Tag: electrical safety

Security Lighting Options to Keep Your Home Safe

Sep 27, 2022

Security Lighting Options to Keep Your Home Safe

  • Uncategorized

Did you know the FBI estimates that 400,000 burglaries occur each year during the holidays? The reason for this is obvious: A lot of people are purchasing expensive gifts and have more cash in their homes. At the same time, between holiday shopping and festivities, a lot of us are away more often. All of this combined makes homes prime targets for burglars, porch pirates, and other criminals.

Using Lighting to Enhance Your Home Security

To really enjoy the holidays you need to be sure that your loved ones, your home, and your possessions are safe. While a home security system with an alarm is important, it’s also critical to understand the vital role that security lighting can play. According to experts, well-chosen lighting can deter criminals from targeting your home. The following security lighting options can help keep your holidays safe:

  • Motion-activated door lighting: Burglars typically enter homes in a manner that draws the least amount of attention: through the door. If your porch isn’t well-lit, it’s easy for them to pick the lock on your door or smash a window and unbolt the door from the inside without being noticed. However, if you install motion-activated door lighting by all your exterior doors, the lights will turn on as soon as somebody approaches. And while that will likely make your guests feel welcomed, it will scare most burglars away.
  • Driveway lighting sensors: Just like motion-activated door lighting, driveway lighting sensors turn on the exterior lights as soon as a car pulls into your driveway. It’s great when you come home after a fun family dinner—but it’s not so great if you’re a burglar looking to hide a getaway vehicle.
  • Automatic lighting timers: Install automatic timers on your indoor, outdoor, and holiday lights so they automatically turn on and off, even when you’re not at home. Criminals will literally stake out a home until they believe the owner isn’t there—but if the lights come on, they have no way of knowing you’re not in. This security lighting option is particularly useful if you regularly come home after dark or if you’re planning to travel during the holidays.
  • Whole-property floodlight: This type of lighting floods the exterior of your entire property with light with one single switch. So, if you hear something suspicious outside, all you have to do is turn on the floodlight to scare the bad guys away! There are even budget-friendly options like Ring’s security floodlight that do the job well without breaking the bank.

In addition to providing security, good lighting also enhances safety. Dark evenings can make it challenging for your guests or family to navigate your yard and can lead to preventable accidents like tripping over lawn decorations, tools, or furniture. When these areas are illuminated, you can greatly reduce the risk of injuries occurring and make your whole home safer. This is especially important when it’s cold out, as ice and snow can make the whole ground slippery and dangerous.

Contact a Professional for More Information

If you are interested in adding security lighting to your home, it’s time to contact Ryan Gath Electric to help install the right equipment to keep you and your family safe. We will listen to your concerns and determine what the best options are considering your needs and your property.

For all of your electrical needs, call Ryan Gath Electric today!

By Ryan Gath Electric

Electrical Safety Tips

Feb 22, 2021

Electrical Safety Tips

  • Electrical
Electrical Safety Tips

Electrical Safety Tips

In the U.S., we are addicted to our electricity–it allows us to read, work and play after dark, provides power to time-saving appliances, and (most importantly!) powers our personal electronics such as phones and tablets. However, electricity deserves a great deal of respect and careful treatment to ensure that your home isn’t subject to dangerous electrical fires caused by aging wiring or simple negligence. Electrical fires have caused over 50,000 fires, thousands of injuries, and over a billion dollars in direct property damage in the last 10 years, and these damages are largely avoidable when you follow basic safety tips. Being proactive about how electricity is used in your home is the first step towards ensuring that your home and family are safe from the hidden dangers lurking in your walls. 

Dangers Associated with Electricity

Electricity is considered a hidden danger because it’s not something that you can physically see. You see the outcome (a light turns on, the TV works), but you don’t technically see the power flowing through the wires inside your walls. Unfortunately, it’s easy to ignore the need for electrical safety and frequent reviews of your systems until it’s too late. Here’s a few of the challenges that you might encounter with your electricity:

  • Decreased lifespan for your appliances and lightbulbs
  • Lights that flicker, or turn on/off without touching the switch

Apart from these symptoms, homeowners can also end up with a fair amount of pain and suffering from allowing the problems to go on–an increased risk of fires, reduction in property values when your home goes through a contractor review, and increased spending on maintenance services and repairs as you attempt to pinpoint the problems. 

Benefits of a Regular Electrical Safety Inspection

Many electrical fires and electrocutions can be prevented through taking simple maintenance steps and understanding basic safety principles. Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter or a business owner, keeping safety tips close to hand and reviewing them regularly may be the difference between a worry-free fall and a season of frustration–or loss. Benefits of keeping your electrical system up to date include a reduced risk of damage to your family and to your property, a steadier flow of power throughout your home, a longer lifespan on your expensive home appliances and reduced overall spending on your electrical bills. Perhaps the most important benefit to following simple electrical safety tips is the peace of mind that you’ll have knowing that your family and home are safe from the damaging effects of electrical fires. 

Tips for Staying Safe at Home

Even if your lights aren’t flickering, you could still have problems with the electrical flow throughout your home that haven’t shown up yet. Following these tips will help you get ahead of problems before the occur. Knowledge is power, and a solid understanding of your electrical systems and where potential problems may occur can help keep you and your family safe. The good news is that you don’t need an electrical license or a Master’s degree to follow these tips–and while you may have heard a few of these before, you’ll almost certainly find a new idea that can help you save money and stay safe. 

Indoor Electrical Safety Tips

  • Unplug Battery Chargers – Did you know that your battery chargers continue to pull a trickle of electricity through the wires even if you’re not actively charging your electronics? Unplugging them from the wall completely offers one less opportunity for a fire to start–plus saves money on your next energy bill!
  • Keep Electrical Fixtures Clear – Ensure that your electrical outlets are clear of furniture or clothing that could potentially cause a spark or burn if they got hot enough. 
  • Right-Size Your Bulbs – Lighting fixtures are rated for specific bulb wattages, and exceeding that wattage requirement can cause an overload on your wiring, just as an underpowered bulb can cause stress to the system. 
  • Replace Damaged Cords – Probably everyone has considered putting duct tape or electrical tape on a fraying cord at some point–but resist that idea! Damaged cords are prone to cause shock, short circuits or even fire.
  • Use a GCFI – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (or GCFIs) are commonly used in outlets, and can immediately shut off electric power to reduce the risk of electric shock or fires. They’re intended to trigger when current is flowing through a person or through water.
  • Test Smoke & Carbon Dioxide Detectors – An easy way to remember when you need to test your carbon dioxide and smoke detectors is that they should be tested and batteries replaced with each change of the seasons. 

Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

  • Cut Back Debris – Outdoor electrical outlets are very handy, but they can also be prone to a lot of different problems such as shrubbery that grows too close to the wall or other debris. 
  • Review Your Tools – Outdoor power tools such as leaf blowers or trimmers have cords that are more likely to fray due to rough usage. Check them often and replace the cords as needed.
  • Upgrade Circuit Panels – When in doubt, call a licensed, professional electrician to upgrade or review your circuit panels. 
  • Know Your Space – When you’re working outside on a ladder, be cautious of the placement of electrical lines and wiring so you don’t accidentally yank something loose. 

These simple tips can help your family stay safe this fall and all year ’round! Electricity is a wonderful modern convenience, but taking the time to perform simple reviews of your wiring and electrical systems can help reduce the number of accidents that occur each year. 

Contact Wave Electric Company For Electrical Safety Inspections

Take control of your home safety by keeping your system up-to-date. An updated electric system will not only protect your home against hazards, but can save you money on your energy bill, too, by cutting back on wasted power. The licensed electricians at Ryan Gath Electric offer same-day inspections when available. So don’t risk electrical fire or other hazards if your home is not up to par with this checklist. Call Ryan Gath Electric for a free inspection estimate today.

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By Ryan Gath Electric

6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

Jan 18, 2021

6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

  • Electrical
6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

Through these winter days in New England, you may not pay much attention to the furnace that is keeping you warm. It works most of the time and requires little attention. However, you will notice in a hurry when something goes wrong. When the circuit breaker is tripped by your furnace, it shuts down and has to be reset. If you are not a professional, you may find yourself often wondering if and when it will keep happening. Will it shut down in the middle of the night when everyone is asleep? Is it a sign of a greater problem? Is there a danger of it starting a fire in the house? These are just a few of the questions you may have when the circuit breaker to the furnace is tripped. Ryan Gath Electric gives you these 6 common reasons why your furnace keeps tripping your circuit breaker:

Knowing some of the possible causes will help you answer some of these questions yourself. You might even be able to fix them yourself and avoid the cost of professional repairs altogether. You can also protect yourself from companies that want to sell you a new furnace instead of fixing the underlying problem.

1. An Overloaded Furnace

Furnaces are designed to heat a specific range of area. If you have added an addition or extra rooms from the time you installed your furnace, it may now be too small to heat your home effectively. Having the right sized furnace for your home is the key to it to operating efficiently. Long periods of extreme weather can also overload a furnace by simply requiring it to run more often.

2. An Overloaded Shared Circuit

Home wiring can get complicated, and you need to make sure you know which power supply is powering your various appliances and electronics. If too many things are hooked up to the same circuit, it can cause an overload. It is generally a good idea for a furnace to have its own circuit with nothing else on it, but if you must share it for some reason, you should know how much load the circuit can handle.

3. Short Circuit/Ground Fault Inside The Furnace

Furnace wires can come loose or just wear out over time. A professional might need to be called for a second look at this, but you can do some basic inspection to find loose or burned out wiring. Debris and household items can fall onto grounding, making it work incorrectly. Even a buildup of dust can be the culprit.

4. Circuit Breaker Problems

Sometimes there is an underlying problem with the circuit breaker itself. This is another time that a professional might need to be consulted. However like anything else, even the circuit breakers that are designed to prevent overloads can have their own faults and failures.

5. Loose Electrical Connection(s)

Another reason why your furnace keeps tripping your circuit breaker is loose electrical connections. Over time wiring can get loose and connections can get broken. Inspect your wiring carefully to see if anything is loose. Of course, always take extreme caution to make sure you are not touching a live wire when you inspect it. Loose electrical connections will disrupt communication with the breaker, and that will cause it to trip. 

6. Overworked Furnace Blower

The furnace distributes heat through a blower that sends heat down ducts that disperse heat throughout the home. If the blower is running all the time, it will eventually cause the furnace to become overworked and trip the circuit breaker. If the blower is always on, there is likely a problem that may require the attention of a professional. Listening for the blower is a good way to tell whether it is on so you can determine whether or not it is necessary for it to be blowing.

Contact Ryan Gath Electric If Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

If your furnace has always run with little maintenance in the past but now keeps tripping your circuit breaker, you may be left cold, frustrated and unsure of what to do. Applying these 6 simple steps can help you inspect the situation yourself to potentially avoid the need for professional repairs. If you still find yourself having to constantly reset your breaker while your furnace is running, it may be time to all the experts at Ryan Gath Electric. Our licensed electricians can help get the electrical connections on your furnace wired correctly so your furnace can run efficiently once again. So don’t continue asking yourself whether your furnace is at risk of losing heat or starting an electrical fire. Call Ryan Gath Electric for inspection today.

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By Ryan Gath Electric

10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year

Jan 04, 2021

10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year

  • Electrical
10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year

As the New Year approaches more and more homeowners are resolving to do things that are going to not only help improve the overall efficiency of their home, but that will also make it safer. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 50,000 fires are caused each year by faulty electrical systems in homes. Of these fires, about 450 deaths are the result and up to 1500 injuries. Though many Chelmsford homeowners go from day to day hoping that their electrical system is safe, updating and testing your system is the only way to know. Here are 10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year that can help keep your home and your family safe:

  1. Extension Cord Placement – We have all been guilty of this faux pas. We have an extension cord that helps take an item from one room to another. It is far safer to make sure you keep extension cords away from door ways, under carpets, near heaters, or near any other item that may damage the cord. It is essential that you take the time to carefully place your extension cords out of the way in a safe place where they will continue to be safe for the duration of use.
  2. Sockets Near Water – We all need outlets in bathrooms and kitchens and other areas that are near water but water and electricity certainly do not mix. Installing GFCI sockets, or ground fault circuit interrupter sockets can help ground out the socket should water become introduced. Installing this type of outlet in bathrooms, on kitchen counters, or in any other area where water might get into sockets can help keep your home and your family safe.
  3. Noticing the Signs of Faulty Wiring – There are some signs that you can take into account when it comes to your home. If your switches feel warm or you have issues like blowing fuses, tripping circuits, flickering and dimming lights or other issues, it is best to contact a professional electrician that can pinpoint the cause of the issue then fix it so that you have nothing to worry about.
  4. Wattages – The wattage that is written on the inside of lamp sockets is there for a reason. Though it may seem time consuming, taking the time to check all your lamps and make sure that the bulbs inside them match the recommended wattage can make a huge difference. Not only do higher watt bulbs take up more energy and help run up your electricity bill, these higher wattage bulbs are likely to blow more often and can pose a threat to you and your family.
  5. Damaged Cords – Though it may seem like a trivial thing, that knick on your electrical cord may be just enough to cause a fire. You should take the time to check your cords and make sure that if they are damaged in any way they are either professionally repaired or that they are replaced entirely if the damage is too severe.
  6. Install More Outlets – Though using extension cords from time to time can be safe if the cord is in good shape and it is carefully placed, if you are using an extension cord every day or very often you may want to think about having more sockets installed. Calling a professional electrician can get you the sockets you need so that you can get rid of potentially dangerous extension cords.
  7. Outlet Overload – We have all done it, bought outlet expanders or added extension cords to get more socket space out of a single outlet. Though this may not be dangerous for a little while, when an outlet is overloaded for a long period of time it can become overheated, damaged, and can pose a fire hazard.
  8. Energy Efficient Appliances – We all want to save money on our electric bill and installing energy efficient appliances can help save money on your monthly bill by using less electricity overall. These appliances can also be safer for your home and can make a huge difference in your home and how it runs.
  9. Surge Protectors – Not all homes are going to experience a power surge but having a surge protector in place can help keep your home safe and can help prevent issues if there is a power surge or a large storm. Power surges have the potential to cause sparks that can then lead to fire, they can also overload circuits and cause damage to your overall system. A surge protector can help prevent these issues.
  10. Replace Smoke Detectors – The last thing you can do is to check and replace all your smoke detectors. Smoke detectors can be your first line of defense if your electrical system does go awry and you can truly protect your home with new smoke detectors.

Contact Ryan Gath Electric For Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year

No homeowner in Chelmsford wants to deal with overspending on their electricity bills. If you are considering any of these 10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year, Ryan Gath Electric can help. The licensed electricians at Ryan Gath Electric can help get your home electric system operating safely and efficiently with up-to-date technology. So don’t continue risking electrical fires or other hazards. Call Ryan Gath Electric to get started today.

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By Ryan Gath Electric

Keep Your Holiday Lights Shining Bright – Benefits to Investing in a Winter Backup Generator

Dec 14, 2020

Keep Your Holiday Lights Shining Bright – Benefits to Investing in a Winter Backup Generator

  • Electrical
  • Generators
Benefits to Investing in a Winter Backup Generator

Keep Your Holiday Lights Shining Bright – Benefits to Investing in a Winter Backup Generator

The winter season is here which means it’s time to insulate your plumbing, shovel your driveway, and keep your roof clear of ice dams. The holidays can put a lot of strain on your home. It’s the time of the year when your furnace and water heater work the hardest, keeping your home warm and comfortable. Preparing for the upcoming snow and frigid temperatures, however, requires more than just routine maintenance, but a backup generator. So keep your holiday lights shining bright – Ryan Gath Electric presents you these benefits to investing in a winter backup generator

How a Backup Generator Can Help Keep Your Holidays Warm & Festive

While there is plenty of home maintenance to concern with during the winter season, such as your heating system and plumbing, potential power outages are another problem. Heavy snow and ice can weigh down power lines or knock down trees, causing massive power outages. No homeowner wants to deal with no power in the dead of winter, especially when important appliances such as your furnace, water heater, and sump pump rely on electricity to function. A backup generator is another important appliance to have in your home, and here’s why.

  • Protects Your Home From Power Surges – Power surges can be common, but they’re very destructive for your electronics and can be caused by power outages. A power surge is a spike in your home’s electrical current which can happen when the power is cut off and then abruptly back on. A backup generator instantly kicks on when the power goes off, helping to prevent harmful power surges. A power surge can not only damage sensitive electronics, but start an electrical fire.
  • Provides Instant Power – When properly installed, your backup generator will be connected to your home’s gas lines and wired to the subpanel. Unlike a portable generator where you manually have to start up the engine, a backup generator will instantly turn on and generate power when there’s a power outage.
  • Food Won’t Spoil – Important appliances like your refrigerator need constant power to prevent your food from spoiling. When the power goes out, the clock starts ticking, despite keeping your fridge closed. A backup generator can provide power to your important appliances, ensuring you don’t have to throw out an entire fridge of food.
  • Overall Safety – Unlike portable generators, you don’t have to worry about potential safety hazards with a backup generator such as a carbon monoxide leak or an electrocution risk.
  • No Frozen Pipes or Flooded Basements – The winter season is generally the worst time of year for your plumbing. If your home isn’t properly insulated and heated, your pipes are risk of freezing and bursting. Without power, your heating system can run and keep your home and pipes warm. No power also means your sump pump can work to prevent a flooded basement. A backup generator ensures your house stays warm and dry this holiday season.
  • Powers Your Security System – Safety is an important priority, but when the power goes out, your home’s security system can’t do its job. Installing a backup generator ensures you and your household stay safe even the power goes out.

How to Maintain Your Backup Generator

A backup generator is a handy appliance to have, but it requires routine maintenance in order to keep you warm and prepared for every power outage. A typical backup generator can last 1-3 years, but they can break down sooner from a lack of use. Routine maintenance is the best way to ensure your backup generator lasts long and works effectively. To keep your backup generator up and running, make sure to do the following.

  • Clean Regularly – Your backup generator needs proper ventilation in order to generate power. Over time dust and debris can clog up vents and filters which can hurt the generator’s efficiency. Make sure to clear enough space around the generator so it can vent, and frequently clean it of dust and debris.
  • Replacing Oil – Just like your car, a backup generator needs its oil changed. Check the oil level when the generator isn’t running, and change the oil and oil filter when necessary. A good rule of thumb is to change the oil after every 50-60 hours of use.
  • Check Coolant –On top of replacing oil when necessary, your backup generator needs enough coolant to run properly. Make sure to frequently check the generator’s coolant and refill when necessary.
  • Watch For Electrical Problems or Corrosion – Keep an eye out for any visible damages such as loose clamps, wire connections, or signs of electrical corrosion.
  • Change Air Filter – Just like your furnace, a backup generator has an air filter that needs to be changed routinely. Changing the air filter once a year helps to ensure your backup generator works efficiently.

Contact Ryan Gath Electric  For Backup Generator Installation

No homeowner wants to deal with a power outage in the dead of winter, especially when your comfort and safety are at stake. Power outages can happen at any time, but luckily you don’t have to deal with a home completely out of power. Picking your own backup generator can be exciting, but it’s best to have a helpful opinion. The licensed electricians at Ryan Gath Electric can help you pick the generator that will best serve your home, and ensure a safe installation. Don’t wait until the lights go out. Call Ryan Gath Electric to get started today.

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By Ryan Gath Electric

Tips to Keep Your Electrical System Working Safely Year Round

Apr 29, 2020

Tips to Keep Your Electrical System Working Safely Year Round

  • Uncategorized
Landscape lighting

Your home’s electrical system is one of the most used ones in your home. Because it’s so important, don’t you want to make sure that things are running smoothly? If you need electrical work done, it’s best to leave it to the professionals at Ryan Gath Electric. Your electrical system is complex, and should only be touched by a licensed electrician. However, there are a few things that you can do on your own to keep things working properly and safely. Here are some safety tips for your home – both indoors and out:

Electrical Safety Indoors

  • Unplug chargers. Did you know that your battery chargers continue to pull a trickle of electricity through the wires even if you’re not actively charging your electronics? Unplugging them from the wall completely offers one less opportunity for a fire to start–plus saves money on your next energy bill!
  • Make space for electrical features. Ensure that your electrical outlets are clear of furniture or clothing that could potentially cause a spark or burn if they got hot enough.
  • Get the right bulbs. Lighting fixtures are rated for specific bulb wattages, and exceeding that wattage requirement can cause an overload on your wiring, just as one with inadequate power can cause damage. 
  • Replace damaged cords. Damaged cords are prone to cause shock, short circuits or even fire. If you see any wear and tear or fraying, choose to replace over making any home repairs. 
  • Use a GCFI. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (or GCFIs) are commonly used in outlets, and can immediately shut off electric power to reduce the risk of electric shock or fires. 
  • Test smoke and CO detectors. An easy way to remember when you need to test your carbon dioxide and smoke detectors is that they should be tested and batteries replaced with each change of the seasons!

Electrical Safety Outdoors

Summer isn’t over yet! There’s still plenty of time left to spend outdoors. Here in New England, we love  fall just as much as summer. It’s not too hot and not yet to cold. No matter which one you prefer, there are still electrical safety features to consider outside of your home, as well as inside. Whether you are gardening, mowing the lawn, or lounging out by the pool, you need to be careful when using electricity. Here are a few ways that you can help stay safe while enjoying your time outdoors! 

  • Keep cords, wires, and electrical equipment dry. Pools, hoses, sprinkler systems – even rainy days can damage your outdoor electrical components if they aren’t properly maintained or protected. They should all be kept separate and stored safely when not in use.  
  • Check for damages. This is especially important for power tools and electric lawnmowers, as frayed wires, loose connections, and other areas of wear and tear can be a safety hazard. Hold off on using these tools until you have them repaired. Any broken or cracked tools or appliances can be dangerous. If they are beyond repair, have them replaced as soon as possible.
  • Be careful digging. If you’re planning to dig around your home, you should leave it to the professionals. Some areas have underground cables, and most of your plumbing is located underground as well.
  • Always unplug outdoor tools and appliances when they’re not in use. Make sure to store them properly and safely afterwards. 
  • Landscape lighting. It not only helps to light the way for you, it increases home security. It also adds curb appeal! Ryan Gath Electric can set up your landscape lighting to not only keep you safe, but to add value to your home.
  • Falling trees. Heavy winds and rain can knock down branches, causing them to take out nearby power lines. If this happens, stay as far away as possible. Downed power lines can still be live, and there’s no way to tell just by looking at it. Call emergency services as soon as you notice a downed line.
  • Power line safety. If you’re doing work to your home, it’s important to keep your distance from power lines above. Whether you’re trimming a tree, using a ladder, or working on your roof, stay at least 10 feet away.

We want to make sure you’re electrical system and appliances are working safe year round! If you have questions, or to book a service, call Ryan Gath Electric today. 

By Ryan Gath Electric

5 Signs Your Home Needs Switch and Outlet Repair

Nov 15, 2019

5 Signs Your Home Needs Switch and Outlet Repair

  • Electrical
switch and outlet repair in Chelmsford by Ryan Gath

Switches, plugs, and outlets are all ways you can interact with your electrical system. Because they’ll get a lot of use, they’re prone to wearing down. Not only are these inconvenient when they wear down, but they’re also a danger. You should never ignore something that increases your risk of electrocution or house fire. When your home needs outlet and switch repair, you should call on the professional electricians at Ryan Gath. However, getting the help you need requires you to know when you need help.

Here are five warning signs that you should call to get outlet and switch repair:

 

Heated/burnt plastic

You should be very concerned when a switch cover feels warm or looks/smells burnt. Behind the cover, worn internal contacts or wire terminals can become dangerously hot. These worn components can shock you, melt more of the cover, or even start a house fire. If you see these signs, turn off that switch/outlet/plug’s circuit breaker and call a professional as soon as possible!

 

Lighting delays

You can tell when a light switch is getting old when there’s a delay between flicking the switch and the light turning on. The delay happens because the electrical contacts can get worn from years of use. This is unlikely to cause a fire, but it’s still a sign of a dying light switch. Give us a call so we can replace the switch before it dies completely.

 

Noisy switches

When light switches don’t work properly, they can make a wide variety of buzzing noises. Sometimes it’s just a loose wire connection, but the problem might be that the switch is worn or defective. Either way, you should call one of our electricians. Keep in mind that dimmer switches can also cause certain light bulbs buzz as the filament structure vibrates. Before you do anything major, try experimenting with different types and brands of light bulbs.

 

Damaged faceplates

The faceplate on outlets and switches can face wear and tear as you use them. Eventually, the damage can expose the wiring behind the plate. Even tiny cracks can expose you to dangerous electrical arcing. Also, cracks make it easier for dust and other contaminants to get into the wires and cause more damage.

 

Ungrounded outlets

Any outlet that only has two holes for prongs doesn’t have any grounding. Three-holed outlets have a grounding wire that protects your home from power surges. Continuing to use outdated outlets can jeopardize you and your home’s electrical systems. If you still have ungrounded outlets, give us a call so we can modernize your outlets.

 

What makes Ryan Gath my best choice for keeping my electrical system safe?

Ryan Gath Electric is focused on providing the best possible electrical services to the people of Massachusetts. We are composed of master electricians, with years of professional experience under their belts. No matter what kind of electrical needs you have, we can take care of it for you. So much of our modern lifestyles are reliant on the electricity that courses through our homes and offices. As important as that power is, however, it can also be quite dangerous. When you have a problem with your electrical grid, the very last thing you want to do is try and fix it yourself. You don’t want to put yourself at risk by dealing with that much voltage without the proper knowledge or tools. Call Ryan Gath today to learn more about our electrical repair services!

By Ryan Gath Electric

Jacuzzi Tub Installation: Call Our Experts!

Aug 30, 2019

Jacuzzi Tub Installation: Call Our Experts!

  • Electrical
Jacuzzi tub installation in Chelmsford

Are you looking to make your summers more enjoyable by adding a jacuzzi to your property? If you are, you might think you can install it yourself. However, jacuzzi tub installation is a serious job that should only be left to professionals like the ones at Ryan Gath Electric. Installing a jacuzzi tub, pool wiring, hot tub, and similar jobs are much more dangerous than any other jobs around your home.

Here are some reasons to leave your jacuzzi tub installation to our experts:

Water and electricity don’t mix

Electrical work always has an element of danger, but it’s even more dangerous when you bring water into the equation. Jacuzzi tubs are one of the few consumer electronics that mixes water and electricity. Water is very conductive and makes it likelier that you’ll get a more dangerous shock. The professionals at Ryan Gath are more than capable of dealing with dangerous electrical jobs like jacuzzi tub installations.

Electrical code concerns

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has specifics covering jacuzzis and hot tubs due to how dangerous they are to install. Electrical codes help protect people from suffering from electrical injuries due to improper installations and more. As well as being capable of dealing with dangerous electrical jobs, we’re highly knowledgeable about the NEC, so we can ensure your installation goes correctly.

Local codes

As well as the NEC, there are local electrical codes that involve jacuzzi tub installations. Because jacuzzi tubs are semi-permanent installations, local building and zoning boards want to ensure installations go properly. Unsurprisingly, having a major electrical hazard on a property greatly hurts its value. Also, some local electrical codes require an inspector to confirm the installation went properly and certify it. By doing this, they ensure that the person who installed the jacuzzi tub is licensed and not skimping out with the installation. While it may seem like an inconvenience, it’s an important step to ensuring your safety.

Why call Ryan Gath Electric for jacuzzi installations?

The electricians at Ryan Gath Electric are happy to take on your next electrical service for your pool or Jacuzzi tub. Feel as relaxed as you desire in your pool or Jacuzzi after you receive electrical services from our professionals. And trust our team to ensure the safest operation possible for years to come. Give us a call today to schedule pool and Jacuzzi electrical services in Chelmsford, MA, and the surrounding area!

By Ryan Gath Electric

Lifesaving Advantages of Hardwired Smoke Detectors

Aug 16, 2019

Lifesaving Advantages of Hardwired Smoke Detectors

  • Electrical
hardwired smoke detector in Chelmsford by Ryan Gath

Every homeowner knows that smoke detectors are an important part of any safe home. They save plenty of lives every year by warning people of fire. Assuming you treat yours well, it can last around a decade before needing replacement. When you replace them, consider swapping them out for hardwired smoke detectors. These smoke detectors are directly connected to your home’s electrical grid. This minor design change provides major benefits for homeowners like you.

Here are just a few reasons you should switch to hardwired smoke detectors:

 

Secondary power source

One of the best advantages of a hardwired smoke detector is that they have two sources of power. As well as running on batteries, they constantly have a connection to your home’s power. Regular models only have battery power and you have to hope they’ll have juice for when disaster strikes. Hardwired models, with their nearly-constant source of power, will be ready for almost any fire. If a fire starts when the power is out, the battery backup is available to protect you.

 

High-quality heat detection

You might know how smoke detectors work by detecting smoke. However, some of the new hardwired smoke detectors also come with heat detectors. The combination of these two detectors makes your smoke detectors more accurate so they won’t go off because you burnt dinner. By improving their accuracy, you’ll be more certain a blaring smoke detector is warning of actual danger.

 

Interconnected

If you get multiple hardwired smoke detectors for your home, they can work together to protect you. Usually, smoke detectors are individual electronics that aren’t aware of what’s happening with other detectors. However, a single hardwired model can activate every alarm in a building if it detects a fire. This is especially useful in larger buildings to warn everyone before a fire gets out of hand.

 

What makes Ryan Gath my best choice for protecting my home?

If you need a smoke detector installation in your home, count on the help of the experts at Ryan Gath Electric. Whether you need a smoke detector installation for new construction, smoke detector replacement, or new installation for an existing home that is not yet to code, our experts can help. We’ll make sure that the smoke detector operates properly so that you can feel good about this aspect of your home safety. Call Ryan Gath today to learn more about our smoke detection services!

By Ryan Gath Electric

The Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection in Chelmsford

Jul 26, 2019

The Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection in Chelmsford

  • Electrical
whole-home surge protection in Chelmsford by Ryan Gath

Power surges are a frequent occurrence in any home, no matter how stormy the area is. The average home experiences 20 power surges every day and half of them come from internal sources. They’re usually so short that you probably won’t notice them. However, even the shortest of power surges can wear down the circuitry of your electronics. As someone living around Chelmsford, the best way to protect your electronics is to get whole-home surge protection. Big or small, your electrical systems and appliances will be safe!

Here are five reasons to consider whole-home surge protection in Chelmsford:

 

Protect your technology

Unsurprisingly, homeowners today have more electronics and technology than ever before. Each one of those gadgets and appliances has circuits that are vulnerable to power surges when plugged in. Using whole-home surge protection is essential to protecting all of these devices from being fried.

 

Most surges are generated internally

Most surges are so short and weak that you likely won’t notice these transient surges, which are most often made by home appliances. For instance, when your furnace’s motor switches on or off, it disrupts the steady flow of electricity. This disruption can cause a brief power surge in your home. However, even these small surges can damage your home’s electronics. Whole-home surge protection is capable of stopping these small surges.

 

Complete electrical system protection

A whole-house surge protector protects more than your electronics and appliances. In fact, it protects your entire electrical system from electrical damage. If a transient surge is created by one of your appliances, your protection can divert it to your circuit breaker panel. From there, it safely shunts the surge, protecting all of your home’s electrical equipment.

 

Keep the lights on

It’s rare for power surges from your home appliances to cause your lights to go out. However, particularly powerful surges from the grid can certainly take out your lights. Whole-home surge protection acts as the first line of defense against surge-induced power outages.

 

Save money on electrical repairs

Spikes and surges in the grid can be pretty powerful and can cause damage to your home’s electronics and electrical system. In fact, very strong surges can even blow your service panels or damage your home’s wiring. By investing in whole-home surge protection, you can avoid the damage such surges and spike would cause, saving you money on repairs and replacements for your electronics.

 

Why call Ryan Gath to protect my home from surges?

Ryan Gath Electric has served the people of the Chelmsford, MA area with years of electrical experience. Whether it’s a residential or commercial property, we know how to handle your electrical systems. In addition, we also offer a wide variety of other safety devices, such as carbon monoxide detectors and breaker boxes. Call Ryan Gath today if you’re looking to protect your electronics and your home from power surges!

By Ryan Gath Electric