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Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Identifying the cause of Dimming Lights and determining the extent of the problem can be time consuming. Our CurrentSAFE®, Standard Home Electrical Hazard Detection Service, INCLUDES testing and documenting the conditions for all of the following possibilities.
- Low Voltage
- Loose Connections
- Under Sized Wiring
- Resistance Problem In Wiring
- Phase Imbalance
- Circuit Breaker Malfunction
- Overloading of Circuits
There may be issues directly related to the specific wiring in your home that may or may not make it economical to eliminate the dimming completely.
Other issues found that are beyond our Standard Service testing procedures include:
- Failing motors or internal wiring issues in appliances or heating and air conditioning equipment.
- The quality of power provided by the utility company. NOTE: This does not always mean that the utility provider is obligated to rectify the problem. Utility providers have acceptable limits and tolerances that allow some fluctuation.
It will be necessary to experience the dimming event to identify the problem. When we have completed our service, we will provide you with a report detailing our findings. We will review the report with you and discuss your options.
Answer: Generally, this is due to overloaded circuits, weak breakers or defective breakers.
- A Circuit Breaker is rated to protect a defined ampacity, exceeding the rated ampacity may cause "tripping" of breakers.
- Breakers with a continuous heavy load or a load close to the circuit breaker rated value, can stress the internal workings of the breaker and weaken the trip mechanism. This is a common cause of nuisance tripping, circuit breaker replacement and/or re-circuiting is recommended.
- Circuit Breakers can fail, I have yet to find an item that has never had a manufacturers defect. We check for that!
Answer: State of the Art Testing Equipment!
- Costs have prohibited these services in the past. CurrentSAFE® has combined specialized testing equipment to make the service economical.
- We use a patented "Circuit Analyzer" that checks the wiring behind the walls. This Analyzer tests for loose connections, false grounds and high resistance connections that can cause heating and possibly fires.
Answer: Yes, We Have Specialized Testing Equipment To Identify These Problems!
- "Ultrasonic Detection" listens for Corona, Tracking and Arcing, which are the three stages prior to an electrical fire. Our equipment listens to sounds at 100,000kHtz (you and I hear an average of about 16,000kHtz), this means we can hear the very beginning stages of Electrical Discharge and confidently verify the safety of your electrical system and home.
- Our "FLIR", "Infrared Thermographic Imaging Camera" will detect a less than 1º temperature variance, we use this to quickly identify abnormal overheating to your Electrical Equipment & Devices.
Answer: Yes
- We are fully licensed electrical contractor.
Answer: Yes
- If the circuit is accessible for testing, we have the equipment to find an electrical short in your home.
Answer: You Need To Check With Them.
- We have discussed the service with a variety of insurance agents and they are excited. There is no industry standard for a discount or payment assistance on the funding of the service. We have seen insurance companies assist in the funding of the service on post fire repair, post lightning strike issues or other post accident issues. Please discuss the program with them - an insurance company may be willing to reduce your insurance cost for this proactive and preventative service.
Answer: An Electrical Shock Prevention Device.
- "G F I Electrical Outlets and Breakers" constantly monitor the power flowing through them; the devices can sense a .5 millivolt change in current and shut off the power to the outlet.
- The National Electric Code requires that all residences shall have GFCI Protection in Bathrooms, Kitchens, Unfinished Basements, Garages, Outdoor Outlets and all other areas that water is or may be present. Detailed guidelines of installation locations can be found in the National Electric Code.
- Be careful replacing GFCI outlets, if they are wired incorrectly the "Test" button may work but power can still be flowing through the outlet.
Answer: No, the Arc Fault Circuit Breaker is primarily designed to protect against Fires, the GFCI Circuit Breaker is primarily designed to protect against shock.
- The National Electric Code requires that all new homes shall have Arc Fault Circuit Breakers protecting Bedroom Circuits.
- These breakers sense the stability of current flow through the circuit. When the internal circuitry of the breaker senses a disruption in the current flow, it will automatically determine if the disruption is a normal occurrence or an arcing situation. The breaker will automatically trip if arcing is identified.
- Although these breakers are quite costly, you may consider upgrading to these breakers in older homes to help with early warning of failing wiring.
Answer: NFPA Regulations State That In New Homes "Smoke Alarms Shall Be Installed in Each Separate Sleeping Room and on Each Additional Story of the Family Living Unit, Including the Basement and Excluding Crawl Spaces and Unfinished Attics".
REMEMBER: Smoke Detectors only detect smoke when it passes in front of the sensor. If a fire starts in concealed areas of the home such as an attic, chimney or crawl space the detector may not sense the fire in the early stages. We believe that in some cases, exceeding code requirements may be a wise decision.
NOTE: Manufacturer recommendations for maintaining smoke detectors include an annual vacuuming.
- Each Residence - must have a minimum of one (1) smoke detector on each floor.
- Bedrooms & Sleeping Areas - Each room is to have a minimum of one (1) Smoke Detector inside each bedroom or sleeping area.
- Stairways & Stairwells - These areas are capable of acting as a chimney during a fire (highly recommended).
- Bedroom Hallways - If the hallway is over 30' long, two detectors are required.
- Homes built prior to the newest regulations are not required to meet the new code.
- When remodeling or upgrading your home, you may be required to meet the new-updated code requirements, check with your local electrical inspector.
- Furnace Rooms - We recommend that any room with a motor operating in it, should have a Smoke Detector
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