Category Archives: Electric

Electrical systems play a key role in your home's structure and function. They provide power to every room in your house. The wiring consists of special wires and cables to carry electricity from the main service panel to all the circuits and outlets throughout your home. Wiring upgrades allow you to add services or reconfigure your current system to serve new needs.

1. Lighting

Modern lighting solutions offer a wide range of design options and control features. They allow you to transform the way your home looks and functions. You can install special lights that use sensors to shut off when no one is in a room. This minimizes energy usage while still providing ample light where you need it. You can also replace ordinary lighting with options that incorporate color-changing features. Add integrated wall switches and dimmers to control the lighting from anywhere in your home. A reputable electrician can help you select the right solution for your needs and budget.

2. Home Automation

Home automation systems are becoming standard fixtures in modern homes. The systems have a central control panel and integrated devices with wireless connectivity. They can operate various functions throughout your home and even control your heating and cooling systems. You can set your system to automatically turn on or off lights, sound alarms, or operate special entertainment features. The wiring upgrades necessary for home automation depend on the features you choose.

3. Restructuring

In older homes, the electrical system may no longer be adequate for your needs. You might need to add lines, switches, and sockets to accommodate your current needs or expansion plans. An electrician will determine your needs after examining the house and studying your electrical usage. They can then recommend solutions that provide ample power without posing a fire hazard or creating an unsightly mess of wires and cables throughout the home. Consider installing two or more circuits to handle peak needs if your family is large. This allows the house to operate smoothly even when one circuit is overloaded.

4. Security Alarm Monitoring System

Security alarm systems make it easy to monitor your home's security systems from anywhere with cellular connectivity. They allow you to receive text messages with customized alerts about unusual activity or tampering. The devices provide remote access with a smartphone, tablet, or PC. The home's control panel may require upgrades and additional lines to ensure the system works effectively.

5. Media Hookup

The right media hook-up lets you add features like DVD and Blu-ray players or other audio/visual sources like cable or satellite receivers. You can also add the latest generation of high-definition televisions to your home. Other special features such as surround sound, multi-room audio, and connectivity to the Internet make it easy to enjoy music, movies, and games. They require specific wiring to ensure the devices and systems work properly. A professional electrician can install the proper wiring. They will ensure it meets building codes, provides adequate power, and supports future needs.

If you're thinking about wiring upgrades, call Mr. Electric in Tampa, FL if you need a new electrical panel or any other electrical services. We do upgrades in compliance with electrical codes. We'd be happy to provide a no-obligation estimate on all your remodeling needs.

Electrical malfunction or failure can result in home fires that lead to property damage, severe injuries, or even death. Outdated electrical wiring is a significant contributor to such electrical failures. So how do you avoid your household being a victim? You must be alert to spot the warning signs indicating you have outdated electrical wiring. Here are six warning signs that you have outdated electrical wiring in your home.

1. Circuit Breaker Trips

It is common for your circuit breaker to trip whenever it's overloaded. A circuit breaker is designed to shut off your power from the circuit during an overload. However, when tripping is frequent, it is a sure sign there's a potentially dangerous issue with your home's wiring.

When your circuit breaker trips many times within a month, it could mean outdated electrical wiring or a wiring failure. If your home's wiring is outdated, schedule an upgrade to avoid dangerous issues.

2. Frayed Wiring

Wires fray or crack for various reasons, and aging is one of them. Outdated wires fray easily, becoming a fire and shock hazard. Such damaged wiring is dangerous and can result in electrical damage or injuries. In such instances, seek the services of a licensed electrician to inspect your home for frayed wires and replace them.

3. Burning and Odd Odors

Outdated wiring may produce a burning odor immediately after you turn on your home's switches. You may also smell burning from outlets or your electrical panel. Burning wires are a serious issue that must be addressed as soon as possible to avoid electrical fires.

4. Dimming or Flickering Lights

When your light fixtures start to dim or flicker, it is usually due to power-hungry appliances on the same circuit. If your lights dim whenever you use any electrical device, however, there's likely an issue with your home's electrical system. You may require a wiring upgrade to handle the energy consumed in your home.

5. Scorched Switches or Outlets

The outlets of your switches can help you identify a problem in your wiring. When these outlets start heating up, you know there's a problem somewhere. Also, when your switch feels hot to the touch, it indicates an issue with your wiring.

Scorched switches are a sign of an overload in your electrical system, which could be a result of outdated wiring. Such inspections will help you determine whether your home needs an electrical upgrade.

6. Buzzing Outlets

If you're greeted with a buzzing spark when you plug something into an outlet, unplug the device and call an electrician as soon as possible. Buzzing outlets are not normal, and they pose a threat to your property and safety. An electrician can find the cause of the issue and provide a quick fix.

Outdated electrical wiring can be costly in terms of the damage it can cause. Therefore, hiring an expert for an electrical upgrade is the way to go. Contact us at Mr. Electric for unmatched residential and commercial electrical services in Tampa, FL, including lighting installations and home wiring upgrades.

The lighting industry has come a long way over the years. If you're building a commercial facility in Tampa or are planning on making changes to an existing one, you should consider putting in LED lighting. LEDs, or "light-emitting diodes," come with many benefits. Several of those benefits will be described below.

Long Lifespan

Incandescent bulbs, which used to be very commonly found in commercial settings, can last around 1,000 hours, on average. This may seem pretty good, except when you compare that to the average lifespan of an LED, which is estimated to be 50,000 hours. It could even be as high as 100,000 hours. Clearly, LEDs have a huge advantage in this department. This means you can save some money not having to frequently replace your lights.

Efficient

LEDs are very efficient, and this will also save your business money in the long run. While it's difficult to give you an exact number of how much energy you'll save by using LED lights versus incandescent ones, we can tell you that many customers see well more than a 50% improvement in overall energy efficiency. It could be much higher, and that's because nearly all of the energy that goes into the diode is used to make light. In other words, there is hardly any energy that's wasted in these types of lights.

Disposable

Some lights, such as fluorescent lights, have mercury in them. This is perfectly fine when they're in operation, but they need to be disposed of in a special manner. LED lights aren't made with mercury or other materials that require special handling, so you can dispose of them easily when the time comes.

Don't Produce Heat

LEDs don't emit a ton of heat as some other lightbulbs can. They're safe to touch, even after they've been on for a while, and they hardly add heat to the environment. This makes them ideal for offices, industrial locations, and other facilities that want to keep people and/or products at a comfortable temperature. As we all know, it's hot enough as it is in Tampa, and we don't need to increase the temperature more.

Flexible Design

Since LEDs are small, about the size of a single fleck of pepper, they can be used in a variety of settings. Of course, it's rare to see a single LED light on something, other than perhaps an indicator switch on a circuit board. LEDs can be put together in many different combinations, so you can use them in anything from a small cabinet to a large warehouse. If you'd like to create some visual interest for customers at your place of business, that can easily happen as well.

There are so many reasons why LEDs are the lights of the future. They are ideal for commercial facilities, and if you'd like assistance with the installation of your new LED lights, the team at Mr. Electric is ready to step in. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Tourists come from miles away to enjoy the beaches in Tampa, Florida. As a resident, you have the chance to hit those beaches on any day of the week. When you come home, you want to make sure your family and friends are safe. Electrical problems can easily happen during the long and hot summer. Check out some of the best tips for electrical safety this summer.

Use Outdoor Extension Cords

Backyard parties are a great way to spend time with your loved ones. You might feel tempted to grab any extension cord you can find to power your lights or music. Never use any electrical cord outside unless it states that it is safe for outdoor use. Most of the cheaper extension cords are only suitable for indoor use. They can split or break outside and cause injuries or fires.

Check for Grounded Connections

Grounded connections reduce the risk of electrical shock and allow you to use different appliances or devices with the outlets in your home. A grounded outlet connects with a pole outside of your home. While the outlet allows you to plug in items with three prongs, the pole absorbs shocks if you plug in too many things or a power surge occurs. You especially need grounded outlets around your pool or other water features.

Know Your Breaker Box

Most Tampa homes have circuit breakers inside a breaker box. This is usually a gray metal box located in your basement or laundry room. The long summers in Tampa can lead to power failures as more people use their ACs and other devices. You need to know the location of the box and how to switch the breakers back on after a power outage.

Get an Inspection

Though you might see some symptoms of electrical problems such as dark marks on your walls and constant power outages, some problems present with no symptoms. That is why it's helpful to pay for a professional inspection before summer starts. An electrician working for Mr. Electric can tell you about all of the problems they found and the electrical repairs that you need, as well as let you know how much the repairs will cost.

Enjoy Summer in Tampa

Why worry about all of the problems that might happen this summer when you can relax and enjoy the warm weather? Mr. Electric makes it easy for to you have someone come out to your Tampa home and identify all of the potential risks you might face and the repairs you need. Call Mr. Electric today for any type of electrical repair or for a full inspection of your Tampa system.

Electricians receive the extensive training necessary to handle different aspects of your electrical system. Most professionals want you to understand the basics of your home’s electrical system. But you must be careful not to tamper with components or else you risk fire hazards and injuries. Here’s what your electrician wants you to know.

1. Avoid Overloading Your Outlets

Modern homes rely on multiple gadgets and appliances that require stable electrical power around the clock. Most homeowners turn to power strips to extend the power to their TVs and portable devices. But it is essential to understand the limitation of extension cords.

An overloaded circuit happens when you try to use too many appliances on one receptacle. If the system is overloaded, you may notice the lights dimming or crackling noises from the outlet or power strip. An overloaded circuit can trigger electrical fires and damage your appliances. You may want to upgrade your electrical panel to accommodate the additional devices.

Our team at Mr. Electric also recommends replacing two-pronged receptacles with grounded ones. Grounding prevents an overcurrent that could damage appliances or start a fire.

2. Consider Installing GFCI Outlets in Wet Areas

Florida’s Electrical Code requires GFCI receptacles within 6 feet of the outside of a sink. That means you need GFCI circuits in the kitchen and bathroom. Install GFCI outlets near swimming pools, laundry rooms, or water fixtures.

A GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) device has additional overcurrent protection to minimize the risk of electric shock. Unlike a regular circuit breaker, it can disrupt the circuit within milliseconds. An installation is not only crucial for local code compliance but also to protect your home and family from electric shocks.

3. Your Local Electrician’s License Can Protect You

Electricians in the State of Florida must be licensed to perform residential installations. Regulations also require electrical professionals to acquire workers' compensation insurance.

Therefore, you should confirm that your local electrician has a license and insurance. The workers' compensation policy will protect you from property damage and injuries. If the electrician’s work causes damage to property or an injury, the insurance will cover the expenses.

4. Schedule an Electrical Inspection for Your New Home

If you are moving to a new home, it is always wise to schedule an electrical inspection. Some homes have aging or outdated wiring that can pose a fire or electrocution hazard.

Since many components of your electrical system are behind walls, the best way to ensure safety is having a qualified electrician conduct an inspection. You can request an estimate from Mr. Electric, a full-service company in New Tampa.

Consulting a professional is the ideal way to protect your home from electrical fires or appliance faults. Our company specializes in rewiring, GFCI outlets, panel installations, and generators. Call Mr. Electric today for up-front pricing and free estimates for electrical services in Tampa, FL.

The technological advances of the past couple of decades have made controlling various elements of your home easier than ever. Automatic control of these technologies, also known as smart home automation, can be accomplished by using a common network that can connect with the devices, appliances, and systems in the home. Smart home automation provides a level of command and functionality that wasn't possible in the past. Here are four of the advantages you'll enjoy when you use smart home automation in Tampa, FL.

1. Unlimited Flexibility

The flexibility of smart home automation is one of the biggest advantages of using this type of system. Smart home automation can be used for any home, in any configuration, and can accommodate any new devices and appliances you add as time goes on. New models can be integrated into the system seamlessly, and older models can be removed at will without a hassle.

2. Simple Convenience

Smart home automation lets you control all the different elements of your home via a single-user interface on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Once you have taken a few minutes to learn how to navigate the interface, you can access numerous functions and devices across your home, including your thermostat, lights, audio speakers, TVs, security cameras, locks, and appliances. Being able to control all of these from one place will save you a lot of time and energy.

3. More Effective Home Security

Automating your home security system provides a number of benefits. Security system automation means you don't have to remember to turn the system on and off each day, as you can simply schedule different security elements to start and stop at certain times. You can also activate and review motion detectors and surveillance cameras remotely in real time from your connected device, allowing you to check on things from across the street or from another state.

4. Improved Energy Efficiency

Smart home automation can improve your home's energy efficiency by a significant amount, reducing your energy bills and your carbon footprint. Precise control of the thermostat and lighting allows you to make your home more comfortable while you are present while using less energy while you are away. You can also check to make sure entertainment devices and appliances are turned off, raise and lower motorized shades automatically on a set schedule, or preheat your stove on your way home from work or a day at the Florida Aquarium.

Conclusion

Consumer interest in smart home technology has made smart home automation one of the most talked-about home improvement topics today. With the world's biggest companies racing to innovate better smart home products for the masses, smart home automation will only continue to improve as time goes by. For more information about smart home automation in the Tampa, FL area, contact the expert electricians at Mr. Electric for a consultation today!

When you hear the term electrical panel, you might not be sure what it is referring to. Some people will call it a breaker box, others say electrical panel, and sadly some still use the term fuse box. But all of these are pretty much the same item, with slightly different titles. The electrical panel is the metal enclosure or box that houses the breakers for your home’s electrical system. In essence, it is the hub of the electrical service where the main electrical supply is broken down into smaller circuits.

Each one of the circuits delivers power to a different part of your home. Some are dedicated to large features like the air conditioner, furnace, home theater, or swimming pool pumps. Other circuits service a few appliances or outlets in a room or a couple of rooms. And each circuit is controlled and protected by a circuit breaker that will interrupt the flow of power if it detects an issue with the incoming electricity or the circuit. Knowing this, it is easy to understand how the electrical panel in your home is essential for everything that operates via the electrical system. And why you need to know when this integral piece of equipment needs to be replaced. Some of the deciding factors for an electrical panel replacement include:

The Age Of The Panel

Like everything, an electrical panel will wear out. But unlike many other items in your home, when the electrical panel fails, you can be in from some trouble, from a power surge or power failure to an increased potential for an electrical fire. In most cases, with a professionally installed electrical panel, you can expect about 25 years of service before it is time to plan on a replacement.

Physical Issues

When you notice any physical damage to the electrical panel or the enclosure, it is time to call (813) 359-1944 for immediate help. The licensed electricians at Mr. Electric are here 24/7 to handle electrical emergencies or to schedule an appointment to address issues like:

• Rust on the panel or enclosure
• If the enclosure is warm to the touch
• Broken or damaged breaker switches
• Breakers that will not reset or are very difficult to reset
• You notice crackling, popping, or other odd sounds coming from the box
• You smell something smoky or burning when near the electrical panel

A Home Renovation Or Upgrade

You will also want to consider replacing or upgrading your electrical panel when you take on a home renovation or addition. Adding square footage or upgraded features like chef-quality kitchen appliances is sure to require added electrical capacity. It is also the perfect time to add more outlets to rooms with limited access to charging for personal devices.

Call (813) 359-1944 or click here to schedule an appointment for an electrical panel inspection if you are unsure about the age or function of your home’s electrical panel. The licensed professionals at Mr. Electric will provide all the information you need to keep your home and loved ones safe.