Electrical Safety Tips for Fall

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As we find ourselves right in the middle of the Fall season, we need to ensure that we’ve prepped ourselves with some electrical safety tips to protect our loved ones. So the first order of business that we want to look into is packing up all that summer equipment. All those lawnmowers, trimmers, and even sprinkler systems need to be stored properly, and we need to make sure not to have them exposed to harsh winter elements that can damage them.

Look at your cold-weather equipment

Once everything for the warmer months is stored away, it’s time to run a maintenance check on your winter equipment. This is both for indoor and outdoor gear. That means looking at your space heaters, built-in home heaters, leaf blowers, and similar equipment. Check for any wear and tear, and specifically check the power cords to ensure there’s no issue.
The reason, especially for outdoor usage, is that there will be a lot more moisture. Whether from rain or snow, you want everything as weatherproof or waterproofed as possible. The outlets themselves for outdoor usage should have some type of protective weatherproofing as well to keep the elements out and protect the user against any kind of shock.

Dry leaves need to be cleaned up

Part of the Fall season is dry leaves coming off the trees. While you don’t always need to sweep them as soon as a leaf falls, you do want to ensure that there are no dry leaves around anything with power. That means keeping them away from outdoor outlets, patio lights, and anything bringing in power, such as power cords. Dry leaves can easily catch on fire from even one spark that these powered elements can ignite. So then you’re dealing with an unnecessary fire.

Check out your smoke sensors

Since you’re going to be at home a lot more, with the doors closed and the appliances running, you’re going to want to confirm that the smoke alarms are all in working condition. This means your carbon monoxide monitors as well, too, in case some of your appliances aren’t working or not working at optimal levels. This will make sure to keep you and your loved ones safe this Fall season and into the Winter months.

Space heaters need to be used properly

Space heaters are going to see normal usage during these next two seasons. Yet they themselves can be quite a dangerous appliance. Make sure to use space heaters properly and not put anything too close to them, as the space heaters can set things on fire. We always mean a couple of feet away from anything that is flammable so that they don’t light up or don’t get burned either.

If you also use electric blankets when it gets too cold, remember to never directly sleep on them and keep them away from any types of liquids, as that can potentially cause a shock. Also, take extra care with children using electric blankets, and never use them for your pets. See our reviews and contact us today for help with your home’s electrical needs.

The Best Home Automation Systems to Incorporate into Your Home Security

Home automation is a must-do if you have a security system. It brings so much comfort to your life. Imagine that you can change the temperature at home, switch the light on and off, and see who’s at the door while dining with friends or flying to Ukraine on a business trip.

The word ‘smart’ is put before almost every device name now. The future is here! And building a smart home isn’t a challenge if you know what to include on the list.

We can cover you security-wise because there’s a basic set that should be in every home.

Smart Cameras

Such devices are an essential part of any home security system. They work using a Wi-Fi connection and can be controlled remotely. They save footage to a cloud where you can view it anytime.

Many cameras also offer an online broadcast. Of course, the quality is much better than, say, 10 years ago, and there’s even a face recognition function. They have motion detectors and a wide angle for the best view of your yard and rooms.

Smart Doorbells

A small camera installed into a doorbell that works whenever someone approaches your house and rings is a treasure. You don’t even have to get up – watch the video on your smartphone.

These bells work differently, depending on the company you choose, but you can even get an alert on your phone that someone’s at the door.

To get the most benefit, look for motion detection, 2-way audio, and high-quality video.

Smart Locks

Lock and unlock your door anywhere using a smartphone. You don’t need keys anymore. People often forget those at home or lose somewhere. While you can also lose a phone, it’s less likely. And you can always block the access by contacting the home security system company.

Some locks work automatically when they detect your phone. So, you may not need to even take it out of your pocket and open the app.

Smart Lights

LED bulbs work for thousands of hours and help you save on electricity. But did you know they are also smart now? You can switch them on and off, dim them and choose a color. This can aid security because you can go on vacation forgetting to switch off the main lights. Or if you want people to think someone’s inside, you can turn the bulbs on and off every evening while away.

Smart Thermostat

Save on electricity by changing the thermostat settings from your phone. If something happens to it, you can switch it off quickly and call a technician, even if you’re far away. Just unlock the door for them and watch an online video from the room where the thermostat is if you don’t trust the person.

Automate Home Security to Protect Yourself, Family, and Property

Home security automation will ensure that your house is secured when you’re elsewhere in the world. Schedule lights to turn on and off, thermostat to maintain a certain temperature, and watch video footage whenever you want. It’s very convenient and opens new possibilities for home protection.

Automatic alarms will call emergency services that will take care of your property while you’re abroad or at work. You’ll get notifications about people coming to your door. The possibilities are limitless!

Smart Doorbell features you must have

Buying a smart doorbell is a must for everyone worrying about their security. Such a small yet useful device allows you to know who came to your door and when. It’s easy to tell a delivery person where to leave the food or packages. You can see whether your children snuck out at night to go party with friends.

Not to mention you see everyone approaching your house. If someone suspicious walks around in circles and tries to see whether anyone’s at home, calling the police without interaction with that person can save your house and life.

You need a high-quality doorbell and a professional electrical service to install it. But how to choose a proper device? We have the 5 major things to consider before making the final choice below!

1. Cloud Storage

It’s better to store footage for some time, especially if there may be some important material. Instead of using microSD cards, opt for cloud storage support. Usually, the videos are kept in the cloud for a month. 

So, in case something happens nearby or at your front door (i.e. your house gets vandalized or something is stolen from the yard), you’ll have a clue on the culprit and can boldly contact the police with the information you have.

2. Motion Detection

A motion detection sensor in your smart doorbell camera will notify you if someone approaches your front door or leaves the house. There’s a wide range of such cameras that offer the same support without annoying alerts from a busy street nearby or neighbors walking here and there.

You can choose specific areas to be monitored, so such options are suitable for any location. It’s impossible to always be by the camera, right? So, to avoid trouble, motion sensors can catch a robber in the act, not after it as a piece of video evidence.

3. Quality Mobile App

Most modern people find app support one of the most convenient features for any smart device. When choosing a doorbell, make sure there’s an app you can use to control it remotely.

You’ll see who’s at the door even if you’re far from home, control the bell, access video storage, and more. The app must connect quickly and show high-quality video. You should be able to see who’s in front of the house now, not after half an hour.

4. Backup Power Supply

Smart doorbells are usually powered by a battery or regular doorbell wires. If you don’t have the latter, the battery is the best option. But if you have a wired option, make sure it has a backup source of energy (the same battery will work).

Thus, if you have a power outage, the device will still work.

5. Resolution

The minimum resolution is 480p, but it won’t allow you to see faces very well, especially if the visitor is farther from the camera. Opt for the 1080p version; it provides a crisper image. It will show better videos during nighttime. However, for that, you should get a camera with night mode.

Base your choice on these 5 factors, and you’ll end up with the most suitable smart doorbell for your home. Enhance security and convenience with high-tech solutions! Contact McCallent today for a free consultation.

2021 Home Electrical Product Trends

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2021 Home Electrical Product Trends

Did you know that we’ve been using electrical appliances for more than 100 years?

Electrical products have come a long way since the first toaster, with new products and innovations appearing all the time.

What will be the hottest electrical product trends in 2021?

Read on to learn more.

Medical Tech

The global pandemic has made everybody much more conscious about their health. Medical tech that can help spot symptoms of disease is already growing in popularity.

The Apple Watch is able to take an ECG to help you gain insights into your heart rhythm and to spot potential problems. The latest version also includes a blood oxygen monitor. Low blood oxygen levels are one of the indicators of potential COVID-19 infection.

Apple is even planning an update that will allow people to use their Apple Watch to unlock their iPhone when they are wearing a mask since Face ID doesn’t work whilst a mask is being worn.

Expect this type of diagnostic medical tech to become more and more common. It could even save your life one day.

Gesture Recognition

Another trend that has grown out of the pandemic is the increase in the use of gesture recognition.

We’re all much more wary about touching surfaces, knowing that the virus could be passed on this way. Gesture recognition allows you to interact with technology via gestures rather than physical touch, reducing the risk of picking up diseases through contact.

Smart Speakers

Alexa, Google, and Siri have all become popular voice assistants in recent years, but each one traps the user into a specific ecosystem. 

Thankfully, there are now products being introduced, such as the Sonos One audio speaker, that come with both Alexa and Google Assistant built-in. Whilst you can only set up one assistant per speaker, if you own a stereo pair, you can have Alexa on one and Google on another, allowing you to pick and choose which assistant you use.

Expect more and more products to include a built-in voice assistant in the future.

Smart Gym Equipment

With the gyms being closed many of us have taken to exercising at home.

This has been a real boon for companies such as Peleton. Peleton started out as an exercise bike with a built-in screen that allowed you to participate in real-time training sessions with fitness coaches, right from your home. The range has now extended to treadmills, as well as exercise classes using minimal equipment such as free weights.

Since these products remove the need for expensive gym memberships, expect to see more smart gym equipment appearing on the scene. Just make sure you install a ceiling fan to keep you cool as you work out!

Need Some Help With Your Electrical Products?

If you’re looking for help with any of your electrical products, then we’re here to help.

We offer a wide range of residential services including ceiling lights, dimmer switch installation, outdoor lighting, panel upgrades, circuit testing, surge protection, and rewiring and remodeling. We also offer commercial services too if you need any help with your business electricals.

Contact us for a quote today.

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It’s Holiday and Home Theatre Time: Get It Done Right > Call An Electrician

It’s Holiday and Home Theatre Time: Get It Done Right > Call An Electrician

Do I really need an electrician for my home theatre?

A top item on many Christmas lists is a brand new home theatre system.  Whether it is for a full theatre room or simply the family room where you want to enjoy your movies with really great tech, there are some things to consider.

The last thing you want to do is have a big stack of components and start installing them only to figure out that the wiring for that room won’t handle it all.  Or worse, won’t accommodate any of it.

So when it comes time to set up that full home theatre, consider consulting an electrician.  It won’t take long for them to be able to tell you what your current wiring can handle and what it will take to get it all set up correctly if any changes need to be made.

Keep in mind, this is a great time to get it done just the way you want it. Many of us forget that often times, electrical work is pretty inexpensive, especially when you consider the cost of the potential consequences down the road.

Who doesn’t want the perfect home theatre right?

So some of the things to be considered…

Can it handle the load?

Many of today’s televisions don’t draw as much electricity as the old tube or projection style, but they do often require a different array of wiring options. With the addition of the “extras”, you could be looking at as many as 8 additional components drawing electricity.

We’re talking about gaming systems, cable or satellite boxes, streaming boxes, and sound equipment. Not to mention internet routers or wifi extenders.

So again, it is a wise idea to have an electrician check things out and help you ensure that everything can run well and safely.  You wouldn’t want to have a short that could put your house in danger or have something blow up your expensive equipment.

On to the next question…

What are you going to do with the cords?

Wireless technology is fast becoming a more viable option for many components including satellite speakers for surround sound, but that isn’t always the case and even if it is, some of those components still need power even if they can pick up a wireless signal.  So again, there are additional needs.

So what ARE you going to do with the cords?  Do you have outlets in convenient locations? Are you going to have to string extension cords around the room? Are you going to have to try to plug 5 components into one outlet? Do you have little ones or pets in the house that could trip on or make a mess of the cords and damage the components?

In the majority of cases, an electrician can simplify and protect your process to ensure that your electronics AND everyone in your home is safe.

Final question…

How important is your investment in your electronics?

Many of us use surge suppressor style power strips for our important electronics, but did you know that you can have a whole-home surge protection system installed to protect EVERYTHING?

Yes, we are discussing your home theatre system, but what if lightning hit and your tv and your computer were protected but all of your other home appliances were blown out as well as your 4-month-old surround sound system? 

You’ve heard that an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure? That is very true giving the price of electronics and the amount of them in an average home.

So what are you waiting for?  Give us a call and set up a time for a quick inspection.  We are here to make sure your Atlanta electrician needs are covered!

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Upgrade Your Lighting-Consider Installing Recessed Lights for Your Home

Upgrade Your Lighting - Consider Installing Recessed Lights for Your Home

When most people are thinking about building their brand new home or remodeling a home, the last thing they think of is the lighting. They focus on other aspects, such as the flooring, the cabinets, and even painting before they consider how lighting can affect the entire look of their home. If you are in the midst of a home design, whether it is a remodel or a new home, make sure that you take some time to consider installing recessed lights.

These lights have some great advantages, and you can install them in just about any room of your house. Some people also have outdoor recessed lights. With this type of lighting, you have plenty of options, but you need to consider how best to use them in the space that you have.

You can use the lights to draw attention to certain areas of the home, or you can use it as your primary source of lighting. These lights can be installed in the walls as well as the ceiling, giving you new and interesting ways to use the lighting in your home. It is a good idea to consider the angle of the lights as well. Since they are recessed, they will not reflect in the same manner as some traditional lighting that you may have had in your home.

When the time comes to have someone install the lighting, make sure that you are dealing with professional Atlanta electricians who have experience with these kinds of lights. You want someone who will be able to do a good job with the aesthetics of the lighting, but you also need to make sure that the lighting is safe and all of the wiring is correct and secure. Safety should always be a primary concern.

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Reasons to Consider Installing Ceiling Fans

Reasons to Consider Installing Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are great additions to the house for many different reasons. They are able to offer a breeze, which can help air circulate. This will get rid of the stuffiness in the house, and it can even help to keep it cooler. The breeze that the ceiling fan creates on a hot day can be quite pleasant, and it can help save money since you will not have to use the air conditioner as much.

You can even use the fans in the winter to help circulate the heat. Since heat rises toward the ceiling, you can help to disperse the warmer air. Many of the newer fans have switches that can cause the fan to spin in different directions for different purposes. Many of them also have lights on them, as well as speed controls. They are easy to use, and they can make the perfect addition to your home. Some even have remote controls.

Ceiling fans are useful for many different rooms in the house. They are great in bedrooms, as well as in the dining room and the living room. At night, the ceiling fan will be able to keep you feeling cooler without having to open a window or turning on the air conditioning.

The fans come in different sizes, so you should be able to find something that is going to work in every room that you want to have a fan. Try to choose a fan that has 4 or 5 blades, as this is the optimum number to get the best results. Some fans have more or fewer, but they do not have the same performance.

Have someone help you install the fan to be sure that all of the wiring correct and up to the latest National Electrical Code. A professional Atlanta electrician should be able to install ceiling fans in just a short time.

 

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Choosing the Right Dimmer Switches for Your Atlanta Home Can Set The Mood

Choosing the Right Dimmer Switches for Your Atlanta Home Can Set The Mood

Whether you want to set the perfect mood for a dinner party, or if you are trying to get the lighting just right to relax and read a book, the type of lighting that you have is very important. Lights that can brighten and dim are a very important way to get full control over the lighting in your home. Atlanta electricians can provide many helpful suggestions.

You can find a number of different types of dimmer switches based on your preferences and the needs of your home. All of them are simple to use. The most common type of switch and the one with which you are probably most familiar is the traditional round knob. You turn the knob to control the intensity of the light.

Another type of switch that is becoming popular is one that looks like a normal light switch, but there is a lever on the side. You control the lever to determine the light’s intensity. Other switches have the brightness increases when you raise the light switch itself. All of these switches are functional and they are easy to use.

You might want to experiment with the different types of dimmer switches and see which one you like the best before you commit to one particular style. You can talk with some of your friends who have this kind of lighting, or you can visit a store that has lighting displays. Having first-hand knowledge of the different switches as well as how they work can be invaluable when it comes decision time.

Always choose an experienced electrician in Atlanta to handle all of your needs when it comes to installing the switches and any other electrical wiring in your home. You want to have them installed properly, safely, and the best way to do that is with a licensed professional electrician.

 

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Ceiling Fans- One Size Does Not Fit All

Ceiling Fans - One Size Does Not Fit All

Choosing the right ceiling fans for your home is very important. Instead of running out and buying the first fan that catches your eye, you need to do some research.

Because ceiling fans come in many different sizes, you need to make sure that you choose one that is perfect for your room. It should not be too small, but you do not want to have a 60-inch fan in a tiny bedroom either. If you have low ceilings, it is important that you do not choose a fan that is going to hang down too low.

You can find ceiling fans that are in a variety of different colors and that have many different features. Because there are so many styles, it is important that you choose something that you like and that will match the rest of your home. Some are very simple, white with a steel pull chain. Others are ornate. One this is for sure. You will never have too few fans to choose from when you are shopping.

A large number of the fans on the market have lighting attached. The fan serves a dual purpose, with the ability to keep you cool and provide you with some light! Some of the other features that you might want to consider are the various settings that the ceiling fans have. They offer more than a simple on and off switch. You can have remote controls, different speeds, and the fan can spin in different directions.

 

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Can Wiring be buried At Any Depth?

Can Wiring be buried At Any Depth?

Landscape lighting can work wonders for your home. Besides adding to the aesthetics of your home, these outdoor electrical fixtures also make your place safer by illuminating it at night. Proper outdoor electrical wiring is needed to make these landscape lightings, pump, lawn mower, or any other electrical devices work outside. Whenever you call an Atlanta electrical contractor to install outdoor wiring, he may place the wire overhead or bury it in a trench.

The overhead wiring not only spoils the view of your home but can also prove to be dangerous; thus, burying the wire is the most popular option. Before the contractors get on with the job of digging the trenches and burying the wires, they need to take into account the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all local codes set down for choosing the right wire and the correct depth at which they need to be buried.

Keeping the safety of your family members in mind, the following facts should be noted when the wiring has to be buried:

  • If the wire is placed in the metallic conduit, you need a depth of about 6 inches for burying the cable. The pipe in which the wire is placed is made using aluminum or steel. To prevent the corrosion of the aluminum conduit pipe, paint it by using a bituminous based solution.

The wire must run all through the metallic conduit before it comes out from the trench so that it doesn’t get damaged due to moisture, other natural elements, insects, and pests.

  • If a wire is placed in a rigid non-metallic conduit, the NEC suggests placing the wires at a depth of 12 inches. Wires should be placed in a rigid conduit that is made from high-density polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride.
  • If you are using an underground feeder cable that has to be buried directly in the ground as it comes with a weatherproof casing, you need to place it in an 18-inch deep trench since there is no conduit to protect the wire.

The above guidelines have been issued by the NEC, but Atlanta electrical contractors should also check the local procedures before they actually start the work.

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