Barham Electric

02/12/2022

11/21/2020

Holiday projects.

02/02/2019

We won Best Electrician as voted on by you! Thank you everyone that voted.

08/11/2013

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Even today’s modern electrical devices are subject to the basic principles of electricity. One of the most important being – water and electricity don’t mix! Luckily, there is a technology available to help pro­tect you from this shocking hazard. In fact, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters have been providing this type of protection to consumers since the early 1970s.
A ground fault is an unintentional electrical path between a power source and a grounded surface. These leakage currents usually occur when an electrical appliance is damaged or the electrical parts are wet, causing electrical current to flow outside of the circuit conductors. If your body provides a path to the ground for this current, you could be burned, severely shocked, or electrocuted.

Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs are electrical safety devices that are designed to protect people from electric shock and elec­trocution. Typically, GFCIs are installed in areas where water and electricity are in close proximity, such as the bathroom, kitchen, garage, basement, and outdoors. They are especially useful for cord-connected appliances and equipment used outdoors or near water.
How do GFCIs work? They prevent deadly shock by quickly shutting off power to the circuit if the electricity flowing into the circuit differs by even a slight amount from that returning, indicating a loss of current.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has con­tinually expanded the requirements to include additional locations. The NEC currently requires that GFCIs be used in all kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, crawlspaces, and outdoors.

GFCI outlets are generally fairly inexpensive, starting under $15. They should only be installed by a licensed, qualified electrician.

How to Test Your GFCIs
Be sure to test your GFCIs once a month to make sure they are working properly.
1. Push the “reset” button on the GFCI to prepare the outlet for testing.
2. Plug an ordinary nightlight into the GFCI and turn it ON. The light should now be on.
3. Push the “test” button of the GFCI. The nightlight should turn OFF.
4. Push the “reset” button again. The nightlight should now go ON again. If the nightlight does not turn off when the “test” button is pushed, then the GFCI is not properly protecting you from shock or electrocution. It may have been improperly wired or damaged. Contact a licensed, qualified electrician to check the GFCI and correct the problem.

07/18/2013

Tamper Resistant Receptacles:
tamper resistant receptacleLocated in practically every room in every home, electrical outlets and receptacles represent a constant and real danger wherever young children are found. Tamper resistant receptacle (TRR) technology provides a simple, affordable, permanent solution to help prevent childhood shock and burn injuries caused by tampering with wall outlets.

What are tamper resistant receptacles, or TRRs?
TRRs have a very similar appearance to standard wall outlets, but they are actually designed with spring-loaded receptacle cover plates that close off the receptacle openings, or slots.

Why do I need TRRs?
Every year in the United States, more than 2,400 children under the age of 10 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for electrical shock or burns caused by tampering with a wall outlet around the home – that is seven children a day. Nearly one-third of these injuries occur when a small child attempts to insert household ob­jects such as hairpins, keys, or paperclips into the receptacle.

How do TRRs work?
When equal pressure is simultaneously applied to both sides, the receptacle cover plates open, allowing a standard plug to make contact with the receptacle contact points. With­out this synchronized pressure, the cover plates remain closed, preventing the insertion of foreign objects.

Are TRRs effective?
TRRs have proven to be so effective that the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires installation of TRRs in all new home construction. Although not widely used in homes until recently, tamper resistant receptacles have been required in hospital pediatric care facilities for more than 20 years.

How much do TRRs cost?
The cost of installing a TRR in a newly constructed home is only about $0.50 more than a traditional receptacle. Existing homes can be easily retrofitted with tamper resistant receptacles for as little as $2.00 per outlet.

Can I install them myself?
TRR’s use the same installation guidelines that apply to standard receptacles and should only be installed by a licensed, qualified electrician.

06/28/2013

What many people don’t realize is that electrical fires claim the lives of over 300 people every year in America and injure countless others. It is important to be educated and to seek help from a licensed and qualified electrician. Don’t take chances by guessing or trying to do electrical work yourself. In addition to fire, hundreds of people die by electrical shock each year in their homes. It is important to stay safe and to keep your electrical system working properly and correctly. Contact me with any questions or concerns. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!