1. What does LED stand for?
Light Emitting Diode is a mouthful. All you need to know is it equals savings in the long run because LED bulbs use less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and you need to buy fewer over time.
2. Do I need a Designated Outlet?
Yes, and you probably have them already in your home, or will need to install if you are buying a new appliance. Many appliances require more electricity than what a normal outlet on a circuit shared with other appliances can provide. Otherwise, you will trip a circuit breaker. Make sure you are powered up properly and have these installed for each major appliance—washer, dryer, range, dishwasher,disposal,microwave etc.
3. What is a GFCI and should I install these in my home?
Ground Fault Circuit Interruptors help to protect you from electric shock. Designed to turn off electricity if moisture is detected, this will save you from possible electrocution. These are required in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors wherever there is moisture and electrical access.
4. Is aluminum wiring ever safe?
In some instances but not many. If your home was built in the late 60’s or early 70’s and it was built with aluminum wiring, you should have it inspected. Aluminum expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations making it unsafe after years of use. The areas which expand become weaker and unable to effectively maintain a current, creating heat around it, and fire risk. Sometimes a home needs partial rewiring, or pigtailing with copper to be safe.
5. A breaker keeps tripping. Does it need to be replaced?
Not necessarily. A breaker which frequently trips could be a warning sign for a more risky or unsafe situation occurring in your home. Best to have it inspected by an electrician. It could mean a bad circuit breaker, or, an overloaded circuit, or a short in the circuit. Any of these situations need to be addressed.
6. Can I plug my electric vehicle into an normal outlet?
Not typically, but know that you probably shouldn’t use electricity from a nearby outlet, or one which is on the same circuit, or you will most likely trip the breaker as too much electricity is being drawn. Also it will take you about 16 hours to charge your car. An EV charging station may offer convenience and safety.
7. Do I always need to use the noted wattage for a light bulb?
It is safe to use a bulb with lower wattage than the lamp suggests, but never a higher wattage. This can be dangerous as the lamp is not typically wired for a higher wattage and you are at risk of the fixture overheating or a fire. Always adhere to the lamp and bulb wattage labeling.
If you are concerned a situation may not be safe with your home’s electrical, it is worth the piece of mind to have an electrician inspect your home.