Author: Allsource Electrical Technologies

Spot Problems With the Electrical Wiring to Keep the Home Safe

When it comes to electrical safety, recognizing faulty wiring early is essential for preventing fire hazards and system failure. This guide highlights the warning signs and dangers of deteriorating or outdated electrical wiring, offering practical solutions that promote long-term safety and peace of mind. Faults in a home’s wiring system can develop silently and pose serious risks if left unaddressed.

Signs to Repair or Replace the Wiring

Early detection of electrical wiring problems can help avoid hazardous conditions. Frequent circuit breaker trips often indicate an overloaded or deteriorating system. These disruptions occur when circuits carry more electrical current than their design allows, signaling that internal components may be compromised.

Discoloration or scorching on outlets, warm outlet covers, or unusual buzzing noises around switches and outlets are clear signs of excessive heat or faulty connections. These symptoms often point to arcing electricity or loose terminals. A persistent burning smell, especially one resembling melting plastic, frequently suggests that insulation on internal wires is breaking down and overheating—conditions that require immediate evaluation by a licensed professional.

Flickering or dimming lights, particularly when large appliances activate, often reveal inconsistencies in power distribution. This symptom indicates that the wiring is unable to meet household demands. Additional red flags include slight electric shocks from appliances, outlets that fail to grip plugs firmly, or the presence of aluminum wiring in structures built between 1965 and 1973. Electrical fires commonly originate inside walls and spread rapidly, making prompt intervention and regular system evaluations critical for ongoing safety.

Dangers of Faulty Wiring

Deteriorated or poorly installed wiring presents serious threats that go beyond minor electrical inconveniences. Damage to insulation or connections increases the risk of electrical fires, which remain one of the leading causes of residential property damage and injury. Data from the National Fire Protection Association reports that electrical failures or malfunctions lead to approximately 51,000 fires annually in U.S. homes, with significant casualties and financial loss.

Among the most common culprits are overloaded circuits. When multiple appliances or high-demand devices operate on a single circuit, the resulting heat from excess electrical current can melt insulation and ignite nearby materials. Homes with outdated wiring systems—such as knob-and-tube or aluminum—face even greater risks due to outdated safety standards and material limitations.

Loose or deteriorating connections may cause electrical arcing, which can produce temperatures exceeding 10,000°F—more than enough to spark ignition in surrounding materials. In areas near water, faulty wiring also presents serious electrocution hazards. Handling these conditions without proper training can be deadly, which is why expert inspection and repair are always the recommended course of action when wiring issues arise.

The Risks of Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum wiring, commonly used in residential construction between 1965 and 1973, is now recognized as a high-risk material due to its poor long-term performance. Though originally installed as a cost-effective substitute for copper, aluminum wiring has been linked to significantly higher fire risk. Research from the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that homes wired with aluminum are up to 55 times more likely to develop fire hazard conditions compared to those with copper wiring.

The issue stems from aluminum’s tendency to expand and contract with changes in temperature. This thermal movement causes terminals and connections to loosen over time, generating resistance and heat—especially at outlets, switches, and junction boxes. Oxidation further exacerbates the problem, forming high-resistance barriers that can cause dangerous overheating.

In homes constructed during the aluminum wiring era, professional assessment is crucial. Electricians can identify aluminum wiring by inspecting panels and connection points. Although full replacement with copper provides the safest long-term fix, cost-effective options exist. One approved method, known as “pigtailing,” involves joining copper wires to existing aluminum wires using special connectors and anti-oxidation compound. This technique significantly reduces fire risk without requiring full system replacement.

Whether through pigtailing or complete rewiring, correcting aluminum wiring should be considered a top safety priority in older homes.

About Allsource Electrical Technologies

Allsource Electrical Technologies is an expert electrical contractor serving the area of Houston, TX, and beyond. They offer the latest technology, straightforward pricing, and on-time services. Call them for electrical wiring repair and replacement services in Houston, TX.

Ways to Upgrade the Lighting Outdoors

Imagine relaxing in a magical space that radiates warmth and confidence every evening. Installing light outdoors can transform outdoor spaces into dazzling retreats in no time. If a yard feels dim and uninviting, an expert guide can help boost safety and curb appeal with stunning exterior lighting solutions. Simple, effective steps can revitalize outdoor living spaces and enjoy newfound charm.

Porch and Patio Lighting

Strategic outdoor lighting installation transforms ordinary gathering spaces into stunning entertainment venues that shine long after sunset. Properly placed fixtures enhance architectural features while creating an ambiance for evening socializing on porches, patios, and decks. The right lighting plan balances aesthetics with functionality, turning underused spaces into nighttime retreats.

Wall lights and lanterns provide essential foundation lighting that defines boundaries and illuminates vertical surfaces. Mount these fixtures at eye level or slightly higher to avoid a harsh glare while highlighting textural elements like stone or wood features. Additionally, outdoor pendant lights suspended over dining areas create intimate gathering spots with focused illumination, making dinner conversations more enjoyable.

Step lights represent one of the most practical yet underutilized outdoor lighting elements for entertainment spaces. These low-profile fixtures not only prevent accidents by marking elevation changes but also create dramatic cascading light effects on multi-level decks and patios. In contrast, string lights deliver an instant atmosphere with minimal installation effort. Combining pathway lighting with accent spotlights on landscaping elements creates a multi-dimensional outdoor room that feels both expansive and intimate. Guests will linger longer in beautifully lit outdoor spaces that seamlessly transition from day to night.

Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting installation transforms ordinary outdoor spaces into enchanting nighttime environments that showcase the best features of a property. By strategically placing lights throughout gardens, walkways, and architectural elements, depth and dimension are created that daytime simply cannot match. The right lighting plan reveals a home’s character after sunset.

Well-designed garden lighting draws attention to prized plantings and creates visual interest. Uplighting tall trees creates dramatic shadows on a home’s façade, while path lights guide visitors safely through the landscape. Wash lighting can accentuate the texture of stone walls or brick features. Subtle illumination makes these elements come alive. Garden lighting isn’t just decorative—it extends living space into the evening hours.

Driveways and entryways benefit tremendously from thoughtful lighting placement. Illuminating these transitional spaces improves safety while making a home more welcoming. Post lights or bollards along driveways provide the necessary visibility without harsh glare. Meanwhile, accent lighting highlights architectural details like columns, eaves, or unique façade elements that might go unnoticed during daylight. This layered approach to outdoor illumination creates a cohesive nighttime appearance that enhances curb appeal and property value. Homes deserve to shine after dark.

Security Lighting

Proper outdoor lighting installation dramatically improves home security while creating a safer environment for family and guests after dark. Motion sensor lighting serves as the first line of defense, automatically illuminating when movement is detected and potentially deterring unwanted visitors. These security fixtures work silently around the clock. Strategic placement near entry points, garages, and vulnerable areas maximizes their effectiveness as both a deterrent and a notification system.

Furthermore, pathway illumination prevents dangerous trips and falls that commonly occur in poorly lit outdoor spaces. Well-designed landscape lighting gently guides visitors along walkways and garden paths while highlighting potential hazards. Safety doesn’t require sacrificing style. Modern path lights come in various designs that complement existing landscape aesthetics while serving this crucial safety function.

Step lighting represents perhaps the most important safety feature in any exterior lighting plan. Outdoor stairs should receive dedicated illumination to clearly define the transition between steps. This targeted lighting approach prevents missteps that could lead to serious injuries, especially for elderly visitors or children. Professional security lighting installation ensures proper placement, appropriate brightness levels, and reliable operation year-round, transforming outdoor spaces into areas that remain both beautiful and secure throughout the evening hours.

Call Allsource Electrical Technologies

Allsource Electrical Technologies is a trusted electrical company in Houston, TX, and beyond. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day services, and the latest technology. Call them for outdoor lighting installation in Houston, TX.

Reasons to Get a Whole Home Generator Installation

In an era of increasing dependence on electricity, unexpected power outages can bring daily life to a halt. From spoiled food and frozen pipes to disrupted work-from-home setups and critical medical equipment, the consequences of losing power can range from inconvenient to potentially dangerous. A standby generator becomes more than just a backup plan – it’s an investment in comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Whether living in an area prone to severe weather events or wanting to ensure the home remains functional during unexpected blackouts, understanding how a standby generator can protect a household is essential.

How Standby Generators Work

A standby generator functions as an automated backup power system that activates when a home experiences a power outage. The core component of this system is the automatic transfer switch (ATS), which constantly monitors the home’s electrical connection to the utility grid. When the ATS detects a power interruption, it signals the generator to start and disconnects the home from the utility line—a crucial safety measure that prevents backfeeding into the grid.

The transition from grid power to generator power typically occurs within 10-30 seconds of an outage, ensuring minimal disruption. Modern standby generators run on either natural gas or liquid propane, connecting directly to the existing fuel lines for a continuous power supply. Once power is restored, the ATS detects the stable grid connection and automatically initiates a reverse sequence: synchronizing with the utility power, switching back to the grid, and shutting down the generator. This sophisticated automation means there’s no need to venture outside during storms or other dangerous conditions to maintain power, making standby generators a truly hands-off solution.

When Is a Generator Needed?

A standby generator serves as a crucial backup system that automatically activates within seconds of detecting a power outage, ensuring essential electrical functions continue without interruption. This seamless transition occurs through the automatic transfer switch, which monitors the connection to the utility grid and signals the generator to start when the main power is lost.

Power outages can occur for various reasons, with severe weather conditions being a common culprit. During summer months, excessive heat can strain the power grid as air conditioning usage surges, potentially leading to brownouts or complete blackouts. Winter brings its own challenges, with ice storms and heavy snow damaging power lines and transformers.

Additionally, severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes can cause extensive damage to power infrastructure. Equipment failures, vehicle accidents involving utility poles, and planned maintenance by power companies can all result in temporary loss of electrical service. A standby generator ensures that the household remains operational during these unpredictable events.

Benefits of a Generator Installation

A standby generator serves as a crucial backup power solution, automatically activating during outages to maintain essential household operations. When the main power supply fails, these systems seamlessly transition to provide electricity for critical medical equipment, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals who rely on powered medical devices such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, or electric wheelchairs. Additionally, standby generators keep vital home systems operational, including HVAC systems, security systems, and lighting, which is particularly important during extreme weather conditions or prolonged blackouts.

One of the standby generator’s most significant advantages is its ability to preserve comfort and protect investments. Maintaining power to refrigerators and freezers prevents hundreds of dollars worth of food from spoiling during extended outages. The system also powers heating and cooling systems, protecting the home from temperature-related issues such as frozen pipes in winter or excessive heat and humidity in summer. Furthermore, a standby generator ensures sump pumps continue functioning during storms, preventing costly basement flooding and subsequent water damage to property.

About Allsource Electrical Technologies

Allsource Electrical Technologies is a trusted electrical company serving the Houston area. They offer panel replacements, generator installation, and electrical troubleshooting services. Call them for electrical repairs in Houston, TX.

Upgrade Electrical Features in the New Year

The start of a new year is a great time for homeowners to change things and make new electrical upgrades. Upgrading a home’s electrical systems can not only provide immediate benefits but also increase the value of a home, which will pay dividends when it comes time to sell. 

When planning upgrades, it’s crucial to hire a licensed electrician, as electrical work can pose safety risks. Continue reading to explore some electrical home improvement ideas to consider this year that can enhance both the efficiency and safety of a home.

Consider Installing New Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade a home, as they’re generally affordable yet provide many benefits. A ceiling fan will not only provide more air movement, making the living space more comfortable, but it can also allow homeowners to rely less on air conditioning and heating systems, lowering their utility bills. 

To use ceiling fans to improve efficiency year-round, it’s important to know how to utilize them. During the winter months, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise, while in the summer months, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise. Homes that already have ceiling fans may also benefit from new, upgraded units.

Think About Upgrading Lights and Switches

Indoor lighting upgrades are one of the quickest ways to change the aesthetics of a home. And given the sheer number of lighting options available, homeowners will have no trouble finding lights and fixtures that suit their tastes.  

LED lighting is especially popular, as it is not only more energy efficient but also longer-lasting. It is also possible to find LED lights that produce light in various colors. This means a homeowner could use bright white lights in kitchens or bathrooms and softer, yellow-tinged lights in living rooms.  

It is also important to consider upgrading the light switches in a home. For example, on-off switches could be replaced with a dimmer switch. Additionally, many modern LEDs and switches can be connected to smart home systems or controlled via a cell phone. This can even allow the lights to be placed on timers, providing additional convenience.  

Rewire the Home or Replace Old Outlets

Homeowners should always look for signs that a home’s electrical wiring is malfunctioning or damaged. Wiring issues can lead to hazards like fires, so it is always important to have a licensed electrician inspect the wiring if any malfunction is noticed. It is also wise to have the wiring of older homes checked regularly. 

Old or damaged electrical outlets are also potentially dangerous issues that homeowners should address promptly. A damaged electrical outlet may stop working, but it could also lead to a fire or other risks in some situations. However, homeowners should never attempt outlet installation or wiring work themselves. They are projects that should always be left to professionals. 

About Allsource Electrical Technologies

Allsource Electrical Technologies is dedicated to providing high-quality electrical services and repairs promptly. Their professionals offer emergency and same-day services for homeowners throughout Harris County. Contact them today for all your electrical service needs in Missouri City, TX.

Install Whole-Home Surge Protectors For Maximum Safety

Electronics are more ubiquitous in the home than ever before. Without computers, TVs, and smartphones, not to mention all of the smart devices, civilized life is hardly possible. One of the major difficulties that not every homeowner knows is how to protect these devices from problems on the electrical grid. 

In the past, people were encouraged to use surge protectors built into powerstrips to protect the few devices they had. The problem with that strategy today is that it is insufficient to safeguard all devices that need protection.  

Dangers of Power Surges

Electricity travels through the wires on the power grid in a wave. This type of electricity is called AC power, and it is distinctly different from the kind needed to power the chips in all the devices people use daily. Direct current or DC power is the type of power needed for sensitive electronics. Electronics prefer this type of power because it is consistent. 

Some converters turn AC power into DC power. AC power surges can cause a spike in DC power large enough to burn sensitive electronics. Protecting devices from these power spikes is vital to their continued use, and for that, people need surge protectors. 

Benefits of Installing a Whole-House Surge Protector

Power surges occur regularly on the grid. The most well-known cause of a power surge is when lightning strikes the infrastructure and causes extremely high voltage flow into homes. Any sensitive electronics plugged in at the time can be completely fried. 

Another common cause of power surges is sudden changes in demand on the grid. When large factories turn industrial equipment on or off, the resulting change in voltage can damage electronics. 

In the past, the only way to protect devices from power surges was with special power strips. These were convenient enough for most situations because they could handle all computer equipment at one workstation or an entire entertainment center. 

At the time, no other devices in the home needed the protection, so it wasn’t a problem. Now, electronic devices are constantly used in every room, so whole-home surge protectors are the only way to ensure the entire home is safe from power surges. 

When To Replace an Old Surge Protector

Whole-home surge protectors are always in place, constantly absorbing spikes in voltage that could flood the home with excess power. Due to the constant nature of the job, whole-home surge protectors need to be replaced at times to ensure continued protection. 

The average life expectancy of a whole-home surge protector is three to five years. Local electricians can give a more accurate time frame because they know the stability of the power on the grid and can better assess the damage to the unit. 

Some of the signs that it is time to replace a surge protector are: 

• Flickering lights
• Faulting electronics
• Illuminated warning lights on the unit
• Damaged electronics
• Signs of overheating
• Frequent tripping

About AllSource Electrical Technologies

AllSource Electrical Technologies is licensed and experienced in residential and commercial electrical service. They can handle whole-home surge protectors, generator installation, and lighting upgrades. Call today for surge protector services in Missouri City, TX. 

Get Holiday Lights and Decor Ready Safely!

The holiday season is in full swing. It’s finally close enough to the holidays that the people who argue that decorating shouldn’t happen before a certain date have no excuses left. Why not celebrate with a holiday display? Here are a few tips from local electrical experts to ensure the holidays stay safe and merry. 

Different Types of Holiday Lights

Holiday decorating technology has advanced greatly in recent decades. Older decorations were dominated by incandescent bulbs, which had several major flaws. 

First, incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy, making them expensive to run during an already expensive season. Second, they generate a lot of heat, making them more hazardous. Third, incandescent lighting is more prone to damage because it requires glass. 

Modern holiday lighting is being replaced with LED lights. LED lights are superior to incandescent lighting in every way. They use less energy, provide light with almost no heat, and can be made of plastic, making them able to withstand more abuse. 

LED lighting is also more versatile than its incandescent counterpart, meaning decorations can be even more elaborate. Make the switch this year and take holiday decorating safety to another level. 

Installing a Safe Holiday Display

Holiday displays and lighting shouldn’t be put up without a plan. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season and cut corners when decorating, but this can have serious consequences, ranging from damage to the decorations to property damage. 

Always start decorating this season by carefully storing the decorations from the previous year. When poorly stored, wiring and insulation can become brittle, leading to potential problems next year. As decorations are being put up, carefully inspect them for broken bulbs, damaged insulation, and installation instructions. 

Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendation when they state whether decorations are for indoors or outdoors only. Outdoor decorations must be double-insulated and able to withstand UV light, which can damage insulation on indoor wiring. 

Don’t Forget Electrical Safety

The hazards of holiday decorating can be broken down into two categories: risks to the home and the electrical system. Risks to the home can include fire damage and electric shocks, while risks to the electrical system involve arcing and overloading. 

Risks to the home are best managed by inspecting electrical decorations for damage before they are installed and ensuring decorations are appropriately designed for their locations. This may also include limiting the use of extension cords and making sure linked strands of lighting do not exceed the manufacturer’s limit. 

Risks to the electrical system are easily managed by implementing the principles of safe electrical operation that should always be observed. During the holidays or any other time, for that matter, avoid overloading outlets with excess power strips or outlet extenders. 

If displays draw too much power, try splitting the load between different circuits to prevent overloading and overheating. Finally, only plug outdoor decorations into tested GFCI outlets. By following these rules, homeowners can avoid the trouble that results from holiday displays. 

About AllSource Electrical Technologies

AllSource Electrical Technologies helps with residential and commercial electrical repairs and installations. Their experienced crews can also handle generator installation and lighting upgrades. Call today for electrical service in Houston, TX. 

Use Safety Devices to Protect the Home

The electrical world provides homeowners with great convenience. However, those convenience factors also come with risks. While there are risks, many homeowners can be proactive simply by understanding the electrical services available that can help detect hazards so action can be taken before damage occurs. In this guide, we share more about these services so every homeowner can be informed. 

Smoke Detectors Protect Against Fire Damage

A smoke detector is one of the most basic and reliable electrical services every home should invest in. These devices should be placed throughout the home, ensuring that all areas are covered and protected with an early alert system. 

Smoke detectors are designed to recognize when there is smoke and sound an alarm for the home. It is important to check batteries and test the home’s smoke detectors regularly to ensure they work properly. Smoke detectors are early warning tools that can save lives and reduce fire damage to a home. 

When installing smoke detectors, follow these guidelines: 

• Kitchen
• Living room
• Near bedrooms

Place a smoke detector in every major room of the house and make sure a nearby detector covers the bedrooms as well to enhance home safety. 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Another important electrical device or service is a carbon monoxide detector. These simple devices help monitor the air quality in a home, providing an alert when significant levels of carbon monoxide are present. 

Some detectors will also detect and alert to other impurities in the air, but this is one of the most important. Carbon monoxide has long been deemed a silent killer because it has no odor and is often hard to recognize. A person with carbon monoxide poisoning will experience symptoms but may not immediately recognize those symptoms. 

Like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors should be tested regularly and their batteries updated. They should be placed throughout the home and respond when an alarm sounds. 

Protect Against Unknown Hazards with Electrical Safety Inspections

An electrician is trained to recognize electrical designs and determine when something isn’t safe. They are also experts in codes and regulations and can make repairs for hazardous situations. 

Electrical safety is no joke and is so important for every home. Getting a regular electrical inspection can help protect home safety, in addition to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This inspection will review the entire electrical system and make upgrades or repairs where necessary. 

Homeowners should recognize warning signs, such as flickering lights or frequently triggering breakers. An electrical inspection can help pinpoint a problem before it becomes a major hazard or causes substantial harm to a home. 

A homeowner does not have to wait until there are immediate concerns to get an electrical safety inspection. It is recommended that a professional be brought in every few years to be safe.

About AllSource Electrical Technologies

AllSource Electrical Technologies provides reliable and fast electrical services. They respond the same day, are always on time, and have over 40 years of electrical experience. Contact them today for electrical services in Houston, TX.

Stay Festive and Safe

Holidays are a time for fun and creativity when decorating, but it’s important to prioritize safety while enjoying the festivities. With all the excitement of decorating and celebrating, it’s easy to overlook potential hazards from using electric decorations, candles, and holiday lighting. By taking a few simple precautions, homeowners can ensure their homes remain safe while embracing the season. 

Inspect Decorations Before They Are Used

Before plugging in and displaying lights and electric decorations, inspecting them for any signs of damage is best. Most holiday decorations are packed away in haste as people take down and store them. This means that many decorations may be stored in such a manner that they are damaged while they wait to go back up. 

Before using decorations:  

• Check all cords and wiring for fraying, cracks, or exposed wires, which can pose a fire hazard or cause electric shocks. 
• Ensure that any bulbs or lights are functioning properly.
• Check for signs of wear on the decorations.
• Plug in and observe the proper operation of motors and lights.
• Only install decorations following the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Have a Strategy

When setting up lighting and decorations, remember where they will be plugged in. Ensure that outlets and circuits are not overloaded by plugging in too many decorations and lights in one circuit, which can cause hazards. Instead, electrical decorations should be distributed across multiple outlets and circuits. Keeping decorations well-placed and circuits balanced will help ensure a safe and festive environment.

Also, avoid placing decorations or any flammable materials near flames, as they could catch fire. When installing lighting and displays outdoors, remember that these must be made for outdoor use to be safe in different weather conditions. Avoid running power from inside the home to power outdoor electronics. 

Turn off Lights and Blow Out Candles

One of the most important safety precautions is to turn off all electric decorations and lights and to blow out any candles before leaving the home or going to bed. Leaving lights or candles unattended increases the risk of fires, especially if an accident occurs. 

For a safer alternative to real candles, consider using battery-powered candles, which provide the same ambiance without the fire risk. By powering down decorations and extinguishing candles, everyone can protect their home and loved ones while still enjoying the holiday spirit. 

About Allsource Electrical Technologies

Allsource Electrical Technologies can help keep the holidays safe with electrical service, including AFCI and GFCI installation. They offer same-day service and honest pricing for everything from lighting upgrades to generator installation. Call today for electrical service in Houston, TX. 

Keep the Home Safe with These Three Outlet Options 

As locals know, people rely more on electrical power than ever before. Without access to electricity, lighting, entertainment devices, and lifesaving services like food preservation and vital health devices, they won’t work. This simple fact makes the electrical outlets in the home among the most important utility access points. 

If there are drawbacks to electrical service, they are the risks that are presented by electrical power, namely fires and shocks. In decades past, these risks were not minimized because technology hadn’t offered solutions to mitigate these risks. However, with the latest electrical outlets, homeowners can make their homes safer without losing the convenience of electrical power. Here are three common options for electrical outlets to keep the home safe. 

AFCI Outlets

The latest developments in electrical outlet technology aim to mitigate the risks of electrical power. The first outlet option on this list aims to make electrical fires a thing of the past. Electrical fires are always caused by a phenomenon called an arc. Arcs occur any time the path of electricity is impeded, causing tremendous heat. With years of statistics, outlet developers discovered the most common source of house fires was damaged electrical cords in bedrooms and living spaces. As the cords were damaged and worn out over the years, the wires were weakened, and insulation degraded to the point arcs were likely to form. 

AFCI outlets, or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters, recognize the signs of electrical arc as power flows through them. When they sense an arc, they stop the flow of electricity to stifle the heat being produced, and ultimately, they stop a fire. Homeowners can ensure that fires won’t occur unexpectedly by installing AFCI outlets in bedrooms and living rooms. 

GFCI Outlets

The second major threat presented by electricity is the risk of shock. For ready access to electrical power, there has to be plenty available at all times. Unfortunately, that means when the conditions are right, someone may experience a life-threatening shock. To prevent this, GFCI outlets were introduced to the market several decades ago. 

In most cases, electrical shocks occur in the presence of water. Water can cause power to flow unexpectedly, so the results can be serious when someone comes into contact with energized water. GFCIs sense the change in current that comes with energized water and stop the flow of power. These devices are required outdoors and within six feet of water sources. 

Childproof Outlets

Introducing children into modern society carries a lot of risk. Curious children are notorious for inspecting outlets at their eye level. Tragically, children can fall victim to the hazards of electricity when outlets are not properly protected. Instead of relying on bulky plastic devices or plastic plugs that are massively inconvenient, childproof outlets can protect kids while keeping power easily accessible. 

Childproof outlets have internal tabs that keep foreign objects out of the outlets. When a plug is inserted, the spring-loaded tabs retract and allow the plug to slide in. Childproof outlets look and operate like any other outlet, dispensing the need to protect them further and making them the most convenient option. 

About Allsource Electrical Technologies

Allsource Electrical Technologies can help make the home safer with new outlets. They offer same-day service and straightforward pricing to keep their customers raving. Call today for electrical outlet services in Houston, TX.

Signs to Consider an Electrical Panel Upgrade

The electrical panel divides the incoming power into smaller, more manageable circuits and distributes it around the home. One of the things that often gets overlooked when it comes to renovations around the home is the electrical panel. After years of service or wear and tear, the electrical panel can fail to provide a home with reliable and safe power and need replacing. 

Unfortunately, most people don’t know when to upgrade an aging electrical panel. Here are three signs that an electrical panel upgrade or replacement is needed to continue safely providing power to a home or business. 

The Space Is Powered By a Fuse Box

Before technology progressed to the point that electrical panels were available, fuse boxes did the job. One of the most vital functions of an electrical panel is that it limits the amount of power that can flow through a circuit so the wiring and outlets are safe from harm. Fuse boxes did the same thing in older construction. The problem is that fuse boxes began to be phased out about 60 years ago in favor of electrical panels. 

Fuse boxes need to be updated to fill in some gaps in the safety required for electrical power. Electrical panels offer superior protection with none of the drawbacks. Electrical panels contain circuit breakers that can be reset when they trip, while the fuses in fuse boxes must be manually replaced when a fuse blows, often prompting emergency trips to the hardware store or calls to an electrician. 

Old Age or Corrosion

Electrical panels can last a long time in service before needing to be replaced. They can last over 20 years, with an average lifespan of around 25 to 40 years. When an electrical panel reaches this range, it should be inspected to determine if a replacement is needed. 

Corrosion, rust, or other damage is another great way to determine if an electrical panel replacement is needed. If corrosion or damage is present, the unit is likely nearing the end of its life expectancy, regardless of its actual age. If spotted, homeowners should have an electrician check it and determine if a replacement is needed.  

Frequently Tripping Breakers

If circuit breakers trip regularly, it can signal that the electrical panel is insufficient for the home’s electrical needs. This could be due to more appliances being added to the house. Circuit breakers trip to prevent fire hazards and damage to the wiring and appliances.

An insufficient electrical panel can be a serious safety hazard, so if homes are experiencing regular circuit breaker tripping, it is important to have an electrician inspect the electrical panel and determine if an upgrade or replacement is needed.

About Allsource Electrical Technologies

Allsource Electrical Technologies handles electrical services for homes and businesses. Their caring teams provide same-day service and honest pricing on electrical panel upgrades and other electrical services. Call today for electrical panel replacement or services in Houston, TX.