We’re barely a week into fall and the temperatures are already dropping and the stormy season is upon us. Here in Virginia, we’re bound to get our fair share of severe thunderstorms, which always carry the potential of a power outage. Because September is National Preparedness Month, we thought we would help you prepare ahead of time for a power outage, should one happen in your neighborhood.

Early in the month, American Airlines Flight 1420 crashed near Little Rock, AK. This crash, along with a few others that took place soon before and after, inspired research into the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation on pilot safety.

3) A Whole, Whole Lot of Drug Money

In June 1999, George Bush announced his candidacy for the office of President of the United States of America. So much was about to change in our culture during the next 8 years.

5) Lord Stanley’s Cup

via www.moviesonline.ca6

In June 1999, Stephen King got hit by a car and was flung 14 feet while walking on the shoulder of a road in Maine. What’s the name of that Stephen King book about the car? Oh yeah, Christine. Any connection? You never know. But I’m sure King was thankful Kathy Bates didn’t find him after the accident.

7) The Weird Looking Predecessor of the MacBook Is Born

That mildly annoying yet overall charming goofball Austin Powers (Mike Myers’s colorful character) graced the cover of Rolling Stone in June 1999, exuberantly celebrating the sequel to the original Austin Powers blockbuster smash hit. Smashing, baby!

9) Adam Sandler Tones It Down a Little

The universe’s hippest couple, who, of course played in a rock band together, hit the popular scene with their debut album in June 1999. Then, they became insanely famous. And then, thirteen thousand two-piece rock bands, featuring only guitar and drums, were born. I think now, 15 years later, we are finally beginning to see the decline in that questionable trend. Bass matters, people.

11) That Kid from Walking Dead Was Born

Venus and Serena Williams, two twin females from a socioeconomically disadvantaged place, won the Grand Slam female doubles event for the first time. They were the second sister team to win a Grand Slam event since 1890. This is the kind of thing that just makes you smile. These are some of the best ever to play the sport.

13) MORE TENNIS!

As technology moves forward, our knowledge of electricity and our ability to make it safer for us to use has also advanced. One of the latest and greatest things we have at our fingertips is GFI outlets. You have probably seen these in some buildings and maybe even a few new homes. The National Electric Code has made these outlets a standard. Kitchens, bathrooms and other areas that are near water like pools and spas are all required to have GFI outlets in place instead of the standard outlets. If you are not sure if you have one of these, call The Electric Connection and we would be happy to explain. You can also read on and learn a little more about what they are.

Your electrician in Pasadena will explain exactly what GFI outlets are. These outlets look different than the standard ones you have seen for decades. There are 2 buttons in the center of the outlet. 1 red and 1 black. These are to test whether the outlet is working and the other is to reset it.

GFI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters can prevent against electrocution in the event a person is standing or touching water while using an electrical appliance. The GFI detects the very millisecond the electricity is no longer flowing along its proper second. As soon as it detects the break, it cuts power to the appliance, thus preventing a terrible accident. This is where the reset button comes into play. Simply reset the outlet after the situation has been made safe.

This is a fairly simple precaution you can take today to prevent a serious, life-threatening accident in the future. If you would like to learn more about replacing your existing outlets with GFIs, call an electrician. Pasadena residents can rely on The Electric Connection. We have a knowledgeable staff ready to help make your home a safer place. Give us a call today.

There are many ways that electrical fires can start in the home, any many ways they can be prevented. With all the tools on the market it can be hard to know what you should be using to protect your home. One important tool that you can use to prevent electrical fires is an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). An AFCI could prevent electrical shorts and damage on circuits around your home.

Arc faults occur when electricity leaves the circuit and the current travels to a different pathway. This can occur if a wire is cracked, cut, or broken. When the wire becomes exposed the electricity can travel out and into the surrounding objects. When the electricity makes contact it will heat up significantly which can cause a fire. If this arcing occurs in your home, chances are the surrounding materials are wood or insulation. Once an arc fire starts, it can do significant amount of damage before you are made aware by the sound of your detector.

An arc-fault circuit interrupter (ACFI) can be installed on receptacles and circuit breakers to shut off the flow of electricity when it detects an arc about to occur. Because arcs are a sudden surge of power, standard circuit breakers may not shut off before the arc occurs as they are designed to prevent short circuits and overloads. Sudden surges of power in the electrical system can occur when devices and appliances, like a vacuum cleaner or light switch, are turned on. These are normal occurrences, which will be detected by the ACFI and allowed. But the ACFI also monitors the circuit for dangerous arcing and is ready to shut off the flow of electricity immediately when it occurs.

While many homes in Canada may have ACFIs installed, it has not always been a requirement. For homes that have been built before new electrical code requirements in 2002, there are likely no ACFIs installed in the home. This makes you vulnerable to arcs that are more likely to occur in older homes due to aging wiring. Currently, it is standard to have ACFIs installed on all bedrooms.

Our Expert Elections are experienced in installing AFCIs. Our electricians can detect if there are AFCIs currently installed in your home, and which points of your electrical system are critical and should have an AFCI installed. If you are unsure about your homes protection, call your local Expert Electric at 604-681-8338.