"Michael is very intelligent and good at helping you get a better understanding of your home's electricity. Him and his father are in the ball and good workers for the price. Would recommend! We'll be using them for all of our electric needs in the future!"
"Jake performed various electrical projects in my house. He was prompt, efficient and knowledgeable. I would recommend Jake to anyone looking for help with anything electrical!!"
"I was pleased with the installation of the lightning rods--communication was great and the work was done quickly. What I wasn't happy with is he quoted me a price that was less then my actual bill was BUT the price was still less then two other contractors bids."
"The install was scheduled and completed quickly. The lightning rods and cable look neat and tidy along the roof. Mr. Hamilton was friendly and efficient."
"WB Lightning is focused on customer service. The company provided good communication and responded very quickly to my inquiry for a quote. WB Lightning is a respected company, I had another electrical service provider tell me I made a good choice when I hired WB Lightning Rods."
"The installation was made sooner than expected which was nice. The men who came were knowledgeable and worked efficiently even with an older electrical system. The men were pleasant, professional and willing to explain what we wanted to know.."
"It went great, this is a unique service, for DIY-ers. My electric dryer wouldn’t heat, so I went on line and diagnosed the problem and ordered the parts. I also watched several how to videos, but none of them matched my dryer. Finally went on Angie’s list and it matched me up with Tin Lizzee which is a chat service to help you through your repair. The technician I talked with was polite, professional, and knowledgeable. I did get stuck during the repair and they called me on my cell and talked me through what I needed to do. I know I saved a lot of money by not having an appliance repair person come to my house with the mark up on parts and labor rates per hour I believe I saved at least half of the cost, if not more from ordering on line and chatting and talking to the Tin Lizzee technician, it was $30 well spent."
Yes, GFCI breakers are required for all outdoor outlets. This code requirement applies to all outlets located on balconies, decks, patios, and other outdoor lounge spaces. In addition, outdoor outlets need to have watertight covers that provide protection when cords are plugged in. If you have an older home that may not be up to code, it's a good idea to also ask your electrician about adding GFCIs to some indoor areas. Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and any other areas of a home that are commonly exposed to moisture should have GCFI breakers.
If it’s called a USB outlet without any further designation, it likely refers to a USB-A port. These are the original USB connections and are commonly integrated within power outlets. In recent years, USB-A cables have slowly been usurped by faster and more reliable USB-C cables. USB-C connectors are small and ultra-thin with a reversible design, while USB-A connectors are slightly larger and bulkier.
Basic smart light switches are available for as little as $20. If you can install them yourself, it’s a home upgrade that won’t break the bank. Many homeowners view them as a worthwhile investment for the additional convenience and security they can offer. However, they are a little more tricky to install than standard light switches, so if you don’t have the electrical knowledge to do a DIY job, unless you need a lighting upgrade, remember these are a nice-to-have rather than a necessary purchase.
It can be safe to buy or live in a house with knob and tube (K&T) wiring, but only if the system is in good condition, functional, and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by a licensed electrician. Never purchase a home with K&T wiring without getting a professional electrical inspection first.
Key considerations include:
Safety and Condition: An inspector will verify that the wiring is safe and has not deteriorated. Over time, the insulation can wear away, leaving exposed wires that pose a significant fire or shock hazard.
System Capacity: The electrical service should be at least 60 amps. However, even at this capacity, K&T systems often struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.
Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring is an ungrounded system, which is a safety concern for many modern devices.
Ongoing Maintenance: If you live in a home with K&T wiring, it's recommended to have it inspected by an electrician every one to two years to ensure it remains in safe working order.
Ultimately, any inspection or modification of a knob and tube system should always be performed by a certified professional.
A sump pump can be plugged into a regular, 110-volt outlet with three-prong openings, but it must have GFCI protections per the NEC, meaning you’ll need a GFCI outlet and circuit. Sump pumps require two outlet openings, one for the plug to the motor and one for the float switch.
The Gibsonburg, OH homeowners’ guide to electrical services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Before you hire a licensed electrical contractor, you should learn the cost to run electric from the road to your house so you can budget for the project.
Whether you’re shopping for a new home or simply doing a safety check on your current place, learn what factors influence an electrical inspection cost.
Is it time to upgrade your electrical panel? For the sake of safety, find out sooner than later by exploring our top signs that it’s time for an upgrade.
