FAQs

Why is my circuit breaker not resetting?

Breakers will reset for a number of reasons:

1. There is something actually electrically wrong with the breaker and doing its job.
2. The breaker is overloaded and drawing too much amperage.

If you do trip a breaker, be sure to unplug a few items on that breaker before turning it off and back on again to test to see if the problem is fixed.

Why is my GFCI not resetting?

This is a very common problem. 9/10 is not resetting, it means that it is doing its job and not allowing that connection to happen. Unplug items connected to that outlet and replace them with other items to rule out the possibility of the plug being overloaded.

The other main reason for a GFCI not resetting is due to a fault with the actual GFCI device.

What are arc-fault circuit breakers and why do I need them?

Arc-Fault circuit breakers are unlike other circuit breakers in that they contain a specialized circuit board designed to monitor the activity of the electrical circuit. It looks for things like frayed appliance cords, loose connections in locations such as behind furniture and shuts the circuit down while also delivering an error message as to the specific reason for the shutdown.

Why is my smoke alarm going off?

More often than not, homeowners forget to change the batteries in their smoke alarms. A good rule of thumb to follow is, “Change your clocks, change your smoke alarm batteries”. This makes for an easy way to always make sure your smoke alarms have adequate power to alert you of a potential fire hazard.

The NFPA also recommends replacing your smoke detector every 10 years. In our experience, they only last about 7 years. When you take your smoke detector down, there is a stamped date on the underside of the unit. If you are within that 7-year window based on that date, your smoke detector unit should be good.

How can I make my home safe?

One of the most cost-effective ways to keep your home and family safe from electrical issues is ensuring all of your power outlet and switch covers are attached correctly. Additionally, you can purchase the small outlet covers, this is especially important for families with small children.

Lastly, making sure you have a clear, and accessible path to your electrical box is very important for the safety of your home.

How can I make my boat dock safer?

One of the easiest things to do is to REMOVE any electrical cords that are anywhere near to touching the water. Testing your GFCIs regularly is also highly recommended. If your panel is missing pieces, your outlets no longer have covers, or if there are any missing pieces from those areas could be a good indication that you need to call an electrician to resolve the issue.

Should I invest at LED lighting?

Is it worth it? LED lighting is roughly NINE TIMES more efficient than incandescent lighting. This reduction in power consumption combined with the extremely long life of LED bulbs makes the long time cost of LED lighting much more economical than purchasing multiple legacy bulbs in that same timeframe.