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Answer: Overload is the most common reason for tripping. Too many things are plugged in or turned on in the circuit. Short circuit is another reason, this may caused by faulty wiring, appliances or fixtures.
Answer: A GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is a special breaker or receptacle providing extraordinary protection from shock. The GFCI can tell if current as low as 5 milliamps is “leaking” out of a circuit to ground. If the GFCI senses this leakage it will de-energize the circuit. If this current is “leaking” through your body to ground because you have touched an energized piece of equipment you may feel a shock but it will be of very short duration before the circuit is turned off by the GFCI. These are the receptacles with the “test” and “reset” buttons found in many bathrooms and kitchens.
Answer: An AFCI is a special breaker intended to provide fire protection caused by arcing faults (small sparks) by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. An AFCI recognizes the "signature waveform" of an arcing fault and shuts the power off to the circuit to protect against fire. AFCI's have been required in all new work dwelling unit bedrooms effective January 1, 2002 ! However if you have an old house you can still benefit greatly from AFCI protection. Red Electric can install this fantastic safety technology today so your family will be protected by the best technology available!
Answer: You may be exceeding the maximum lamp wattage of the fixture. There should be a label inside the fixture. If the label is not there consider replacing the fixture. Do not exceed 60 watts for most ceiling fixtures. Many times vibration is the culprit in short bulb life. There are vibration resistant bulbs for ceiling fans and garage door openers and there are rough service bulbs for portable lights. Sometimes a porch light can have a shortened life due to a slamming door. A rough service bulb would do well in such a location.
Answer: A surge arrestor protects against surges, spikes, lightning etc. These surges may come down the utility line or they may come from within your home or nearby. This device may sacrifice itself to protect your electrical system and electronic equipment from surges. Many surge protectors simply plug into the wall and your equipment plugs into it necessitating a surge protector with less than optimum protective capabilities. Red Electric can install a whole house surge protector to protect everything in your house including phone and cable equipment. This is the best surge protection you can get and it protects everything in the house.
Remember, electrical wiring is not a hobby! Many of the serious problems we see are code violations in wiring installed by a “do it yourselfer” or homeowner with some advice from “the guy at the hardware store”. These problems often come to light when a property is being sold and a real estate inspector requires expensive repairs.
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