Blog

electrician fixing outlet with open ground

What Does “Open Ground” Mean? and How Do You Fix It?

An open ground means a three-prong outlet isn’t properly connected to a ground wire. This creates a shock and fire hazard because fault current has no safe path to the earth. The safest fixes are running a new ground wire, installing a GFCI with proper labeling, or replacing the outlet. Here is a look at what an open ground is, why grounding matters, and some of the dangers. Let’s also explore some of the common

Read More »
fire caused by hot outlets

Why Is My Electrical Outlet Hot to the Touch?

A hot outlet usually means circuit overload, loose wiring or a failing outlet. While a slight warmth can be normal with some devices, a hot outlet is dangerous and should be inspected by a licensed  electrician immediately. In this article, we’ll examine why your electrical outlet gets hot, along with what you should do about it. Is It Normal for an Outlet to Feel Warm? Electrical resistance creates a tiny amount of heat generation. Therefore,

Read More »
electrical fire problem caused by outdated outlets

7 Emergency Electrical Problems You Should Never Ignore

An emergency situation can happen with your home’s electrical system at any moment, and you shouldn’t hesitate to call a professional electrician if you notice any problems that need urgent attention. Mister Sparky can send a qualified electrician to your location to resolve your issue quickly. What Is an Electrical Emergency? Some electrical problems are minor and can be resolved at a convenient time, but an electrical emergency requires fast action. These emergencies often put

Read More »
flickering light bulb with dark background

9 Common Reasons Your Lights Are Flickering

Lights flicker for several reasons, including outdated wiring, loose bulbs and issues with your utility service. While some causes are an easy fix, others are dangerous and require repair by a professional electrician. Here are nine reasons your lights may be flickering and what to do about them. 9 Reasons Your Lights Are Flickering 1. Loose Bulb or Socket If there is sporadic flickering in one fixture, check to see if your bulb (or socket)

Read More »

Which Appliances Need a Dedicated Circuit Installed?

Which Appliances Need a Dedicated Circuit Installed? A lot of the appliances in your home, like coffee makers and toasters, can share electricity with others, but not all of them. Some major appliances need their own circuit path to the electric panel. With proper wiring and breaker sizing, the isolated circuits prevent larger appliances from tripping breakers and overheating wires. In some cases, circuit breaker replacement may be necessary to meet the power demands of

Read More »

Can You Replace a 15 Amp Breaker with a 20 Amp Breaker?

Can You Replace a 15 Amp Breaker with a 20 Amp Breaker? The purpose of a circuit breaker is to shut off the flow of electricity when there’s more of it flowing than the wiring has the capacity to handle. This helps to prevent electrical fires. When you have a 15 amp breaker, it will shut down when more than 15 amps of electricity flows through it. If you need to be able to use

Read More »
DIY electrical repair gone wrong

DIY Electrical Repairs: What You Can and Can’t Do

What You Can and Can’t Do (Legally & Safely) Electrical repairs are divided into safe DIY tasks and off-limit work. Safe DIY tasks: • Replacing a light bulb or fixture, if the wiring is in place • Swapping out outlets and switch covers • Installing plug-in smart devices • Resetting tripped breakers Off-Limit Work: • Wiring or rewiring circuits • Installing or replacing circuit breakers or panels • Running new wires through walls or ceilings

Read More »
electrical problems in homes

Top 10 Electrical Problems in Homes

Do your lights flicker every time you use the microwave? Or maybe a breaker trips when you turn on the washer or dryer? These types of electrical problems can quickly snowball into major fire hazards and other safety risks if you don’t repair them fast. This guide walks you through the most common electrical problems at home—with expert-backed advice on how to handle them safely. Key Takeaways Many of the top electrical issues may seem

Read More »
ceiling fan running without any problems in Daytona, FL home

10 Common Ceiling Fan Problems & How To Fix Them

When a balmy breeze floats off the ocean during a tropical summer day, you don’t want to sit in a sweltering hot house. A cool gust of air from a fully functional ceiling fan is just what you need to keep cool this summertime. By connecting with Daytona’s on-time electrician, you can rest assured that your ceiling fans are ready to tackle the heat of a Florida summer. Whether you want to ensure even temperatures,

Read More »
Happy homeowner realizing how much ceiling fans saves on energy bills

Do Ceiling Fans Save Energy? (Real Numbers, Myths & Money-Saving Tips)

While some people think of ceiling fans as little more than decorations, many others swear they have a whole lot more to offer. In fact, conventional wisdom holds that ceiling fans are among the most efficient ways to cool your home, but do they really save energy — or are they just blowing hot air? To settle the debate, let’s break down what ceiling fans do, how to use them effectively and how much energy

Read More »