TK Tips
Ice Storm and Blizzard Outage!
Ice storms and blizzards can snap power lines just as easily as any hurricane. Heavy ice can accumulate causing overweight branches to come crashing down on power lines even days after a storm, spawning prolonged power outages during the darkest days of the year.2008 New England Ice Storm
You don’t have to look too hard to find someone who’s weathered a winter power outage. In December 2008 my family endured 11 straight days and 10 long cold nights without power, turning my home into a walk-in freezer.
When the power went out, it took our heat, cooking ability and our entertainment. Even though we had a propane gas furnace, it was rendered useless during the height of the Storm.
How Often Should a Preventive Maintenance Review be Done on an Electrical Panel?
TK Tips When was the last time you had your electrical panel serviced? Service Tip! – You should have your homes panel inspected on a yearly basis for loose connections. Keep panel doors and box covers closed. Dust and moisture are two of the biggest enemies of electrical devices. Does your panel look like this? How…
Knob and Tube Wiring vs. Insurance Companies
TK Tips Knob – and – tube wiring was the accepted method of electrical wiring for buildings constructed in North America from 1880 until 1950. This system of wiring is considered obsolete and a safety hazard. How Knob and Tube Works Knob and Tube wiring consists of insulated copper conductors passing through lumber framing drilled…
Stores without Generators
TK Tips During a blizzard blackout, you can’t just jump into your car and rent a backup generator. Heck you can’t find a generator for weeks. After 4 days without road access I was finally able to drive to Home “Sold Out” Depot. I said to the clerk “ I need a Generator ” he…
Sizzling Idea
TK Tips If you purchase a portable generator, make sure you purchase a Manual Transfer Switch too. Why? Most furnaces don’t have electrical outlets. You can’t plug your generator into your furnace, electric oven, hot water tank, or light fixtures. Also, wiring your generator wrong can injure or even kill someone we love or a…
Deep Freeze Warning
TK Tips If you’re traveling or work away from home often (like a vacation home in the mountains or a office in the city), buy a simple Temperature Alarm that will call you if the power goes out or THP201P_500the inside temperature drops significantly. We were rightfully concerned about the water pipes freezing. Water expands…
Generator Safety
TK Tips Downed utility lines, power company blackouts, heavy snowfall or Summer thunderstorms could all lead to temporary power outages – some lasting for days, or even weeks. December 2008 we who were residing in the Northeast experienced a devastating Ice Storm right before celebrating the Christmas Holiday. Freezing rain downed trees and power lines…
Extension Cords Can Pack a Punch.
TK Tips If plugging in extension cords inspect each cord for any damage like cuts, cracks or broken grounds (don’t use non grounded cords). Ungrounded damaged cords can lead to electrocution and even death. Large appliances require a heavy duty 20-amp outdoor extension cord plugged directly into the 20-amp outlet on your portable generator. Running…
Transfer Switch is Key!
TK Tips For over 35 years I have installed generator systems and can tell you that the best way to use a portable generator is with a Power Transfer Switch. These indoor surface mounted transfer switches are designed for fast installation in residential applications. The 18-inch flexible conduit whip attaches to the load center and…
16 Ways To Lower Your Heating And Electric Bills
TK Tips By: Timothy K. Lyden Jr. Cost of heating oil, natural gas and fuel in general keep steadily rising, but there are many things you can do to cut your costs this winter. As a homeowner I’m continuously trying to save on home heating and electric bills. It seems that the cost each year…
Plugging Leaks
TK Tips The low cost of saving. The small things can take some time but one by one you can tackle them. First, have you ever notice the cold breeze across the living room floor? That’s the small leaks or gaps around the doors, windows and electrical outlets on outside walls. To find the leaks…
Thinking Big
TK Tips The much larger cost fixes. What else can you do now or in the future? Replace appliances, heating units, light fixtures and bulbs with high-efficiency replacements. Unfortunately, it costs money to save money. But it’s good to keep in the back of your mind that many experts recommend buying high-efficiency windows and appliances…
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