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Practicing Electrical Safety This Holiday Season with Little Sparkie Electric

As the holiday season approaches, homes and businesses alike light up with festive cheer. From twinkling string lights to powerful outdoor displays, November is the perfect time to bring warmth and sparkle to your space. But before you start untangling those cords, let Little Sparkie Electric, your trusted local electrician, remind you to keep electrical safety at the forefront of your mind and guide you with essential tips and services to keep your electrical systems safe and efficient.

Why Electrical Safety Matters This Season

The increased use of electrical decorations and heaters during the colder months can strain your home’s electrical system. Faulty wiring or overworked outlets are common culprits for accidents, which makes proactive care essential. With Little Sparkie Electric, you can ensure your home is not only merry but also safe for the holidays. To help you stay safe while creating a festive atmosphere, the Little Sparkie Electric team has put together a detailed guide to holiday electrical safety:

1. Inspect Decorations Before Use

Before you deck the halls, take a moment to examine all your lights and cords. Look for:

Frayed Wires: These can spark and ignite, creating a fire hazard.
Loose Connections: Damaged plugs or sockets can lead to electrical shocks.
Burnt-Out Bulbs: Replace any burnt-out bulbs promptly to avoid uneven electrical loads.
Pro Tip: Replace any damaged decorations immediately. It’s better to invest in new, safer options than risk an accident.

2. Use Outdoor-Rated Extension Cords

When setting up outdoor displays, always ensure you’re using extension cords designed specifically for exterior use. These cords are:

Weather-Resistant: Built to withstand moisture and temperature changes.
Durable: Equipped with heavy-duty insulation to handle outdoor conditions.
Never use indoor extension cords outside, as they lack the necessary protection from the elements.

3. Avoid Overloading Circuits

Holiday lights and decorations can draw significant power, and overloading a single circuit increases the risk of overheating or tripping breakers. To prevent this:

Plug decorations into different outlets to spread the load.
Use surge protectors to safeguard your decorations and devices from power surges.
Limit the number of strings connected together. Most manufacturers recommend no more than three light strings per outlet.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether your system can handle the extra load, call Little Sparkie Electric for an inspection or panel upgrade.

4. Unplug Decorations Before Bed or When Leaving Home

Leaving lights or decorations plugged in unattended increases the risk of electrical fires. Get into the habit of:

Turning off all decorations before going to bed.
Using timers to automatically shut off lights at a designated time.
Ensuring any candles or flame-based decorations are extinguished.
Pro Tip: Timers not only enhance safety but can also save energy during the holiday season.

5. Upgrade to LED Lights

If you’re still using traditional incandescent holiday lights, consider upgrading to LEDs. Here’s why:

Energy-Efficient: LEDs use up to 90% less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
Cool to the Touch: Unlike traditional lights, LEDs don’t heat up, reducing the risk of fire.
Long-Lasting: LED lights can last up to 10 times longer, making them a cost-effective choice.
Pro Tip: Look for LED lights with the ENERGY STAR® label for the highest efficiency and safety standards.

Bonus Tip: Secure Cords and Lights Properly

Keep cords and lights away from high-traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards. Use insulated hooks or clips to hang lights instead of nails or staples, which can damage the wires and create a shock risk.

By following these tips, you’ll not only enjoy a beautiful and festive home but also ensure the safety of your family and property. Little Sparkie Electric is here to help with any of your holiday electrical needs, from inspections to installations.

How We Can Help This Holiday Season:

Electrical Inspections
Schedule a comprehensive inspection to identify potential issues before they become hazards. This is especially important if you’re hosting holiday gatherings or using extra appliances.

Troubleshooting and Repairs
Noticed flickering lights or tripped breakers? Don’t wait until the season is in full swing—call Little Sparkie Electric to address the problem right away.

Contact us at 301-606-5181 or visit our website at LittleSparkie.com.
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The Importance of a Reliable Electrician in Repairing Your Valuable Tiffany Lamp

Tiffany lamps are more than just beautiful light fixtures; they are works of art. With their intricate stained-glass designs and timeless appeal, these lamps are often passed down through generations, making them treasured heirlooms. Many Tiffany lamps are highly valuable, both sentimentally and monetarily, so when one requires repair, you want to ensure it’s handled with expert care.

Whether it’s a loose connection, a broken socket, or faulty wiring, trusting a professional electrician for these delicate repairs is essential. Here’s why choosing a reliable electrician is so important when it comes to fixing your prized Tiffany lamp.

The Delicate Nature of Tiffany Lamps
Tiffany lamps are known for their intricate leaded glass shades, which are often hand-assembled with hundreds of small pieces of colored glass. These delicate materials require special care during repairs. The wiring and internal components must be serviced without disturbing the glass, making the job more complex than a standard lamp repair.

An electrician with experience in handling antique or valuable lighting will understand the precision required to fix a Tiffany lamp without damaging its fragile components.

Expertise in Electrical Repairs
While Tiffany lamps are prized for their aesthetic appeal, they are also electrical fixtures that require proper maintenance and care. Over time, the wiring in a Tiffany lamp can become worn or outdated, increasing the risk of electrical hazards like short circuits or electrical fires.

A licensed electrician has the expertise to identify and replace old wiring, ensuring your Tiffany lamp operates safely. They can also repair or replace any faulty sockets, switches, or other internal components while preserving the lamp’s original design.

Value Preservation
Tiffany lamps are often collector’s items with considerable value. When a repair is needed, it’s critical to hire someone who understands the importance of maintaining the lamp’s integrity. Attempting to fix it yourself or hiring an unqualified technician could lead to further damage, devaluing the lamp.

A professional electrician will not only ensure that the lamp functions correctly but will also take care to preserve its value by using appropriate materials and methods during the repair process.

Custom Solutions for Antique Lamps
Many antique Tiffany lamps may not have parts that are readily available at local stores. A skilled electrician can create custom solutions, sourcing or fabricating the necessary parts to ensure the lamp remains true to its original form.

By hiring a reliable professional, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your Tiffany lamp is being repaired using the best possible materials and techniques.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Beyond repairs, having your Tiffany lamp inspected by an electrician periodically is a smart way to ensure it remains in excellent condition. Regular maintenance can help prevent common electrical issues and preserve the lamp’s value over time.

From cleaning dust off the fixture to inspecting the wiring, a professional can help keep your Tiffany lamp shining brightly for years to come.

The Importance of Well-Placed Outdoor Security Lighting for Your Home

When it comes to protecting your family and property, well-placed outdoor security lighting serves as one of the first lines of defense. By deterring potential intruders and providing visibility in critical areas, modern security lighting plays a crucial role in home safety.

Why Outdoor Security Lighting Matters
Properly installed outdoor lighting can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins and vandalism. Criminals prefer dark, unlit areas where they can move unnoticed. By illuminating your home’s exterior, you make it less attractive to potential intruders. Additionally, outdoor lighting can prevent accidents by lighting up pathways, stairs, and other hazards.

Features of Modern Security Lighting
Today’s security lighting goes beyond simple floodlights. Here are some features that make modern security lighting both effective and energy-efficient:

1. LED Lights
LED lights are the preferred choice for outdoor security lighting due to their long lifespan and low energy consumption. They provide bright, clear illumination, ensuring that all areas around your home are well-lit without significantly increasing your electricity bill.

2. Smart Lighting
Smart lighting systems allow you to control your security lights remotely via smartphone apps. You can schedule lights to turn on and off at specific times, adjust brightness levels, and receive alerts if motion is detected. This flexibility means you can manage your home’s security lighting even when you’re away.

3. Dusk-to-Dawn Automation
Dusk-to-dawn lights automatically turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. This automation ensures your home is always protected without you having to remember to switch the lights on or off. It’s a convenient way to maintain security lighting and save energy.

4. Motion Sensors
Motion sensor lights activate when movement is detected within a certain range. This sudden illumination can startle potential intruders and draw attention to suspicious activity. Motion sensors also conserve energy by only lighting up when needed, rather than staying on all night.

Strategic Placement of Security Lighting
For maximum effectiveness, security lighting should be strategically placed around your property. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Entry Points: Install lights around doors, windows, and garage entrances to deter intruders.
Pathways and Driveways: Illuminate walkways and driveways to ensure safe passage and visibility.
Backyard and Sides of the House: Don’t neglect the back and sides of your home, as these areas can be vulnerable to intruders.
Outdoor Structures: Shed, garages, and other outdoor buildings should also have security lighting.

Well-placed outdoor security lighting is a critical component of home security. By utilizing modern features like LEDs, smart lighting, dusk-to-dawn automation, and motion sensors, you can ensure your property is well-lit and protected. Investing in effective security lighting not only deters potential intruders but also provides peace of mind for you and your family. Illuminate your home’s exterior and enhance your security measures today.

The Importance of Electrical Inspections Before Hurricane Season

As the summer approaches, so does the potential for severe weather, especially hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, bringing with it the risk of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. These conditions can pose significant threats to your home’s electrical system, making it crucial to ensure everything is in top shape before the storms hit. Here’s why scheduling a professional electrical inspection before hurricane season is essential.

1. Identifying Vulnerabilities
A thorough electrical inspection can reveal potential vulnerabilities in your system that might not be apparent to the untrained eye. Loose connections, outdated wiring, and faulty components can become major hazards during a hurricane. Identifying and addressing these issues beforehand can prevent electrical fires, power outages, and other dangerous situations when the storm arrives.

2. Ensuring Backup Power Systems are Ready
Many homeowners rely on generators for backup power during hurricanes. An electrical inspection can verify that your generator is correctly installed and in good working condition. This includes checking the transfer switch, fuel supply, and overall functionality to ensure it will perform when you need it most.

3. Preventing Power Surges
Hurricanes often cause power surges that can damage appliances and electronics. An electrician can install or inspect surge protectors to shield your valuable equipment from sudden voltage spikes. This preventative measure can save you from costly replacements and repairs after a storm.

4. Checking Grounding and Bonding
Proper grounding and bonding are critical for electrical safety, especially during a storm. An inspection will ensure that your home’s electrical system is properly grounded, reducing the risk of electric shock and enhancing the overall stability of your electrical system during adverse conditions.

5. Safeguarding Against Flooding
Hurricanes can bring heavy rains and flooding, which can severely impact your electrical system. An inspection can identify areas at risk of water intrusion and recommend solutions, such as elevating electrical panels, outlets, and wiring above potential flood levels. Additionally, installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) can protect against electric shock in wet areas.

6. Peace of Mind
Perhaps most importantly, a professional electrical inspection provides peace of mind. Knowing that your home’s electrical system is prepared for hurricane season allows you to focus on other aspects of storm preparation and ensures the safety of your family.

As hurricane season approaches, don’t leave the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system to chance. Scheduling a professional electrical inspection can identify potential hazards, ensure your backup power systems are ready, prevent damage from power surges, and safeguard against flooding. Taking these proactive steps not only protects your property but also provides invaluable peace of mind as you face the uncertainties of hurricane season.

Celebrating Nine Years in Business!

New Year’s Day 2016 marked the 9th anniversary in business for Little Sparkie Electric! It’s hard to believe. Time flies when you’re having fun, as the saying goes! We are excited to reach such a milestone, and we want to say a huge THANK YOU!! first and foremost to our customers, who are the biggest factor in our success. We also want to acknowledge our suppliers, fellow contractors, vendors, and advisors, who play important roles in helping us get the job done and keeping our house in order. All of you are the best, and we look forward to many more years of working together. We couldn’t do it without you all.

Catherine (aka Little Sparkie) has maintained her Commercial Level II certification from Generac Power Systems, which qualifies her to sell, install, and service larger generator units up to 150 kW as well as smaller units and all residential ones.

She has also participated in seminars on PV (solar) system installation, data and communications wiring, fire alarm installation, and up-to-date information on workplace safety and personal protection equipment for electrical contractors and their employees. The latest in lighting technology and lighting controls are also a big emphasis. Ongoing learning is always a priority with the company.

More Home Fires Occur in Winter

With winter’s coldest months upon us, we ask that people be aware of electrical fire hazards.

In an average year, heating is the cause of 17 percent of structure fires; however, in winter, especially during the coldest months, heating fires jump to 27 percent of structure fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Recognize Signs of Trouble

Be alert and learn to recognize signs of electrical trouble waiting to happen. Some warning signs that could lead to an electrical fire are:

Lights flicker for no apparent reason
You wiggle a switch and it feels “floppy” in your hand and/or the lights flicker or go on and off
The light switch doesn’t turn the lights on or – even worse – won’t turn them off
An unusual smell
Discolored receptacles, switches or other electrical devices
Sparks or noises (especially like “frying eggs)
Frayed wires or loose connections
Overloaded outlets, extension cords or surge protectors
Circuit breakers trip – and be especially concerned if they won’t reset!

If you see any of these signs of electrical problems, call an electrician immediately. A qualified electrician can identify possible causes, such as short or overloaded circuits, improperly-rated fuses and breakers, and not having ground-fault protection where it’s needed to protect against shock hazards.

Little Sparkie Electric offers safety checks as part of our services, and we see scary things just about every day. We check circuit breakers and wire connections, look for deterioration and corrosion, run tests to help ensure that electrical equipment is functioning correctly, and make recommendations to help ensure safety.

And you should always check to make sure your smoke alarms are working; we also install hard-wired alarms to comply with local electrical codes.

Winter Storms Can Cause Extra Hazards

Winter storms such as those the Eastern Seaboard has experienced in recent years, can cause additional hazards. These include:

Alternative heating devices such as space heaters, being used incorrectly.
Damaged or downed utility lines.
Water damaged appliances and utilities can be electrically charged.
Frozen water pipes can burst and cause safety hazards.
Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
Generators are often used during power outages, but if they’re not properly used and maintained they can be hazardous.

We always advise people to always follow manufacturers’ instructions and guidelines. Always use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside of the home in a well-ventilated location, as carbon monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.

Generators and Extended Power Outages

Remember the summer of 2012? One 20-minute storm at the beginning of July knocked out electricity to homes and businesses all over the region. Although most customers had their power restored within a week, some customers were without power for more like a month. And then there was Super Hurricane Sandy that same year, in the fall, and there it went again, only worse.

It really hits home how much we depend on electricity when we are without it for an extended period of time. So many homes and businesses are equipped with backup power.

Some have portable generators that can handle a few smaller loads that can be plugged in, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, a microwave oven or a lamp. Some have portables that are paired with a manual transfer switch, which allows hardwired equipment such as well pumps to be supplied with power when the utility goes out.

Others have standby systems, that start automatically when utility power fails, and shut themselves down when it returns. These systems can handle any load, as long as the unit is sized correctly to power the load without harm to the unit or the equipment it supplies.

You have to go out to get gasoline, sometimes diesel fuel, for a portable generator. If the filling station doesn’t have power either, their pumps won’t work. The weather is often bad as well, which is why the power went out in the first place…a summer thunderstorm, a winter ice storm, a tornado or hurricane. Standbys connected to a natural gas source don’t run out of fuel unless the gas utility does…a highly unlikely occurrence. Those connected to propane tanks need only monitor the tank gauges to be sure they have sufficient supply in case the weather turns suddenly fierce.

In an extended outage, all “species” of backup power units need maintenance to stay healthy and continue to run. We recommend that customers shut them down every 24 hours or so, for half an hour or thereabouts, to check the oil, give the generator a rest, allow it to cool down a bit, and add oil if needed since most of them will shut themselves down on a low-oil fault if they get too starved for it. All engines need lubrication to run without damage.

Please check your manufacturer’s specifications for the type of oil needed. If you use the wrong kind, it won’t necessarily harm the generator, but it very well could hamper its efficient operation.

Every owner of a backup power system needs to be aware that there is a specific order of tasks for a safe shutdown and restart of any backup power unit. Neither shutdown nor restart should happen under load, for important safety reasons. When you shut down a generator, whether portable or standby, please follow these steps:

Turn off breakers and/or unplug extension cords that supply protected loads;
Shut down unit via control panel switch, ignition kill switch, etc.;
Check oil, add to “full” mark on dipstick if necessary, refuel portable units WITH IGNITION TURNED OFF AND AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO COOL;
Note any other problems or questions for immediate or future attention;
Restart unit with loads still off;
When engine reaches full speed, usually within 15-30 seconds at most, reconnect extension cords and/or turn breakers back on.

Don’t forget regular maintenance. Just like your car or your body, your backup power source will run far better and tend to break down less often with scheduled checkups. We offer maintenance contracts on Generac products, since we are part of the manufacturer’s servicing dealer network, and will also work on other brands although our ability to obtain direct technical support and parts may be limited.

Happy powering! Isn’t it far better to have a backup system and not need it very often, than to not have one and wish you did when a storm upsets everyone’s applecart for miles around?

(Please note that we cannot be responsible for anyone’s use of information contained in this column or events resulting from same. Readers can feel free to contact us for specific advice or service.)

Little Sparkie Electric, LLC