This article will outline a few of the reasons why a GFCI Outlet or Circuit breaker may trip, how a GFCI outlet works, and how to reset the outlet or circuit breaker – possibly saving you the expense of a service call.

If you feel you have an problem with your outlets or circuit breakers, DO NOT HESITATE, call Laudan Electric, Inc today at (239) 369-8884.

Article Sources: WiseGeek.com • HowStuffWorks.com
Photo Credit: Leviton • Ring Electric’s Blog

The post How to Reset Your GFCI Outlets and Circuit Breakers appeared first on Laudan Electric Incorporated.

Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures, but many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords.

During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 26,100 fires and $1 billion in property losses. About half of all residential electrical fires involve electrical wiring.

December and January are the most dangerous months for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use. The bedroom is the leading area of fire origin for residential building electrical fires. However, electrical fires that begin in the living room/family room/den areas result in the most deaths.

As an electricians and a parents, we can never stress enough the importance of exercising caution and proper safety when it comes to electricity. Most of have, at some point in our lives, used unsafe practices regarding electricity. If it wasn’t us, it may have been a parent or grandparent. While enjoying electric TVs, radios and other appliances, we may forget they can cause shocks and fires. Here are some more electrical safety tips to help keep you and your family safe:

• People who live in homes that are more than 10 years old should consider having the wiring inspected.  If your home is more than 40 years old, an inspection is overdue.  Be sure to consult with your local building inspector before making repairs.
• Never place electric cords under rugs or bedding.  Heat or sparks from these cords could cause a fire.
• Follow the safety tips on new appliances.
• Check electrical cords for signs of wear.  Replace frayed or cracked cords to prevent shocks and fires.
• Check labels on lamps and use the right size bulb.  Check the label on your fuse box and be sure you use the right size fuses.
• Fix electrical problems right away.  If fuses blow often, circuit breakers trip often, switches get hot or people are shocked, something is wrong.
• Cover unused outlets with plastic plugs.
• If a cord has 3-prongs, use it properly.  Don’t remove the extra prong.  The third prong is there because the appliance must be grounded to prevent electrical shocks.
• Take cover during a thunder storm.  If you are indoors, stay away from open windows and doors and use the telephone only in an emergency.  If you are outdoors stay in your car and away from water, trees, and metal objects.  Avoid low areas that might flood in a heavy rain.
• Do not overload outlets.  Extension cords shouldn’t be used as permanent fixtures in home rebuilding.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

A ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI is a special type of outlet that prevents shocks. These outlets are recommended for areas where water is used. Install GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens (within 6 feet of the sink), laundry areas, garages, basements, outdoor outlets, and around pools, saunas, and hot tubs. Test these outlets monthly.

For more information on electrical safety, or to have your home evaluated for potential risks, call Laudan Electric, Inc today at (239) 369-8884.

The post More Electrical Saftey Tips For Homeowners appeared first on Laudan Electric Incorporated.

Incandescent bulbs are on their way out. As of January 1, 2013 the 75 watt light bulb is no longer allowed to be manufactured in, or imported to, the United States.

Retailers are allowed to sell through their existing inventories of 75 watt light bulbs, however. The 75 watt light bulb has now joined the 100 watt light bulb, which was phased out in 2012. 40 watt and 60 watt light bulbs are to be banned in 2014.

The ban of the traditional incandescent light bulb is due to legislation that was adopted by Congress and signed by former President George W. Bush in 2007 in an effort to promote energy efficiency in the United States. The reason? Wasted energy. “90 percent of the energy the bulb uses is wasted,” said Celia Kuperzmid-Lehrman of Consumer Reports. “What they replaced them with are much more energy-efficient bulbs.” Most screw-in bulbs must use at least 27 percent less energy by 2014.

So what are the options left for consumers?

The remaining options for consumers are Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Light-Emitting Diode bulbs (LEDs), which use considerably less energy. These options, however, have been met with some resistance.

In regards to CFLs, most people didn’t like them when they first arrived on the scene because they were not as bright as the incandescent bulb(s) they were replacing. Brightness is becoming less of an issue these days, as advancements in the CFL technologies has the blubs producing cleaner, brighter light.

The second reason for resistance, and maybe this should be the first, is the price difference. The new light bulbs are significantly more expensive than the old incandescent version, so you’ll have to shell out more cash up front. The advantages, however, will save the consumer money over time.

EFFICIENCY: CFLs are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs last up to 10 times as long as compact fluorescent bulbs, and far longer than typical incandescent bulbs.

COST-EFFECTIVE: Although initially more expensive, you save money in the long run because CFLs use 1/3 the electricity and last up to 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs. Although LEDs are initially expensive, the cost is recouped over time and in battery savings. LED bulb use was first adopted commercially, where maintenance and replacement costs are expensive. But the cost of new LED bulbs has gone down considerably in the last few years. and are continuing to go down.

For more information on CLFs and LEDs, including comparison charts, visit Eartheasy.com.