Home | Electrical Services | Testimonials | About RMS | FAQs | Contact RMS | Useful Links | Employment | Articles | 860-645-0400
 

Commonly Asked Electrical Questions

As electricians, we tend to get the same questions from lots of our clients. This month, we'll share a few (with answers, of course.)

One of the most popular is from people who are plagued with 3-prong plugs when they have 2-prong outlets: "Can we replace the outlet?"

In most cases the answer is yes, but for safety in some locations, it's necessary to use a three prong GFCI receptacle. This is similar to the square one at your kitchen counter with the red reset button. As electrical contractors, we can make these installations quickly and safely.

*  *  * * *

If you're not sure, ask the pros at RMS Electrical Contractors, LLC

“Why do my lights dim when one of my major appliances starts up?”

Not to worry. When a refrigerator, dishwasher or clothes dryer starts up, it makes a brief but heavy power demand. It’s a perfectly normal event. If your lights stay dim, though, an electrician should be called. There may be a problem that we can detect and fix.  

*  *  *  *

“Why does my microwave, or other small appliance, occasionally trip my circuit breaker?”

If an electric circuit is already carrying a near-maximum electrical load, the breaker will trip when the next appliance comes on. Too many appliances are drawing power at the same time. This is an important safety feature built in to your electrical system. One solution: Call RMS Electrical Contractors to install a separate circuit for some of the small appliances.

*  *  *  *

“Is my fuse box safe?”

Fuse boxes are very safe when they are used as designed. Don’t ever bypass fuses. Make sure that replacement fuses are the correct wattage. Fuses can become unsafe when they are purposely overloaded or a higher than specified fuse is installed.