Category: Electrical Installation

Defining Electrical Outlets: AFCI vs. GFCI vs. Childproof 

Electrical outlets aren’t usually something that is thought about during the day. They probably aren’t thought about unless the electrician is paying a visit to the home or if you’re buying a new large appliance that requires a special outlet. In either of these one-off situations, an introduction to the types of outlets in the home might be necessary. Knowing which types of electrical outlet installations are in your home will increase energy efficiency and safety. 

This article will break down the three main types of electrical outlets in a home: AFCI, GFCI, and childproof.

AFCI Outlets

An AFCI outlet is designed to detect when electricity leaks (arcing) from the electrical system. Electrical arcs occur when the walls have damaged cords or faulty wiring. The gaps in the wiring can cause the electricity to jump or arc and potentially catch fire on its surroundings. AFCI outlets can quickly detect arcing and instantly shut off the electricity before anything catastrophic happens.

These outlets can also detect parallel arcing in the wires, which is when the current may leap between a hot and neutral wire. Wire insulation is also capable of stripping if they come into contact with a screw from a power drill. If this happens, AFCI outlets are necessary to prevent a potential fire. AFCI outlets are a necessary part of a home and are installed during all new construction, but can also be installed during a home renovation. 

GFCI Outlets

GFCI outlets measure the electrical outlet installation’s current flowing in and out. A normal current is balanced, but any indication that the current is out of balance means something is wrong. GFCI outlets can quickly shut off the electricity if an imbalance in the circuit flow is detected, thus preventing damage from occurring. These outlets significantly reduce the risk of electric shock. They are used in areas where electrical appliances could be exposed to high moisture levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages. 

Childproof Outlets

Finally, there is the childproof outlet. These outlets, also known as tamper-resistant, are designed with built-in safety mechanisms to prevent children from inserting foreign objects into the slots. Childproof outlets have spring-loaded cover plates that close off the openings of the slots and reduce the risk of shock caused by accidental contact with a foreign object. 

Every year, roughly seven children a day suffer from shock or burn when items are placed into electrical outlets. Installing tamper-resistant outlets prevents this from happening and is highly recommended as the primary electrical outlet installation in homes with small children. Contact a professional electrician today for a consultation to see which outlets are best for your home.

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric is the trusted electric repair company serving the Rhinelander area. With a highly experienced and tenured staff, they are dedicated to bringing exemplary results with on-time services to every one of their customers and straightforward pricing. Call In Control Technology today to talk about updating your electrical system in Rhinelander, WI!

Signs It’s Time for a New Electrical Panel 

The job of an electrical panel is to safely distribute power to the circuitry around the home. While electrical panels are expected to last for decades, they should not be neglected to avoid electrical hazards. Here is a brief guide to help homeowners know when they need an electrical panel replacement or upgrade. 

There’s a Fuse Box 

Every new home built for nearly the last 60 years has had an electrical panel installed. Before electrical panels became standard, fuse boxes were common. So, if a home still has a fuse box, the electrical system is out of date, and a new electrical panel should be installed to replace it.

Both circuit breakers in an electrical panel and fuses in a fuse box protect the home from fires by interrupting the flow of current when demand gets too high. However, circuit breakers are superior to fuses because circuit breakers can be reset after they stop an overload. Fuses, on the other hand, have to be replaced manually. 

Old Age or Signs of Corrosion 

Electrical panels that are too old or rusted and corroded should be replaced to prevent electrical hazards such as fires and to ensure the safe and efficient distribution of power throughout the home. The average life expectancy of an electrical panel is around 25 to 40 years, so when it’s in that range, an electrician should be called to inspect it and determine if a replacement is needed. 

Another important thing to pay attention to is the presence of rust and corrosion. Corrosion can occur on the outer surface of the panel itself, or it can occur inside the panel. If the electrical panel is rusted or corroded, an electrician should also be called to determine if a new panel is needed.  

Breakers That Trip Frequently 

Another sign that an electrical panel should be replaced or upgraded is circuit breakers that trip frequently. Circuit breakers may frequently trip due to loose connections caused by corrosion and wear and tear as the panel ages, the electrical panel being insufficient for the home’s electrical needs, or for another reason.

So, if homeowners find themselves constantly having to reset tripped breakers, it’s a sign that an electrician should be called immediately to inspect the system and determine the best solution to keep the electrical system safe, whether it’s to replace the electrical panel or another solution. 

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has more than 30 years of experience serving the Rhinelander area. They offer upfront, flat-rate pricing, clean and professional service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for electrical panel replacement and repair services in Rhinelander, WI.

Electrical Upgrades That Are Beneficial in the Summer

Summer is an exciting time of year for many. People may be looking for ways to improve their homes this summer, whether they are looking for ways to make their summer more fun and enjoyable, more comfortable and efficient, or prevent electrical issues. This post will share some ideas for things that electricians can do to benefit homes this summer and beyond.

Ceiling Fan Installation

Ceiling fans are the undersung heroes of creating a comfortable and efficient living environment. They can make the home feel cooler and more comfortable in the summer when used along with air conditioning, allowing people to turn up their thermostats several degrees to reduce energy usage and save on cooling costs.

However, ceiling fans can be beneficial beyond the summer because they can be used along with a heater in addition to air conditioning simply by changing which direction the fan spins. Ceiling fans should turn in the counterclockwise direction in the summer and clockwise at a low speed in the winter. Using this tip and adjusting the thermostat accordingly will help the system not have to work as hard, lowering energy costs, so ceiling fan installations can be a beneficial electrical upgrade. 

Whole House Surge Protector Installation

Summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year, but summer is also a time when power surges are more common. Power surges are more common in the summer due to the increase in lightning, which can be a cause of power surges along with the increased demand for electricity from appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators.

Power surges can wreak havoc on electronics and appliances in the home, causing damage to fragile parts of the devices that could mean expensive repairs or the need to replace them. The best way to avoid the unfortunate long-term damage and other hazards that can occur from a power surge is to install a whole-home surge protector. They will divert excess voltage away from the appliances or devices as soon as it hits, drastically lowering the chance of any damage to them and helping avoid replacing costly electronics and appliances.  

Pool and Hot Tub

Who hasn’t dreamed of adding a pool or a hot tub to their yard since they were a child? Summer is the perfect time to enjoy having a pool and hot tub at home and live out that childhood dream while investing in the value of the home and property. A pool or hot tub can enhance the home’s value and provide endless summer fun. 

However, it’s essential to have pool and hot tub wiring installed, repaired, and inspected by professionals to keep the entire family safe this summer. Installing lighting around pools and hot tubs is also important to keep people safe and prevent accidents, like people tripping or falling in the pool.

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has a staff with more than 30 years of experience serving the Rhinelander area. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time services, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for electrical services in Rhinelander, WI. 

Avoid Electrical Hazards and Practice Electrical Safety!

Electricity is one of the most dangerous things people encounter on a daily basis. It is incredibly convenient and such a huge part of people’s everyday lives, so they often forget the hazardous nature of it when electrical safety isn’t practiced. In order to maintain a safe relationship with electricity, people should follow a few simple rules or habits that will help keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Here are a few electrical safety tips in honor of National Electrical Safety Month. 

Don’t Overload Circuits and Outlets

One of the most common electrical hazards is an overloaded circuit. Homeowners tend to want to plug in as many things as possible, but they end up with an overloaded outlet and circuit. Some of the major hazards of overloaded circuits are electric shock, damaged appliances and electronics, and fire hazards, so it’s crucial to avoid them. 

In order to prevent overloaded circuits, it’s important to avoid plugging in too many items into a single outlet or circuit. Follow the one outlet, one appliance rule. Additionally, be mindful of the wattage of appliances, as high-wattage items can overload circuits more easily. Regularly inspect the outlets and circuits for signs of overloading, such as flickering lights, tripped circuit breakers, or a burning smell. If these indicators are noticed, unplug some appliances and call an electrician to assess the situation. By following these tips, homeowners can help prevent electrical hazards and maintain a safe home environment.

Install Tamper Resistant Outlets

Also called childproof outlets, tamper-resistant outlets are beneficial at helping prevent accidental electric shock. They provide a shutter over the outlet openings that can only be removed by equal pressure on both sides of the outlet, made possible with the two prongs of a plug. 

They prevent children, or anyone, from harming themselves by putting an object inside and getting an electrical shock. Homeowners may think that childproofing outlets only require plastic outlet caps, but these outlet covers can be removed and become a choking hazard for young children.

Don’t DIY, Call an Electrician

Because electricity is dangerous and often complex to work with, homeowners should not do their own electrical work and instead call an electrician after noticing signs of an electrical problem. Some common signs of electrical problems indicating they should call an electrician right away include:

• Burning smell
• Buzzing noise
• Electric shocks
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Hot-to-the-touch ceiling fixtures or outlets
• Circuit breaker trips frequently
• Outlets don’t work, are loose, or spark

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has more than 30 years of experience serving the Rhinelander area. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time arrival, and trusted technicians. Call them for electrical repair and installation services in Rhinelander, WI. 

Reasons to Install a Whole-House Generator 

When an unreliable power grid or a power outage causes a home to lose power, the consequences can range from inconvenient to dangerous. However, the worst part of a power outage may be not knowing when things will return to normal and the home will regain power. 

That’s why installing a standby generator at home can be so beneficial. With a good whole-home generator, homeowners won’t have to worry about the uncertainty when the power fails. Here is some information about installing standby generators, including how they work, when they are needed, and their advantages. 

How Does a Standby Generator Work?

A standby generator that is professionally installed includes all of the necessary components to supply power to a home safely and automatically. Automatic switches turn the generator on as soon as an interruption in power service is sensed, often within seconds of the outage. 

The generator will continue to run until it senses the power is restored. At this point, it will automatically reconnect the home to the grid and power down, so unlike a portable generator, it doesn’t need to be turned on or off manually. Additionally, whole-house generators can often run for days or weeks without refueling, so homeowners don’t have to worry about how long the power outage will last. 

When Are Generators Necessary?

Generators are necessary and turn on automatically after a power outage, which can be caused by many factors, such as extreme weather like storms, lightning, and heat, high power demand, and unpredictable power grid problems that can occur when things like vehicles or trees come into contact with utility poles and power lines.  

So, in order to keep the home running as normal, many homeowners turn to generators to get them through a period without power. When wild weather or unexpected factors disrupt power or unseasonable heat or cold causes massive demands on the power grid, municipal systems can fail. When that happens, homes with a generator installed will not suffer. 

Benefits of Installing a Standby Generator 

Standby generators offer numerous benefits to homeowners during power outages. Here are some key advantages of having a whole home generator installed:

• Provides a reliable source of power during power outages.
• Keeps crucial medical equipment like CPAP machines running, ensuring the well-being of individuals who rely on these devices.
• Maintains the operation of essential home appliances such as heating and cooling systems, ensuring the comfort and safety of occupants during extreme weather conditions.
• Supplies power to refrigerators and freezers, preventing food from spoiling and preventing the cost of replacing spoiled food.
• Reduces the risk of accidents and injuries that may occur due to a lack of lighting or power during an outage.
• Seamlessly switches on and off automatically, providing uninterrupted power without the need for manual operation.
• Enhances the property’s resale value by providing an additional layer of protection and convenience.

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has over 30 years of experience serving the Rhinelander area. They offer flat-rate pricing, clean and professional service, and an on-time guarantee. Call them for whole-house generator services in Rhinelander, WI. 

Benefits of Transitioning to LED Lights at Home

LED lighting isn’t a new technology. It has been around since the 1960s and became popular in the late 2000s, but its popularity continues to increase, and it is easy to see why. LED lighting is highly energy efficient and beneficial compared to other types of lighting, so homeowners should consider an LED lighting retrofit and installation at home. 

How Does LED Retrofitting Work?

Retrofitting a home to accommodate LED lighting technology simply means something new is being added to it that it did not previously have. In the case of LED lights, older buildings that didn’t have the benefit of LED lighting installation when they were completed are able to convert their old technology to adapt to LED lights and enjoy its benefits.

This often means converting existing lighting fixtures, which may have had old CFL, incandescent, or fluorescent light bulbs, to accommodate LED lights. This may include replacing the old light bulbs with compatible LED light bulb options or replacing the fixture to be compatible with more LED bulbs. Homeowners should call an electrician to ensure the LED retrofit is done safely and to make sure they get all the benefits of switching to LED lights.

Why Switch to LED Lights?

Switching from other types of lighting to LED lights has many benefits. LED lights are currently the most energy-efficient lighting technology, using up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs while lasting up to 25 times longer. This will save homeowners money on energy bills and light bulb replacements. 

These benefits can be further improved when installing an LED dimmer, which gives households greater control over their lighting while allowing for reduced energy use and lengthening the lifespan of an LED light bulb. LED lights are also great for both indoor and outdoor use and come in various types and colors. 

A Few Important Considerations

Upgrading to LED lighting is advantageous, but before retrofitting their homes with LED lighting, there are a few things homeowners should know. For one, not all LEDs are compatible with standard lighting fixtures. Most LED bulbs are compatible and can be used with existing fixtures, but the options will be more limited. Replacing the fixtures instead of just the bulb allows for more options. Another thing to keep in mind is that LED dimming hardware is often incompatible with traditional lighting fixtures. So, homeowners may need to have LED dimmers installed to work with the new LED lights. 

Consulting a professional electrician before retrofitting the home’s light fixtures for LED lights is crucial for several reasons. An experienced electrician can assess whether the existing fixtures are compatible with LED technology, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the upgrade. They can also identify potential electrical issues that could arise from such a change, such as incompatible dimmer switches or outdated wiring that may not support the lower voltage of LED bulbs.

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has over 30 years of experience serving Rhinelander and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, knowledgeable and friendly contractors, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for LED lighting installation and retrofit services in Rhinelander, WI. 

These Signs Mean It’s Time for Electrical Outlet Replacement

Electrical outlets play a huge part in a home, whether charging devices, running appliances, or simply having a light plugged into them. Unfortunately, it’s common for problems with outlets to go ignored or unnoticed. Not only can this be dangerous, but it can also lead to costly repairs in the future. Luckily, there are some telltale signs that electrical outlets need replacing. Read on to learn signs outlet replacement is needed. 

Outlet Faceplate Has Damage

A good rule of thumb is to view the faceplate over an outlet as an indicator of the outlet’s overall health. A faceplate that’s cracked, melted, scorched, or otherwise damaged is a sign of underlying issues, and the outlet will likely need replacement. Additionally, an electrician should inspect the electrical system when they are there to replace the outlet to ensure no other electrical issues are occurring. 

If the outlet has burn or scorch marks or looks melted, this should be especially worrying since it means there’s likely an overload or even arcing in the outlet. When this happens, it’s a fire hazard, and a professional should replace the outlet as soon as possible to avoid possible injury or accident. 

Loose Plugs or Outlet Malfunctions

When plugs are loose or fall out of an outlet, this is another sign that the outlet needs to be replaced. Often, this can be due to the contact points in an outlet wearing out with age, and the best solution is to replace the entire outlet with a new one. An electrician can check if this is the issue or if there is another underlying issue that needs addressing. 

Similarly, outlet malfunctions are another sign that a new outlet is needed. If one or both of the plugs in an outlet fail to deliver power, it’s a bad sign. If an outlet only works occasionally, it’s also a sign that something is wrong. Ignoring these signs is never a good idea, especially when dealing with electricity.  

The Outlet Sparks or Is Hot

A hot, sparking, or odd-smelling outlet is another red flag that should never be ignored. It signifies potential electrical hazards that could result in severe consequences like fire and is a sign to replace the outlet. When an outlet feels hot to the touch, it often indicates an excessive demand on the electrical system or wiring issues, which could lead to overheating. 

Sparks can result from short-circuiting due to damaged or aging wiring, presenting immediate fire risks. Additionally, a burning smell or smoke also signals that something within the outlet may be burning, which is a precursor to an electrical fire. Therefore, outlets with these symptoms should be inspected and replaced immediately by an electrician to ensure the electrical system’s safety.

About ICT Electric

The professionals at ICT Electric proudly serve Rhinelander, WI, and the surrounding areas with more than 30 years of experience in the electrical industry. They provide flat-rate pricing, clean and professional service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical outlet replacement and repair in Rhinelander, WI.  

Ring in the New Year With Beneficial Home Electrical Upgrades

With the near year underway, many homeowners are excited to tackle those home improvement projects they couldn’t fit into last year’s budget. And when it comes to improving the home, there’s no better place to start than the electrical system. After all, many electrical upgrades can help homeowners save money on their annual energy costs, giving them a greater return on investment. 

But electrical upgrades can also help enhance comfort, save money, and make life more convenient. So here are three electrical system upgrades and improvements every homeowner should consider this year that can offer advantages to a household. 

Put in Ceiling Fans

Although it may not seem like it could make much of a difference, adding ceiling fans throughout the home can be great for comfort and energy efficiency. In the summertime, a ceiling fan can help provide a broad, cooling breeze to an entire room. That cooling effect can also help the home’s AC system, allowing homeowners to raise the thermostat a few degrees to save money and energy without sacrificing comfort. 

The same principle applies in the winter months. When the direction of the fan blades is reversed clockwise, the fan pushes air up toward the ceiling, which forces warm air that has risen back down along the walls. This can help keep the home feeling warmer and allow homeowners to change the temperature to save energy and money. Since the HVAC system consumes a lot of energy while ceiling fans only consume very little, this can be a powerful way to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Make the Indoor Lighting More Energy-Efficient

Another way to improve energy efficiency is to upgrade the indoor lighting with LED lights and dimmer switches. LED light bulbs can use nearly 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs – and last around 25 times longer. So, simply switching to LED bulbs can greatly impact energy consumption and save money.

However, homeowners may want to use the opportunity to install LED light fixtures. Since they’re specifically designed to use LED bulbs, these fixtures help the bulbs last even longer. And many LED bulbs aren’t always perfectly compatible with older light fixtures and circuits. While still perfectly safe to use, this can shorten the bulb’s lifespan and lead to annoying buzzing noises.

Installing new dimmer switches can further improve efficiency by allowing homeowners to reduce the light output of their fixtures (which in turn reduces the electricity used). Having greater control over the light level can also help homeowners wind down around bedtime or set the mood for movie nights, romantic dinners, or parties.

Install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

For those who own electric vehicles, installing an EV charging station at home is a great upgrade to make this year. Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging stations aren’t always easy to find, and people often have to go out of their way to use one. With a charging station in their garage, homeowners can be confident they’re ready for the day’s commute or errands.

Not only is a home electric vehicle charging station more convenient, but it can also be more cost-effective. Public charging stations tend to have a fairly high cost of use relative to at-home charging stations, especially considering that homeowners can charge their vehicles during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. 

So, while many homeowners may be put off by the initial cost of EV charging station installation, it’s an investment that is convenient and can save them money in the long run. Additionally, they can raise the value of a home when installed. 

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has more than 30 years of experience serving Rhinelander, WI, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, trustworthy technicians, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical services in Rhinelander, WI.