Category: Electrical Safety

The RIGHT Way to Install a Dimmer Switch

Posted on | by Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Dimmer switches provide a number of benefits for your home or office, including ambient lighting, creating a relaxed environment, and reducing cost by conserving energy

The best part? Installing a dimmer switch only takes about an hour and can be done in a few easy steps.

Getting Started

Before you begin installation, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions to create a plan for your home improvement project.

First, where do you want to install a dimmer switch? If you’re just getting started with dimmer switches, you may want to consider installing one in the room you use the most so you are able to consistently use the switch.

Five of the most common rooms for installing dimmer switches include: 

  • Living rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Home offices
  • Dining rooms
  • Outdoor spaces, such as a Florida Rooms

Second, what kind of dimmer switch do you want to install? You have a number of options with dimmer switches, so you should pick one you think will work best for your household.

  • If your household focuses on minimalism, the single-pole dimmer switches might be best for you. These are simple, easy to use, and have a variety of design options.
  • If your household is first in line when the latest piece of tech is released, you will want to take a look at a smart dimmer switch, many of which have the ability to pair with your phone. 
  • If your household loves convenience, dimmer switches with a remote may be the way to go. You can spend more time entertaining your guests without interrupting to change the lights as the evening turns into night! 

Please note: not all light bulbs are suitable for dimming. Be sure to read the bulb’s instructions as it will indicate if the dimming is possible for that particular bulb or not.

Installing a Dimmer Switch

Now that you’ve decided where you want to install the dimmer switch and what kind you want, it’s time to get started. 

Check out our 4 steps to installing a dimmer switch below:

Step 1 – Cut the Power and Remove the Old Switch

Before you begin handling wires and electricity, you must cut the power to the correct switch.

Identify the circuit, cut the power on the fuse box or circuit breaker, and double check by attempting to turn on a light switch. Once you are sure the power has been cut, unscrew and remove the existing light switch cover.

You will then need a flathead screwdriver to remove the screws of the old switch and detach it from the box. Once you’ve done that, carefully pull the switch and attached wires away from the box.

Step 2 – Remove the Wires From the Old Switch

Now that you’ve removed the old switch, it’s time to disconnect the wires from it.

You will want to make note of the wire colors and where they were attached on the old switch. You may need to remove the grounding wire after you have disconnected the other wires.

Step 3 – Attach the New Dimmer Switch to Wires

After removing the old switch from the wires, you should have three wires: black, white, and a separate ground wire.

Attach these wires to your new dimmer by mimicking the old placements and using pliers to guide them around the screws. Tighten each screw and make sure the ends are secure. 

In the event that you have multiple wall wires in a group, twist the ends of these wires together to form one single wire before attaching the wire to the screw.

Step 4 – Install the Dimmer Switch to the Wall Box and Add the Switch Plate

Once you have replaced the older switch with a new dimmer module, fold all the wires back into the wall box and position the new switch on the box. 

Screw in the dimmer switch to the box and replace the switch plate. 

Once you have secured these two things, return power to through your fuse or breaker box. You have successfully installed a dimmer switch!

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

For every electrical project, you’ll want to consider whether it’s a DIY project or if you should hire a professional. 

Some electrical projects are simple, including installing dimmer switches, replacing a wall outlet, or attaching an appliance cord. These can be completed in a short amount of time without extensive electrical knowledge. 

Even if you have the ability, you may still want to consider hiring a professional electrician to complete these tasks to save time and ensure the project is properly completed. In addition, there are some projects, such as rewiring a breaker box, that should always be completed by a professional. 

At Southwest Florida Electric, we’re here to make sure all of your electrical needs are met. Whether you’re looking for assistance adding new lights to your home, updating your ceiling fan, or installing dimmer switches, contact us today to get started on your latest project!

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The Dangers of Not Replacing an Old, Outdated Electrical Panel

Posted on | by Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Most homeowners only think about their electrical panel when a breaker trips and they have to mosie out to the garage to reset it.

But your electrical panel is the “nerve center” or your home’s electrical systems. All of your outlets are powered through this one central hub. And like nearly everything in life, your electrical panel has a lifespan. Continue reading →

8 Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

Posted on | by Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 44,880 home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction each year in 2012-2016, according to the NFPA. And let’s not forget about electrocution. 

Some folks focus so heavily on electrical safety tips for the inside of their home, they forget about the outside! Yet, your landscape can pose its own unique set of risks if not properly managed.

Here are eight tips for improving the electrical safety of your front and backyard:

1. Routinely inspect your outdoor power equipment. 

When it comes to caring for your property, you likely use a few pieces of electrical equipment: mowers, weed whackers, chainsaws, generators, etc. 

While your lawn mower doesn’t have cord, some tools like hedge trimmers or edgers do. Before plugging in these devices, always look for damage to cords, plugs, and wiring to prevent sparks from flying. This type of wear can occur naturally with age, from rodent or pest damage, moisture, etc., so be sure to check your equipment’s condition before each use.

2. Improve your electrical equipment storage.

Look for more than just cord damage if you store power equipment in a shed vs. a garage, which is more susceptible to intrusion from Mother Nature. 

  • Watch out for moisture. Inspect your entire structure for signs of water damage, like warped flooring, dripping ceilings, or moisture build-up, etc. which could render your tools useless or increase risk of electrocution or fire next time you try to start them.
  • Beware the heat. Always read the storage safety measures on your landscape equipment. Living in Florida, you know how high the heat index can get. Some power equipment may be better suited for storage in a temperature-controlled environment to avoid overheating risks.
  • Unplug your devices when storing. Be sure any unused battery chargers are unplugged and stored properly. Same goes for really any item you won’t be immediately using!

3. Never leave power equipment unattended.

You know to keep chainsaws with sharp blades out of reach of children, but don’t forget to consider equipment that could cause electrical problems if overheated or excessively operated. 

That portable generator your teens plugged in out back to power their electronics could cause an outdoor fire if left unattended and running for hours on end. Or that portable fan that’s not rated for outdoor use could have electrical issues if left outside and on in the rain. If not present, power down and unplug.

4. Check that you have GFCI outlets outside.

Do you know the difference between a GFCI and grounded outlet? You can tell a GFCI receptacle apart from a regular, unprotected receptacle by looking for the two red and black “Reset” and “Test” buttons in the center of the outlet. If you break the circuit, these buttons can be pressed in to reset the power to the outlet, without having to worry about going to a breaker to do so. 

outlet examples - 8 Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

This extra safety feature is perfect for high-risk moisture environments, and is why The National Electric Code requires GFCIs in bathrooms, garages, kitchens and outdoor outlets. Double check that all our outdoor outlets have a GFCI setup, as some older homes may not. 

5. Inspect your outdoor outlets.

Walk around your property and take a hard look at your outlets.

  • Look for visible and functional damage. Replace any broken or missing face plates and plug in cords to ensure no plugs are falling out of loose outlets. If you notice any visible wires or falling-out-prongs, it might be time to call an electrician for an outlet replacement.
  • Test your outdoor outlets. Even if you don’t see visible issues, when was the last time you tested your outdoor outlets (if ever)? Test your outlets with a voltage tester or hire a professional electrician to check them. If you find any outdoor outlets not working, here’s our article on troubleshooting faulty outlets.

6. Understand how to properly use extension cords outside.

Extension cords are never meant to be used as a permanent solution, so if you have items permanently plugged in using these cords outside, that could be an electrician safety issue. 

  • Exhibit caution, even with “for outdoor use” ratings. Even cords rated specifically “for outdoor use” are only meant to be plugged in while performing a task or while you are within reach of the cord. If you have string lights on an extension cord setup, for instance, only plug them in while lounging on your lanai.
  • Don’t forget to inspect It’s important to routinely examine your outdoor rated extension cords just like you would your electrical equipment cords. Check for damage before use and keep away from water. 

Check out more extension cord “dos and don’ts” here.

7. Perform regular property clean-sweeps.

Electric fires grow when there’s something around to feed the flames. Because of this, maintaining your property is a great way to avoid the start or spread. 

  • Keep outlets clear and clean. Be sure to sweep dry leaves or debris away from your outdoor outlets, power cords, lighting, etc. to avoid this risk.
  • Watch out when trimming. When doing routine tree or bush pruning on a ladder, watch out for overhead power lines.

8. Think before doing outdoor construction or renovations. 

We understand that you may have a big vision for transforming your front or backyard, but be cautious when it comes to breaking ground or making major changes to your outdoor property. 

While planting a new tree or installing outdoor landscaping or hardscaping may seem harmless, it’s always best to remember to “Call Before You Dig.” Simply dial 811 before you start and the utilities company will come and mark where any underground lines are so you can avoid bursting pipes or damage to your house’s plumbing systems. This is also crucial to consider for backup generators with fuel tanks underground. 

This same applies to additions to your garage, installing a lanai, etc. Always consult an electrician beforehand to ensure you’re meeting all safety requirements. 

More Electrical Safety Improvements 

We hope that these outdoor electrical safety tips have inspired you to make some improvements to your landscape.

Looking to ditch the extension cords and install new outdoor outlets? Or maybe you are ready to install some landscape lighting? 

We’ve got your covered, and are here to help with whatever other electrical installation or updates you need for your outdoor space. Explore our Residential Electrical Services here.

Got it all covered yourself? Great. Continue your safety improvements inside by downloading our free Homeowner’s Easy Electrical Maintenance Toolkit. 

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3 Signs It’s Time for an Electrical Ballast Replacement

Posted on | by Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Are your fluorescent bulbs on the fritz? If you’ve recently been hearing a strange, loud buzzing sound every time you flick on the lights, or are experiencing inconsistent lighting levels, there’s a chance the bulbs themselves aren’t to blame.

Many large corporate lighting panels or office lamps operate with a little help from an electrical ballast. This device regulates the distribution of energy across your lighting fixture, working with a load to limit the amount of current in an electrical circuit.

That means that when your ballast starts to go, your lights have nothing to regulate the current that travels through your bulb’s tube. Eventually, when you flip the lights on, your bulbs will overload and fry!

But if you catch a faulty ballast before it’s too late, you can save yourself the hassle of purchasing all new bulbs. Here are a few signs that your ballast might need replacing:

1. Know if your light even requires a ballast.

This is a great place to start your troubleshooting journey. Not all lights require a ballast to function, so make sure this is your problem. 

Incandescent and halogen bulbs, for instance, aren’t ballast-dependent— and LED bulbs don’t require one either.

Then there are the light bulbs that have a ballast integrated inside, which can’t be replaced separately.

Many fluorescent bulbs, for example, have an internal ballast. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) often have one integrated too— just like some HID lights often do— but not always. 

Single bulbs with an integrated ballast need to be replaced just like any other bulb when they die or act faulty (you’re not going to tear apart the bulb itself to replace an internal mechanism). However, larger light fixtures may operate with the help of an external ballast.

Commonly, the long strips of T12 or T8 fluorescent lights on your business’s ceiling have one shared electronic ballast, which can be replaced without necessarily needing to swap out the light strips (if you catch the problem before the ballast dies and burns out the bulbs, of course).

Some older parking lot high-intensity discharge (HID) lights also use a ballast, though many modern fixtures use high-efficiency LEDs now instead. 

2. Look for warning signs that the ballast is failing.

After you’re sure you have a ballast, it’s time to investigate.

Typically, if just one CFL bulb is out, try replacing the tube. If you notice that any of these signs affect an entire section of lighting, it might be time to test your ballast:

Buzzing

If you hear a strange sound coming from your bulbs or light fixture, like a buzzing or humming noise, that’s often a sign your ballast is going.  It’s struggling to maintain the current and causing audible voltage regulation problems.

Dimming or flickering

If your bulbs are very slow to reach full brightness or strobe periodically, there may be a problem beyond the bulb. Water-damaged or faulty ballasts often struggle to regulate current. 

No lights at all 

If your bulbs won’t turn on, there’s a fat chance they all went at once from natural causes. Your faulty ballast might have burned them all out!

Changing colors 

Your lights should consistently shine at the same brightness and hue. If you notice a variance in color, your ballast might be on the fritz and surging sporadic voltage levels to your bulbs.

3. Check the ballast itself. 

Oftentimes if your ballast is slowly huffing or completely shot, it’ll be very obvious. Be sure to turn off your fixture’s circuit breaker in your electrical panel before tinkering. Remove the cover over your light and the bulbs themselves before examining your ballast for:

Swollen casing 

This is something you’ll see before you even take the casing cover off. If the plastic is bulging, your ballast is a goner. Very likely, energy overloaded it and damaged the box.

Burn marks. 

Sometimes you have to crack the ballast open to see internal damage. If you see burn marks inside the device or on wires, replace it. It couldn’t handle the current and overloaded. If this is the case, you may need to replace your bulbs too.

Water damage

Is there moisture inside of your panel or the ballast? This is probably what fried the device.

Leaking oil

If you have an older magnetic coil ballast, it could be leaking oil and malfunction. Carefully clean the area before replacing it. 

Professional Ballast Testing & Replacement

Still stumped?

Instead of standing on a ladder and poking around live wires, give the SWFL Electric team a call. We’d be happy to test your ballast and get you a speedy replacement.

Message or call us at (239) 935-5892.