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We wanted to answer some commonly asked questions and give out some information about the ever changing electrical code and the ways your electrical system can be upgraded for safe and efficient operation. Find here the information you need on the new technologies now on the market and the ways they reduce the chance for an electrical fire in your home or business.
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Electrical Safety |
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Call Us Today! 813-892-4582 Fax: 813-657-7248 E-mail: MorningstarElectricLLC@msn.com |
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Descriptions and information on electrical system components now required by the national electrical code. Smoke Detectors A well maintained and properly installed electrical system is important in reducing the risk of a fire in your home. If a fire does occur a smoke detector system can save your life. Smoke detectors are required in new home construction and if you do not have one we strongly recommend having a system installed in your home, and keeping it maintained. A simple battery powered detector is better than nothing at all. An interconnected smoke detector system is the best choice. New homes require smoke detectors on every floor outside sleeping areas and in every bedroom. Smoke detectors must be powered by the electrical system and also have a battery backup in case of a power failure during a fire. They also must be interconnected so they will all alarm if one detector goes into alarm. Smoke detector batteries should be replaced at least once a year. The detectors should be replaced every 10 years. For more information on smoke detectors please visit the NFPA web page linked below.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when fuels such as propane and natural gas are not completely burned. Problems with a gas oven or furnace can create this condition. If you have gas cooking or heating equipment or a generator we strongly recommend installation of carbon monoxide detectors to protect you and your family. Carbon monoxide detectors can be interconnected with smoke detectors to increase the chance of becoming alerted to a dangerous situation. Like smoke detectors they should be powered by 120 volts and have a battery backup. Batteries should be replaced at least once a year and the detectors replaced every 10 years.
AFCI Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter AFCI breakers were designed to prevent the most common cause of electrical fires in the home. An arc fault can be caused by poor connections in the electrical system or by connected devices that are worn or defective. A good example of a worn device is a lamp cord that has been pinched by a night stand. It is common to find table lamps plugged into an outlet behind a night stand next to a bed. When the stand gets pushed into the cord or accidently placed on top of the cord, damage to the insulation can occur. The damaged cord can arc between the conductors inside and smolder into a fire. This is just one example of an arc fault. An arc fault breaker is now required for new homes in the 2005 National electrical code for all bedroom circuits. The 2008 code will require all circuits not protected with GFCI protection to be protected with arc fault breakers. Older homes are not required to be upgraded unless existing circuits are modified by a remodel or rewire in that part of the home. We strongly recommend replacement of existing breakers with arc fault breakers in any home due to their proven ability to prevent fires. An arc fault breaker uses a micro processor inside the breaker to analyze the wave form of the electricity traveling through the circuit. Arc faults have specific wave forms that can be detected and cause the breaker to trip until the problem is found and corrected. A standard breaker will only trip if to much current flows through the circuit. An arc fault can cause a fire before enough current to trip a standard breaker is present. When the National Electrical Code is modified to include new life saving technology, we strongly believe in upgrading existing homes to meet the new standard. On occasion when these new breakers are installed on an existing system, problems are immediately found with wiring and devices that would have gone unnoticed otherwise. We install the Cutler Hammer Fire Guard AFCI breakers whenever possible to eliminate potential hazards due to their quality and lifetime warranty. GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Receptacles in a house near water and outdoors are required to be protected by a device called a GFCI sometimes called GFI for short. GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. Anytime an electrical circuit fails to work as designed is called a fault. A ground fault is the loss of the safe connection between an electrical supply and the proper pathway for the power to return to the earth. Electricity will always follow the path of least resistance from a supply to the earth and the effect of being the conductor for that pathway can harm or possibly kill you at the voltages commonly found in a house. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and contact with water and stray electricity can be lethal. An example of this would be unplugging a cord with wet hands. Water can form a bridge between the supply conductor and your hand. If you are standing in water or touching an object that has become the new path for electricity to get to the earth you would never forget the experience, that is if you survive. The GFCI receptacle and breaker were designed to prevent some injuries and deaths from occurring by interrupting the circuit faster and at a level of current lower than a standard breaker can. By measuring the current flowing in and out of the connected device, a GFCI can determine if there is a second or unintended pathway for electrical energy to return to ground and shut down the circuit until the circuit is repaired. GFCI protection is required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, outdoors and for tubs and spas.
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Safety and Fire Prevention Components and Devices AFCI Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter |
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Things you can do today to reduce injuries and risk of fire. Have us install tamper resistant receptacles where outlets are in reach of children. Limit the use of extension cords. Extension cords are fine when needed for 90 days or less. If you need power for a device for longer periods, you should have us install a receptacle where you need one. Do not use an extension cord for a space heater or air conditioner. Make sure to use the proper wattage bulb in a fixture. Using to high of a wattage can cause damage to the fixture and supply wiring and become a shock or fire hazard. A lower wattage than rated is fine and can reduce your electric bill. Replace fuses with the proper size. An oversized fuse is a potential fire hazard. Have regular electrical inspections and maintenance performed. Most problems requiring costly repairs can be prevented. Loose electrical connections can cause fires. All electrical outlets and switches should have cover plates and be securely mounted in the wall. If you have outlets that do not securely hold a plug you should have us replace it.
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Tamper resistant receptacles are a great way to keep children from sticking objects into an outlet and getting shocked. |
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Lighting Safety There are a few places where an electrical device should not be placed or added. Shock hazards can occur when exposing light fixtures that are not rated for wet locations to water. Never place or have installed a light fixture above a tub or shower unless specifically designed for that purpose. The National Electrical Code does allow a recessed can light to be used, provided it has a “shower trim”. This is a can trim with a solid glass lens covering the bulb. In addition, pool and spa lights should be powered through GFCI protection. Installations that do not use a GFCI breaker or an GFCI outlet need to be upgraded. In the landscape, choose low voltage lighting fed through GFCI protection. Most Low voltage systems us a direct bury cable about six inches below ground. And if they were installed in flowerbeds they can be damaged when replanting. Some cheaper lights can be easily be damaged when impacted. The lower voltage with GFCI protection is as much safer system than 120 Volt lighting, when accidents happen. The downside of low voltage systems is the heat produced by some of the lamps. Certain Lamps such as a 50 Watt MR16 at 12 Volts can cause serious burn if touched and can start a fire if in direct contact with anything flammable. LED lighting generally operates at cooler temperature and at a lower cost, but do cost a little more to have installed when comparing lumen output desired. There is a payback time period due to the lower operating cost and lifespan. Most LED lights should, with good power quality, last up to 50,000 hours of use. Fire hazards also included indoor as well as outdoor fixtures in contact with flammable items. A Great example of a the way the NFPA protects lives with the National Electrical Code publication is the requirement for light fixtures inside a clothes closet. A light inside a closet is required to be either a completely enclosed incandescent at least 12 inches away from any storage space, or a florescent light a minimum of 6 inches away from storage space do to the heat generated by the fixture. The National Electrical Code 2008 edition will require all new lighting be fed with AFCI protection due to the fire and safety hazards.
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We Can help prevent a disaster. Call today for a home safety inspection of your electrical system Call 813-892-4582 now for more information |
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Home Protection Plan Members receive special pricing on safety related repairs or installations Contact us today for details. |
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Always have a licensed electrical contractor perform a repair or modification to your electrical system. A Licensed master electrician is required to pass an examination on the National Electrical Code. The Code was created to help prevent fire and loss of life. Morningstar Electric is Registered with the state of Florida as an Electrical Contractor and is required by the state to carry the necessary insurance and bonding for your protection, as well as pass a very thorough examination. We also are required to complete continuing education to maintain our license. Electricity is far too complicated for a handyman to know every code change or addition to ensure a code compliant job. Most handymen do not have an electrical license and the proper insurance to cover an accident. Always ask for proof of an electrical contractors license in the county you are in and proof of general liability insurance to ensure you will be covered if they make a costly mistake. Morningstar Electric technicians always have these documents in their service van and would be happy to show them to you. When the electrical board reviews an application for a contractors license they do an extensive background and credit check just to allow a person qualifying a business to take the exam. You can rest assured that Morningstar Electric LLC has approval to conduct business as a electrical contractor and has passed extreme scrutiny to serve you. Our license registration number is ER13013507. |
