a knight . We’ll come out for a visit, lay out everything you need to know, and provide you with an estimate. A few short days later, your backup generator will be installed and you and your loved ones can stop worrying every time a storm rolls through.
- Tip For Changing a Light to a Ceiling Fan: Check Out Your Electrical Box First.
We installed another ceiling fan for a client in Duluth, Georgia. This client had tried installing it themselves at first, but realized the electrical box was not sufficient for the new fan. That’s when they contacted me. I talked to them about why fans need a properly rated heavy duty electrical box, not the builder grade light fixture box that was currently there. So, we changed that out too. Why Are Ceiling Fan Rated Electrical Boxes the Right Choice? Ceiling fan electrical boxes that are UL-listed for mounting you fan, will say on the box: “For Use With Ceiling Fans.” It's not recommended that you use standard boxes for installing them. Having a UL-listed electrical box for your fan means it's built to work with the force that comes from a rotating fan. More Reasons to Use Ceiling Fan Rated Electrical Boxes: Can hold up to 70 pound fans. Come in different sizes and and shapes: including a 1/2-inch-deep "pancake" type and a standard 2-1/8 inch deep box. Are usually round but can be octagonal Cost more that standard electrical boxes Can be mounted directly (with four screws) to a ceiling joist or wood blocking, or they can attach to adjustable braces spanning between ceiling joists.
- New Recessed Lighting Added in Alpharetta Basement
Our customer contacted us for a quote to install recessed lighting in the basement of their home. This dark room had no overhead lighting. Before we gave our quote, we discussed with the client how the room would be used. For this size and shape (square) of room, we specifically recommended installing four 6" LED wafer lights (with 5 color options) in each corner of the room along with a dimmer switch. Our suggested options would allow the client to choose options from warm to cool colored lighting - this works well to fine tune the lighting as it reflects off the color of the walls. The dimmer switch provides the added option of more or less light for work, projects, or social occasions. The customer contacted us after receiving estimates from several other companies in the area (our service areas), and chose our company's lighting plan which saved roughly 20% over the other companies' bids. We were able to complete the job with minimum drywall repair. Why Use Recessed Lighting in Your Basement? If ever there were a perfect match of lighting fixture and space, it's this one. Recessed lights work so well in basements. Fitting flush with the ceiling, it lends a clean, streamlined look to a room. It can increase the amount of light in a room, highlight artwork, or open up spaces so they look and feel bigger. This is also great way to light your space without worrying about endless lamps or mounted lights. In larger rooms or open floor plans, unless you want to place lamps in the middle of your room, larger spaces might be left with darkened centers. The more lamps you need, the fewer outlets you’ll have left open for other uses. With fewer lamps crowding your rooms, another benefit you’ll enjoy when you add recessed light fixtures is the feeling of having more space. Whether you plan to sell your home now or in the future, recessed lighting is a great way to add value to your home and attract potential buyers. Recessed, flush-mounted lighting can boost your home’s resale value. How is good lighting important to our health? Appropriate lighting can reduce eye fatigue and headaches, which makes completing tasks easier. In particular, good lighting ergonomics can prevent computer vision syndrome (CVS), which is a type of eye strain that occurs when you use a computer for a long period of time. CVS symptoms include: Blurred and double vision. Other benefits of good lighting Ambient lighting helps evenly light a space. Good lighting can: Set the mood. It can brighten up a whole room. When paired with color, it can open up a space. A light-colored space will feel much larger. When a light illuminates a wall, the room is going to look much bigger and more open. Add a sense of comfort Help guests have a more enjoyable experience
- Change Out a Flush Mounted Light Fixture to a New Ceiling Fan with Lights
This Roswell client wanted better lighting, including a ceiling fan, than their builder grade flush mounted lights. After searching for help on google, they found our company and contacted us. This home is a brand-new home build and came with your standard builder grade flush-mount dome light fixtures. Things to Check When Changing from A Flush Mounted Light Fixture to a Fan The wall switch plate may need to be rewired. Ninety percent of modern fans, like a Fandelier, come with remotes, so the wall switch plate needs rewiring to better work with the remote. The electrical box may need to be switched out for a heavier duty one. All new homes are required to have heavy duty electrical boxes in all bedrooms. Older homes, however, often do not. Hire someone who is able to understand the difference between the two types of electrical boxes. You don't want a fan falling out of the ceiling a year after the installation because it is hooked to the wrong type of electrical box. What Kind of Ceiling Fan Can You Choose? Standard - these most commonly feature four or five blades and can come with or without a light kit included in the center. They typically extend from a down rod – a metal pipe that connects the fan’s mounting brackets to the motor housing – which allows them to be mounted on both flat and sloped ceilings. Low-Profile - these are commonly referred to as hugger fans or flush-mount ceiling fans and provide the air circulation you need but are built to accommodate lower ceiling heights (eight feet tall or less). ENERGY STAR® Rated - Save money on your electric bill by choosing ENERGY STAR ceiling fans. To be given an Energy Star rating, the fan must use 20-30% less energy than what federal standards require. ENERGY STAR fans come in both standard and low-profile varieties. Many energy-efficient ceiling fans also incorporate LED light features. Dual - Get twice the comfort in a bold, even industrial look with a dual-motor ceiling fan. These fans have a central motor housing attached to two horizontal rods. Each rod supports an adjustable fan head, complete with a motor. Look for a dual-motor ceiling fan with light kits to make the space both bright and breezy. Smart - These come packed with smart features you’ll love. Smart ceiling fans are available with and without light kits and allow for remote control from your smartphone or tablet. Outdoor - Your patio, backyard deck, or lanai is a valuable living area in your home, and exposure to the elements brings its own set of challenges. Outdoor ceiling fans are crafted of strong and durable materials designed to hold up to moisture, making them perfect for use in a room that doesn’t get direct rain but may experience a lot of humidity and moisture, such as a sunroom, lanai, or outdoor living area. Damp rated - These are suitable for areas that aren’t coming in contact with direct water but may be exposed to humidity and indirect moisture. They are perfect for a covered patio, screened porch, or covered outdoor kitchen. Wet-rated - These are built for direct exposure to rain, snow, and even humid and salty ocean breezes. They can be installed in outdoor rooms with direct exposure to the elements. Why Did This Client Choose Knightly Services? This client was looking to upgrade their lighting, found me through Google and asked for a quote. Within 3 days, I was able to inspect the project, at their home, figure out what would be needed and give them a quote. Because of the lateness in the day, I scheduled the work for three days later. From start to finish, it was less than a week. Changing out a builder grade flush mounted light for a ceiling fan, often means replacing the original electrical box with a heavier duty, ceiling fan rated box. Because I am a licensed electrician, I know how to assess what needs changing both for local code and safety reasons. Also, by default I rewire the wall switch plate that is hooked to the ceiling fan so that the remote can better work with the ceiling fan.
- Concerned About Your Front of Home Lighting and Security?
Should you be concerned about your home's lighting and security around the entrance to your home? This Roswell client contacted us because some of her outdoor lights were not working properly. After a conversation about it, I discovered her worries about the lights not working proper had more to do with her own sense of security. Her husband had recently passed away, and talking some more, we decided that a two-fold strategy: 1) install a new front door Ring Camera Doorbell and 2) install a front of driveway Ring Camera Flood Light would work for her situation. I purchased the products for both and then installed them on the same day. Why do we need security lights? Here are the top reasons why you need to have security lights around your home: Illuminating driveways, backyards, pathways, steps, porches and around the rest of your home will help to eliminate the possibilities of injuries for you and your loved ones One of the greatest benefits in installing outdoor lighting is to improve home security. By adding bright lights around the exterior of your house, you can guarantee shadows and dark corners are brought to light in the late hours of the night. This makes it easier for you, neighbors and security cameras to notice unwanted night time visitors. When you install exterior security lighting, it's an investment towards your home's overall value. It will add to the overall appraisal value when you are looking to sell your home. It can reduce your cost in home insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts or deductions on premiums for homeowners who have installed security lighting outside their home. This Roswell client kindly left us a 5-star Google Recommendation: “Very pleased with the installation Knightly Electrical (Ryan Smith) did for me. He offered some excellent advice on issues that need attention. I will definitely use for future needs.”
- 8 Outdoor Fixtures Replaced Plus New Ring Doorbell
This Roswell client found us through reviews from other clients on Nextdoor. She needed 8 new outdoor fixtures installed around the outside of her home as well as adding a new Ring Doorbell system for security. What Was It Like to Work with Knightly Electrical Services? We thought you might like to hear it from the client's perspective: "Their office was easy to work with and the appointments for the quote and getting the work done were kept and times were exact with a 30 min notice before arrival. "Ryan was knowledgeable, professional and kind and his work and cleanup were A+. Install was perfect and he set-up the ring doorbell on my phone as well - what a nice extra step! Pricing was good and I look forward to using them again in the future." - Lori F., Roswell, GA Need to update your outdoor fixtures or doorbell for security? Contact us.
- Front Porch Lighting That Gives You the Best Coverage
While replacing all of the siding on the front of their house, this Marietta client began thinking about the best layout for new front porch lighting. The front door area originally had no lights at all. On first thought, the client thought about installing one single large Led light on the front porch. After contacting us for a quote to install the front porch lighting, and after we looked over the area, we talked about how two smaller lights would better distribute the light over the porch instead of having a single "spot light" effect from one light. We installed two Halo 4-inch color changing LED Wafer Lights. What are Some Advantages Of Installing Outdoor Lighting at Your Home? Outdoor lighting adds curb appeal. Installing outdoor lighting improves the look around your home: Aesthetic Beauty: Lighting makes your home look more inviting and warm, so that it's more attractive to potential buyers if you ever thinking about selling. Security: In our post, Concerned About Your Front of Home Lighting and Security? we talked about how outdoor lighting makes your home safer. Versatility And Creativity: Great lighting creates a specific mood in your home. It highlights features of your home, and can create interesting effects that are not visible during the daytime. Increased Functionality: helps you see better in your backyard, around your home, and when walking to and from your car. What to Think About When Purchasing Outdoor Lighting Are you getting best quality for your money? Is it a dependable brand name? Is it approved? Does it have a warranty? Are you looking for both style and durability? Want to read another story where we added exterior lighting?
- Reasons to Replace Your Old Federal Pacific Electrical Panel
Today I noticed an existing Federal Pacific electrical panel while working on a client's project in Roswell. These electrical panels are instantly noticeable by their red breaker style design. It needed to be replaced. These panels are instantly noticeable by their red breaker style design. If you have one of these panels still in your home, contact me today. What's the Big Deal? Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels have gained notoriety over the years for several safety concerns and issues, which is why they are often considered "bad" and have been the subject of numerous recalls, investigations, and legal actions. The company that made them was shut down in the 1990's due to a class action lawsuit. Here's why: Faulty Circuit Breakers: The primary concern with FPE panels is that their circuit breakers may not reliably trip when there is an overcurrent or short circuit, which is their fundamental safety function. This means that in the event of an electrical fault, the circuit may not disconnect, potentially leading to electrical fires and other hazards. Deficient Testing and Certification: In the 1980s, investigations revealed that FPE conducted fraudulent testing of their circuit breakers, claiming they met safety standards when they did not. This raised significant doubts about the reliability of their products. High Failure Rates: Numerous independent tests and studies conducted over the years have shown that FPE circuit breakers had a much higher failure rate than other brands. This unreliability poses a significant safety risk. Aging and Deterioration: FPE panels installed in homes are often quite old today. As electrical components age, they can become more prone to problems and failures, compounding the inherent safety issues. Lack of Replacement Parts: Finding replacement circuit breakers for FPE panels can be challenging because FPE is no longer in business, and their products are not readily available. This can lead to homeowners resorting to used or refurbished breakers, which may not be reliable. Fire Hazards: There have been documented cases of electrical fires linked to FPE panels and breakers. These fires can be devastating and life-threatening. Failure to Meet Current Safety Standards: FPE panels and breakers do not meet current electrical safety standards, which have evolved and become more stringent over the years. This makes them incompatible with modern electrical systems and safety expectations. How Can a New Electrical Panel Benefit you? Increased Electrical Capacity: One of the primary reasons for upgrading an electrical panel is to increase its capacity. Modern households often have more electrical appliances and devices than older systems can handle. An upgraded panel allows for the safe use of additional appliances without overloading the system. Improved Safety: Older electrical panels may have outdated technology and may not meet current safety standards. Upgrading to a newer panel can reduce the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and other safety hazards. Energy Efficiency: Our Leviton smart capable electrical panels are designed to improve energy efficiency. You can monitor exactly how much electricity each circuit is using at what time, and learn to lower the amount of electricity you use. Over time this will lead to lower energy bills as the system operates more efficiently. Home Value: An upgraded electrical panel can increase the value of your home. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for a home with a modern electrical system that doesn't require immediate upgrades or repairs. Need help with your home or business electrical needs? Contact your knight, Ryan Smith with Knightly Electrical Services at 770-243-5706!
- Update Your Electrical Panel With New Self-Diagnosing Arc Fault Breakers
Have you ever had a breaker trip on your electrical panel? One Johns Creek client contacted us with a breaker that needed diagnosing. After performing several different electrical tests (including ohming out the circuit and MEGH testing the wires), I replaced the tripping breaker that day. How to self-diagnose breakers? Did you know that you can have self-diagnosing breakers now? New breakers known as Arc Fault Breakers come with computer chips inside the breaker that tell you exactly what's going on when they trip. A Cumming client contacted us about an Arc Fault breaker that had been repeatedly tripping on him for over a year. When I arrived and reset the breaker, the little red light on it blinked 6 times. That told me the breaker self-diagnosed its self and had gone bad. A simple breaker swap and I had his kitchen outlets back up and running again! Need help with your home or business electrical needs? Contact your knight, Ryan Smith with Knightly Electrical Services at 770-243-5706!