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Guidelines for an Electrical Emergency

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Natural disasters, adverse weather events and a whole host of other conditions can result in electrical emergencies. If your home is experiencing an outage or other potentially dangerous phenomenon, you should reach out to an emergency electrician right away! Even a simple power outage may be caused by something much more sinister, such as improperly connected wiring or isolated water exposure.

Don’t risk your safety and the safety of your home by attempting to address an electrical emergency on your own. Electrical wires require massive amounts of knowledge and skill to be worked on effectively and safely. A 24 hour electrician in Trumbull, CT can assist you with potential disasters that strike at even the most inconvenient of times!

In case of an outage

It’s never a good sign when your lights are out, but your neighbors seem to be consuming electricity just fine. If you are experiencing an isolated power outage, there’s a good chance that your wiring or an appliance in your home is to blame. Here are some simple steps to keep yourself safe while you wait for professional help to arrive:

  • Flip the breaker: The first thing that you should attempt to do is examine and turn off your power breaker. Flip all of the breaker switches to the off position while you are waiting for help. Even if your power is out, your wiring could still be hot.
  • Call the utility company: While you’re waiting for your emergency electrician in Trumbull, CT to arrive, it’s a good idea to call your utility company and let them know about the problem that you are experiencing. They may be able to provide you with additional insight.
  • Unplug sensitive devices: Major appliances, sensitive electronics and more should all be unplugged while you are waiting for help, and throughout the duration of your repair operation. This will protect them from damage caused by energy fluctuations.
  • Close the fridge: Now is not the time for a midnight snack! Keep your food cool and edible by keeping the fridge door closed. Spoilage can occur quickly during a power outage, and the best way to maintain your fridge’s temperature is to leave it alone.

Other electrical emergencies

More serious electrical emergencies, such as electrical fires, will require a call to 911 as well as a call to your local emergency electrician in Trumbull, CT. Never attempt to diffuse an electrical fire with water; use only baking soda or a chemical fire extinguisher.

If someone has come into contact with a live indoor electrical wire, they must be separated from the wire. Use something made of wood or other non-conducting substance to separate the victim from the wire, and move them to safety while you wait for assistance.

For more than a decade, New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. has been serving communities in and around Trumbull, CT. We are known for providing high-quality services at affordable rates. We are the premier 24 hour electricians in the region. If you are experiencing what you believe may be an electrical emergency, you should reach out to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members immediately. We can assist you with diagnosing the issue at hand, and then send a talented technician to address your problem.

How Big of a Generator Will I Need?

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Disaster can strike at any moment, and your power can go out without any warning whatsoever. Are you prepared for such as situation to arise? Unless you have a generator at your home, the answer is no! A generator can be a lifesaver when your power is out and you need the assistance of an emergency electrician in Trumbull, CT to get you back on the grid.

However, generators aren’t one-size-fits-all appliances. They come in a wide variety of sizes, and choosing the right one for your needs can be tricky if you’re not sure what to look for. This handy guide will help you determine the right generator for you and your budget:

  • Make a list: When your power goes out and you’re waiting for a 24 hour electrician in Trumbull, CT, which appliances do you think you’ll need or want to keep using? There are basically two schools of thought: you can choose to just power the essentials (lights, air conditioner, hot water, fridge, etc.), or you can power everything in your home and live as though nothing happened if the power goes out. If your power is usually out for a long period of time after a storm, it may be a good idea to consider adding more appliances to your list (like laptops and TVs). On the other hand, if your power is typically back on rather quickly, there’s no point in spending more for a larger generator.
  • Determine wattage: Regardless of how many or how few appliances you put on your list, your next step is to determine how much energy it takes to power each item. Do this by adding up the running and starting wattage for each appliance. For the layman, starting wattage is the amount of electricity it takes to turn the appliance on, and running wattage is the amount of electricity it takes to keep it running continuously. Starting wattage is typically two to three times higher than running wattage. We know that you probably don’t have this information off the top of your head. Luckily, you can find the wattage info for a lot of appliances online.
  • Add wattage together: Once you’ve added all of your necessary wattages together, you can hit the store to buy your new generator! For example, if you’ve decided to go with the essentials and you’ll need 10,500 kilowatts of energy, you probably only need a backup generator. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to power everything in your home, you’ll need a whole-home generator. While it’s better to have too much energy than not enough when you’re waiting for an emergency electrician in Trumbull, CT, larger generators cost quite a bit more than smaller ones.

Go out and buy a generator today so you can be prepared for any freak power outages this summer. If your power does go out, be sure to give New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. a call right away. We’ll send a 24 hour electrician in Trumbull, CT to your home as quickly as possible to get your power back up and running.

What Is the Purpose of a Generator?

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If you’ve ever been without electricity for an extended period of time, you may know how big of a disaster it can be. Waiting around for your power to come back on can make a few hours seem like a few days. This situation is only worsened when it’s freezing cold outside, and your heat can’t be turned on. However, prepared homeowners have never felt the pain of waiting for an emergency electrician in Trumbull, CT to get their power back up and running. Folks who are ready for any type of emergency own generators for situations just like this.

Before we start talking about the purpose of a generator, it’s probably a good idea to learn what a generator actually is. Propane generators use natural gas and an alternator to provide electricity when another power supply isn’t available. They come in all shapes and sizes and can run from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on how much power you need. Here are some of the ways in which a generator can be a good investment:

  • Emergencies: The most common use for a generator was mentioned above—they are extremely handy when the power goes out and you have to wait for electrical repair in Trumbull, CT. While you probably shouldn’t run all of your appliances on the propane generator, you can have the TV on during rainstorms to keep up to date on the weather situation. Your propane generator can also help keep the heaters on if it’s frigid outside and blankets aren’t keeping you warm enough. Generators are crucial for hospitals and other businesses that must always have a source of electricity. They can literally be lifesavers! These commercial generators also come in handy when there is a power outage somewhere in the grid due to construction or some other type of malfunction.
  • Work sites: Construction workers or anyone who’s ever done a DIY project know how much easier a job can be if you have the right tools. Nail guns and other power tools can expedite any construction process. Unfortunately, there isn’t always a power supply available on construction sites. When that’s the case, people use propane generators to power their tools and get the job done fast. Generators on work sites tend to be on the larger end of the spectrum, but there are also portable generators that you can buy to accomplish any task around your home.
  • Outdoor events: You don’t need to be a construction worker or in need of electrical repair in Trumbull, CT to use a generator. They’re great for outdoor events where you’ll be playing music or enjoying other activities that require electricity. Don’t try to power your event or tailgate with a car battery—buy a generator to get all the power you’ll need from propane fuel!

Don’t get caught unprepared the next time there’s a power outage and you have to wait for an emergency electrician in Trumbull, CT to get to your home. Buy a propane generator today to ensure that you’ll have an uninterrupted power supply. Contact the experts at New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. today to learn more!

Change Your Pool’s Lighting Fixture with Advice from an Expert Electrician in Trumbull, CT

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In-water pool lights are not a requirement for your backyard pool, but adding a few sure does make it look nice—and as a bonus, you can see better in the water when it’s dark out! Once you get used to having pool lights, you’ll find enjoyment in relaxing nighttime swimming sessions. Even sitting poolside with the pool lights on is a calming experience. But, like most electrical devices, your pool lights, lighting fixtures and hardware will eventually need replacing. How often depends on your pool’s water chemistry, and maybe even the climate you live in.

Here’s some helpful advice from an expert electrician in Trumbull, CT—basic steps to safely change your pool’s lights or lighting fixtures.

Cautions

Before diving into the process of changing a light, first get a replacement bulb and new hardware. To ensure the right replacement piece, take the burned-out bulb with you to get a new one to perfectly match the socket and protective cover. And since the combination of water and electricity can cause electrocution, pay close attention to the following safety steps. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire a professional electrician in Trumbull, CT:

  • Step 1: Switch off all electricity leading to the swimming pool area from the circuit breaker. You can use a circuit tester to ensure all power is off.
  • Step 2: Unscrew the screw holding the pool light housing unit to the pool’s side. Slide a flat screwdriver between the pool wall and light casing to free the light housing.
  • Step 3: Be gentle with the clamp screw and remove the gasket and lens. There will likely be six or more screws holding these pieces in place. Check for corrosion as you remove the screws and seek the right replacements.
  • Step 4: Wipe the inside of the casing of any splashed water; use a towel to pull the old bulb from the housing unit. Use a clean, dry towel or cloth to hold the replacement bulb to screw it into place.
  • Step 5: After the new light bulb is in and the gasket set up, change the pool lens. Get the screws back in to secure the lens in place. Now, check for air leaks by submerging the housing in the water. Bubbles mean the housing is not properly sealed.
  • Step 6: The pool light’s power cord needs to be rolled around the back of the lighting fixture, then put the housing back in place, fixing it to the side of the pool with the first screw you removed.
  • Step 7: Reestablish power from the circuit breaker to your swimming pool, check that all the replaced lights are working and get back to enjoying swim time!

If you have followed these steps to change your pool’s lights or lighting fixtures, or have run into trouble fixing any type of marine wiring in Trumbull, CT, contact the team at New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. We are happy to help with all your pool electrical needs!

An Emergency Electrician in Trumbull, CT Shares Basic Tips to Prepare for a Power Outage

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A power outage can occur for any number of reasons, and most happen without warning. Luckily, a seasoned emergency electrician in Trumbull, CT is happy to share some basic tips to help you better prepare for a power outage.

Before

Preparation is key, so put an emergency kit together and keep it where it’s easily accessible. In a bag, keep flashlights, a portable radio, batteries, an extra phone charger, a first aid kit and cash, and toss in your important medications at the first signs of a power outage in case you have to leave your home. Also, keep a stash of non-perishable foods and bottled water near your emergency kit, as well as know where your garage door’s manual release is located and how to operate it.

During

Any residential electrician in Trumbull, CT will tell you to not use candles to avoid starting a fire—always use flashlights. During a power outage, turn off electronics that were on, with the exception of one light so you know when the power comes back on. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors shut to preserve food as long as possible, but eat cold, perishable food first before going for non-perishable items. You should know how to use a home generator properly and safely, if you have one. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never turn it on inside your home, garage or any other enclosed area.

After

Generator on TruckBe wary of downed power lines. Contact your utility company and remain inside your home or another building until it’s safe to exit. Also, throw out any spoiled food in your refrigerator.

What’s it like to take advantage of emergency electrical services from the skilled team at New England Electrical Contracting, Inc.? To give you some idea, we’d like to take a minute to share a recent success story.

One of our most recent success stories is the rescue of the VCA Shelton Animal Hospital. This animal hospital is a medical facility that provides a range of specialty medical services exclusively to dogs and cats, including critical care and emergency services. Needless to say, constant power to the building is crucial to successfully tend to all their patients’ needs.

One day there was a building emergency. The building’s transformer had gone down, leaving a number of cat and dog patients vulnerable. Heavy equipment and essential machines within the building were no longer powered on, and the situation was not looking good for the admitted animals. Our team at New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. was contacted and we were on the job in the matter of minutes! A temporary generator was delivered quickly, and within just a couple hours, the VCA Shelton Animal Hospital was back up and running.

We want you to have peace of mind with properly functioning electricity in your home, business or office building. When you rely on us for your electrical needs, you can rest assured we will do whatever it takes to make sure your electricity is running up to standards. Don’t hesitate to contact us for help from a professional residential or commercial electrician in Trumbull, CT anytime!