Business owners, you understand the importance of scheduled routine maintenance. From managing your property’s appearance to restocking essential supplies, you know that staying on top of these tasks is important so that everything keeps running smoothly. If you’ve already made the wise decision to invest in a reliable Generac generator to keep your business property powered up in the case of electrical outages, there are a few key maintenance aspects you should be aware of to safeguard your investment.
Maintenance How To
You’ve already had our pros at NEEC install and test everything, so you’re good to go, right? With the installation complete and successful testing, you can rest assured knowing that you have a reliable backup power source in case of emergencies. But what comes next? It’s time to prioritize the protection of your valuable investment through a comprehensive maintenance plan.
Inspect Your Generator
So, how often should you inspect your standby generator as a responsible business owner? It’s wise to perform a visual check monthly, address any immediate maintenance needs, conduct semi-annual inspections, and, at the very least, carry out a detailed annual inspection. While a quick visual check might seem self-explanatory and take just a couple of minutes, more comprehensive inspections are crucial to identify potential issues before they escalate.
Service Plans Keep Things Running Smoothly
Generators require regular maintenance for lube oil, battery fluid, coolant, and filters. Fortunately, with our service plans, ensuring the health of your Generac generator on your commercial property is a breeze. Take a moment to explore our two levels of service catered specifically to generators at your business location. We simplify the process by offering bi-annual or annual service contracts, removing any guesswork about your whole-home generator’s condition.
NEEC: Safeguarding Your Business and Property
A well-maintained standby generator will maximize the return on your investment.
At New England Electrical, we understand the challenges faced by busy business owners. Our maintenance plans have a proven track record of providing peace of mind, allowing you to confidently rely on your standby generator. Reach out to us via phone or through our website to schedule a free inspection and discover more about our tailored maintenance plans designed to meet the unique needs of commercial businesses like yours.
Having an electrical inspection might not seem like a big deal but it ensures the safety of your family and property. Electrical wiring undergoes wear and tear and does not last forever. Inspections ensure that they are in good shape before they become harmful. Additionally, electrical surges are common and not only may they destroy your appliances but they are also a huge cause of fire damage. Many states require homeowners to maintain a certain level of electrical standards on their own. Making sure you avoid any liability or legal trouble. Here are a few tips to make sure you pass your next electrical inspection:
Check Your Wiring
Make sure wires aren’t jumbled or overcrowded. Update any outdated wiring attached to new fixtures. Check that light switches work and are using the right wattage for the light bulb. Electrical boxes should be securely fastened and flush with the wall and large enough to fit all the wire conductors inside. Electrical panels and wiring should be free of damage, discoloring, or unusual smells. Check for signs of corrosion or water damage. Circuit breakers should also be properly labeled. They should be properly connected to the correct circuits and outlets in the home. Above all, fuses should work properly.
Proper Circuits
Make sure your home has the appropriate number of circuits for their electrical demand. Electrical appliances should have proper air circulation, be away from water, and dust free. Major appliances should be connected to their own circuits and not share an outlet. This is especially important in the kitchen where there are many electrical appliances in one room. Ovens should be cleaned at least every six months and kept free of combustibles.
GFCI & AFCI Circuit Protection
Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) help reduce residential electrocutions by trapping electricity before they become harmful. Arc faults are a common cause of home fires so it’s important to protect these circuits as well. Make sure all kitchen and bathroom outlets have GFCIs and AFCIs. They should be tested monthly to ensure they work.
Keep Your Outlets Safe
Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) can protect children from potentially dangerous situations. Toddlers can easily remove plastic outlet caps and TRRs can provide further protection. Outlets that are loose, buzzing, discolored, warm to the touch, or not working need to be replaced. Extension cords should also be kept to a minimum and only as a temporary measure. They should not be used for powerful appliances such as heaters or air conditioners. When in use, extension cords should be free from cracks or frays. They should also not be hot to the touch in use.
Avoid the urge to DIY. Incorrectly fixing or installing electrical hardware is dangerous and can cause many more problems in your home. Have a question? The professionals at New England Electrical are here to guide you in all your electrical needs.
Cold temperatures tend to increase electrical usage. As a result, winters can be more dangerous when it comes to electrical hazards. Here’s how to keep you and your family safe this winter.
Conduct a Safety Inspection
Winter time is the perfect time to conduct an electrical safety inspection. Are the fuse boxes or electrical panels out to date? If your home is older, check to see if they need to be replaced. While they may not seem worn out, electrical panels need to be replaced about every 20-30 years. Ice, snow, and dangerous tree branches can interfere with the power supply so make sure outside lighting is kept clear. Make sure you’re prepared for power outages by knowing where to find the fuse box and keeping flashlights handy. Perform preventative maintenance on furnaces so avoid the use of portable heaters that can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Consider also how to properly store summer appliances, change out bad outlets, check for broken cords or overloaded outlets, and the placement of certain appliances.
Bad Outlets & Broken Cords
Loose, discolored, or smoking outlets are a sign that they’ve gone bad. Bad outlets can pose a fire risk. Electrical cords that are frayed or poorly insulated can also be hazardous as they can cause electrocution, fires, or other injuries. Check string lights and plug-in decorations before use. Sometimes pests or improper storage can destroy lighting that has been stored away for most of the year.
Proper Placement of Electrical Appliances
If you must use space heaters, they should be dust-free because dusty heaters can cause a fire. It’s also best practice to place these portable heaters in open spaces to prevent overheating. Firefighters also recommend placing them on tiles or hardwood floors as opposed to carpets. Light bulbs should also be kept away from plastics, upholstery, curtains, bedding, and other flammable materials. It’s best practice to never leave any electrical appliances unattended when plugged in. When replacing light bulbs, make sure to turn off the light and unplug the appliance. Make sure to use the right wattage to avoid overheating that could lead to a fire. Electric blankets should be checked for damage and turned off when not in use to avoid accidental damage.
Overloading Outlets
With more electrical appliances in use during the winter it’s important to make sure that outlets are not being overloaded. Too many electrical appliances plugged into a circuit can trip breakers which could cause power loss. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, overloading electrical outlets can start a fire. It’s best practice to plug in appliances directly into the wall socket and avoid using extension cords. If you find yourself running out of outlets or tripping breakers often, it’s time for an upgrade. Make sure to ask the electrician conducting the upgrade to install surge protectors, as these can help avoid damage during power spikes.
Generator Safety
Make sure generators run in a well-ventilated space outside your home. Do not connect a standby generator to the home electrical system. When using a portable generator, only plug appliances directly into the generator’s outlet. Lastly, generators should be started before plugging in appliances.
For professional inspections, outlet replacements, and electrical upgrades, contact New England Electrical today. We’re here to keep your family happy and safe year-round!
A circuit breaker tripping means that it has detected a faulty condition and automatically shuts off to prevent the wiring from overheating and potentially catching on fire. While this is a great safety measure, it can still be frustrating to have your electric circuits shut off. Let’s take a look at a few common causes.
When the Main Circuit Breaker Trips
The main circuit breaker is what controls power to the entire building. Just like other breakers, the main breaker can trip as well. Although rare, the main breaker can trip due to an issue in a specific circuit. Most likely issues involve lightning strikes, power grid surges, or a system overload.
Overloaded Circuits
Overloaded circuits are the most common cause of circuit breaker tripping. Every circuit can only carry a certain electrical load. A breaker exceeding its max load will cause the breaker to trip.
Powering too many things at the same time or using appliances that require too much power will cause an overload on the system. As a result, overloaded circuits are easy to diagnose when they happen.
Generally, a loss of power as soon as you turn on lights or plug in an appliance is an indicator of an overloaded system. The best thing to do to solve this issue is to unplug a few things and flip the circuit breaker back on. A breaker tripping immediately after this is done is an indication of a more serious problem.
Ground Fault Surges
A ground fault surge occurs when the flow of electricity gets redirected to the floor, such as when a hot wire contacts a grounding wire.
Poorly insulated or damaged wiring along with water inside an outlet can cause a ground fault surge. This kind of fault can be dangerous since someone standing on the ground where the electricity is directed is at a high risk of shock.
Ground fault surges can be identified by a burning smell and discoloration around the outlet. Don’t hesitate to contact a local electrician if you suspect a ground fault to be the reason why your circuit breaker trips.
Short Circuits
Short circuits are less dangerous than grown fault surges but still a bigger issue than just an overloaded circuit. However, they are alike in that they both involve electricity being misdirected.
A hot wire contacting either a neutral wire or any type of metal creates excess heat that will trip the circuit breaker to prevent a possible fire. Symptoms of short circuits include melted coverings on appliance wires, a burning smell coming from the outlet, or discoloration around the outlet.
Your Electrical Expert
Are you experiencing issues with your circuit breakers? New England Electrical can help you find out why. Our knowledgeable experts can diagnose and fix the electrical problems you might be experiencing.
We at New England Electrical are also highly trained in rewiring, lighting, and whole home generators.
Wintertime in the Northeast can be a trying time for homeowners who are unaware of the various home electrical system maintenance items they need to follow. Keeping up with these tasks can ensure your home is safe and functioning properly throughout the season.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your home’s electrical systems during the winter:
Check all of your circuit breakers and GFCI outlets for tripped breakers or other problems. Checking them regularly will help identify any potential issues before they become big, potentially dangerous, problems.
Inspect all wiring connected to exterior outlets and make sure that it is free from cracks or fraying. Exterior outlets are exposed to the elements and must be maintained appropriately to avoid potential hazards.
Regularly inspect all extension cords, power strips, and surge protectors for any signs of damage such as exposed wiring or loose connections. This should be done both inside and outside your home as these types of accessories tend to deteriorate over time due to being used in wet weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
Make sure that all outdoor lighting fixtures remain securely fastened they do so they don’t fall off due to snow or rain build-up on their mounts or socket boxes. Additionally, check that no water has gotten into their sockets causing corrosion buildup and higher resistance between connections
Finally, if you have any carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home make sure that their batteries are changed regularly during the winter months as non-functional detectors are one of the more common causes of fires in homes improperly heated by wood-burning stoves or gas-heating appliances.
By following these basic safety tips, you can ensure an easier winter season by avoiding potentially hazardous situations caused by poor maintenance of your home’s electrical systems. It may take an extra hour each month but this small investment of time could save you thousands in unnecessary repairs down the line – not to mention possibly saving lives!
We’re happy to evaluate your electrical needs and offer a custom consultation for improving your electrical system, safeguarding your home and belongings, and even installing generator power backup for the peace of mind your family deserves. Get in touch with New England Electrical Contracting today.
