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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

Be 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!

Avoid Commonly Broken Codes During Electrical Repair in Trumbull, CT by Consulting a Residential Electrician

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The National Electrical Code (NEC) serves as the guide for electrical design, wiring, installation and equipment for a residential electrician in Trumbull, CT and the rest of the country. Electric work by design is not an easy job, and there are often a few common codes that are broken when homeowners take on DIY electrical repair projects.

Always provide easy access to control panel

Anything can happen with your electricity at any time, which means that your control panel or breaker box needs to be unobstructed at all times. With control panels that are located in the basement, it is very easy to begin to use the area around it as storage, and over time a lot of things will get piled up in front of the panel area, blocking access. Whether you need to reset a circuit or a professional is in your home doing electrical repair, you will eventually need access to this area. Because of this, the NEC has specified that there needs to be a space surrounding your panel that is at least 30” wide, 3’ deep and 6’ 8” high.

Make sure the demands and wiring match

It is also a necessity for you to have enough outlet receptacles in your home. The amount of technology and electronic devices that we have at our disposal now is far more than what was used at the turn of the century, when many of the homes we live in today were built. Making sure that you have enough outlets to handle the energy demands for your home is needed to prevent dangerous overloading of circuits that could start a fire. Similarly, using wiring for lighting that has a higher rating than what your home has the capabilities for can cause your system to run hot, posing a dangerous fire risk. Making sure your home can handle all of your electricity needs will also reduce the need to rely on extension cords, making your home much safer overall for everyone.

Use correct covers on outdoor outlets

Electrical outlets that are outside have guidelines for safety, too, and it is especially important to adhere to them, as electricity that is outside is exposed to a different set of conditions. Since outside outlets will constantly be exposed to wet conditions, it is imperative to have an in-use cover, commonly referred to as a bubble cover, that allows you to fully cover the outlet when a cord is plugged in. This ensures that cords that are plugged in for extended periods of time, such as those that power Christmas lights or all-day landscaping projects, will always be protected and won’t be exposed to water, mitigating the risks that come along with wet weather and electricity.

To make sure that all of your electrical repairs are in compliance with all of the NEC guidelines, consult with a residential electrician in Trumbull, CT. The electricians at New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. are both skilled and knowledgeable, and have experience with these common issues and much more. Give us a call for all of your residential and commercial electrical needs today.

Why Low Voltage Lighting Is Often Used for Landscape Lighting in Trumbull, CT

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Making the inside and outside of your home look as beautiful as possible is a goal that all homeowners have, and one of the best ways to stage a great external aesthetic is with landscape lighting installation in Trumbull, CT. There are many different options that are available, but when you examine the benefits of low-voltage lighting, it is easy to see why it so commonly used with residential landscape lighting.

Safety

Through the use of a step-down transformer, the 120v electric supply from your home can be safely converted to 12v for outdoor use, making low voltage lighting one of the safest outdoor lighting options for available for your landscaping. Additionally, since the current traveling through the wires is comparatively lower, this type of lighting can be operated outside without worrying about some of the risks that result when water and high voltage electricity mix, such as electric shock or electrocution. Installation will be much easier and safer for an electrician, and the area will also be safe if a family pet goes digging in areas where the cabling is located.

Customization

Low voltage lighting is very flexible, and the design options that you will be able to choose from are endless. Because smaller fixtures can be used safely with low voltage lighting, you will also have the option of adding landscape lighting in Trumbull, CT in the tight, hard to reach spaces of your yard, allowing you to create a cohesive look in all areas of your property. With the plethora of options you will have for low voltage bulbs, fixtures, covers and lenses, you will also have greater control over the beam size and the type of light that is being cast, allowing you to nail down the specific look you are trying to accomplish with your landscape lighting.

Convenience

With installation being so easy and accessible, rearranging your displays can be just as easy as well. If you find that you want to make simple adjustments to the way your landscape lighting is laid out, this can easily be done at any time. You can also opt to switch up the fixtures for special occasions, such as barbecues or backyard birthday parties. Low voltage lighting is also very efficient, and the bulbs tend to last longer than the incandescent lamps that are used with 120v systems, making low voltage lighting an affordable option as well.

Low voltage lighting is a great choice if you are looking to customize your landscaping and present an elegant appearance at affordable prices. It is also safe, convenient and can easily be installed by a licensed electrician. If you are interested in increasing the appeal of your home and want to learn more about landscape lighting installation in Trumbull, CT, contact the experts at New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. With a comprehensive range of electrical services including installation, repair and surge protection, we can take care of your home both inside and out. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation!