Important Winter Electrical Safety Advice from Steve AND Angie’s List!

Steve Breton, Master Electrician and owner of Breton Electric, is quoted a number of times in the following article in the January 13 edition of the Angie’s List online magazine!  Read it here:

http://magazine.angieslist.com/electrical/articles/home-electrical-fires-increase-during-winter.aspx

And, here are the original questions posed and the answers that Breton Electric provided to the author of the article:

1. Why is there an uptick in home electrical fires during the winter?

ANSWER:  The misuse of extension cords with portable heaters is a major cause of residential fires during cold weather, although holiday lighting also poses a danger. In addition, holiday gatherings can increase the loads on appliance circuits and thus “bring to light” issues that otherwise go undetected.

2. Can you explain how electrical fires in the home tend to start?

ANSWER:  One example: extension cords are rated for different load applications.  If an extension cord is overloaded, it could very well melt and arc and spark before it trips a conventionally protected circuit.  Other common causes of residential fires that we often see are improperly installed lighting fixtures, loose connections going through outlet circuitry, and, most common, the use of light bulbs that exceed the fixture’s maximum wattage rating.  A good remedy for this last issue is to use CFL and LED bulbs.

3. What can homeowners do to prevent a home electrical fire?

ANSWER:  Use properly sized extension cords and do not overload the circuit. And, always hire a reputable licensed electrician for all electrical installations, including fixtures and outlets  Also, upgrade residential circuitry to arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection as per 2011 National Electrical Code requirements.

In my opinion, properly installed and maintained AFCI and GFCI protection will eliminate virtually all threat of residential electrical fires and electrocution.

4. When you make routine service calls, do you notice a lot of overloaded circuits/outlets in customer’s homes? Explain?

YES.  Older kitchens typically do not have enough dedicated appliance circuits to accommodate our modern gadgetry. Also often lacking is a dedicated GFIC circuit adjacent to the bathroom basin (required by code) so as to accommodate turbo-charged hair dryers and other grooming tools. J

Other overloading situations are typically caused by window air conditions, sump pumps, treadmills, and auxiliary freezers and refrigerators, along with the above-noted portable heaters used during cold weather.

Last winter, a tree fell on the power lines in my backyard and they fell to ground, still live. The city electric company came out and moved the lines but then told me to call an electrician to hook everything back up. I was surprised that the electric company didn’t handle the entire job. (I live in Indianapolis so this may be a local issue, I’m not sure.

1. What does a homeowner need to do if they find power lines in their yard? 

ANSWER: Do not touch any downed wires.  Call your power company so that they can address immediate safety issues, then call a licensed electrician to appraise and repair any damage to your electrical service. Note that most power companies will not restore power until your electrical service has been deemed safe by your local town or city electrical inspector.

2. What is the role of a city electric company vs. an electrician in this situation?

Typically, the power company is responsible for the lines from the electrical grid to the point of attachment to the building.  From there on, it is the homeowner’s responsibility.  FYI, in general, linemen are not trained or licensed to do work beyond their system.

Computer Expert Kim Komando Recommends Angie’s List, and we recommend both!

As the Office Manager of Breton Electric, I am on the computer a lot and really appreciate all the great computer and online tips I get from Kim Komando of www.komando.com.   Along with her syndicated radio show and premium services, she offers free emails newsletters (which often include product discounts) and free access to many of the great tips and articles on her website.

She also answers questions from her radio audience on all sorts of topics. Recently, a reader asked how to find a reputable contractor. I was pleased to see that she recommends Angie’s List:

“Angie’s List is one of the best sites to use. Contractors can’t pay to be on the list or submit reviews about themselves. Members can’t submit reviews anonymously, so their stories can be checked. Don’t worry; you’re not identified to other users in online reports.

Contractors who maintain an A or B rating can offer discounts to members, which can save you money. A complaint resolution team from Angie’s List will step in if a home repair job goes sour.

You said that many contractors you deal with aren’t on review sites. I recommend finding ones that are, even if you have to pay a little more.”

- from Hiring a Reliable Contractor by Kim Komando

Check out Kim Komando for computer and Internet advice and tips, and Angie’s List for finding the best contracting and professional services in your area.  You will be glad you did!

The Super Service Award Press Release! Fifth Year in a Row!

Holiday Safety Tips! And links to Steve featured in Angie’s List safety articles

Steve was quoted in the following articles in the Angie’s List online magazine:

http://magazine.angieslist.com/electrical/articles/electricians-offer-holiday-lighting-safety-advice.aspx

http://magazine.angieslist.com/electrical/articles/electrical-safety-tips-for-holiday-decorators.aspx

And, here is our own compilation:

Tips and reminders to stay safe during the holiday season!  

• DON’T plug extension cords together.  And be sure not to overload the extension cord—OR the circuit!
• DON’T leave holiday lights on while you’re sleeping or away from home. If you tend to forget, use a timer.
• DO put a smoke alarm in the same room as your candle displays or Christmas  tree.
• DO consider switching to eco-friendly LED holiday lights: they run cooler and thus are safer, and you’ll save on your electric bill, too.
• Make sure that you have an outdoor GFCI TRW outlet protected by a weatherproof in-use cover designed for outdoor use to power your outside lighting.
• If you must use an extension cord from your outdoor outlet to the holiday light location, be sure to use one that is rated for outdoor use.
• NEVER run extension cords through windows or doors to power outside lighting!

WHY?

• The cord can be damage by the window or door and thus become a fire or electrocution hazard.
• If the outlet being used is not ground-fault protected, there is a risk of electrocution if the cord is exposed to water.

FAQ: How do GFCI outlets and circuit breakers work?  Ground fault-protected outlets and circuit breakers will shut off if even 6 millionths of an amp are going to ground rather than staying in the circuit, thus protecting against electrocution and fire.

Stay safe!

Portable Generator Safety

We know what a live-saver a backup generator can be, especially when power is out for an extended period of time. But, in the middle of an emergency, it can be easy to forget basic safety measures.  

Read on for an article by Consumer Reports about the dangers of portable generators.

Portable generators can harm as well as help

The biggest risks when using a portable generator are carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning, fire, and electrocution.

CO poisoning is especially insidious, since it can happen quickly with little warning. Early symptoms are fatigue and headache, but you may not notice them before CO in your home reaches dangerous levels. Most CO-related illnesses and deaths occur when generators are operated indoors or in partially enclosed spaces, such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and enclosed carports. Death often occurs despite attempts to vent the generator’s exhaust gases.

Click here for HERE to read the rest of the article.

We are now Authorized Dealers for GE and Briggs & Stratton Home Generator Systems!

While Breton Electric has been providing the electrical installations for all types of generators and transfer switches for years, we are now authorized dealers for both GE and Briggs & Stratton Home Generator Systems.

From whole house standby systems to portable manual units, we can help you design the best solution for your home or office. In addition, we offer warranty support, ongoing maintenance, and service contracts to ensure that you will always have the power you need.

In upcoming posts, we’ll present comparisons among gasoline, propane, and natural gas systems.

In the News: Proud to be a 2011 Parade Unit Sponsor!

We love Wakefield, we love to give back to our community,  and we love a parade!  It is a big win-win.  Thank you to our customers who make it possible for us to make contributions such as this.

And, a big thank you to the Wakefield Independence Day Committee!!!

Text accompanying photo:  Wendy Dennis, owner of Breton Electric with her husband Steve Breton, met up with the Wakefield Independence Day Committee outside the First Baptist Church, where the company was working to convert space formerly used by the local food pantry into a handicapped accessible restroom. Breton Electric, which has received the Super Service Award from Angie’s List for the past four years, is a “super star” in the eyes of the Fourth of July Parade organizers, having raised their support from the Sign Sponsor level to the Unit Sponsor level. Posing with the WIDC’s sign of appreciation are: Dan Benjamin, Sam Stella, Jennifer Deoliveira, Wendy Dennis, Melissa Daly and Steve Daly. Businesses wishing to make a donation and be recognized for their support of the Parade should mail their check no later than Friday, June 24. Checks should be made payable to W.I.D.C. and mailed to WI DC Business Appeal, P.O. Box 1746, Wakefield MA 01880. (David Watts Jr. Photo)

Published in the Wakefield Daily Item of Wakefield Massachusetts, June 22, 2011.

LEDs versus CFLs in Recessed Kitchen Lighting

One of the advantages of being “The Electrician’s Wife”  is that I get to test all kinds of fixtures, bulbs, and sensors in my home.

For well over a year, I have had dimmable CFL bulbs in the recessed fixture in my kitchen.  They are not particularly attractive when viewed directly, but they save on the electric bill and throw a nice light.

Just don't look up.

Nice bright yet warm light. The reflection off the cabinet is not noticeable in real life.

There are, however, a few downsides to the CFL bulbs.  First, there is the disposal issue due to the mercury in the bulbs.  I have felt it worth the trouble  because of the energy savings, but it can be a hassle getting rid of them safely. (Although, fluorescent tubes pose the same risk and need the same care when disposing.)  Also, I have had issues with them flickering when not at top brightness. In addition, we have had to replace bulbs way sooner than we expected.  Apparently, CFLs don’t always last as long when they are in any position other than upright as when in a regular table or floor lamp.  I still feel that the energy savings is redeeming enough to use CFLs if there are no other options, but still…

Enter LEDs!  AFFORDABLE LEDs!  As happens with all technology, the demand is going up and the price is going down.  I now have dimmable LEDs in one side of my kitchen and I am liking them.  They are nice and bright, and I like bright.  They also look much more attractive when viewed directly.

Much more attractive!

This next photo shows the light as being a bit harsh, but it is not harsh in real life but very clear and bright.

Nice and bright, and so far, no flickering when dimmed.

I really like these fixtures.  There is an almost imperceptible delay in coming on when they are switched on, but other than that, they act the same as incandescent bulbs.  Click this: Coopers Lighting LED to get the specs on these fixtures.  And, as of the date of this post, they are available at Home Depot  – ALED3T24.  Do note that this is the entire fixture and includes both the housing  and the LED bulb, with the bulb including the trim.  Therefore, the bulb itself is close to comparably priced to a CFL bulb with the same energy usage and lumen output.

Granted, I have only been using these for a week or so, but do check back, or feel free to email me down the road to see if I will still be recommending these fixtures.  But for now, I am very pleased with them.

Beware of “handmade” light fixtures!

Breton Electric recently came across a serious hazard in a customer’s home.  The customer had purchased, at some expense, a set of light fixtures from an artisan who makes ceramic light fixtures.

After noticing that there were no safety ratings on the fixtures, the customer contacted the artist, who said to send them back.  The artist then returned the fixtures to the customer with what appeared to be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) stickers on them.

They were NOT UL stickers.  The stickers were fraudulent.  In fact, the fixtures ended up overheating  and would have caused a fire in the customer’s home if they had not noticed soon enough that something was awry.

Please be sure that any light fixture you purchase is UL approved or approved by another safety testing company!

Electrical Safety article quoting Angie Hicks of Angie’s List

You’ll find some excellent comments about electrical safety in this article that quotes the founder of Angie’s List:

* By Jenn Strathma posted on WEWS CLEVELAND, 3/24/2011

- Your home’s electrical system is extremely important because it provides comfort throughout the house, but also it can be a huge hazard if there is any kind of problems with it. Unfortunately, most consumers never think about their electrical system until something goes wrong. “Electricity is really something consumers shouldn’t mess with themselves. When it comes down to it, it can be a fatal project if it goes wrong,” Angie Hicks of Angie’s List said.  Click HERE to read the entire article.

Home electrical system repairs can be dangerous, contractors now offer service contracts

Home electrical system repairs can be dangerous, contractors now offer service contracts