A: LED stands for light emitting diode. A light emitting diode is a semiconductor that emits visible light when current passes through it. A semiconductor is an electronic, and as with all modern electronics there are limitations to how they function. Check to see that the LED bulbs you purchase are compatible with dimmers or motion sensing equipment.

Q: ARC Fault Circuit Breakers - What is an ARC Fault circuit breaker?

A: ARC Fault circuit breakers are special circuit breakers similar to GFCI circuit breakers that have special electronic circuitry built in.  Poor, Broken or dirty electrical connections may cause arcing which in turn may start a fire. The special circuitry built into these breakers can sense this fault and will shut the electricity off to the circuit preventing a possible fire. Most NEW circuits in a residential setting are now required to be on an ARC Fault circuit breaker.

Q: RG&E shut my power off. Can you turn it back on for me?

A: The first step you must take in order to have your power restored is to call RG&E at 1-800-743-2110 and ask why your electricity was shut off and what you as the customer needs to do in order to have it turned back on. If it was due to a billing issue or a past due or non payment you must work out a payment arrangement with RG&E before you do anything else. Once you have done this we'll be happy to assist you if any repairs are needed prior to RG&E re energizing your electric service. Keep in mind once electricity has been shut off you'll be required to bring the whole electrical service up to CURRENT code BEFORE they will re-energize it.

Q: Aluminum Wiring - Is it a fire hazard? Should I rewire my whole house with copper wiring?

A: Many older homes were wired using aluminum wiring, There have been some house fires associated with what some people think is the wiring itself but this is false. Most of those house fires were a result of the wrong devices being connected to the aluminum wiring. A device is a plug outlet or a switch. Devices that are rated for use on copper wiring (CU Rated) should ONLY be used on copper wiring. There are devices that are rated for Aluminum only (ALR Rated) which is what is recommended in this situation. There are also devices that are rated for both (ALR) & (CU) which are okay to use on aluminum or copper wire. If a device is only rated for copper (CU) only then it should NEVER be connected to aluminum wire or it may start a fire. So the answer to the question is no, you do not need to rewire your whole house, you just need to have the right devices installed.

Q: GFCI Receptacles - Why do they trip?

A: GFI's are designed to measure the current on both legs of power on a device. If the current going in is any different that what is coming out then the device will shut off or trip because it detects a ground Fault. This happens so it prevents you from completing the circuit through your body to the ground and getting a possible shock. GFI's have a test button on them and should be tested monthly for proper operation. Also if you plug anything into a GFI and it trips, then have whatever it is you plugged in looked at for a possible problem, A frayed cord or water getting inside the item plugged in could be a cause of the GFI tripping. DO NOT just assume the GFI is malfunctioned and plug the Item in a non GFI controlled outlet as a potential safety issue exists.

Q: Service Upgrades - If I install a 200 amp service on my house to replace the 100 amp service that is there now will it give me "More Power"and prevent fuses from blowing or circuit breakers from tripping and prevent lights from getting dim when large appliances come on?

A: No it will not! Unless it is the main breaker that is tripping you do not need to upgrade to any size service larger then what you already have to correct this type of problem. The correct way to fix circuit breakers that trip is to run new wiring of the correct size from the circuit breaker panel to the appliance that is causing that breaker to trip and install it on it's own dedicated circuit. The voltage coming out of a 200 amp service will be the same as that coming out of a 100 amp service, 120 volts. Unless you heat your home with electric heat or have 5+ tons of air conditioning in your home you do not need a 200 amp service. We will gladly install a larger service for any customer, but please be advised it may not fix any existing electrical problems you may already have.

Q: Why do my light bulbs blow out frequently?

There are several reasons this could be occurring. However, one particular reason that should be ruled out, for the sake of fire safety, is overheating. A light fixture with poor airflow design will result in excessive heat buildup around the bulb. Having to replace bulbs again and again is not just an inconvenience, it’s also a fire hazard.

Q: The outlet in my bathroom doesn't work, and it's not  a GFI outlet, whats wrong?

GFCI outlets can be wired in series. For example, a GFCI outlet in your first floor bathroom can be installed so that it protects all of the bathrooms in your house. This GFCI outlet may also be found in your basement, your garage, or your master bathroom, depending on the age of your home. If you notice that the outlet in one of your bathrooms does not work, check other bathroom outlets. If more than one bathroom outlet is out, chances are there is a GFCI in one of the locations mentioned above that controls all of the bathrooms. You can reset the GFCI outlet by depressing the “reset” button. Upon depressing the “reset” button, you should hear a “click” and power will be restored. If you do not hear a “click” and power is not restored, there could be a problem in the circuit that poses a hazard.