Trim Electric Blog

5 Reasons to Call a Trusted Electrician TODAY!

Cesar Arzayus — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:53:00 GMT

So if you don't have any majorly visible electrical issues in your home, then why should you call an electrician? If you’re not living in a recently constructed home, it’s very likely some of the electrical components in your structure are out-dated and pose a significant risk for damage or repair.

Everything gets better with age, right? Wrong! Homes older than 25 years old most likely have inadequate and possibly hazardous wiring systems. Bringing it up to today’s code standards is the first step in safety and peace of mind. Contact a licensed and reputable electrician today for an inspection.

Dimmer feature without the switch? Do your ceiling lights dim when the air conditioner comes on? A lot of current is drawn from these motor-driven appliances. They should be wired on dedicated circuits. If smaller appliances also cause problems, consider adding a 20-amp line to service them.

Water is wet. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GCFIs, are now required in wet areas like kitchens, baths and utility rooms. Retrofit installation is easy and makes your home both SAFE and code-compliant. If you already have GCFIs in your home, check their reset buttons to make sure they’re working properly.

One plus one is not fun. Many older homes have outlets that won’t accept three-prong grounded plugs. This could be an indication that your electrical wiring system is not fully grounded. Three-prong adapters do provide a solution to this problem, but it’s only temporary. Don’t ignore this issue. Call an electrician for a thorough review of the issue today.

Stuffing is not for outlets. Your electrical system is working overtime if your outlets are stuffed with plug-strips and add-ons. This basically strangles your home’s electrical system. Additional circuits with duplex receptacles are needed to restore order— and safety.

These are not the only electrical threats that can be found in a home. Having the most recent home electrical technology could save you on time, money and headaches. Do your research and call a trusted, licensed and insured electrician today so you can rest with peace of mind tonight.

Go DIY or Hire a Professional Electrician in Houston, TX?

Cesar Arzayus — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:52:00 GMT

If you are doing repair work or remodeling on your home, you may wonder whether you should hire an electrician in Houston TX or do the electrical work yourself or with the help of a handyman.

In almost all cases, the best answer is to hire an electrician in Houston TX. Electrical work can be complicated and it must be done right in order to protect your home or business from fire, short circuits and other problems that can be caused by faulty electrical work.

In addition to helping to ensure your family's safety, in some cases, you must actually hire an electrician for work performed in order to be in compliance with local and national building codes. An electrician will also help you to make sure you comply with all requirements of these various building codes, including requirements dealing with placements of electrical outlets and with the installation of GFCI outlets.

When you are ready to do your next electrical project, don't hesitate to hire an experienced electrician in Houston. Trim Electric can provide you with all of the electrical work you need and you can rest assured you are getting help from licensed, qualified and professional electrical professionals.

If you need immediate assistance please call us at 281-376-3838 or click on the service request button below.

Electrical Contractor in Houston Texas

Cesar Arzayus — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:40:00 GMT

Electrical Contractor Houston

We found this interesting article about what a Full service electrical contractor can do for you. Trim Electric, Inc has been serving the Houston area for over 30+ years.

What is a Full Service Electrical Contractor?

The Internet Adventure

Electricity is a powerful force that can also pose danger. It should, therefore, only be handled by a licensed full service electrical contractor company. But what exactly is a licensed full service electrical contractor company?

A licensed full service electrical contractor company should have the complete licenses and certifications required in its locality, from state to city levels. It should also employ professionally certified electricians highly qualified to design, install, maintain and repair residential, commercial and industrial electrical systems.

A licensed full service electrical contractor company should not only be able to design, install, maintain and repair residential, commercial and industrial electrical systems but also solutions related to hurricane preparation, lightning protection and surge protection. Part of this solution is generator installation.

A licensed full service electrical contractor company also upgrades and services electrical panels. It does regular electric inspection and the necessary electric repairs and maintenance for the electrical systems it is responsible for. Maintenance and repair may cover the servicing of street lights, parking lot lighting, landscape lighting and commercial lights. A licensed full service electrical contractor company is also prepared to meet any emergency with fully equipped bucket trucks.

In certain locations, the services of a licensed full service electrical contractor company are needed to meet government requirements. For instance, the Miami-Dade County 40-Year Building Inspection Program demands that all buildings that are 40 years old or older need to undergo structural and electrical safety inspection and certification every ten years.

There are three categories of licensed full service electrical contractor companies in the US, all governed by the National Electrical Code (NEC) of the United States. The categorizations based on specializations are the voice/data/video (VDV) electrical contractors or integrated building systems (IBS) electrical contractors; the inside electrical contractors; and the line electrical contractors or outside electrical contractors.

Voice/data/video (VDV) electrical contractors or integrated building systems (IBS) electrical contractors handle electrical work related to low-voltage power installations, including security systems, climate control, telecommunications, wireless networks, fiber optics, back-up power and energy-efficient lighting.

Inside electrical contractors handle all kinds of indoor and outdoor electrical work provided they are inside the property boundary lines of the industrial, commercial or residential client.

Line electrical contractors or outside electrical contractors handle the most complicated types of electrical work concerning high voltage power transmission infrastructure and the line originating from a main power plant and going on to power substations, power facilities and power users.

A licensed full service electrical contractor company employs electricians and trains them from apprentice level to estimator level.

Apprentice electricians are paid regular wages during their training program lasting from three to five years. They receive class lessons and hands on training on the installation, modification, maintenance and repair of electrical systems.

Licensed journeyman electricians have passed the apprentice training and have met state requirements for licensing. They are already qualified to actually install, modify, maintain and repair electrical systems.

Estimator electricians have reached the next level of responsibility in the electrical contractor company. They calculate the total costs of each project, covering materials, labor and overhead. They also estimate the time required for finishing the project and the work schedule to be followed. Their output is used in the bids submitted by the electrical contractor company.

Project supervisor electricians have been promoted to managing the whole work force of each project of the electrical contractor company. They take care of ensuring compliance with quality control and safety standards as well as work schedule deadlines. They also accomplish and submit all necessary forms and reports to management.

A licensed full service electrical contractor company should, therefore, be able to prove having not only a full range of top quality electrical services but also having the most qualified professional electricians.

At Trim Electric, we strive to give our residential and commercial customers unparalleled service and reliability by providing experienced, professional, licensed and insured electricians. Trim Electric is family owned since 1978 and is proud to have grown along with our Houston Community.

We began our company as a residential service company and grew through the years by providing fair pricing, service, and follow-up that only a family run company could give.? Due to the loyalty of our customers and the word of mouth advertising, we were able to expand substantially. The next step was to establish our commercial division which was able to maintain our dedication to unparalleled service and reliability. Call us at 281-376-3838 or visit our website www.trimelectric.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/what-is-a-full-service-electrical-contractor-1448594.html

About the Author

Marlin Electrical Contractor Corporation

Lupe Badaraco

2410 West 78th Street

Hialeah, FL 33016

Phone; (305) 231-8158

Fax: (305) 556-1965

Email: marlinel@bellsouth.net

Website: www.marlinelectric.com

Customer Service- What to Expect When You Call Trim Electric

Catie Baggett — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:48:00 GMT

Constant communication is an essential part of every business relationiship. It's not only important in establishing a new relationship, but also maintaining an existing one. Trim Electric strives for excellence in all areas of our business. Providing reliable communication is one of our hallmark traits. From scheduling a service call to a follow up call upon completion of a project, our priority is to provide top notch customer service. Trim Electric is committed to keeping the lines of communication open with our valued customers. We takes any opportunity to communicate with our customers very seriously. It may be as simple as answering a routine question, or a more complex issue needing the expertise of a master electrician. The bottom line is when you need to reach someone, we don't want you to wait. Trim Electric keeps communication as simple as possible for our customers.

We can be reached at the office, 281-376-3838, or through email at office@trimelectric.com. You can even visit our website, www.trimelectric.com, and speak with a live company representative.

At Trim Electric, we work very hard to make your experience as a customer enjoyable. From the moment you call us, we strive to answer the phone in one ring. Occassionally, we are on the other line with another customer. When that happens, other office employees will answer your call to avoid a wait. Our estimates our emailed to our customers within 24 hours, and sometimes on the same day. They are itemized, so that you can actually consider all the options without having to request a revised estimate. When it comes to the appointment, our technicians are punctual and courteous. You can expect a uniformed and licensed crew to arrive in a company truck. Any work that is performed, is done with consideration to avoiding any unnecessary messes. Once they're done, the work area is cleaned up and left neat for the customer. We guarantee 100% of the work, both for labor and materials for one year. The Trim team understands that running a strong business is not only dependant upon the quality of work we perform, but also on the level of customer service we provide. Check out some of our recent customer reviews.

With social media usage becoming one of the ways to reach customers, Trim Electric takes an active approach to utilizing all available resources. We stay connected on sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz and YouTube. Our profile can also be found on the following sites: Yellowpages.com, Angies List, Customer Lobby, Better Business Bureau, and Yahoo. Trim Electric would love to gain more friends, fans, and followers. Please help us achieve this goal by "liking" and "sharing" our information whenever you feel it to be helpful. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with you and look forward to a lasting relationship!

Office- 281-376-3838

Is Your Electrical Panel Outdated?

Catie Baggett — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:57:00 GMT

Identifying outdated electrical panels that may present safety concerns is an important part of being in the electrical business. Electrical panels are the heart of any home’s electrical system. They distribute electricity to each room, appliance, and device. They can experience problems at any time; however, the likelihood increases with age.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, at least 50 percent of the homes today could potentially have an obsolete electrical panel. The signs of an aging and/or outdated panel are sometimes difficult to detect. It could be something as little as a light that continually flickers in a room. It could be an outlet that hasn’t seemed to work in years. Also, a circuit that continually trips is a good indicator that your panel needs immediate attention.

Among a variety of obsolete panels, there are two distinct types that many experts recommend are inspected regularly:

1) Fuse boxes – the precursor to circuit breaker panels often can have problems. The wrong fuses may be inserted into the box when one is broken. Also, coins have been known to be inserted in them, as well. Both are potentially serious fire hazards.

2) Split-buss panels present unique concerns, as well. They have smaller breakers, which have been known to melt or burn if there is excessive demand placed on them. Today, split-buss panels likely would not be UL listed and not be considered a safe option.

Many fuse boxes, split-buss panels, and other panels have been known to operate properly for years. But if and when they do malfunction, a disaster could occur. That’s why experts recommend that homeowners have their homes evaluated by a licensed electrician at least once a year. Home electrical systems, including panels, can change dramatically over the course of 12 months, and in doing so, safety concerns can develop.

Trim Electric regularly offers discount coupons on our services. Check out this week’s deal below.

Don't forget to check us out on your favorite social media site!

Hmm...Time to Call an Electrician?

Catie Baggett — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:50:00 GMT

I personally hate electricity! It scares me and I can barely replace a light bulb without fearing for my life. This must date back to an electrical fire in my house as a kid. Just recently, the outlet on my back patio stopped working. A few days later, the deep freezer in my garage also stopped working. It turned out the GCFI had tripped in the garage, which had caused the outlet on the patio to trip as well. If I didn’t plan to make green bean fries last night, it would have been a while before I figured out the freezer was no longer working… and I would have called an electrician to fix the outlet in my back yard. I do feel like quite the genius for uncovering this mystery!

So beyond being just a little scared, when should you really call an electrician?

Anytime you’re not comfortable handling the task, you should always call a licensed electrician. Ceiling fans can seem simple enough to install, but if you’re not familiar with the process then it’s best to call a professional. Crossing wires can have disastrous consequences. Tall ceilings also pose a problem when changing out bulbs or fixtures. Having sturdy equipment and even an extra pair of hands is ideal in these situations.

When adding enhancements to the your home, hiring a qualified electrician is the best option. Whole house surge protectors and generator interlock kits require detailed wiring and configuration for proper execution. Adding exterior security lighting is a great way to increase visibility on your property. A licensed electrician will be able to securely mount each light and program the features to optimize its benefits.

Before you knock down any walls and begin on that home remodeling project, be sure to include an electrician in your plans. It’s difficult to determine what wires run behind that wall and what they power. In addition to the demolition process, an experienced electrician can also provide insight during the design process. Based on the electrical needs of that room, an electrician will be able to make recommendations.

If you experience any type of electrical malfunction in your home, don’t think twice about calling a trusted electrician. If problems go ignored, they can increase the risk and potential damage. A breaker that is constantly tripping or a light that keeps flickering is a sign that requires the expertise of an electrician.

Regardless of the reason, be thorough in your research when choosing an electrician. Ask questions, review their history and even look around online for customer reviews.

Don't forget to check us out on your favorite social media site!

Certified Electrician Tips: Lowering your Electricity Bill

Catie Baggett — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:18:00 GMT

While Trim Electric is your local electrician, we don't sell electricity. We will, however, get power to anything that needs it! You would be surprised by how many people mistake us for an electricity service provider. So in honor of this common misconception that comes up every now and then, this blog is dedicated to lowering your electricity bill!

This past Monday in Houston, temperatures hit 90 degrees in parts of the city. If they weren't already running, air conditioners across Houston kicked on and worked hard to cool homes and buildings. It's barely halfway through March, and we are already looking towards another sweltering summer with high electricity bills.

These common, but sometimes overlooked, tips can not only keep your home just as cool but also reduce your monthly bill. Read on and then tell us what youre doing to lower the cost at your house.

Don't underestimate the power of a good fan! Whether you're using standard oscillating fans, or several ceiling fans, turn down the AC a few degrees, and turn on the fans around the house. The breeze will cool off the home, and it will blow the cool air around nicely.

Change out the light bulbs! One great way to save on electricity around your home is to use energy saving bulbs. For a reminder on the different kind of bulbs, review last month's blog on choosing the right light bulb. An 18W power saver will produce as much light as a 60W regular bulb, but only use 18W. Initially, the bulbs will cost more but you can make up the difference on your bill.

Power strips are an inexpensive way to conserve energy. All of your devices: tvs, dvd player, radio, game consoles and more, still use power even when they're turned off. These devices will sit in standby mode until they're powered back on. Consider plugging all of these devices into a power strip, and turning it off in the evenings. You won't notice a difference and you'll see the savings on your bill!

That extra, half full refridgerator in the garage is using just as much, if not more, than the newer one in the kitchen. Get rid of it! Older applicances were not designed according to Energy Star regulations and standards. If you must have an extra refrigerator or freezer, consider purchasing a newer one from a local scratch and dent store. You'll save money on the purchase and the overall electricity consumption of the appliance.

Electric hot water heaters are a big culprit when it comes to electricity usage. Most people have the temperature set too high on the boiler. How can you tell? Well, if you have to turn on the cold AND the hot water when you're in the shower, then it's probably too high.

Turn down the heater to a "comfortably hot" instead of a "scalding hot" temperature. You will notice that you no longer have to use cold water to balance out the hot, and you'll get a refreshing reduction on your bill.

Keep these suggestions in mind as the temperature continues to climb.

Don't forget to check us out on your favorite social media site!

Electrician Reviews

Cesar Arzayus — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:14:00 GMT

Dependable Online Reviews

Online reviews are the best way to determine whether or not a service company is reliable. While we still get the majority of our customers from word of mouth we also depend heavily on recieving online reviews from our clients. I could also tell you that Trim Electric has been serving the greater Houston area since 1978 and that Trim has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau or that we also won the 2012 BBB Pinnacle award for electrical contractors in the City of Houston, BUT see for yourself and click on the list of electrician reviews below. I will not promise that all of our reviews are perfect but I think you will agree that you can't go wrong with hiring Trim Electric as your next Electrician / Electrical Contractor.

Online Electrician Reviews

Trim Electric Testimonials

BBB Business Review

Customer Lobby Reviews

Kudzu Reviews

Google Reviews

Yahoo Reviews

Best Pick Reports Reviews

Angie's List Reviews

I hope that the list of online reviews listed above gave you a better idea of who we are and how we do our best to give our clients 100% satisfaction. Give us at call at 281-376-3838 or click on the service request link below.

Best Pick Reports Houston

Cesar Arzayus — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:31:00 GMT

Have you just recieved a "Quality Home Services Guide" from Best Pick Reports? HOLD on to it because as a homeowner you just might need it as a resource in the near future! Trim Electric is excited about being chosen as a featured electrician in Best Pick Reports for the Houston area in the 2013 edition of Best Pick Reports.

Let me tell you that being chosen is proof that we have been doing something right for the past 37 years. As part of "The Best Pick Certification Process" we had to submit our database of customers from the previous year. Our customers were then contacted and asked pertinent questions regarding how our service and professionalism was when we did work at their homes. Only after getting an outstanding grade were we invited to be added to the EBSCO RESEARCH book for the Houston area.

More information can be found at their website:

"For each Best Pick Reports and Home Reports publication, we conduct thousands of new telephone phone interviews every year with homeowners who had firsthand experience with home service providers. To maintain third-party objectivity, we base our ratings entirely on research conducted by EBSCO employees in our research centers. All Best Pick companies must maintain an A-grade rating based on more than 100 reviews in our research database, though oftentimes a company’s rating will be based on a much higher volume of reviews. These numbers can be found above the published homeowner reviews in this publication as well as online at BestPickReports.com."

We look forward to serving you in the Houston area and are proud of our Best Pick Selection!

GFCI | What you should know!

Cesar Arzayus — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:59:00 GMT

Trim Electric has been in business since 1978 in Houston and we have seen how GFCI's have benefited our clients. Installing GFCI's is a safety precaution that homeowner or business owners should not ignore. Below is more information about GFCIs from the Consumer Product Safety commission. Please call us at 281-376-3838 or schedule a service call online today.

THE GFCI

A "GFCI" is a ground fault circuit interrupter. A ground fault circuit interrrupter is an inexpensive electrical device that,

if installed in household branch circuits, could prevent over two-thirds of the approximately 300 electrocutions still

occurring each year in and around the home. Installation of the device could also prevent thousands of burn and

electric shock injuries each year.

The GFCI is designed to protect people from severe or fatal electric shocks Because a GFCI detects ground faults, it?can also prevent some electrical fires and reduce the severity of others by interrupting the flow of electric current.

THE PROBLEM

Have you ever experienced an electric shock? If you did, the shock probably happened because your hand or some other part of your body contacted a source of electrical current and your body provided a?path for the electrical current to go to the ground, so

that you received a shock. An unintentional electric path between a source of current and a grounded surface is referred to as a "ground-fault." Ground faults ground-fault. Ground faults occur when current is leaking somewhere, in effect, electricity is escaping to the ground. How it leaks is very important. If your body provides a path?to the ground for this leakage, you could be injured, burned, severely shocked, or electrocuted.

Some examples of accidents that underscore this hazard include the following:

- Two children, ages five and six, were electrocuted in Texas when a plugged-in hair dryer fell into the tub in which they were bathing.

- A three-year-old Kansas girl was electrocuted when she touched a faulty counter-top. These two electrocutions occurred because the electrical current escaping from the appliance traveled through the 12/7/2010 GFCIs

Fact Sheet

www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/99.html 1/5

victim to ground (in these cases, the grounded plumbing fixtures). Had a GFCI been installed, these deaths would

probably have been prevented because a GFCI would have sensed the current flowing to ground and would have

switched off the power before the electrocution occurred.

HOW THE GFCI WORKS

In the home's wiring system, the GFCI constantly monitors electricity flowing in a circuit, to sense any loss of current. If the current flowing through the circuit differs by a small amount from that returning, the GFCI quickly switches off power to that circuit. The GFCI interrupts power faster than a blink of an eye to prevent a lethal dose of electricity. You may receive a painful shock, but you should not be electrocuted or receive a serious shock injury.

Here's how it may work in your house. Suppose a bare wire inside an appliance touches the metal case. The case is then charged with electricity. If you touch the appliance with one hand while the other hand is touching a

grounded metal object, like a water faucet, you will receive a shock. If the appliance is plugged into an outlet protected by a GFCI, the power will be shut off before a fatal shock would occur.

AVAILABILITY OF GFCIs

Three common types of ground fault circuit interrupters are available for home use:

* RECEPTACLE TYPE

This type of GFCI is used in place of the standard duplex receptacle found throughout the house It fits into the standard outlet box and protects you against "ground faults' whenever an electrical product is plugged into the outlet.

Most receptacle-type GFCls can be installed so that they also protect other electri-cal outlets further "down stream" in the branch circuit.

* CIRCUIT BREAKER TYPE

In homes equipped with circuit breakers rather than fuses, a circuit breaker GFCI may be installed in a panel box to give protection to selected circuits The circuit breaker GFCI serves a dual purpose - not only will it shut off electricity in the event of a "ground-fault," but it will also trip when a short circuit or an over-load occurs protection covers the wiring and each outlet, lighting fixture, heater, etc served by the branch circuit protected by the GFCI in the panel box.

* PORTABLE TYPE

Where permanent GFCls are not practical, portable GFCls may be used one type contains the GFCI circuitry in a plastic encio-sure with plug blades in the back and receptacle slots in the f rant. It can be plugged into a receptacle, then, the electrical product is plugged into the GFCI. Another type of portable GFCI is an extension cord combined with a GFCI. It adds flexibility in using receptacles that are not protected by GFCI's.

12/7/2010 GFCIs Fact Sheet www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/99

WHERE GFCIs SHOULD BE CONSIDERED

In homes built to comply with the National Electrical Code (the Code), GFCI protection is required for most outdoor receptacles (since 1973), bathroom receptacle circuits (since 1975), garage wall outlets (since 1978), kitchen receptacles (since 1987), and all receptacles in crawl spaces and unfinished basements (since 1990). Owners of homes that do not have GFCls installed in all those critical areas specified in the latest version of the Code should consider having them installed. For broad protection, GFCI circuit breakers may be added in many panels of older homes to replace ordinary circuit breaker. For homes protected by fuses, you are limited to receptacle or portable-type GFCIs and these may be installed in areas of greatest exposure, such as the bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, and outdoor circuits. A GFCI should be used whenever operating electrically powered garden equipment (mower, hedge trimmer, edger, etc.). Consumers can obtain similar protection by using GFCIs with electric tools (drills, saws,?sanders, etc.) for do-it-yourself work in and around the house.

INSTALLING GFCIs

Circuit breaker and receptacle-type GFCIs may be installed in your home by a qualified electrician. Receptacle-type GFCIs may be installed by knowledgeable consumers familiar with electrical wiring practices who also follow the instructions accompanying the device. When in doubt about the proper procedure, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to install it yourself.

GFCI Fact Sheet Houston

The 1-2-3 on Tripped Breaker Panels

Catie Baggett — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:00:00 GMT

So I own a home AND work for an electrical contractor, but I really have no idea how to reset a tripped circuit. I can say this without shame because I know there are tons of people out there who are in the same boat as me! Take a few minutes to read this week's blog and familiarize yourself with these steps so you're not left up a creek! PS- Don't forget to scroll all the way to the bottom for a new section!

Step 1:

Know the location of your breaker box! In most Texas homes, the electrical service box (panel box, breaker panel box...it's all the same) is in the garage. If you live in a home with a basement, you might look there if you don't see the box in the garage. Closets and laundry rooms are other possible locations for breaker panels.

Step 2:

Open the box and look for the tripped breaker. You may see a hint of red on the switch. Otherwise, it will be the switch that is in the "off" position.

Step 3:

Flip the breaker completely off. This is an important step. If you don't turn it off completely, when you flip it back to the on position you won't see any results. Literally!

Step 4:

Now flip the breaker completely to the on position. This step should restore the power. If not, repeat steps 2-4 again. If the breaker continues to trip, there is a short or some other electrical danger. Contact an electrician before trying to flip the switch again. This could only make the problem worse.

Now wasn't that easy and painless? You can impress your friends next time there's a tripped breaker and be the talk of the cul de sac!

Consumer Information

I'm going to do my best to feature a recalled electrical item each week. If you get anxious and just can't wait for my blog, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission to see which products pose risks related to shock and fires. Here's an example of just one item that's dangerous. These decorative power strips have caused fires in homes across the country. Click on the image for more information.

Don't forget to check us out...Lots of tips, suggestions and ideas!

Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

Lights, Camera, Kitchen...Electrical Recommendations for Your Kitchen

Catie Baggett — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 22:10:00 GMT

There are two rooms in every home that should be well lit. Without question, they are the bathroom and kitchen. It's important to have the proper light placement and access to outlets. The average kitchen in the United States is approximately 300 square feet, or 30 feet by 10 feet. Are you already thinking your own kitchen is less than average in measurement? Don't worry, I am too! But depending on whether or not you enjoy cooking, this could be irrelevant. Let's take a look at some of the recommendations for kitchens.

How many outlets should you have in your kitchen?

Building codes require a certain amount of space between outlets on kitchen countertops. It's also necessary to have at least one on the side of a kitchen island. In addition, you will also need outlets for your stove, microwave, garbage disposal and dish washer. To avoid a "cluttered" backsplash, power strips can be installed under the wall cabinets. This allows convenient access to outlets without the eyesore and also avoids interrupting the design of the backsplash. Remember, to always use a licensed electrician for any electrical work! Here's a great example of under cabinet outlets and lighting.

What kind of lighting should I choose for my kitchen?

Installing the right kind of kitchen lighting can help with better food preparation. Professional grade kitchens are bright and filled with lighting. It's not necessary for a home kitchen to be lit to that extent. Before choosing what type of fixture to install, first inspect your kitchen and decide where the work stations are. For example, where do you use the cutting board? And do you need a prep area for making coffee or mxing ingredients? Task lighting, or direct beams of light, will be best over these areas as they'll illuminate the space making for easier preparations. Task lighting is the most common type of lighting used in a kitchen.

Recessed lighting is one of the most popular choices for kitchen lighting. I personally love the clean and discreet look. This lighting style provides direct light over work stations and allows for even distribution.

Pendant lights are also a favorite choice for kitchens. These lights hang from the ceiling from a single chord and can be position directly over sinks or stoves.

Another option for lighting during a kitchen remodel would be under cabinet lights. This option is most feasible when installing new cabinetry since cutting and wiring is involved with the cabinets themselves.

Check out this example of combining under cabinet lights with smaller pendant lights.

Be careful what kind of bulbs you choose to use. Review our recent blog on lightbulbs for a better understanding of the differences. Choosing a bulb that's too harsh can lead to headaches, while selecting one that isn't bright enough can cause eye strain.

Floor lighting with sensors are an option to consider if you have young children, or even for an elderly loved one's home.

No matter what type of lighting you choose, make sure it suits your taste, budget and purpose!

Check us out!

Electrical Blackouts in U.S. History- Are You Still in the Dark?

Catie Baggett — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:46:00 GMT

With the now infamous Super Bowl blackout still fresh in memory, I started wondering about other blackouts throughout history and decided to do a little research. Who doesn't love a little useless information every now and then?

Miriam Webster's definition of a blackout is a period of darkness (as in a city) caused by a failure of electrical power. The cause of the failure can come from several different sources. This is why power outages are categorized into three different phenomena, relating to the duration and effect of the outage:

A transient fault is a momentary (a few seconds) loss of power typically caused by a temporary fault on a power line. Power is automatically restored once the fault is cleared.
A brownout or sag is a drop in voltage in an electrical power supply. The term brownout comes from the dimming experienced by lighting when the voltage sags. Brownouts can cause poor performance of equipment or even incorrect operation.
A blackout refers to the total loss of power to an area. It is the most severe form of power outage that can occur. Blackouts, which result from or result in power stations tripping, are particularly difficult to recover from quickly. Outages may last from a few minutes to a few weeks depending on the nature of the blackout and the configuration of the electrical network.

Below are just a few of the bigger blackouts in US history. These events were not planned by the service provider and affected over one thousand people for at least an hour.

The Northeast Blackout of 1965 affected parts of Ontario, Canada, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, and New Jersey. Over 30 million people and 80,000 square miles were left without electricity for up to 12 hours. The cause of the failure was human error that happened days before the blackout. Maintenance personnel incorrectly set a protective relay on one of the transmission lines. The safety relay, which was to trip if the current exceeded the capacity of the transmission line, was set too low.

The New York City blackout of 1977 was an electricity blackout that affected most of New York City on July 13–14, 1977. This blackout occurred as a result of several lightning strikes, combined with electricity providers not being prepared for such events. As a result of the 1977 blackout, the operating entities in New York fully investigated the blackout, its related causes, and the operator actions. They implemented significant changes, which are still in effect today, to guard against a similar occurrence.

In 2007, from January 12th-24th, about one million customers from Texas to the Atlantic lost power due to a series of winter storms, including 330,000 in Missouri, 200,000 in Michigan and 120,000 in Oklahoma due to an ice storm.

On August 26, 2005 approximately 1.3 million people in South Florida lost power due to downed trees and power lines caused by the then category 1 Hurricane Katrina. Most customers affected were without power for four days, and some customers had no power one week. Days later, the same storm hit Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Residents lost power after a stronger Hurricane Katrina badly damaged the power grid.

So now that we have covered just a few of the more noteable blackouts in US history, prevent any isolated power outages at your home or office by having a trained electrician inspect all breaker boxes, wiring, and circuit breakers. Trim Electric can install your home with a generator interlock kit so you're never left in the dark. Thermography inspections should also be part of your employers annual maintenance plan. A blackout at an office building can cause companies big money in delays. Can you imagine an entire production line being halted?

We'd like to know about the last time you were without power. Share your power outage experience with us on Facebook.

Do you have a suggestion for my blog? I'd love to hear about it! Shoot me an email at Catie@trimelectric.com or send me a Tweet @Catie_Baggett. I will be sure to incorporate your suggestion, and even a mention, into one of my blogs!

As always, check us out!

An Electrician's Guide to Choosing the Correct Light Bulb

Catie Baggett — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMT

First and foremost, let me start out by clarifying that wattage is an indication of how much power a bulb consumers and not the amount of light it generates. Can you believe that? Me either! My whole life I thought the more wattage the brighter the light. I think I'm still in shock...no pun intended!

Ok, now that we have debunked one of the world's greatest electrical myths, let's get down to business.

Light bulbs are going to vary based on their technology, color, amount of light they produce and the amount of power they consume. Before purchasing bulbs, you really need to know what the fixture requires in order to use it effectively and safely.

Thomas Edison designed incandescent bulbs, which is what we all think of when we hear the word. They produce light when an electric current passes through a filament and causes it to glow. Inexpensive and widely available, they are the most commonly used bulbs today, but are being replaced by more energy efficient choices.

Halogen bulbs produce a bright, white light. They have a longer life and provide more light (lumens) per watt than regular incandescent bulbs. These small lights are high in intensity. Since halogen bulbs burn hotter than other types, they require more caution. All halogen lamps sold in the U.S. today have approved safety shields to reduce fire risk.

Xenon bulbs have a white light similar to that of halogen but have a much longer life rating, some up to 20,000 hours, much like fluorescent. They operate at lower temperatures than halogen.

Fluorescents use 20-40% less electricity and can last up to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Because fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, it is important to dispose of them properly. The larger ceiling fixtures that use long fluorescent tubes have electronic ballasts that allows them to turn on instantly and operate without hum.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) produce light when voltage is applied to negatively charged semiconductors, causing electrons to combine and create a unit light. Because they are small, several LEDs are sometimes combined to produce a single light bulb.

LED lighting is vastly more efficient and longer lasting than any other type of light source. Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol to ensure that you are buying an LED bulb with high-quality color and energy efficiency that is as good or better than fluorescent bulbs.

Take a look below at this neat .Gif file that shows what happens when a light bulb goes out!

As always, check us out below!

Enphase 215's - Solar Microinverter | Houston

Cesar Arzayus — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:24:00 GMT

We are currently installing the new Enphase 215's on a residential installation in North Houston.?These microinverters are smaller and more efficient than their predecessors. We will be adding photos of the installation on this blog post over the next few days.? Smooth sailing so far!

Check out this recent video by Enphase of the m215:

For more information about residential or commercial solar installation please give us a call at 281-376-3838 or e-mail us requesting info at solar@trimelectric.com

Check out the Solar monitoring of one of our previous solar installations: http://www.trimelectric.com/solar-enlighten.html

Deter Criminals With Proper Indoor/Outdoor Security Lighting

Catie Baggett — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:22:00 GMT

This gorgeous Houston weather has landscapers mowing lawns and trimming hedges, school children playing in the breeze and criminals excited about taking your post-holiday purchases! Just because it gets darker a little later than usual, doesn't mean thieves take a break. They see relaxation as an opportunity! Security lights are one of the most practical and effective ways to prevent crime in or around your home or office. A security lighting system is a deterrent because it exposes the criminal, making them feel vulnerable and insecure. Criminals most likely look for areas with little to no lighting, for obvious reasons. Parking lots, entrances and exits should be properly lit, not only for patrons but employees as well. Effective lighting should be an important part of any security strategy. Lighting cannot prevent disasters or attacks, but it can deter such incidents. Used wisely, however, lighting is a valuable tool that can increase security and safety.

There are two main categories when it comes to security lighting: indoor and outdoor.

Indoor security lighting provides inside light. It may be used to deter criminals by making it look like people are still present, or by providing a pool of light so that passerby and neighbors can see and report questionable activity. The whole point here is to make it seem as if you are actually home. Some burglars are smart in the way they evaluate homes and if they see the same light on all day and all night, that is a dead giveaway that you are likely not home. Using clever tactics can make it nearly impossible for a burglar to tell that it is an automated system turning the lights on and off.

Outdoor security lighting is lighting which is designed to illuminate outdoor areas. Some examples of such lighting include street lights, garage door lamps, and entry/exit lights. Again, this type of lighting is designed to deter criminals, making them easier to spot. Outdoor lighting is also used for navigating around outside when dark.

Security lighting can be placed on an automatic timer. Others are light-sensitive and typically operate from "dusk to dawn". Another tool commonly used in security lighting is Motion Detectors, or occupancy sensors. These handy devices turn the security lights on and off when motion or movement is detected, making them ideal for security lighting and energy management. Because they are constantly switching the lights off and on the lights, they cannot be used to control high intensity discharge sources. They are perfect for controlling halogen or incandescent sources. It is important to position your security lights out of arms reach so that they cannot be disabled or destroyed by intruders. Remember, the best position is a downward position, so mount them as high as possible on your house for safe, reliable operation. If you prefer to control the lights yourself, manual lighting operates with the flip of a switch or by remote. I'm personally a fan of motion detectors. I don't care if it’s a cat or criminal...I want them to know someone is watching what they're doing! They can be somewhat of a nuisance if they're near a bedroom and you have a neighborhood gang of cats who prowl at night.

Halogen fixtures are designed to operate on standard house current. These light bulbs contain a carbon filament suspended on several supports within the lamp envelope, which glow when current is passed through the lamp. Referred to as floodlights, they are perfect for continuous or instantaneous use because they require no warm up period. These security lights produce a white to yellow color and are less desirable for aesthetic lighting applications. These lights do work well in combination with tree lighting or moonlighting jobs as supplemental security lighting.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) light sources are designed to operate by using magnetic or electronic ballasts in combination with a gas filled lamp. The purpose of the ballast is to convert the supply voltage to a higher operating voltage necessary to excite the gas in the lamp creating the light. Everyone is familiar with mercury vapor lighting. That was a wordy description! Let me explain it this way…These are the blue-green colored security lights you have seen way up in the tree tops, or perhaps attached to your neighbor's house. Other types of outdoor flood lighting include metal halide, high-pressure sodium, and fluorescent. With the exception of fluorescent, all of these sources require a warm-up period and a re-strike time to return to full intensity should the power go off. They are not designed for instantaneous use and should be supplemented by other sources for panic or spontaneous lighting. High intensity discharge products are energy efficient, long lasting and very commonly used in landscape lighting.

Energy efficiency is a major concern for security lighting, and something that should be considered before making a final decision. Some lights are solar powered, which makes them very efficient, while others will pull power from the structure they are attached to. Using high-efficiency lights with good bulbs can cut down on operating expenses. Correct placement of lights is also important to ensure light is not being wasted on an area that does not require it. Photocell lights are another option for security lighting when it comes to energy efficiency. Photocells are simply resistors that have a light-dependent resistance. Photo-sensitive plates are mounted on the front of the resistor, and as more or less light hits these plates, the resistance value of the photocell changes.

Light pollution should also be a concern when evaluating lighting options. A bright, badly-aimed light can cause a lot of glare, making it hard for people to see, and contributing to overall levels of light pollution. Choosing a light with a shielded housing will make security lighting less annoying for the neighbors, and also more functional, as criminals can easily hide behind a glaring light.

So now that you're up to speed on the the different kinds of indoor and outdoor security lights, now is the perfect time to browse Pinterest for some ideas and then give us a call for installation!

Don't forget to follow Trim Electric for lots of good stuff!

What's the Difference Between an Apprentice and a Master Electrician?

Brittany Selby — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:00:00 GMT

If you've ever placed a call to an electrician, you have probably heard the terms "apprentice, journeyman, master electrician". Do you really know what they mean and what you're getting when you are paying for such an expert? More importantly, are you paying for an expert but not getting one?

Let's start from the top. Anyone performing electrical work in the state of Texas is required to have a Texas Electrical Contractor's License. It is illegal to perform electrical work without a license. Additionally, the TECL should be easily found on your electrical contractor's business card and/or website. Being an electrician is a very physical job and requires working in hot attics in the summer and cold warehouses during the winter. Additionally, work spaces can be very small and cramped and require hours of installation time in such conditions.

An electrical apprentice works directly under the supervision of a qualified journeyman electrician. There are several different associations in which an individual can seek a position as an electrician's apprentice. As an apprentice, the individual will work during the day and attend an apprentice training program at night. After four years, he is eligible to take the Journeyman's Electrical Exam, which is administered by individual states based on principles in the National Electric Code. Upon successful completion of the exam, the individual is certified as a journeyman electrician.

A journeyman is permitted to work unsupervised on any type of electrical system. He may install and repair wiring and conduit, install fixtures and equipment, or run power lines for municipal organizations. On the residential side, a journeyman electrician is permitted to perform all aspects of creating a complete electrical system in a home. The journeyman electrician may also train others, typically apprentices, working towards their own certification. While the journeyman is permitted to perform a broad range of tasks, he or she is not permitted to obtain electrical permits or complete design work for electrical systems.

Master electricians are the elite of a highly skilled trade and usually work as supervisors or own their own contracting businesses. They are responsible for installing and maintaining the complex circuitry and wiring that brings power to the many electrical devices we use every day in homes, offices and factories. To continue onto becoming a master electrician, a journeyman electrician must gain two additional years or work experience, then sit for the Master's Certification Exam. State requirements vary, but in order to be eligible to take the exam for a master electrician, either seven years of experience or a college degree is required.

Trim Electric is owned by master electrician Joe Palumbo. We employ a staff of both skilled journeymen and apprentices. One of our journeymen has been with the company for nearly 30 years! Check out this fun list of "famous" electricians...number 1 is one of my favorites!

So now that you're in the know about who and what you're paying for, you can be confident calling Trim Electric for your electrical service needs, 281-376-3838.

Don't forget to check us out!

Electrician in Houston uses Pinterest

Cesar Arzayus — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:15:00 GMT

When was the last time you checked out our Pinterest page? We think you'll get some great ideas for the types of light fixtures you can use in your home! We as an electrician in Houston think that using Pinterest helps our potential clients get an idea of the type lighting we install. To schedule service or for a free estimate please call us at 281-376-3838 or click on the service request button below.

"My" Electrical Blog on Three Prong Outlets

Catie Baggett — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:24:00 GMT

Welcome to...

It's Thursday, which means it's time for my weekly blog post. Having recently returned from a post-holiday vacation, I am a little behind on my blog writing. I didn't want to start off the New Year ignoring my commitment to posting relevant electrical information, so for this week I am borrowing an article from www.HowStuffWorks.com. It's a great website for the simple answers to all kinds of questions, both reasonable and out of this world. Check out this article on the purpose of a three prong outlet and what makes it different from a two prong outlet. The answer is not simply aesthetic. I promise next week I will be more prepared to share the intricacies of electrician magic!

Trim Electric wants to hear about your New Year's Resolutions and any goal's you've made for yourself. Connect with us on Facebook and tell us what you're doing to make 2013 the best it can be! Don't forget, most exercise equipment requires a dedicated circuit to prevent power failures in your home! Follow us on Pinterest too for inspiring new ideas for your home or business!

Stay tuned for my next blog post on: What It Takes To Be a Master Electrician.

Electrical Requirements for Exercise Machines

Cesar Arzayus — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:21:00 GMT

Well 2013 is officially here and if you were good then Santa got you the home exercise equipment that you NEED to get in shape this year! It might be that you got an exercise bike, eliptical machine, or treadmill, but did you know that all of these machines have specific electrical requirements that need to be considered?

The most important thing you need to know is that your machine will work the best if it is plugged into a dedicated circuit. Getting an electrician / electrical contractor to do this for you will help you avoid the headaches of having to reset the circuit breaker because the machine was drawing to much electricity and made the circuit pop.

If you are in the Houston area then give us a call at 281-376-3838. Trim Electric has been installing dedicated circuits for exercise equipment and other reasons since 1978. Most recently during the holidays we have installed dedicated circuits for Holiday lights. A couple more links that are interesting are this Livestrong article and this PDF document for Matrix exercise machines.

Feel free to fill out our online service request form by clicking the button below.

Breaker Panel Replacement Safety

Cesar Arzayus — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:49:00 GMT

Why Circuit Breaker Panels Provide Safety?

Author: Rudy Silva

The circuit breaker panel is the main electrical circuit distributor inside a building, whether home, office or power plant. The electrical circuit breaker panel is typically able to provide a residential household with up to 200 amps of power.

Circuit breaker panels are needed in order for electricity to flow into a home or office. The electric utility company provides the electricity to an electric meter. Then from there the electricity is flowed into electrical disconnect, and finally, into a circuit breaker.

Many circuit breakers have two rows of switches, with each switch corresponds with a different portion of a home. The main circuit breaker is larger than all other switches inside the circuit breaker panel. This switch in turn will cut power to an entire household when switched off.

Circuit breakers are the weak link in your electrical system. When a circuit draws more current than what it can handle, the wiring gets hot and it can cause a fire. The excessive current in a circuit, therefore, can be prevented by the use of "over current" safety devices like the circuit breakers.

Your home must have electrical a circuit breaker panel that can provide 100 amps of power. If your home is older, the breaker panel may only have a 60 amps capacity, and it cannot produce power to modern electrical devices.

Hence, if your home has several electronic devices, your breaker panels must have at least 200-amp, lest, the demand for electricity from several devices cannot be met by your breaker panel. In order for you to know the amount of power that your home requires, you can calculate that by looking at each electrical device in your home.

Each device has a number rating. Add up all the number ratings from each device to determine the size of circuit breaker panel that you need. Examples of devices that you need to add the number ratings are microwaves, coffee pots, can openers, crock pots, waffle irons.

You may also include toasters, pizza ovens, flat iron, refrigerator, television, hot tubs, air compressors, dish washers, air conditioner and vacuum cleaners. If you are still unsure, you can request for an electrician or technician to do it for you.

Inside the breaker panel is a neutral buss and a grounding bar. The enclosure is sealed off and is protected by a panel cover. It is also mounted with screws. The panel access door allows you to access the breakers without removing the cover.

Inside the door of the circuit breaker panel is an index, where you will write down whatever the circuits are feeding. This is for easy reference. The entire breaker panel is gray in color and is made of metal. It can either be installed within a wall or can be surface-mounted.

A circuit breaker panel is used to provide appliances with electricity. The electricity can be stopped by flipping a breaker switch to off position. To do this, you simply push the breaker into the off position. To turn it back on, you push the breaker to the other position.

At Trim Electric we believe it is extremely important to replace older breaker panels (30+ years old) specifically FPE and Zinsco breaker panels. These older panels can’t handle the electrical loads placed on them by newer appliances and our expanding appetite for new computers and appliances.

CALL US TODAY SO THAT WE CAN GIVE YOU A FREE ESTIMATE –281-376-3838. We also give you the flexibility of setting up your appointment online.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/why-circuit-breaker-panels-provide-safety-2098821.html

About the Author

Do you need a circuit breaker panel? Visit us at http://www.relectric.com . See our list of high-end electrical supplies. We have new and reconditioned breaker panels. Read the testimonies of our satisfied customers. Drop by at Panel circuit breaker , and discover the many panels we have.

My 2012 in a Nutshell | Electrical Contractor Sales Rep

Catie Baggett — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 23:00:00 GMT

So...this is MY last blog of 2012. Though I haven't written blogs all year long for Trim Electric, I feel the need to share something that is reflective and inspiring that will help lead the way to an exciting New Year.

This past year has been one of transition for me. Between changing jobs, leaving behind some negative characters in my life, and making several life changing decisions I am grateful for everything 2012 has taught me. I don't have decades of wisdom to share, nor am I a journalist whose witnessed the worst of tragedies. I'm just someone whose life had a bit of turbulence this year and I'm happy to say it wasn't all that crippling. In the midst of all the employment shuffling and social readjustments, some very valuable lessons were reinforced, and new ones learned:

1) Always trust yourself and never compromise your integrity. If your current situation is not what it should be, believe that there is a better fit for you out there and it will find you!

2) When faced with adversity, true relationships will stand by you while the rest fall. Don't look back on those shallow relationships with bitterness. Be grateful for the laughs that were shared and appreciate the opportunity to have known each individual in the capacity you did.

3) Always send hand written thank you notes. You'll never really know the true impact until you try it.

4) Don't be ashamed of yourself if something didn't work out the way you planned. There is only so much in life that we can personally control. A positive attitude and giving 110% are among them. As long as you can look yourself in the mirror and know you gave your best effort, the universe will greet you with acceptance.

5) Just when you think there is no end in sight, a new beginning is just around the corner.

There you have it: Catie's 2012 in a nutshell! Like I said, I'm not a philosopher or someone who has traveled the world. We all have strife at one point or another. It's what we do with those challenges and how we grow from them that make us human. Coming from a previous industry to working for an electrical contractor has been a positive experience. I look forward to a year filled with success in all aspects of life and welcome any challenges with the knowledge of this year behind me.

I wish each and every one of you a joyous, prosperous and safe 2013! I hope you continue to check out my weekly blogs and I encourage any suggestions you have for topics. Please email me at Catie@trimelectric.com and tell me what'd you like to see.

www.trimelectric.com

The Best of 2012 | Best Electrician Houston

Cesar Arzayus — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 17:54:00 GMT

Every year different websites and organizations announce voting results or awards for the previous year (i.e. Angie's List Super Service Award) and this past year Trim Electric was awarded the 2012 BBB Pinnacle Award, the Super Service Award, and the most recent award is "The Best of 2012" voted for by users of the web portal www.kudzu.com. We were awarded "Best of 2012" in the electrician / electrical contractor category for the area Houston, TX. More information about this award can be found by clicking on this link.

We are proud of our accomplishments this past year, but we keep striving to be better at all areas of service each and every year. Family owned and operated since 1978, let us know how we can help you by calling us at 281-376-3838, or by clicking on the service request button below.

A Holiday Wish For Our Customers

Catie Baggett — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:31:00 GMT

During this busy time, the Trim Electric Team would like to wish all of our customers a wonderful holiday season. We recognize that our success is because of you, and we treasure each relationship and value your loyalty. Our entire organization wishes you and yours a safe holiday season and a happy, bountiful New Year!

Take time to slow down and do something fun with the family this weekend. Check out these spectacular holiday light displays around Houston.

Christmas in Cypress

Christmas Katy

Dearing Dazzle

Johnson's Christmas Corner

Prestonwood Forest

Don't forget to track Santa on Christmas Eve!

Electrician in Houston wins an award

Cesar Arzayus — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:42:00 GMT

Trim Electric, Inc. Earns Esteemed 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Trim Electric Inc. has earned the service industry-coveted 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor awarded annually to approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“We are very proud of this achievement and we consider “Angie’s List” referred clients to be an important part of our business.” said Trim Electric’s president Joe Palumbo.

“It’s a select group of companies rated on Angie’s List that can claim the exemplary customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner,” said Angie’s List FounderAngie Hicks. “Our standards for the Super Service Award are quite high. The fact that Trim Electric earned this recognition speaks volumes about its dedication providing great service to its customers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2012 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, including earning a minimum number of reports, an excellent rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2012 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie’s List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 550 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. More than 1.5 million paid households use Angie’s List to gain unlimited access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine, and the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.

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Is Your Electrical Panel Outdated?

Among a variety of obsolete panels, there are two distinct types that many experts recommend are inspected regularly:

1) Fuse boxes – the precursor to circuit breaker panels often can have problems. The wrong fuses may be inserted into the box when one is broken. Also, coins have been known to be inserted in them, as well. Both are potentially serious fire hazards.

2) Split-buss panels present unique concerns, as well. They have smaller breakers, which have been known to melt or burn if there is excessive demand placed on them. Today, split-buss panels likely would not be UL listed and not be considered a safe option.

Trim Electric regularly offers discount coupons on our services. Check out this week’s deal below.

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Hmm...Time to Call an Electrician?

So beyond being just a little scared, when should you really call an electrician?

Regardless of the reason, be thorough in your research when choosing an electrician. Ask questions, review their history and even look around online for customer reviews.

Don't forget to check us out on your favorite social media site!

Certified Electrician Tips: Lowering your Electricity Bill

These common, but sometimes overlooked, tips can not only keep your home just as cool but also reduce your monthly bill. Read on and then tell us what youre doing to lower the cost at your house.

Don't underestimate the power of a good fan! Whether you're using standard oscillating fans, or several ceiling fans, turn down the AC a few degrees, and turn on the fans around the house. The breeze will cool off the home, and it will blow the cool air around nicely.

Electric hot water heaters are a big culprit when it comes to electricity usage. Most people have the temperature set too high on the boiler. How can you tell? Well, if you have to turn on the cold AND the hot water when you're in the shower, then it's probably too high.

Turn down the heater to a "comfortably hot" instead of a "scalding hot" temperature. You will notice that you no longer have to use cold water to balance out the hot, and you'll get a refreshing reduction on your bill.

Keep these suggestions in mind as the temperature continues to climb.

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THE GFCI

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The 1-2-3 on Tripped Breaker Panels

Step 1:

Step 2:

Open the box and look for the tripped breaker. You may see a hint of red on the switch. Otherwise, it will be the switch that is in the "off" position.

Step 3:

Flip the breaker completely off. This is an important step. If you don't turn it off completely, when you flip it back to the on position you won't see any results. Literally!

Step 4:

Now wasn't that easy and painless? You can impress your friends next time there's a tripped breaker and be the talk of the cul de sac!

Consumer Information

Don't forget to check us out...Lots of tips, suggestions and ideas!

Lights, Camera, Kitchen...Electrical Recommendations for Your Kitchen

How many outlets should you have in your kitchen?

What kind of lighting should I choose for my kitchen?

Recessed lighting is one of the most popular choices for kitchen lighting. I personally love the clean and discreet look. This lighting style provides direct light over work stations and allows for even distribution.

Pendant lights are also a favorite choice for kitchens. These lights hang from the ceiling from a single chord and can be position directly over sinks or stoves.

Another option for lighting during a kitchen remodel would be under cabinet lights. This option is most feasible when installing new cabinetry since cutting and wiring is involved with the cabinets themselves.

Check out this example of combining under cabinet lights with smaller pendant lights.

Be careful what kind of bulbs you choose to use. Review our recent blog on lightbulbs for a better understanding of the differences. Choosing a bulb that's too harsh can lead to headaches, while selecting one that isn't bright enough can cause eye strain.

Floor lighting with sensors are an option to consider if you have young children, or even for an elderly loved one's home.

No matter what type of lighting you choose, make sure it suits your taste, budget and purpose!

Check us out!

Electrical Blackouts in U.S. History- Are You Still in the Dark?

With the now infamous Super Bowl blackout still fresh in memory, I started wondering about other blackouts throughout history and decided to do a little research. Who doesn't love a little useless information every now and then?

A transient fault is a momentary (a few seconds) loss of power typically caused by a temporary fault on a power line. Power is automatically restored once the fault is cleared.

A brownout or sag is a drop in voltage in an electrical power supply. The term brownout comes from the dimming experienced by lighting when the voltage sags. Brownouts can cause poor performance of equipment or even incorrect operation.

Below are just a few of the bigger blackouts in US history. These events were not planned by the service provider and affected over one thousand people for at least an hour.

In 2007, from January 12th-24th, about one million customers from Texas to the Atlantic lost power due to a series of winter storms, including 330,000 in Missouri, 200,000 in Michigan and 120,000 in Oklahoma due to an ice storm.

We'd like to know about the last time you were without power. Share your power outage experience with us on Facebook.

Do you have a suggestion for my blog? I'd love to hear about it! Shoot me an email at Catie@trimelectric.com or send me a Tweet @Catie_Baggett. I will be sure to incorporate your suggestion, and even a mention, into one of my blogs!

As always, check us out!

An Electrician's Guide to Choosing the Correct Light Bulb

Ok, now that we have debunked one of the world's greatest electrical myths, let's get down to business.

Light bulbs are going to vary based on their technology, color, amount of light they produce and the amount of power they consume. Before purchasing bulbs, you really need to know what the fixture requires in order to use it effectively and safely.

Xenon bulbs have a white light similar to that of halogen but have a much longer life rating, some up to 20,000 hours, much like fluorescent. They operate at lower temperatures than halogen.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) produce light when voltage is applied to negatively charged semiconductors, causing electrons to combine and create a unit light. Because they are small, several LEDs are sometimes combined to produce a single light bulb.

LED lighting is vastly more efficient and longer lasting than any other type of light source. Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol to ensure that you are buying an LED bulb with high-quality color and energy efficiency that is as good or better than fluorescent bulbs.

Take a look below at this neat .Gif file that shows what happens when a light bulb goes out!