Residential Electrical
Services
Residential Electrical Service on YOUR Schedule
We strongly value your time. We'll give you a 2-hour window of when our residential electrician will be available to stop by. Waiting all day for someone to show up is unproductive and we understand that. We'll also call you right before our tech's arrival to make sure you're ready!
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Switches
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Receptacles
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Cable outlets
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Service upgrades
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Recessed lighting
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Accent lighting
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Security lighting
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Hot tubs
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Surge protectors
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And more!
Call Debbie or Guy today at 410-686-7625 to find out more information about what we can do for you! Our reputable, prompt services won't let you down. Our residential electricians can also troubleshoot any situations that may occur so your problem can get fixed fast!
What are GFCI Outlets and Where is One Needed?
GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are generally installed in areas where the outlet could likely become wet, such as in the bathroom or outdoors. The fairly recent widespread use of GFCI outlets has decreased the amount of deaths by electrocution by about 75%. This is because the GFCI outlet monitors the amount of power going to the device. So, if you were accidentally drop an appliance into a sink full of water, the GFCI detects the interruption in current and cuts the power.
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If you are to look at an outlet, you will find two slots and a hole. The left slot is slightly larger than the right; this is the 'neutral' slot. The slightly smaller right slot is call the 'hot'. The round opening below them is the 'ground'. A properly working appliance will have its electricity flow from hot to neutral. The GFCI outlet monitors the amount of current flowing from hot to neutral and should there ever be an imbalance it will trip the circuit to cut the power to that appliance.
Moisture is the biggest cause of ground faults; the result of a ground fault could be life threatening. If electricity flows from hot to ground through you due to moisture, the result is a ground fault, and it could be fatal. The GFCI will sense the current flowing through you because of the difference in electric current flowing from hot to neutral and will immediately cut off the electricity.​
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How to Test a GFCI Outlet
Important to note is that GFCI outlets do wear out, so they should be tested about regularly; we'd suggest at least once a month. To test the GFCI outlet, follow these simple instructions:
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Press the Reset button
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Plug in any type of electrical device; it should work normally
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Press the Test button; if working properly, the power will be immediately cut
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Press Reset again, and your device should turn on again
If the power is not cut when you press the Test button, your outlet needs to be serviced. Give us a call and we can get it fixed for you in a timely manner! Until then, please refrain from using the faulty outlet due to safety concerns.