GreenLeaf Electric LLC answered questions

We advise you NOT do your own electrical work. IT IS DANGEROUS! Please contact us to answer simple questions and advise you on bigger projects. While, sometimes, it feels like not a big deal, electrical DIY projects may have negative consequences.

Homes had GFCI protection added in 1984. GFCI outlets were invented to save people from being electrocuted from coming in contact with electricity and water. These outlets have electronics inside them, and will have 2 buttons on the front of the outlet. Pressing the reset button in until you hear a click will restore power. The test button will ensure the outlet is working properly. If your outlets do not reset, the outlet may be defective, or there is another issue that is causing a the problem.

A tripped breaker is a nuisance. When it trips, an entire electrical circuit will not work, causing any outlets or lights to stop working. To fix it, follow the steps below:

1. Locate your circuit breaker panel (typically found in your basement or garage).
2. To locate the tripped breaker. This is typically indicated by a breaker’s handle in the center or “off” position (not aligned with all the other breakers) and sometimes displays a red or orange color.
3. Reset the circuit breaker by flipping it to the “off” position – you should hear a click when in “off” position. Then, switch the breaker to the “on” position – you should hear a click when it is in “on” position.

This could mean one of two things.
1. An intermittent chirp is probably an indication of a defective smoke detector.
2. A consistent chirp is probably an indication of a low battery condition and the smoke detector requires a new battery.

If you find your breaker panel is hot, it is most likely overheating. This is a serious problem that could cause arcing in the breaker and we recommend it to be replaced ASAP.

Begin by replacing all incandescent lighting to LED. Lowering your electric bill is not a one-time fix. You must first change your daily habits. Be sure to turn off all lights or electrical devices not in use when leaving a room – like TVs. If you have outdoor lighting, install a timer to make sure it is only on when necessary. If you have a heat pump, electric furnace, or air conditioning system, try keeping a consistent thermostat to so your HVAC system runs for shorter periods of time, ultimately reducing the amount of electricity consumed. Lastly, you can also set your thermostat slightly lower in the winter and higher in the summer to reduce HVAC operating time.

We recommend that you should have an electrical inspection carried out if:

• You are purchasing a property that has been occupied/unoccupied
• The property is more that 25 years old
• If it is more that 5 years since one has been done
• If you are concerned about how any of the equipment may have been installed