About > Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GFI/GFCI?
A GFCI is a "ground-fault circuit interrupter". It measures the current flowing through the hot wire and the neutral wire. If they differ by more than a few milliamps, the presumption is that current is leaking to ground via some other path. This may be because of a short circuit to the chassis of an appliance, or to the ground lead, or through a person. Any of these situations is hazardous, so the GFCI trips, breaking the circuit.
Where should GFCIs be used?
In bathrooms, kitchen counters, wet-bar sinks, garages, unfinished basements or crawl spaces, outdoors, or just about anywhere else where you’re likely to encounter water or dampness.
My lights make a high pitch or singing sound when dimmed. The more I dim the lights, the louder it gets. What is this about and what do I do?
Often, after installing a dimmer switch, or replacing bulbs controlled by a dimmer, you’ll start hearing buzzing or humming from the bulb. As far as the bulbs are concerned, a bulb consists of a series of supports and, a fine filament of wire. When you run current through a coil, it becomes a magnet. With the metal constructed light fixture, the filament will move or vibrate at a fast speed. This is what causes the singing. You can try replacing the bulb with a “rough service” type bulb. They’re usually much stronger and better supported. Chance are, however, that switching bulbs won’t make that much of a difference. Perhaps the buzzing will go away at some dimmer settings, but not at all.
Aluminum wiring. Is it safe?
During the 1970’s, aluminum (instead of copper) wiring became quite popular and was extensively used. Since that time, aluminum wiring has been implicated in a number of house fires But don’t panic if your house has aluminum wiring. Aluminum wiring, when properly installed, can be just as safe as copper. We suggest that, if you’re considering purchasing a home with aluminum wiring, or have discovered it later, that you have us in your home to check over the wiring for the following things:
- Fixtures (eg: outlets and switches) directly attached to aluminum wiring should be rated for it. The device will be stamped with “Al/Cu” or “CO/ALR”.
- Make certain that all connections are tight.
- “push-in / stab-lock” terminals are an extreme hazard with aluminum wire.
- There should be no signs of overheating: darkened connections, melted insulation, or “baked” fixtures.
Can I simply replace my breaker to one with a higher amperage rating, in order to keep it from tripping all the time?
Definitely not! Each breaker in your panel is there for the sole purpose of protecting the wires that run through that particular line. If, for example, the wires are a size that need a 15A breaker to protect them, and you were to switch the breaker to a 20A, you would be causing a dangerous situation. There would be nothing to protect the wires from overheating.
I get shocked from static electricity when I touch a switch. How can this be stopped?
One common option is that you could be accumulating “static electricity” and discharging it by touching a switch or receptacle that is grounded properly. If you have metal cover plates, try changing to plastic & see if this helps. If the shock is not static, call to have this looked at asap. This could also be due to some portion of the device being energized that is not properly grounded or tripping the breaker / fuse.
My power is out in a specific area or appliance. How do I restore the power?
Go to the service panels. Find the specific circuit breaker that feeds the problem circuit or appliance. Attempt to re-set the breaker or replace the blown fuse. Please note that many circuit breakers appear to be on when actually tripped. In fact, most breakers require that one must push the breaker handle completely to the off position to then re-set. If this does not restore the power, you are likely to be in need of an electrician.
Approximately half my power is out at indiscriminate places in my home & some of my appliances are either not working or not working correctly. Another symptom might be, my lights in my home are dimming and / or becoming too bright. What should I do?
First, turn off selective breakers in your service panel. This to reduce further damage due to improper voltages to the homes appliances, HVAC and electronic equipment. The more you can turn off, the better. This is likely to be a power company issue in that you may have partial, if not total loss of incoming power to your home. A second option is that you have a problem with-in your main electrical service. This is where your problem begins. Who do you call? The power company or us for the repair? If a call is made to the power company, you will likely here that they will send someone out to look at the problem. If they find that the problem is not due to their equipment, they will charge you some fee. If we are asked to come to your home and check out the problem, you will receive a fee for our services. If we are going to be asked to come to your home first, be sure to ask the power company about a reimbursement process should it turn out to be a power company issue.
Handy Emergency Telephone Numbers
BGE - 1-877-778-2222
PEPCO - 1-887-737-2662
DelMarVa Power - 1-800-375-7117
Virginia Power - 1-866-366-4357
My recessed lights are turning on / off for no reason. I check the light bulb & it is fine. What now?
Could be a loose connection. Problem could also be a bad thermal cut out in the recess fixture itself. Did you want more light output & installed a higher wattage light bulb? A increased lamp in wattage can cause the light to turn on / off on its own. Look inside the light. It should have a sticker that provides the maximum wattage lamp size allowed.
My smoke detector is chirping / beeping. How do I fix?
More than likely, it is as simple as replacing the battery. Change all throughout the house at the same time always. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the detectors once they reach 15 years of age.
My smoke detector goes off from time to time for no apparent reason. What’s Up?
Without removing the detector from the ceiling, vacuum all detectors out. As dust is collected with-in the detector over the years, it may be that your HVAC system or some other movement of air is disturbing the dust thereby causing the unit to activate & sound as your heat / A/C is running.
Where are smoke detectors required in my home?
Generally, one per level near the foot / top of each stairway & in the hallways just outside of the bedrooms. Also, one in each bedroom.
Where are CO detectors required in my home?
The latest code dictates that you should install in one of two ways. Either by the appliance, HVAC equipment, fireplace, or any other fuel burning equipment or in the hallways at the bedroom entries. Often times in new or renovating homes, a combination smoke / CO detectors are installed to minimize wiring.
I keep losing power in my bedroom. Looking in the service panel the breaker is an Arc-Fault. I reset the breaker but the problem still exists. What can I do to restore the power?
Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are prone to “nuisance tripping,” which is probably what you’re experiencing. AFCIs are designed to sense an arc. To solve the nuisance tripping problem, start with things you can do yourself. Unplug or turn off surge protectors plugged into bedroom outlets, fluorescent lights with electronic ballasts, and lighting controls with LED displays that are on the AFCI circuit. They sometimes allow current “leakage” that can trip the AFCI. Damage or deterioration to wires or cords (which can happen when furniture is pushed against plugs in an outlet) also causes arcing faults and will trip the circuit. If you identify one of these sources, you’ll have to either replace the electrical item or leave it unplugged. Another, very popular problem is that you may be plugging something in that has the switch in the “on” position. If so, a small arc can occur while plugging in the light, vacuum cleaner, or any other item. This arc is likely to trip the breaker giving you the impression that the circuit was not energized. Even after resetting the arc-fault breaker. Be sure that your item is in the OFF position prior to plugging in for use...................
Please note that these responses are for general informational purposes only, are not a training tool, and are not a substitute for a professional evaluation or advice. Be sure to contact us directly for individual questions and/or necessary repairs to your home wiring system.