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How Electricians Replace a Two Prong Outlet with a Three Prong Outlet

Live in an older home with 2-prong outlets? Chances are you’re running out of outlet real estate for appliances and electronics. Here's how an electrician can fix this problem for you! 

The 3-Prong Access vs Affordable Solution Conundrum

There abundant reasons homeowners shy away from rewiring their homes, and though this option offers the safer solution, it may not be the most feasible one. There are ways your electrician can upgrade your outlets to 3-prong without rewiring or grounding for convenience, however there are risks. 2-prong outlets have no ground, without which the risk of electrocution and appliance damage is substantial. Simply adding an outlet with an additional prong will give added appliance access, but it will not alleviate these serious issues. Ground is necessary for safety.

Skirting Disaster

Converting a 2-prong outlet to 3-prong GFCI (rather than a standard 3-prong) can decrease these risks, protecting against shock-injury, however a 3-prong GFCI will not provide the necessary ground protection that prevent sensitive electronics from becoming fried with voltage fluctuations that commonly occur within your home. Thinking of tossing on one of those surge protector strips? Think again. Those devices are only as good as the ground they are connected to, serving as an escape route for excess current. No ground = no surge protection - no matter how much you invest.

How Electricians Replace a 2-Prong Outlet with a Three Prong GFCI:

1. Turn off power to the outlet being replaced at the service panel. Confirm the outlet is off with a circuit tester.
2. Remove the cover plate screw and cover, then remove the two screws holding the old receptacle into the box.
3. Pull out the old outlet, being very careful not to crack the old wiring, gently extending it to give yourself access to the wires.
4. Disconnect the old outlet.
5. Some old boxes are tight, so the new GFCI must be test-fitted by gently pushing the wires back and ensuring the new box will fit. (If it doesn’t, a new, larger electrical box will be needed – which is another tutorial entirely.)
6. If the wires aren’t long enough, add a 4-6” extension (“pigtails”), using the appropriate wire for the circuit amperage: 15amp = 14 gauge; 20amp = 12 gauge. Pickup one white wire, one black from a local hardware store, along with the appropriate wire nuts to add the extensions.
7. If the wires are long enough, look at the terminals on the GFCI, identifying the “Line” terminals. These are the only ones you will use. Connect the wires:
   • Black wire to the brass “Line” terminal screw.
   • White wire to the silver “Line” terminal screw.
8. Gently fold the wires back in the box, pressing in the new outlet.
9. Screw in the box to fasten.
10. Test the outlet, pushing RESET to turn it on, and the TEST to shut it off. Then, re-attach the cover plate and add the NO GROUND sticker.

How to Ground a 2-Prong Outlet

Long-term, you’ll want to ground outlets to ensure safety. If your home is grounded, but some of your outlets are not, a trained, licensed electrician is still recommended to ensure the safest modifications. Grounding an outlet requires attaching a wire and running it all the way from your outlet to the grounding screw at the back of your electrical box, which is often a long, complicated endeavor, and exceedingly painful for the inexperienced – sometimes “shockingly” so.

The Do’s and Dont’s of Cleaning Your Electronics

The Do’s and Dont’s of Cleaning Your Electronics

What’s a guy or gal to do when their most coveted electronics are covered in crud? Sensitive and persnickety, electronics surfaces and the fragile working components they house must be carefully addressed with the correct cleaning methods and supplies. If your gadgets are covered in germs because you fear for their lives, read-on to uncover safe, effective methods to clean electronics without bringing about bodily harm…

What Do You Use to Clean Electronics?

Cleaning electronics is essential to proper function, but more importantly, stopping the spread of disease. More ick-infested than even public restroom toilet seats, electronics in your family’s grubby grasp can harbor everything from strep and staphylococcus to cold and flu bacteria, MRSA, norovirus, and even fecal matter. Among the worst offenders? Smartphones, tablets and e-readers, game controllers, keyboards, and remote controls.

Never Fear – You CAN Safely De-Germ Your Electronics…

• How to clean touch screen laptop or tablet
  With touch screens, gentleness and a microfiber cloth are key. Using very slight pressure, wipe horizontally, then vertically across the screen. (A solid white or black background makes it easier to see dirt.) If the screen is still dirty or greasy, mix a solution of 50/50 distilled water and white vinegar, spraying it onto a clean cloth (NOT your device). Turn it off, then wipe in the same manner. Turn it on only when dry.
• Cleaning computers/laptops with keyboards
  Turn off laptops or unplug keyboards, carefully upending and gently shaking loose debris. Spray with compressed air between keys, then brush around keys with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol. Use a clean cloth dipped in isopropyl to clean keys and surfaces. Do NOT use alcohol on the monitor. Instead, unplug and follow instructions for touch screen monitors (above).
• Mouse cleaning
  For standard laser models, simply unplug, and slide gently back-and-forth over a clean sheet of paper till streak marks disappear.
• Clean your phone screen with alcohol
  Household chemicals and disinfectants are too harsh for smartphones. To clean, turn off your phone and remove its case/cover and battery if possible. Cleaning electronics with alcohol and a microfiber cloth works well for the cover, case, buttons and keyboard, but not on metal or touchscreen surfaces, which contain an oil-repellant coating that can be prematurely worn with alcohol cleaning. When using any solutions, be certain not to get fluid under the keyboard or inside the phone. Refer to touch screen laptop/tablet cleaning instructions for the screen.
• Keeping TV screens clean
  Today’s LCD and LED flat screens, like touch screens, are easily scratched and damaged, and are thus cleaned in the same manner as cleaning touch screen monitors (above).
• DVD players
  Clean the exterior of your DVD player and buttons with a dry microfiber cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints and germs. Water is corrosive and may ruin the player.
• Remote controls
  Remove remote batteries, using a dry toothbrush to remove debris stuck between buttons. Then lightly mist a cleaning cloth with a 50/50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water, tapping to remove excess moisture, then wiping along the sides, back, and then down buttons. Don’t let any water seep-in.

Ultimate Guide to Recycling Electronics

Ultimate Guide to Recycling Electronics

It can be extremely tempting to toss obsolete and broken electronics in the trash. However recycling electronics offers a far better alternative, removing “e-waste” from your home, and preventing heavy metals found in these product from contaminating soil and water

A Prolific Problem

Americans own around 24 electronic products per household according to the Consumer Electronic Association. These product break or are replaced with newer models, leaving 2.4 million tons of electronic waste in American landfills annually according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Comprising only two percent of landfill trash, these items account for 70 percent of overall toxic waste.

Support the Solution: Recycle Electronics

Which electronics can be recycled? Common types of e-waste which are easily recyclable include:

• Cell Phones
  Of the 100 million cell phones purchased annually – only 20 percent of those cast aside are recycled. Accumulating to the tune of around 65,000 tons of electronic garbage annually, these items, which house gold, silver, copper, and palladium, could be easily recycled or sold back to cell phone carriers, or donated to local charities such as Cell Phones for Soldiers and Hope Phones.
• Computer Equipment
  Nearly 130,000 computers are dumped in landfills daily. However computers and accompanying equipment from mice and keyboards to tablets and copy machines should never be dumped in a landfill. Nearly every component of these items are valuable and recyclable, from plastics and glass to metals. However a reputable recycling organization/program is key to protecting personal information and proper handling of materials. Computer manufacturers and retailers often accept these for free, even without a new purchase.
• TVs
  Even go-to donation sites like Goodwill and Salvation Army no longer take analog TVs, and most municipalities prohibit the disposal of these items at the landfill due to the large amounts of lead they contain. Luckily, many TV manufacturers and retailers will take back and recycle old products – analog or digital - for free. The Electronic Industries Alliance also provides a list of non-profits that accepts used, working models. Otherwise, check with your city regarding special disposal days or drop-off sites.   
• DVD Players, VCRs, Stereos, MP3s, Home Phones…
  As well as audio equipment, calculators, recording devices, and digital clocks broken or deemed obsolete by you may find a new life elsewhere. Whether refurbished, repurchased at the area consignment store, or scrapped for recyclable parts ranging from plastic and glass to precious metals, recycling this large class consumer electronics could keep literal tons of waste and toxic metals out of landfills. If your item’s not ripe for donation, contact your local municipality regarding e-waste pickup or drop-off locations.

Stop! These Items Typically Do NOT Make the Recyclable Materials List

Some items are not commonly recycled through the e-waste recycling process, but CAN be recycled through other programs. These include microwaves and other large appliances such as refrigerators and stoves, which contain dangerous electrical components and/or gases that can be harmful to the environment. Ionization smoke detectors, which contain trace amounts of radioactive material, and mercury-containing thermometers also require special handling. If you are unsure of proper disposal, the E.P.A., your city, county, or state government can point you in the right direction. As with many of the above recyclable products, manufacturers and retailers may accept these items for complimentary in-house recycling as well. However the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of these items is to donate it for reuse.

Don’t Forget These Springtime Electrical Safety Tips

Don’t Forget These Springtime Electrical Safety Tips

Now that the weather is warmer and people are spending more time outside, it’s important to make sure certain electrical components are functioning properly and you are practicing good habits around electrical items both inside and outside of the home.
Focusing on electrical safety awareness can help ensure you are not injured due to an electrical malfunction.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), thousands of people in the United States are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes.

Here are some simple safety rules to remember:

• Ladders of every material should not come in contact with a power line, as it may result in a serious injury or death. Keeping a 10 feet distance from an overhead power line is a good rule of measure.
• If your power tools are not being used, make sure to unplug everything. If not, it’s possible for the tools to overheat and cause a fire.
• Check for damaged cords on power tools. It is important to check if the cord is frayed or the plug is broken. This makes the tool dangerous to operate.
• Avoid wet areas while using any electrical item. Be aware of your surroundings, being sure to check for a running hose or sprinkler. Wet grass is particularly an issue.
• Teach kids to never fly a kite or climb a tree near a power line. If a kite gets tangled in overhead power lines, don’t try to remove it yourself. Kite string can conduct an electrical current, which can cause serious injuries or death.
• Call 811 before you dig so underground utility lines can be properly marked. This free service is required by state law, and should be done at least two business days before the digging begins.

All electrical lines and equipment should be treated seriously and with caution.
Use these simple and easy to follow tips to stay safe this summer.

What You Need to Know About Whole House Surge Protection

What You Need to Know About Whole House Surge Protection

Power surges can be damaging to the home, and should be prevented at all cost. From thunderstorms, to intense heat and freezing temperatures, it can be difficult at times for power companies to regulate distribution. Unstable distribution will increase the opportunity for surges to occur. Preventing these surges is typically left to the consumer to solve, and should be done so in a timely manner.

What causes power surges?

The operation of heavy-duty electrical appliances is often a major cause of power surges. When certain appliances are turned on and off frequently, a large amount of energy is used. Refrigerators, air-conditioners and elevators are all common.
More than half of the power surges are internal. These happen over 20 times a day, generally with motors that continuously start back up again. Small devices like hair dryers and power tools also cause power surges.
External power surges are caused by factors outside of the home, such as tree limbs touching a power line or an animal entering a transformer. After a power outage, an external surge can occur when the power turns back on.

Why worry about power surges?

Almost everything in a home can correlate to a power surge. All items with microprocessors are highly susceptible. Microprocessors are found in many consumer products including cell phones, computers, televisions, microwaves, dishwashers and refrigerators. Large power surges can cause fried circuits, but this type is less common. Low-level power surges gradually degrade internal circuitry, and will eventually fail completely.

Where are whole house surge protectors installed?

These protectors are usually hard-wired to your electrical box. They must be properly installed and grounded by a licensed electrician. If not, they will not be able to function properly.

Whole house surge protectors

The Whole House Panel Surge Protector is the main source of industrial protection for your home. This prevents high-energy surges from ever entering your home. It also provides the best defense for major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers. With a whole house panel surge protector, your home’s electrical panel will be saved from power surge damage.
Every home should consider installing a whole house surge protector. The National Fire Protection Association and Business Home Safety recommends them. Help out your home with the protection it needs!
Want to know more? Visit GetNeighborly.com.

How do Generators Work?

How do Generators Work?

Unlike noisy and inconvenient portable generators that you have to lug out and set up in the event of an emergency or outage, standby generators offer convenient backup power that is always at-the-ready, and capable of kicking-in within seconds of power loss with little to no attention from you

What makes them so darn convenient?

The setup. Standby generators, professionally installed with an automatic transfer switch, sense when power stops flowing to your home, transferring power to your standby system automatically to ensure minimal power interruption. When power from the electrical grid is restored, your home is then automatically transferred back to utility power, returning the generator to standby mode until its next use.

How do they make this fantastically fast power?

Much like the engine and alternator on your car – you add gas in the form of natural gas or liquid propane, and this energy is then converted to electricity for your home. But unlike your car – and noisy portable generators – the muscle that makes the power is housed outside in a weather-shielded, sound-deadening, permanently anchored box. Only the transfer switch (the brains of the op) remain inside and in contact with your home’s main breaker panel.

Do I really need one?

Today’s electrical grids are becoming increasingly unreliable. Age, inclement weather, natural disasters – even auto accidents and animals lead to frequent outages. “Hiccups” in the system (short power outages) are also occurring at increasing levels with sheer consumer electronic demand versus grid supply, making standby power high atop the must-have list for the prepared home and business owner. Powerful, long-lived, quieter and safer, these permanent power solutions are rising in popularity annually for their capacity to ensure comfort and safety, as well as to prevent financial losses (from that freezer full of food to production capacity at your local office) in the event of an outage.

Return on investment

A functional upgrade to your home, standby models do cost more than their portable cousins, running an estimated $5,000-10,000 on average. However they handle ALL of your homes electrical needs when properly sized – not just the well pump and refrigerator. And they don’t require you to go out mid or post-disaster and engage in setup. Payback beyond peace of mind and security varies by locale, in areas with a more mild climates seeing a lower return than areas that frequently experience weather “mishaps” – such as hurricane-prone Miami – which offer a near total return on investment.

Don’t let portable generators leave you hanging. You have the power to ensure the safety and security of those who count on you with the help of Mr. Electric. Learn more about installing a standby generator at your home or business today.