If my service needs upgrading will the entire house have to be rewired?

Unless you live in a very old home with antiquated wiring, you probablt won't have to replace your existing electrical lines. However, if you require more electrical capacity in certain rooms, new wiring runs and additional outlets are likely to be needed.

Is there rust on the main electrical service panel?

Even permanent fixtures wear out or suffer the ravages of time. When rust appears on the metal service panel it often indicates amoisture problem or that deterioration has reach an advance stage.

Is the wiring in your outlet boxes old and crumbling?

If you look at the wiring to your home's light switches or outlets, do you find wires wrapped in cloth sheathing orbits of black rubber in the electrical box? Very old homes often have antiquated wiring that should be upgraded to ensure your safety.

Do your outlets not accept three-prong plugs ?

The third, or grounging, prong on a typical appliance plug provides an extra measure of safety against electrical shock. Older two-prong receptacle outlets, Installed in home before this innovation, may not be adequately grounded and should be upgraded.

Have you never upgraded your eletrical service?

If your home is over 25 years old, you could have an inadequate and possibly hazardous electrical system-and not even know it.To be safe, call in an electrician for a thorough inspection, and if necessary bring your home up to today's electrical code standards.

Are GFCI outlets installed where required?

The national Electrical Code now requires extra protection for outlets in specific area of the home, such as kitchen, baths, utility rooms, garages and outdoors Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)- which are identifiable by their TEST and RESET buttons-are generally required in proximity to wet locations. If your wiring has not been upgraded with GFCIs you're not protected.

Do Electrical switches or outlets feel warm or tingly?

Loose or deteriorating electrical connections. such as the wiring junctions in switches and outlets, impede current flow and create resistance. This may create a dangerous condition that can result in shock or fire.

Do the lights dim when appliances turn on ?

High-demand appliances such as air conditioners, clothes dryers, referigerators and furnaces need extra power when they start up. This temporary current draw can be more than just a nuisance; it can damage sensitive equipment.

Are there any hidden costs for the work?

The electrician should do a thorugh preliminary inspection and provide you with a firm , accurate estimate of the work involved , along with the cost of fixtures or wiring that will be installed. If additional work is necessary, it can be negotiated and billed separately.

Is my home electrical system adequately grounded?

Ground-wiring protects a home and it's occupants in case of an electrical fault, such as a short- circuit, But grounging aslo protects expensive electronic equipment like computers and many appliances. An electrician can quickly check and add grounding capacity if needed.

Will your electrical panel need replacement?

the current national Electrical code recommends a minimum 100-amp incoming electrical service. If your service panel provides less., it should be upgraded to this level or better to meet today's home requirements. Most new home are wired with 200- amp service.

Question to ask an Electrican.

!. are you licensed in this municipality- Not all State, counties or towns regulate or require licenses for electrician, but it's prudent to check first with your local building department.Also ask if electrical work in your municipality must adhere to standard established by the national Electrical Code.

Ground fault circuit interrupter :(GFCI)

A GFCI is an electric installed in the home that constantly monitors the amount of current flowing through
a cicuit and turn off the electricity at the first sign of an imbalance. They are required by the national electric code to be installed on all counter tops in kitchen area, in all bathroom, and in all unfinished garages and basement.They can protect you from prolonged electric shock by interrupting the current flow before someone is inured. they can be hard wired into your electrical panel for individual circuits. If you have them in your home at present, they should be tested monthly.

Warning Signs: Potential Fire Hazards.

You can spot many electrical problems before they cause afire or injury.

Trip breakers.

Don't just reset breakers. Find out why it is happening. Determine what caused it to overload,
if an appliance or A.C unit, disconnect it and call Reids Electrical.com.
To correct the problem.

High- amperage appliances.

all appliances, such as irons or blow dryers, or other heating products on the same circuit.

Breakers.

Never replace a fuse or circuit breaker with one that exceeds the amperage rating of the one being replaced.

Fuses or Circuit Breakers.

First of all , if you have fuses inyour home, seriously consider replacing them with newer circuit breakers.
breakers are more nreliable, and can trip instantaneously before a problem arises.

Electric shocking fact.

Each year in this county, thousands of people die, and hundreds more are seriously injured in accidents
involving electrical fires and shocks. Almost all of these instances could have been prevented by following
simple safety guidelines.