One lightning bolt has enough electricity to service 200 000 homes.
First Lighthouse to use electricity – Statue of Liberty (1886)
The Brooklyn Bridge was the first bridge to be lit using electricity
The electric chair was invented by a dentist.
$212 billion in electrical bills paid by US customers each year.

Prestige Electric offers 24 hour emergency service. You will receive a call from the electrician on call who will first attempt to help solve your problem over the phone – there is no charge for this service. If the electrician on call is unable to help you solve your electrical problem over the phone, he will dispatch himself to your location to help you with your electrical emergency.
When an emergency strikes your home, call Prestige Electric. Emergency Service, without the Emergency price tag! No Overtime Charge …..ever!

Check for:

•Overloaded circuit
•Damaged plug
•Damaged cord
•Loose wiring
•Defect in appliance or lamp
Remedies:

•Test for overload — shift appliance or lamp to another circuit
•Replace plug
•Replace cord
•Tighten connections at switch or receptacle
•Test in another circuit — repair if faulty

Check for:

•Burnt out bulb or fluorescent tube
•Defective fluorescent starter
•Faulty switch
•Loose wiring
•Faulty socket
Remedies:

•Replace bulb or tube
•Replace fluorescent starter
•Replace switch
•Tighten connections at switch or fixture
•WHAT ABOUT SOCKET?

Check for tripped breakers and reset your main breaker. If the main breaker is warm to the touch , call a qualified, licensed electrician immediately. If resetting the breaker does not fix the problem, it is possible you have lost one phase (leg) of your main power supply. Contact your utility company and have them inspect their service line for programs.

I replaced the lamp in my recessed light and it blinks on and off. What’s wrong?

Most recessed light fixtures contain a thermal cutoff device that de-energizes the lamp if temperatures exceed the rating of the housing. This commonly occurs when a lamp is replaced with one of a higher wattage. When the temperature within the fixture cools, the thermal will reset and the lamp will come back on. Installing the correct wattage lamp for the fixture will cure this.

I plug my hair dryer in the bathroom and when the air conditioner is on in the bedroom the breaker trips, Why?
This type of problem, common in older homes is due to overloaded circuits. The best solution is to run new circuits to the appliances that require more current. In this example a new 20 amp circuit for the bathroom and a new circuit for the air conditioner would be a good solution.

Every electrical appliance has a cord, and many homes use extension cords to increase the range of electrical outlets. These safety tips can help keep cords in good condition for safe operation.

•Check cords regularly for frays, cracks or kinks, including power tool cords, holiday lights and extension cords.
•Cords are not be jump ropes, clothes lines or leashes, and should never be used for anything other than their intended purpose.
•Cords should be firmly plugged into outlets – if the cord is loose and can pull out easily, choose a different, more snug outlet.
•Do not staple or nail cords in position at any time; if the cord does not remain where desired, use tape or twist ties to secure it.
•Cords should not be placed beneath rugs where they can become a trip hazard or where frays will not be noticeable. Furthermore, covering a cord will prevent it from keeping as cool as possible.
•Do not make modifications to a cord’s plug at any time – do not clip off the third prong or attempt to file down a wider prong to fit in a different outlet.
•Extension cords are a temporary solution only and their use should be minimized whenever possible.
•Use the proper weight and length of extension cord for the appropriate task, and be sure the cord is rated for indoor or outdoor use, whichever is required.
•When unplugging a cord, pull on the cord at the outlet rather than tug on the cord itself.

Appliances
Appliances are an integral part of every household, from a simple electric clock to the microwave oven to decorative holiday lights. These safety tips can help keep all appliances operating safely:

•Unplug unused appliances and stow cords safely out of reach of pets, young children or hazardous situations.
•Appliances that generate heat, such as clocks, televisions and computer monitors, should be given several inches of clearance all around for good air circulation and cooling. Do not drape clothes, toys or other items over warm appliances.
•Always follow appliance instructions carefully, and do not attempt amateur repairs or upgrades.
•Keep all electrical appliances away from water such as sinks, bathtubs, pools or overhead vents that may drip.
•Do not operate any electrical appliance with wet hands or while standing in water.
•Keep clothes, curtains, toys and other potentially combustible materials at least three feet away from radiators, space heaters, heating vents and other heat sources.

1. If you have been advised by some impartial 3rd party to call an electrician, do not attempt it yourself.
2. If the job requires expensive additional tools that you probably will never use again, call the electrician, even if you believe you are capable of doing the repairs.
3. If it is not visible without having to do some intrusive work first, call an electrician. This would also insure that if something should go wrong, someone else will bear the cost to get it fixed.

Before you even attempt any electrical repairs, make sure you have the proper protective gear (eyewear, footwear, etc.). It is pointless to learn how to do an electrical repair job if you are not around afterwards to enjoy it! Follow your instincts – they are right most of the time.