by Dan Namerow | Jan 13, 2019 | Uncategorized
Space heaters can be a huge help during chillier days, but they can also be a huge safety hazard. From starting home fires to overloading circuits, space heaters can be a danger to you, your loved ones and your home. But knowledge is power, and the electrical experts at Farryn Electric are sharing our space heater knowledge with you, so they can heat your home, rather than hurt it.
We Didn’t Start the Fire, But They May
Space heaters pose both a shock and fire hazard—that is why it is crucial to check the unit regularly. Some things you should be checking for are frayed wires and accumulation of dust on the unit’s coils, grates or grill. Just as other appliances in your home have life spans, so does your space heater. If yours is an old model, upgrading to a newer model will provide you with an appliance that should have new and improved safety features. To help decrease the chances of being electrically shocked by your space heater, do not use one in a room where moisture builds up, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
It’s Easy to Feel the Burn…and Not in a Good Way
Many times, some areas of a space heater can become dangerously hot to the touch. When this happens, they pose a threat to children, pets and adults. For kids and your furry friends, a hot to the touch space heater means they are extremely vulnerable to getting burned; for adults, burns can occur by accidentally brushing against the hot surface. Another hazard that occurs in this situation is that clothes can catch on fire. To keep everyone and everything in your home safe, don’t leave pets or young kids alone with a space heater and opt for a unit that’s equipped with a protective guard around its heating element.
They Become a Burden When They Overload Circuits
Because space heaters use a lot of electricity, they can easily overload your circuits, which can result in a power failure or fire. To decrease your chances of overloading your circuits make sure you have dedicated circuits installed, just as you would a washer or gas dryer. If you’re using an extension cord with your space heater—or if you’re utilizing the extension cord to power too many appliances in general—contact a professional who will ensure your electrical outlets and your home are safe.
Top Heavy Heaters Are Not to Be Taken Lightly
When it comes to space heaters, bigger does not necessarily mean better. In fact, tall space heaters are particularly susceptible to tipping over, which means they pose a higher threat of starting a fire. Although the industry has taken great steps in installing anti-tip detection, older models may not have this safety mechanism.
Whether you need your electrical outlets repaired before you plug in your space heater or are interested in having permanent heating sources installed, Farryn Electric has what you need! Contact us today for all of your electrical needs.
by Dan Namerow | Dec 19, 2018 | Electrical Safety, Exterior Lighting, Residential Electrician
Exterior holiday lighting brightens up the holiday season—it creates a heartwarming scene, it conjures up feelings of nostalgia and it makes homes glisten in the winter night—but decorating your home with these festive lights can create electrical safety issues that can harm you, your family and your winter wonderland. To protect your home this winter, the exterior lighting experts at Farryn Electric have come up with four ways to ensure your home can sparkle this holiday season, while also keeping it safe from electrical safety hazards.
Safely Use Extension Cords for Your Glowing Garlands
Adding lights to garland takes your home’s decorations to a whole other magical level, but they require the use of extensions cords—the right ones, that is. Whether you have garland accentuating your front door, wrapped around lamp posts or swirled around structural pillars, be sure to use extension cords that are specified for outdoor use only and that are in good condition with no fraying or other damage.
Embellish Walkways with Expertly Placed Wires
When you’re standing on a walkway lit up by sparkling lights, it’s hard to not feel like you’re walking through a winter wonderland. However, outlining your walkways, exterior steps and driveway with holiday lights requires a lot of wires—the placement of which matters. To prevent tripping, wire-damage and fire hazards, keep wires out of heavy foot traffic areas, away from areas that typically collect water and safely covered with products made to cover them.
Illuminate Your Lawn with Lights Without Overloading Circuits
Too often, people forget that their lawn is prime real estate for holiday light decorations, but all this extra lighting can make your circuits work overtime. To ensure your don’t blow any circuits this holiday season, look at the amp-rating on your lights as well as the amount of lights your circuit can safely handle. To prevent electrical issues, it’s recommended that you should load your circuit up to 80%. If you have a 20-amp circuit, this means that you can safely handle 16-amp lights.
Avoid Tree Fires When Lighting Up Your Landscaping
Landscape lighting will certainly make your home stand out this holiday season, but just as Christmas trees have been known to cause fires, so can your outdoor shrubbery. Whether you’re adding exterior lights to trees or bushes, avoid tree fires by utilizing LED lights—these are the safest choice in lighting because they emit the least amount of heat.
Realizing you have extension cords powering too many of your holiday decorations, need to fix an outlet issue or want help with your exterior lighting? Then enlist the help of a professional (after all, Santa doesn’t do all the work himself either)! At Farryn Electric, we make exterior lighting easy—from accent lighting on your home to lighting on your walkways and pillars, you can have a merry and bright home without having to stress about any electrical issues. Contact us today to set up your exterior lighting appointment!
by Dan Namerow | Nov 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
Generators are the reason you can keep your home warm and cozy in the winter, even if you lose power in a snowstorm. But, there are safety precautions you need take when handling them. At Farryn Electric, we care about your safety as much as taking care of your electrical needs, so we’ve come up with three safety tips for you to keep in mind when using your generator this winter.
Location, Location, Location
Where you place your generator is extremely important. To keep you and your home safe, choose a location that permits proper exhaust ventilation and is a solid 20 feet away from vents, windows and doors. A big generator no-no? Using a generator in an attached garage. Even if you keep the garage door open, using a generator in this location is a big safety hazard.
Installing Carbon Monoxide Detectors is Crucial
In the case of improper generator operation or function—heaven forbid—carbon monoxide may leak out and into your home, creating a dangerous situation. While the odds of this happening are slim, it’s best to be prepared. If your home is not already equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, and you know you’re going to be using a generator this winter, it’s important that you get one installed right away.
Don’t Forget to Handle Fuel Safely if You have a Portable Generator
Just as you need to take safety precautions with your generator, it’s important to also be safe when handling its fuel. For example, before you refuel your generator, always remember to first turn it off and let it completely cool down. If you need to store the fuel, make sure that it’s in a container specifically for storing fuel and be sure to label it properly. Once you’ve done that, the fuel should be stored outside of your living areas.
Whether you’re interested in having a generator installed, need to have yours repaired or would like to ensure your current one is well maintained, Farryn Electric can help! Contact us today for all of your generator needs.
