Electrical inspection can save you big $$$

I'm GEN3  was called in for an electrical inspection after the home inspector had difficulty opening the panel cover. 

Hidden in the back corner of the panel was a piece of woven cotten wiring used as a feeder in knob & tube wiring systems. With the breaker turned off we found it fed the hallway and basement bathroom lights. 

After that we started to look for acessable locations where knob & tube wiring would be likely to be found. We could not open the outlets without damaging the paint. The were tested. For grounds instead. The outlets seemed to past this test but their locations were suspect. The outlets were also very worn out and due for a circuit restoration. 

The light fixtures were not painted shut we were able to take them down with out damaging the paint. In total we located 3 circuit that contains knob and tube. These 3 circuits powered over half of the homes general lighting and outlet. 

This was not doc closed by the seller and missed by the home inspector. In this case the electrical inspection save the buyer thousands of dollars. 

Look what we found during a circuit restoration

During a circuit restoration we located and repaired a potential fire hazard. We recommend the outlets and switches get replaced every 10 to 20 years. This is a great example of why. The connections in this outlet loosened up over time and slowly started to heat up. Problems like this are not apparent when devices are initially installed. This gives homeowners and handyman false confidence when switching out the devices. It is a good idea to have an electrician do a circuit restoration whenever buying a new home, every 10 years in high-traffic areas, every 20 years for the entire home. 

Replacing the devices in your home (circuit  restoration)will protect you from small problems that build up overtime in electrical equipment. Not doing this can be way more costly. 

 

Ductless HVAC For Additions

Your original living space wasn’t large enough to accommodate your entire family so you decided to renovate. However, once you began the project you realized that your existing hvac just wasn’t going to reach far enough to keep your addition comfortable. You started to panic. But don’t worry, we’ve got a solution - ductless hvac is here!

Lots of homeowners believe in the misconception that ductless is always a whole-home system. This is not the case. Sometimes you only need to heat or cool a newly renovated living space or addition. With technology that enables the indoor unit to point the conditioned air toward the hot and cold spots in the room, Mitsubishi ductless splits have enabled us to turn many seasonal spaces like this into year-round sanctuaries.

Take your new sunroom for example. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to sit in there during the first major snowstorm of the season and watch what’s going on outside without freezing? We can make it all possible.

Here’s why ductless is perfect for these applications:

1. Sunrooms have an abundance of natural light and need to be cooled and heated differently from the rest of the house.
2. Additions or outbuildings are often a little short on additional room and lack the space required for big, bulky ductwork.
3. Some rooms are not regularly occupied and you can turn off the mini-split system and close the door to save money.

If this sounds like your home, contact the ductless pros at GEN3 Electric today! We’d love to help you with the perfect hvac solution for your home so you can enjoy any room all year ‘round!

How To Heat Your Home For Less

We sure hope temperatures don’t drop to -13°F this winter, but you never know with the strange weather patterns we’ve been greeted with lately. And even if it does, we've got you covered. Homeowners are often faced with a major dilemma during the colder months - whether to throw on the layers to keep heating costs down or turn up the thermostat a few degrees to live comfortably. If this sounds like you, a Mitsubishi H2i Hyper-Heating INVERTER might be the answer.

Are you constantly filling your oil or propane tank during the cold winter months? These bills can add up quickly and leave you in a sticky situation. But with Mitsubishi's Hyper-Heating INVERTER™ you can lessen or eliminate your dependence on fossil fuels altogether, making ductless an affordable alternative to oil and gas.

Hyper-heat systems are a great way to save money on energy bills and here’s how:

• INVERTER-driven technology results in substantial energy and utility savings for homeowners.
• Zone control for improved comfort and decreased energy usage.
• All MXZ H2i Systems are ENERGY STAR® rated.

Why heat the whole entire house at the same time? With this system, each room or zone operates independently with its own wireless or wired remote control, so people in different rooms can choose a temperature that makes them most comfortable.

For more information about ductless hyper-heat technology works or to find out how it can benefit your home, contact GEN3 Electric today!

How To Avoid Counterfeit Electronics

Did you know that counterfeiting costs U.S. businesses between $200-$250 billion and results in 750,000 lost jobs each year? Believe it or not, consumer electronics was the top counterfeit commodity seized by U.S. customs in 2011. What does all of this mean for you? Purchasing and using counterfeit electronics can lead to serious health problems and even death so read below to find out you can avoid them:

When it comes to purchasing electronics if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Oftentimes, counterfeit products are not put through testing by an independent laboratory and don’t comply with industry safety requirements. This is why reading the packaging and labels is extremely important.

Here are a few additional guidelines you should follow to make sure you’re avoiding imposters:

1. Only use established vendors who supply products from genuine manufacturers.
2. Avoid unknown brands and products.
3. Look for the name and contact information of the manufacturer on the packaging.

Want to learn more about the dangers of counterfeit electronics? Contact the expert electricians at GEN3 Electric and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook!

Why Do Smoke Detectors Chirp?

On average, 8 people die in a home fire each day in the U.S. Did you know that a working smoke alarm can cut the chance of a fire nearly in half? It’s important to have your smoke detectors installed properly, check them regularly and understand what their warning signals mean. See below to find out:

Proper Installation

Believe it or not, there’s lots of planning that goes into the installation of smoke detectors. There should be smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. With today’s technology, smoke alarms are often interconnected so if one sounds the rest will sound as well.

We recommend having smoke detectors hardwired with a battery backup rather than just having one with a battery. They should be installed 10-20 feet from cooking appliances and 6-12 inches from the ceiling if they are mounted on the wall.

Proper Maintenance

When was the last time you tested your smoke alarms? You should do so at least once a month by pressing the TEST button. It’s also a good idea to dust or vacuum the cover of your smoke alarm to prevent any potential malfunctions.

Hear a chirping or beeping sound coming from the alarm? Don’t ignore it! Most of the time this signal indicates a low battery so be sure to check it right away.

GEN3 Electric is your go-to electrician for home protection devices. Keep your family safe and sound this holiday season by making sure your smoke alarms are working properly. Give us a call at 215-512-4102 today!

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Need an expert electrician in Philadelphia? Look no further! Fully licensed and insured, Generation 3 Electric is a 3rd generation electrical and lighting services company. GEN3 Electric's Electricians Provide Electrical Repair & Installation in Philadelphia, Center City, Mt Airy & Surrounding Areas.

When you choose GEN3, you can rest assured knowing that we’ve been serving the Philly Metro area for three generations. Since we’re owned by and employ life-long residents of Philadelphia we are your Neighbors. We’re familiar with your neighborhoods, because we live here too!

We offer a full range of electrical services. Whether you’re in need of Surge protection, any kind of lighting upgrades or installations, knob & tube wiring replacement, short circuits, outlets, upgrades, code violations, or even whole house rewiring… We’ve got you covered. 

All of this is backed up with our 2012 Best Electrician award from the Best of Philly competition, and our Angie’s List Super Service Award, which we’ve now won the past 5 years in a row. So give us a call at (215) 512-4102 the next time you need service!

Indoor Holiday Decoration Safety

Now that you know how to decorate the outside of your home safely, it’s time to focus on indoor decor. Nothing says holidays like a beautiful tree, sparkling lights and scented candles, just make sure you’re not creating any hazards. Follow the tips below to decorate your home safely this season:

Lights

Still using the same lights from years back?  It’s time to switch to LED bulbs - they’re safer and can help you save on energy bills. Since they don’t produce heat, there’s less of a chance of your tree overheating and catching fire and the same goes for your walls and ceilings.

It’s also important to choose where you hang lights carefully. Keep them away from carpets, furniture, drapes and anything else that has the potential to catch fire.

Cords

Using electrical cords to plug in your decorations? Be sure to use ones labeled for indoor use inside the home and never overload an outlet.

Never run cords underneath a rug or across a doorway and make sure they are not placed at an angle or position that causes them to pinch.

Trees

If you haven’t done so already, it’s just about to time to set up your tree. Make sure to keep it at least three feet away from all heat sources including radiators, fireplaces and candles and always unplug lights and decorations when leaving the house or going to bed.

GEN3 Electric has been servicing the electrical needs of the Philadelphia metro area for three generations. Our technicians specialize in repairing, updating and servicing your home’s electrical wiring and lighting for indoor and outdoor residential buildings so give us a call at 215-512-4102 when you need service.

Outdoor Holiday Decoration Safety

Getting ready to decorate your home for the holidays? There are lots of electrical hazards that come with decorating that can become a major problem for homeowners if they’re not careful. In order to keep yourself and your home protected, follow the tips below:

• Hanging lights outside? Make sure they are labeled for outdoor use. These will be able to withstand the elements and are safe for using on the exterior of your home.
• Make sure you don’t pinch or penetrate any wires while affixing them to your home. It’s a good idea to use hooks or clips instead of staples.
• Check each light set for broken or frayed wires and replace any if necessary.
• Using a cord to plug your decorations in? Make sure it’s tested and labeled for outdoor use.
• Only plug decorations into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet.
• Leaving the house for an extended period of time? Turn off or unplug your decorations until you return home. This will also help you save on energy bills.

We hope you have a very safe and happy holiday season! Give GEN3 Electric a call if you’re unsure about the safety of a particular decoration or want us to come by to take a look. 215-512-4102.

When To Change Smoke & CO Detectors

Did you know that nearly $17.5 million in property damage comes as a result of house fires during the holiday season (November - January) each year? Don’t allow a fire to ruin your fun this season -- find out how properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can help.

Believe it or not, smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home. This includes hallways and bedrooms as well as the basement and any floors in between. Smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries should be checked monthly to make sure they still have enough juice to alert you should there ever be a problem.

When is it time to completely replace detectors? We recommend swapping them out every 8-10 years. It’s important to have them installed by a qualified electrician, like GEN3 Electric, to ensure the devices are up to code and are wired properly.

Don’t become another statistic. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors now and give us a call if you need yours replaced. We want everyone to enjoy a very happy and healthy holiday season!

Testimonial Spotlight: November

GEN3 prides ourselves in putting our customers first. We do our best to schedule an appointment around your schedule, let you know when to expect us and communicate clearly with what electrical or lighting problems we find. But do not take our word for it, see what our customers are saying about us below:

“Luke Short and partner did an excellent job for me. It was a pleasure not to have giant holes in my wall and ceiling after they hung ceiling fan and 2 light fixtures. I highly recommend Generation 3. No stress for me. All was handled well. Thanks guys, will see you again soon.”

• Elizabeth E. (Facebook)

“Luke was an amazing electrician! I had a noisy bathroom fan/light replaced with a quieter one and two basement fixtures replaced. He diagnosed the issues, did quality work, and cleaned up. He also helped me with a couple of other items for gratis. Really good guy who's really competent.”

• Marjorie C. (Google+)

“I have called Gen3 twice now, and each time Gen3 has been very professional, friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and affordable. Today technician Mike came back to our house exactly on time, was very thorough yet quick about getting the work done, and then even more importantly very helpful and patient in explaining our new system to us. Although I might have been able to install this system myself possibly, it was well worth the low-cost to have Gen3 do the installation properly so that it is a much safer and reliable system than I could have done myself. Gen3 has really helped my family today. I am relieved to know my family can easily handle any future extended power outages without any risk of danger. Thank you, thank you, thank you Mike and Gen3.”

• Peter B. (Google+)

Experience the difference when you have GEN3 Electric service your electrical or lighting needs. Just give us a call at 215-512-4102 to schedule an appointment today!

Electrical Safety Tips For Kids

Did you know that November is National Child Safety Protection Month? Each day, nearly 7 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for electrical shock or burn injuries. Keep this in mind as we move into the holiday season and share these electrical safety tips with your children:

1. Spilled drinks can cause electrical shock. Remind your children to keep their drinks away from electric outlets, extension cords and electronic devices.
2. Never stick fingers or foreign objects into an electrical outlet or light bulb socket.
3. Keep all electronic devices away from sinks, bathtubs and other water sources.
4. Never yank on a cord to get an electric plug out of the wall.
5. Tell an adult right away if they find a worn, frayed or damaged wire.

It’s normal for children to be curious, especially when it comes to the electronics inside your home. It’s your job to educate them about electrical safety. For more information about electrical safety inside your home, contact the expert electricians at GEN3 Electric today!

Benefits of Lighting Controls (Advanced)

Yesterday we brought you a few benefits of having lighting controls installed in your home. Today, we’re bringing you some cool features that you probably didn’t even know your lights could do! Take your smart home to the next level with these lighting control system applications:

Communication is Key!

Did you know you can actually communicate with your lights? Well, it may not be exactly what you’re thinking but the lights in your home can provide you with some crucial information. Have you ever missed a knock at the door or something somebody was yelling to you from the other room because you had your music or TV too loud? Believe it or not, you can set your lights so they blink when somebody is at the door. How’s that for communication?

Lights On! Lights Off!

Remember the days when we dreamt of lights turning on as soon as we walked in the room and turning off automatically when we left? The days of dreaming are over - now it’s a reality. There are lots of lighting options available that come equipped with motion sensors. It’s your choice whether to have them installed outside as a security measure, inside for your own convenience or both!

Set The Mood.

You’ve spent lots of money on nice furniture and artwork for your home that adds to your overall design scheme. Now, your lighting can change to accompany the mood. Having a party with friends and family members? Change the lighting to create a party-like mood. Anticipating a romantic evening with your spouse? Change the lighting to create a romantic atmosphere.

Want to learn more about lighting controls? Contact the experts at GEN3 Electric - we specialize in lighting controls and smart home options. Give us a call at 215-512-4102.

Benefits of Lighting Controls (Basic)

From making sure you are performing well at work to taking care of your kids and all of their extracurricular activities let’s face it, life is stressful. That’s why tech companies are making such a huge push to making your lives a bit easier - especially when it comes to smart home gadgets and gizmos. When it comes to home lighting controls, find out below how they can benefit homeowners in today’s busy lifestyle.

1. Wireless Controllers: kids leave a light on in the playroom? Husband leave a light on in the bathroom? Leaving lights on when nobody is in the room is a big waste of money, but now you can turn them off using a wireless controller. You can also have sensors installed that automatically turn off the lights when a room is left unoccupied.
2. Save On Energy Bills: we’ve got enough to worry about when it comes to finances, so take your home’s energy bill off of that list. On average, dimmers can lower energy consumption by about 20%.
3. Extend Bulb Life: tired of having to replace blown out bulbs? Dimmers can extend bulb life up to 20 times longer when used in place of a light switch. This means you’ll be making less trips to your local Home Depot or Lowe's for new light bulbs.

At GEN3 Electric, we specialize in lighting control installation. Give us a call today to learn how they can help or to schedule an appointment. 215-512-4102.

Make Your Wires and Cords Disappear

Can’t stand looking at those wires and electrical cords hanging from your TV? Neither can we. But don’t go running your wires underneath the carpet - that’s a big mistake. Find out how to safely hide your wires below:

The first step of the process is to determine where you want to locate your television or surround sound system, if it’s not already in place. Next, make sure the power is turned off. Then remove the baseboard or door frame molding and you should be able to see a space between the door frame and the drywall.

Oftentimes, the wire that you want to disappear can fit in this space and can be safely secured to the drywall using small brackets. If the space is too small for the wire to fit, you may need to cut a small space in the drywall around the door.

Once you’ve safely secured the wires, replace the molding but be careful not to poke any holes where the wire lies.

Not comfortable working with wires? The expert electricians at GEN3 Electric will gladly take care of the task for you! Just give us a call at 215-512-4102 to schedule an appointment.

Electrical Wire Color Codes

You don’t have to be an electrician to realize that some wires are different colors when it comes to electrical wires in your home. These colors aren’t just there for decoration - each one specifies a different function. It’s important to understand what each color stands for so you can stay safe when dealing with electrical devices in your home.

Red

Red wires are used in some types of switch legs and often make up the interconnection between smoke detectors and the power system. They indicate the secondary live wires in a 220-volt circuit and you can connect them to other red wires or black wires.

Green

Green wires indicate the grounding of an electric circuit. They can only connect to other green wires to provide a path to ground for a circuit’s current.

Yellow and Blue

These wires are used to carry power but are not meant for wiring the outlets of common plug-in electrical devices. Yellow wires are most commonly used as switch legs to fans, lights and switched outlets and blue wires are mainly used for three-way or four-way switches.

White and Gray

White or gray wires indicate a neutral wire. White and gray wires can only be connected to other white or gray wires and they can carry current.

Black

This color is used for power in all circuits. Always use extreme caution when dealing with black wires because they are considered “hot” or “live”.

For more information about electrical wires contact your friendly neighborhood electricians at GEN3 Electric.

Let's Connect!

When you have questions, comments or concerns for a business where do you go? Have you tried social media? We have very active profiles across the board where we are more than happy to assist you! In addition, you’ll be able to find the latest industry news, tips and tricks.

Facebook

Shoot us a message, leave a comment, like our posts or leave a review. We welcome all questions, comments and concerns just remember to keep it clean! And if you like our posts, be sure to follow us on Twitter!

Twitter

Like to tweet? So do we. Here, you’ll be able to find tips and tricks about the electrical devices in your home as well as some community news from time to time. You can leave us a question or comment here as well, but keep it to 140 characters or less!

Blog

Want some in-depth insights into the electrical industry. This is where you’ll find it. Be sure to check out our blog daily for updates and don’t forget to tell your friends about us.

Find electrical answers and ideas posted by your Philadelphia electricians. Hundreds of questions have been answered switches, outlets, circuit breakers, 3-way switches, GFCI outlets and more. We are based in Philly PA but we can help you no matter where your electrical problem is. Our first responsibility is to help our clients and community, so be sure to connect with GEN3 Electric today!

Keep Your Kids Safe With Tamper-Resistant Outlets

Each year, around 2,400 kids are sent to the hospital with electrical shocks and burns. We all know how curious children can be, especially when it comes to sticking foreign objects into an outlet. Even if you have your eye on them all day long, a serious tragedy can occur if you look away for just a second. That’s why you need to childproof your home with tamper-resistant outlets.

What Makes Them Tamper-Resistant?

If you took a quick look at a tamper-resistant receptacle, you would probably say it looks just like any other outlet in the house. So, what makes it different? These outlets are equipped with spring-loaded shutters that close receptacle openings when nothing is plugged in. In order for the springs to open, equal pressure must be exerted into both openings, which is what happens when you plug in an electrical device.

Why Should I Use Them?

While some homeowners have been using plastic plugs to keep their children’s fingers and toys out of harm’s way, you still have to remove them each time you want to plug something in which can become a nuisance. Additionally, these plugs can be a choking hazard if your child figures out how to unplug them. Tamper-resistant receptacles are a safer and more efficient option when it comes to preventing electrical shocks and burns.

Ready to have them installed in your home? Contact the expert electricians at GEN3 Electric to schedule an appointment today!

Testimonial Spotlight: October

Looking for a friendly neighborhood electrician in the Philadelphia Metro area? You’ve come to the right place. We take pride in providing our customers with the best electrical services possible and we always put you guys first! See what your neighbors are saying about us below:

“Corey installed a flood light on the exterior of the house. Quick and Easy. Professional and polite. Would 100% go to them with any other electric stuff.”

• Corbin S. (Yelp)

“John and Marcus were very friendly and helpful in solving my electrical issues. They did everything they could to put in cable in my basement in the least obtrusive manner. They were fast and easy to work with!”

• Anonymous (SuperPages)

“Hired Generation 3 Electric to repair several electrical issues that came up on the home inspection at the time of selling our house. Appt scheduled for 12-2 - Luke and his partner showed up at noon, gave me a quote, explained the work, and they were out the door by 2pm. Prompt, professional, and at a fair price. Spoke to Dottie at the office the next day and she was extremely helpful. Highly recommended.”

• Anthony F. (Google+)

Our trained electricians understand any issues you have with the electric and lighting in your Philly home. Give us a call today at 215-512-4102 to schedule an appointment and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook!

Fire Hazards in the Bedroom

Did you know that nearly 600 lives are lost to fires in the bedroom each year? In honor of National Fire Prevention week, we are going to dive into some of the electrical safety hazards that are commonly found in bedrooms and what you can do to prevent a fire. So, before you tuck yourself in at night remember to follow these guidelines:

• Use an electric blanket to keep warm during the fall and winter months? Be sure to replace it every 10 years and check to make sure the cords, wires and temperature controls are not damaged. Be careful not to pinch any heating wires and remember to turn the blanket off when you are not using it.
• Have electrical appliances in your room such as a computer, TV, or lamp? Be sure to turn them off before you fall asleep and never run extension cords that power your devices under carpets or rugs.
• Never overload outlets. Follow all manufacturer's instructions when plugging in an electronic device and use a surge protector when needed.
• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every bedroom in the house. Test the batteries monthly to make sure they are ready should an emergency strike.

Generation 3 Electric has been servicing the electrical needs of the Philadelphia metro area for three generations. Give us a call at 215-512-4102 when you need service and be sure to connect with us on Facebook.

Equip Your Home With Connected Lighting

Thinking about upgrading your home to a smart lighting system? With lots of options on the market you’ll be able to mix and match products that fit your style. While you may want to automate every single switch and bulb in your home at once, it’s better to start with a foundation that you can build upon down the road.

Color-changing bulbs inside the house? Why would you need that? While you may not want your bulbs changing color on a regular basis, it can be a huge benefit if they are connected to your smoke detectors or security system. Now you’ll know for sure when there is an emergency!

Now that you’ve picked out the smart bulbs you want, you’re going to need to automate the switches. Since you’ve got a lot of wiring to deal with, we recommend leaving this job to the professionals. They’ll be sure to disconnect your old switch properly and replace it with the smart one.

Once you have your lights and switches ready to go, you can focus on controlling them with your voice. The Amazon Echo smart speaker is a great option and works with Alexa, the voice-activated cloud-connected Al.

Want to learn more about smart lighting and upgrading your home’s devices? Contact the experts at GEN3 Electric today. We’re up-to-date on the latest technology and gadgets and have the knowledge and tools to install them for you!

How To Lighten Up A Basement

Is your basement dark, scary and unpleasant to be in? Do you have lights with open junctions? It’s time to make a big switch. With the right lighting and a touch of paint, you can increase the amount of space your home has by a full floor!

Have a bunch of stuff piled up in your basement that you haven’t used or seen in years? Have you ever thought that it could be because of the lack of lighting downstairs? Basement lighting is one of the most overlooked parts of a home and if your basement is dark and dirty, it’s more likely to collect your old things.

One light bulb with an open junction is not the solution. Instead, consider having fluorescent or LED lights and new wiring installed to brighten up your basement. In addition, sprucing up the walls with a fresh coat of paint can really make it feel much more inviting.  

Ready to make the upgrade? Contact the expert electricians at GEN3 Electric today to schedule an appointment and find out how we can create some extra living space in your home!

How To Brighten Up Your Entryway

Don’t leave your front door in the dark. Brighten up your home’s entryway with a beautiful light fixture that will capture your neighbors’ eyes. It’s the perfect way to make your home feel more cozy and inviting this fall.

The first step is to decide on the type of fixture you want outside your door. Central, ceiling-mounted fixtures work well if you have a smaller entryway, but if you have some room to work with you can go with wall-mounted fixtures on either side of the front door. No matter which option you choose, you’ll want to cast a warm, wide pool of light that brightens up the front of your home.

Can you do the job yourself? If by “job” you are referring to changing a lightbulb the answer is of course, yes. But if you’re talking about installing a properly wired junction box and connecting a new fixture - leave it to the pros. When it comes to maintenance of your outdoor lighting, you can also do this yourself. Because they are exposed to the elements, fixtures can get dirty or become dull. In most cases, a damp cloth will do the trick.

Adding light to your entryway is a wonderful way to spruce up your home this season. Need help deciding on where to place the fixtures or which type will look best? Contact the experts at GEN3 Electric today - we’re more than happy to help!

Home Rewiring FAQs

You’ve heard that if you have an older Philadelphia home, your electrical system may be outdated and unsafe. But do you know how dangerous old wires and outlets can actually be? When it comes to home rewiring, you may have the same questions as your neighbors so hopefully we can provide you with some answers.

Q: Would new outlets and/or receptacles offer convenience and eliminate unsightly extension cords?

A: Floor outlets are the perfect solution for eliminating extension cords. They offer convenience and eliminate the risk of tripping on a wire.

Q: Does a new appliance, home entertainment system or air conditioner require its own outlet?

A: Although they don’t always require their own outlet, direct lines can save energy and prevent tripped breakers - therefore making it a much safer option.

Q: How do I know if my outlets are grounded?

A: Older homes tend to have ungrounded outlets. If you are unsure, you can give us a call and we’ll send one of our expert electricians over to take a look.

Q: What are some warning signs of old outlets and switch plates?

• Warm/hot to the touch
• Cover plates are broken, cracked or missing
• Dark area over the switch cover plate
• Outlet is in the shape of a teardrop

Have additional questions for our team? Give GEN3 Electric a call at 215-512-4102 or feel free to send us a message on Facebook!

Why It's A Bad Idea To Overload A Plug-Strip

Don’t have enough outlets to plug in all of your electrical devices? It’s common for homeowners to use a plug-strip when they run into this problem, but it’s not always the best solution. Find out what can happen when you plug in too many electrical devices below:

Plug-strips are not always an acceptable response to not having enough outlets. Watch the video to find out what happened when this homeowner overloaded this strip:

In this case, it was a combination of an old outlet and too much power going through at the same time. If your home’s outlets are over 20 years old, it may be time for an upgrade.

You can always count on the professional electricians at GEN3 Electric to upgrade your home’s wiring and make sure all of your electrical devices are safe and secure. Give us a call today at 215-512-4102 to make an appointment.