Electrical devices are “grounded” when they connect to grounding devices for safety reasons. Grounding provides a safe “path of least resistance” for stray voltage to follow. Grounding systems direct stray voltage into the ground where it discharges safely instead of building up in places where it
Should I Upgrade My Outlets?
If your electrical outlets are old, warped, damaged, or malfunctioning, it may be time to replace them. Old outlets wear out over time, diminishing their effectiveness or even putting you in danger. Upgraded outlets prevent that danger and make your home’s electricity more effective at the same
Is Aluminum Wiring Dangerous?
The aluminum wiring installed in homes during the 1960s and 1970s is considered a serious fire hazard. Problems with installation, outlet connections, and the metal itself resulted in wiring that degrades and loosens over time. If your home has aluminum wiring, you should repair or replace it right
The Pros and Cons of Electric Cars
Many of us make a lot of assumptions. For example, we think tomatoes are vegetables but in reality, they're a fruit. We might also assume electric cars are a relatively new invention. It only makes sense, right? Electric cars were designed to end our dependence on oil by providing a clean,
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Most people just aren't all that curious. They don't care how electricity gets from the power plant all the way to their light bulb. They only care about results. But you: you read these blogs, so you must have the kind of curiosity that leads you to ask questions. We're betting you're so
Is Solar Power Right for You? Part Two
In part one, we left you with this cliffhanger: “A cost-benefit analysis is only one factor for finding out if solar power is right for you. If you want to know for sure, there are still a few more things you’ll want to consider.” We know you're waiting with bated breath, so we’ll get right into
Is Solar Power Right For You? Part One
Let's find out if it's about time you put that giant ball of gas to work for you. No, not your obnoxious uncle who chews beans with his mouth full. We're talking about the sun. The sun generates a lot of energy. How much, you ask? A LOT, we reply. Ok, honestly, We'll share the numbers, but they are
What an Electrician Does
Some folks take a shower before work, others clean up after. If you think the worker who gets their hands dirty is an "unskilled laborer," you don't know what it takes to be an electrician. Come on. Just look at the training. And, we're hiring! Becoming an Electrician The path to becoming
9 Signs of Serious Electrical Trouble
The bad news: in 2017, there were over 1,319,500 fires caused by electrical problems. These fires resulted in 3,400 deaths, 14,670 injuries, and $23 billion in damages. The good news: if you keep an eye out for the warning signs, you can prevent these kinds of fires. What kind of warning signs?
The Most Common Electrical Safety Code Violations
To Be Safe, Follow The Code If you read The National Electrical Safety Code blog you learned that the NESC sets a safety standard for installing, operating, and maintaining electrical power and communication utility systems. The NESC covers how to properly maintain power substations, power and
What is the National Electrical Safety Code?
The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is the US standard for the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of electric power and communication utility systems. It covers how to properly install and utilize power substations and power overhead and underground lines. With that kind of
The History of Electricity
You park in a lit parking lot. You walk into the grocery store through doors that open automatically. Large LED lights hang from the ceiling throughout the store. You pull some of the food you’re buying out of freezers or refrigerators. When you check out, you put that food on a moving conveyor