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.

Federal Pacific Panel

Federal Pacific Electric panels known problems:

Breakers do not always trip when circuit
is overloaded
Breakers arc to the buss bar and damage it
Breakers are damaged by arcing and heat
Replacement breakers are expensive
Breaker failure can cause electrical fire

1. If your existing electrical panel is damaged and can not be repaired
2. If you want more power to your home for a new kitchen, new media center, new appliances
3. When your outlets are ungrounded and you want more outlets
4. When your concerned with your safety and your insurance company requires an upgrade
5. You are selling your house and want to add value
6.If you own Zinsco or Federal Pacific panels that according to Underwriters Laboratories are not safe
To be sure that your panel is safe, you want to contact us and ask for a free safety inspection.

What is main breaker generator panel?
The main breaker generator panel connects the residential generator with the electrical system of your home. It is the ideal on/off switching system that allows the homeowner to switch between power provided by the electrical utility and the generator.
Why do I need one?
In the event of a power outage, the homeowner can switch power source from the utility to the generator to ensure continuous operation of critical appliances such as lighting, refrigerators, air conditioning and water heaters.

Hire a licensed electrician in for your next home improvement job so you don’t sacrifice quality and safety. If a pipe leaks, the floor gets wet and some minor property damage may occur. If electricity is not handled correctly, severe injury or death can occur. So count on an electrical contractor for getting the job done right and done safely. Think about it. If a handyman can’t do the work that it takes to become a licensed electrician, they will probably perform improper or incomplete electrical repairs. This will eventually lead to serious, recurring electrical problems. The work will have to be redone or worse yet, may cause damages to life and property.

An overloaded circuit is the primary reason for a breaker tripping and occurs when a circuit is has more connected electrical load than it is supposed to have. When more current runs through the circuit than the circuit was intended to take, the circuit breaker is designed to, well, “break the circuit.”
Circuit breakers come in different ratings that determine how much current they will allow to flow through the circuit. If a 15 Amp circuit breaker is protecting a 15 Amp circuit, and 20 Amps of current start to flow through it because a hair dryer, TV and small personal heater were all connected to the same circuit and were on at the same time (even if on different outlets) then the circuit breaker trips to prevent overheating of the circuit.

Did you know that a brownout, or power surge, can damage household appliances, your TV set and even your computer? Such surges, or power failures, are more common in the summer, when increased electrical use due to air conditioning overloads the local power supply with increased energy demand. You can protect your computer with a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). Some people also use a UPS with their television set. Contact us for more information!

The 2010 hurricane season is upon us, and weather forecasters predict an especially active hurricane season. Are you prepared for hurricanes, and their spin-off tornadoes? Create a family emergency plan — designate a meeting spot and stock up on needed supplies such as food, water and medicine. You may also want to buy a generator, as power can be out for days after a hurricane or tornado strikes. Contact us for your generator needs.

Did you know that FPE (Federal Pacific Electric) and Zinsco electrical panels are defective and proven fire hazards? Replace them to protect your family against fire and to comply with homeowners’ insurance policies. The cost to upgrade from an FPE panel starts at $500. Call Prestige Electric at 407-859-3400 — We can help you!