How Often Should I Have My Electrical System Inspected?

It's recommended to have a professional electrician inspect your electrical system every three to five years. Regular inspections help identify potential issues, ensuring the safety and reliability of your home or business. Our team at Electric City is well-versed in finding electrical issues during inspections.

What Are Signs That I Need to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

Frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, and an outdated electrical panel are clear signs that an upgrade is necessary. These issues can indicate overload, wear, or obsolescence, compromising safety. Upgrading your electrical panel improves safety and efficiency in your home or business by meeting the needs of modern appliances and technologies.

Why Are My Lights Flickering & Should I Be Concerned?

Flickering lights may signal various issues, including loose bulbs, faulty wiring, or problems in the electrical system. While occasional flickering might be due to minor causes, persistent or severe flickering could indicate an underlying problem, potentially compromising safety. Have a professional electrician quickly assess the situation to identify the root cause and address potential hazards. Electric City provides inspections and repair services to ensure your lighting system operates safely.

How Can I Improve Energy Efficiency in My Home or Business?

Improving energy efficiency involves various strategies for both homes and businesses. Consider upgrading to LED lighting, using energy-efficient appliances, and installing programmable thermostats. Additionally, ensure proper insulation, seal air leaks, and schedule regular maintenance for HVAC systems. Electric City provides personalized energy-saving services to help you save energy, cut utility expenses, and support a greener environment.

What Should I Do During a Power Outage at My Home or Business?

During a power outage, prioritize safety by turning off major appliances to prevent overload when power is restored. Use flashlights instead of candles for lighting, and avoid opening the refrigerator to keep food cold longer. If the outage persists, unplug sensitive electronic devices to protect them from potential power surges when electricity returns. Consider having a backup power source, like a generator, for essential appliances. Electric City can assist you with standby generator installation, ensuring uninterrupted power during outages at your home or business.

Summer Electrical Safety in Katy, TX

A patio in the summertime with fairy lights, lamps, and candles.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the weather and entertain guests outside. However, it’s important to make sure that your patio is safe and ready for summer. When using electricity on your patio or anywhere else outside, electrical safety should be a top priority.

As you entertain and enjoy the great outdoors this summer, always remember that electricity is powerful and dangerous. For the utmost safety and maximum fun, Electric City brings you these top electrical safety tips. Keep your family safe all summer long by making electrical safety your top priority and following these safety tips.

Outdoor & Patio Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a great way to add beauty and functionality to your home. But with outdoor lighting comes the responsibility of making sure it’s safe for you and your family. Electrical safety should always be top of mind when installing patio lighting, flood lights, string lights, or any other type of outdoor lighting.

It’s essential to choose lighting fixtures that were designed to remain outdoors. An indoor lamp should never be plugged in where it can get damp or overheated. Look for waterproof and weather-resistant options when choosing your outdoor lighting fixtures. This includes choosing outdoor-rated light bulbs to place in your fixtures.

Overlamping (using a more powerful light bulb than the fixture suggests) can feed too much electricity into a fixture and lead to overheating. This can damage the wiring and even start a fire. Find the label that reads “maximum wattage,” and ensure that you’re allowing the right amount of electricity to run to the fixture. Also, be careful to plug in outdoor lighting far away from any flammable materials such as paper products, straw, gasoline cans, or other dry items.

Generators

Generators are extremely useful for providing power to remote locations and keeping your electricity running when the power goes out. However, they can also be incredibly dangerous and lethal in some cases if used incorrectly.

Generators can be life-saving devices, but they require the utmost caution. Using generators inside can quickly build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide, so proper operating knowledge is key. If you’re concerned about where you’re using a generator, keep a carbon monoxide detector on hand. And if you need further advice about where to place your generator or how to manage exhaust fumes, contact the pros at Electric City.

Keep the generator dry at all times, make sure the generator is grounded, and never overload a generator. You should really only use a portable generator if it’s absolutely necessary. Finally, make sure you turn off all appliances connected to the power source before turning off the generator.

Powerlines

If you have powerlines or electrical substations near your patio or anywhere else in your backyard, it’s crucial to understand the risks and know how to avoid coming into contact with them.

As a general rule, you should maintain a safe distance from powerlines and make sure nothing you’re holding gets caught on or comes into contact with them. This applies to power tools, ladders, vehicles, and toys. If something gets caught on the powerlines, like a kite, always call an electric company to retrieve it instead of attempting to do it yourself.

Be sure that a professional properly trims back trees and other vegetation to keep from coming in contact with any electrical wires. Always call an electrical company first if you see a downed powerline. Coming in contact with a live powerline or utility pole can be extremely dangerous, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Extension Cords

Before buying an extension cord, check what type you need. Using outdoor-specific extension cords is essential. These extension cords should be weather-resistant heavy gauge and marked for outdoor use on the label.

Store your extension cords in a dry place, away from any water or snow. Anything that’s stored outside is more likely to become damaged due to elements, so always inspect the extension cord for any damage before use. Also, remember that extension cords are for short-term usage and shouldn’t be used for more than 24 hours at a time.

Electric City is Keeping Katy, TX Patios Safe for the Summer

Electric City is the best electrical contractor in Katy, TX providing same-day services and reliable care with top-notch products to keep your patio safe throughout summer. Electric City is here to ensure your wiring replacements, whole home generator installations, and emergency electrical services are performed quickly and efficiently.

With just a click or phone call to 832-724-1781, you and your family can have peace of mind knowing your electrical needs are covered. Contact us today and find out how we can help your patio safe this summer.

Contact Electric City for Top-Quality Wiring Repair & Replacement

Electric City is dedicated to providing electrical services of the highest caliber to Katy, TX, so that you can rest assured your home and family are safe. Furthermore, we offer a lifetime guarantee on all our services and workmanship. Electric City is here to make sure you stay safe this summer! Call us at 832-724-1781 and schedule your appointment with one of our professional licensed electricians today.