- How can I know how much
this will cost?
Answer: We don't want to surprise you with a higher
bill than you expect, anymore than you want to be surprised. Once we
have diagnosed your electrical problem we can give you one price for the
time and material it will take to fix it.
- Can you fix the problem the
same day?
Answer: Not always, but more often than not we can fix
the problem very quickly the same day.
- How many electricians do
you send on a service call?
Answer: Most of the time we send one electrician. In
some cases two electricians are necessary or more economical than one.
In these cases, of course, we send two.
- How quickly can you get
here?
Answer:
Local service calls can usually be done within 24 hours. In cases where
our customers need us ASAP we can usually be there within an hour. We do
our best to schedule work according to our customer's needs. For
non-emergency work we schedule your job at the earliest opening.
- How long does Trouble
Shooting generally take?
Answer: Trouble shooting a problem usually does not
take very long. The average time is 1 to 1&1/2 hours. In many cases
the solution to the problem is easier than finding the problem. There
are cases where it takes some time to diagnose your problem, or
problems. When we discover that the trouble shooting process may take
awhile, we tell you before continuing.
- What is Trouble
Shooting?
Answer: Trouble Shooting is the "brainwork" involved
in any electrical repair. It takes experience and knowledge of the
National Electrical Code to do quick and accurate troubleshooting. We
test and examine your wiring of course, but mainly we listen to you, to
find out exactly what is causing the problem you've asked us
about.
- What is a GFCI? What is an
AFCI?
Answer:
These are acronyms for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. Two similar looking, but very
different technologies which are designed to provide for your safety.
The GFCI provides shock protection for anyone who comes in contact with
a live piece of equipment. An AFCI is a device intended to provide
protection from the effects of arc faults (small sparks) by recognizing
characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the
circuit when an arc fault is detected. An AFCI recognizes the "signature
waveform" of an arcing fault and shuts the power off to the circuit to
protect against fire. AFCI's will be required in all dwelling unit
bedrooms effective January 1, 2002! But you don't have to wait, Blake
Electrical can install this fantastic new safety technology today so
your family will be protected by the best technology now!
- What is a surge
arrestor?
Answer: A surge protector protects against surges,
spikes, lightning etc. These surges may come down the utility line or
they may come from within your home or nearby. This device will
sacrifice itself to try and protect your electronic equipment from
surges. Many surge protectors simply plug into the wall and your
equipment plugs into it necessitating a surge protector with less than
optimum protective capabilities. Blake Electrical can install a
whole house surge protector to protect everything in your house
including phone and cable equipment. This is the best surge protection
you can get and it protects everything in the house. Many whole house
surge protectors come with a guaranty depending on the manufacturer of
your breaker panel.
- Why do my light bulbs burn
out so quickly?
Answer: You may be exceeding the maximum lamp wattage
of the fixture. There should be a label inside the fixture. If the label
is not there consider replacing the fixture. Do not exceed 60 watts for
most ceiling fixtures. Many times vibration is the culprit in short bulb
life. There are vibration resistant bulbs for ceiling fans and garage
door openers and there are rough service bulbs for portable lights.
Sometimes a porch light can have a shortened life due to a slamming
door. A rough service bulb would do well in such a location.
- Why do circuit breakers
trip?
Answer:
Overload is the most common reason for tripping. Too many things are
plugged in or turned on in the circuit. Short circuit is another reason,
this may caused by faulty wiring, appliances or fixtures.
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