As a rule, the bottom of any hanging light should be at least 6’8″ off the ground – unless it’s over a table or island. When you have an 8′ ceiling, this doesn’t give you a whole lot of room to play. If you long for the grand impact of a decorative

A room with a single light fixture is depressing. Kick the shadows by adding multiple light sources. A few stylish flush-mount ceiling lights. Some table lamps. An accent light here or there. When you have multiple lights shining in different directions, the space will feel lighter and more open. Make sure to place ceiling lights at least 3′ from the wall, any closer and harsh shadows will make your ceiling seem lower. 

Does the concept of a whole house surge protector have you scratching your head? Perhaps you’ve envisioned a super-sized power strip? Or maybe a large magical box capable of absorbing lightning bolts? Whatever your misconceptions about whole house surge protectors, we’ve got the 4-1-1 you need to help you protect your home and all its valuable appliances from those inevitable and frequent power surges.

Simply put, a whole house surge protector protects all the appliances in your home from voltage spikes, limiting excess electrical current by blocking its flow or shorting it to ground, much like a pressure relief valve. This includes surges occurring not only from lightning, but the 60-80 percent of surges that occur from within your home – typically from major appliances cycling on and off. With all of today’s electronics, you simply can’t afford not to protect your home with a whole house surge protector.

Whole house surge protectors are typically hard-wired to your electrical box. Proper installation is essential. A whole house surge protector must be properly grounded, since without proper ground even the best surge protector will be unable to perform its job.

Whole house surge protector installation by a professional typically takes about two hours. Unless you are highly skilled in electrical, it is strongly recommended to hire a professional electrician to install these devices. The electrical wiring on your service panel may be confusing, improperly installed, or house defects that could pose a danger to DIY installers not in-the-know. In addition, without proper grounding, your whole home surge protector will not function properly. For the safety of your home, your appliances, and your family, consult a professional for whole house surge protector installation.

Many components in today’s sophisticated electronic devices are sensitive to power surges. However electronics and appliances containing microprocessors -- an integral part of most of today’s appliances and technology -- are particularly sensitive to surges. Since microprocessors only function properly when they have the right voltage, a power surge can easily damage these fragile devices, affecting everything from central heating and air to kitchen appliances and entertainment technology.

Due to the prevalence of sophisticated electronics in today’s homes, every home should consider installing a whole house surge protector. In fact, everyone from the National Fire Protection Association to the Institute for Business and Home Safety recommends them. And while insurance companies don’t give discounts for surge protectors, they can easily pay for themselves in the event of a single power surge. Give your home the protection it needs with the help of Mr. Electric®. Contact Mr. Electrictoday for the fast, safe installation of this inexpensive and easy to use safety device for all of your essential electronics.  

We use so much electricity, and do it so casually, that we don’t tend to stop and think about the outlets that provide us with our electricity very often. In fact, most of us only give outlets much thought when we are cursing the fact that there is not an available outlet when our phones are about to die. Do not be fooled by their ubiquity, though; our electrical outlets are among the most important features of our electrical systems. That is why it is so important that you know for certain that your outlets are appropriate for the task at hand. Below you’ll find some information regarding GFCI outlets. If you require any GFCI outlet services in Boston, MA, contact FB Electrical Services to get started.

A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet is one which provides homeowners with ample protection from electric shocks and, potentially, fatal electrocution. You would likely be able to identify one if you knew what you were looking for; these are the outlets which feature both “test” and “reset” buttons on the outlet face plate. GFCI outlets measure the electricity put forth against the electricity being used by the device in question. If there is a difference between the two levels above an allotted amount, the outlet determines that electricity is finding a way in which to ground itself: potentially through the body of the user. The electricity is shut off nearly instantaneously in such instances.

GFCI outlets are, according to the National Electric Code, now required in all new kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, and in many outdoor receptacles. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to have GFCI outlets installed in any area where water is likely to be present (hence the aforementioned requirements). While not mandated by any law, many homeowners are choosing to replace outlets throughout their homes with GFCI models. Contact us if you have any questions or if you’d like to upgrade your outlets for better protection.

Electrical engineers usually have a huge responsibility in implementing safe electrical conduits to ensure safety and efficiency in designs of power substations. Conduits are the means in which power cables run from the ground to the electrical equipment and appliances. In addition, conduits provide protection of medium-voltage circuits in the power substation. Examples of circuits that need this protection are collector circuits entering the substation and distribution circuits leaving the substation to feed residential and commercial power needs.