Tag: diy electrical maintenance

Mother’s Day DIY: Electrical Inspection for Mom’s Home

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Finding the right gift for Mother’s Day can be tricky. You want to give mom a present that shows love and appreciation for all she’s done. Hence why Roman Electric recommends gifting your mom with a DIY electrical inspection for her home!

This Mother’s Day, Roman Electric wants to honor Milwaukee moms by helping to maintain their electrical systems. Below are some DIY electrical inspection tips you can perform for mom!

Test Mom’s Electrical Outlets/Switches

Go through and identify every outlet and light switch in mom’s home. Furthermore, give the outlets a quick test using a small device, such as a nightlight, to see if they are functioning. Flip every light switch on and off as well. However, do NOT test an outlet or switch if it exhibits these signs:

  • Burning Smell from Outlet/Switch
  • Burnt Marks/Other Damages on Outlet/Switch
  • Rumbling or Sizzling Sound Coming from Outlet/Switch
  • Outlet/Switch Feels Warm to the Touch

If any of these signs are present in an outlet or switch, contact Roman Electric immediately for further assessment.

Test Mom’s Smoke and CO Detectors

Smoke and CO detectors are an invaluable safety measure in any home. Therefore, by testing mom’s smoke and CO detectors, you’re helping to prepare her in the case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak. Test each detector as follows.

Note: Before proceeding, alert everyone in the home that you will be testing the smoke and CO detectors. Testing them emits a loud beep which should be heard around the entire house.

  • Testing A Smoke Detector – Have someone stand in a room of the home farthest away from the smoke detector being tested. Then, press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. After a few seconds, the alarm will sound off. If the person can hear the alarm where they stand, the detector is working properly. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace the batteries.
  • Testing a CO Detector – Have someone stand in a room of the home farthest away from the CO detector being tested. Hold down the button on the CO detector until you hear two beeps being emitted. If the person can hear the alarm where they stand, the detector is working properly. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace the batteries.

For more information on maintaining smoke detectors, click here.

Identify Mom’s Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are how power is distributed to a home. Therefore, think of them as the nervous system of an electrical system. Each circuit breaker provides power to a specific circuit. By knowing the connection of each circuit breaker in mom’s home, you’ll be able to help assess a situation such as a troubleshooting a faulty outlet or shutting off an unstable electrical current.

There are a few ways you can help identify where each circuit breaker distributes power. The first idea that comes to mind would be to simply shut off a circuit breaker and see which circuits were closed. However, this is not recommended, as this wears down the breaker each time. Additionally, you don’t know which appliances you are shutting off power too. For example, if you shut off power to a water heater, it may consume excessive energy to power it back on.

One solution we do recommend is using a circuit breaker finder. This tool can be found at almost any department store and utilizes a transmitter and receiver to find the circuit breaker’s associated circuit.

For detailed instructions on how to use a circuit breaker finder, click here.

Give back to mom this Mother’s Day with our DIY electrical inspection tips! And when mom is ready to have her electrical system inspected by Milwaukee’s leading experts, contact Roman Electric today! Give us a call at 414-369-3798 for our electrical system maintenance inspection services!

Electrical Inspection Tips: What to Expect

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Electrical inspections play a crucial role in maintaining your electrical system. Performing one helps to maintain energy efficiency and electrical safety. But do you know what to expect from an electrical inspection? If you’re not exactly sure, don’t worry. Instead, learn from the electrical experts at Roman Electric!

Milwaukee homeowners should know the process of an electrical inspection. Below are some steps taken by our electrical experts!

Electrical Flow is Examined

Being the main component of your electrical system, we examine the flow of electricity in and out your home. We check every circuit, wiring, boxes, and outlets. We also examine the service drop, which is how electricity is supplied to your home.

Circuits are examined for any faulty or improper behavior. This can be caused by damaged wiring, loose connections, or deterioration by age.

Outlets, Breakers, and Devices are Tested

We run each of your outlets through a test to determine their functionality. Each outlet is also examined for any damages, loose connections, or other defects. The same applies to your electrical panel, circuit breakers, and lighting. Wiring is thoroughly examined throughout this process, helping to identify any issues.

Electrical System is Inspected for Code Compliance

Throughout the inspection, we determine if your electrical system falls in line with local codes and regulations. We do this by checking to see if your home is suitable by NEC (National Electric Code) standards. NEC guidelines are required for every home.

One example of an NEC requirement is the need for GFCIs. GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are an outlet possessing a safety mechanism that protects against shock. According to the NEC, GFCIs are required in all bathrooms and kitchens of a home. This is examined during an inspection.

For more information on NEC requirements, click here.

All Problems and Issues are Identified

We perform a full analysis of your electrical system. This helps to identify any present issues, along with the severity of each problem. Problems can be loose wiring, damaged boxes, faulty installations, or more. We let you know the exact status of your electrical system, and the possible effects of each issue.

If your electrical system fails to comply with code, we provide you with the full extent of the situation.

Advice and Solutions are Presented

Electrical inspections are the time to ask questions! We offer extensive advice on further maintaining your electrical system, as well addressing any concerns you may have. Feel free to ask as many questions as you’d like.

If we have identified any issues with your electrical system, we then assess and present the best options to take. This is done to help ensure electrical safety and code compliance.

This guide should give you an idea of what an electrical inspection entails. And if you are ready to schedule your next electrical inspection, contact Roman Electric today! We offer affordable and quality electrical inspection services for your Milwaukee home. Just give us a call at 414-369-3798 to schedule an appointment and get started!