Tag: electric meter

Everything You Should Know About Your Home Electrical System

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everything you should know about your home electrical system

Every homeowner should know at least the basics about the electrical systems in their home. If something were to malfunction or cause problems, you should know what you might be dealing with and how you can fix it (or prevent it from happening in the future). To help you get started, the pros at Roman Electric have prepared a guide on everything you need to know about your home electrical system.

1. Understand the Importance of a GFCI

Most homes have ground fault circuit interrupters pre-installed. However, if you have an older home, you might have to install it yourself. GFCI outlets can prevent electrocution—essentially, if the GFCI senses electrical difference flowing into the current, it will immediately shut off the circuit. This is especially useful in places where appliances are exposed to water. A GFCI can protect human life so it is important that you them installed around your home. The National Electric code requires them installed in places like your bathroom, kitchen, basement and even outdoors.

2. Find Ways to Save Electricity

There are numerous simple steps you can take to save electricity and on your electric bill. Here are some ways you can easily save electricity in your home:

  • Reduce Energy Vampires

Energy vampires are devices or appliances that eat up electricity even when they are not being used. As long as they are plugged in, they are slowly increasing your electricity bill. Make sure that you unplug devices like your laptop charger, hair dryer, and coffee machine when they are not being used. If you’re going on vacation, consider unplugging other larger appliances as well.

  • Turn Off Unnecessary Lights

If you are not using a certain room in your home, make sure the lights and fan are on. During the day, make use of the sun!

  • Switch to LEDs

LED lights are significantly more efficient than incandescent bulbs. They use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.

3. Know the Main Parts of Your Electrical System

Here is some home-electrical vocabulary you should know:

  • Electric Meter

The utility company’s lines extend to your home and are connected to your electric meter. Here you can measure the amount of electricity your home is using.

  • Main Service Panel

Electricity comes into your house from the main service panel and is essentially distributed to your electrical home appliances on hot wires. The current is then returned back to the utility on neutral wire which completes the circuit.

  • Disconnect Switch

Located on the exterior of your home next to the meter, the disconnect switch can shut off power from outside your home.

  • Main Circuit Breaker

The main circuit controls the power going to the branch circuit breakers, which control the power being distributed to your home appliances. Turning it off shuts off power to the branch circuit breakers and your home. If you don’t have a disconnect switch, the main breaker can be used to shut off power to your home.

Have any more questions about your home electrical system? Contact the pros at Roman Electric at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service online.

How to Read Your Electric Meter

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how to read your electric meter

Your electric meter is a device that tells you exactly how much electricity your household is consuming. Like the mileage display on your car, your electric meter tells you how much power your home has used ever since the meter was set up. There are different types of meters, but they all measure electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours and display total power used. While homeowners know they have an electric meter, they don’t often know how to read it. So, in this guide, the pros at Roman Electric tell you exactly how to read your electric meter, in addition to answering other questions about electric meters!

Where is the Electricity Meter Located?

Before you check your meter, it’s important to know where it is located. Usually the electricity meter is installed where the power lines enter your building. They are usually placed at either the side or the rear of your home. In some apartments, different electric meters will be grouped together.

What is The Meter Number?

Every meter has a unique meter number, in order to identify your home’s power consumption and bill you for it. The meter number is usually located on the face of the meter, usually at the bottom. If you must submit a meter reading to your utility company, it is important to know what your meter number is.

How to Read Your Electric Meter

While it is not necessary to read your electric meter, it’s very easy to do so. This is helpful to know if you would like to keep a personal record of your meter readings. Follow this step-by-step guide to read your electricity meter, specifically if you have an analog meter, since those are a little difficult to read:

  • On your analog meter you will notice 6 dials. Be sure to read the dials left to right.
  • The first dial will be labelled “10,000” the second “1000” the third “100” the fourth “10” and the fifth “1 kWh Per Div.” which means kilowatt hour. The 6th dial reads 1/10, which indicates a decimal place. So, for example, if the first dial is pointing at 4, the second is pointing at 3, the third at 5, the fourth at 6, and the fifth at 8, your reading will be 43,568 kwh. If the 6th dial is pointing to 1, the reading will be 43,568.1 kwh.
  • Sometimes a dial hand will be located at a point between two numbers—in this scenario record the lower number. If the dial is between 4 and 5, record 4.
  • The next time you check your electric meter, the reading will obviously be higher, since you will have consumed more electricity. If you want to check how much electricity you consumed during a certain period, you will have to find the difference between the last and current reading.

More Questions About Your Electric Meter? Contact the pros at Roman Electric!

If you have more questions about how you can read your electric meter, get in touch with Roman Electric! Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule an appointment online!