• The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the nation’s singular standard for safe electrical installation and wiring practices, established to protect people and property from electrical hazards. First published in 1897, the NEC is updated every three years by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to keep pace with evolving technology and safety issues, aiming to reduce accidents and minimize fire hazards associated with electricity.
  
• The most recent update in 2023 introduced several key changes, including enhanced requirements for ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), as well as new provisions to accommodate emerging technologies. These updates ensure that electrical systems remain safe and effective in addressing contemporary challenges, thereby safeguarding homes and businesses across the nation.

• The expansion of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) requirements over the years has significantly contributed to the reduction of residential electrical shock incidents. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), GFCIs have cut the number of home electrocutions by half by detecting ground faults—unintentional paths for electricity that can lead to severe shocks.
  
• Being informed about electrical code updates, such as the increased GFCI requirements in kitchens and bathrooms, empowers homeowners to better protect their lives and property. Installing GFCIs in areas prone to moisture is a crucial step in enhancing safety and preventing electrical hazards in your home.

There are specific times when homeowners should schedule an electrical home safety inspection. The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends that homeowners make an appointment for an electrical home inspection:

• When purchasing a home
• When a home is more than 40 years old
• When adding an appliance
• When a home has had a major renovation

• Updating old wiring is a task best left to professionals. Licensed electricians have the expertise to safely replace faulty wiring and are trained to identify potential hazards during a home inspection. They can also determine if a functional piece of wiring is outdated and recommend necessary upgrades to ensure your electrical system meets current safety standards.
  
• By entrusting this critical task to skilled professionals, you not only enhance the safety of your home but also gain peace of mind knowing that your electrical system is in capable hands. Contact HBS Energy Solution Inc. for expert assistance with your wiring updates and inspections!

Home generators work similarly to the engine in your car, converting fuel—such as gasoline, diesel, or natural gas—into electrical power with the assistance of a heavy-duty, recharging battery. In the event of a power outage, these generators help keep your home safe and comfortable by maintaining the operation of essential appliances like your refrigerator, freezer, sump pump, furnace, stove, lights, and fans.

Causes of Power Outages

1. Blackouts: Extreme temperature fluctuations can strain the power grid, leading to insufficient energy generation to meet demand.
2. Inclement Weather: Severe weather events such as lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms, and high winds can damage power lines and transformers, resulting in outages.
3. Damage from Animals: Animals can cause significant destruction to power equipment, making it one of the leading causes of power loss after severe weather.
4. Natural Disasters: Events like earthquakes, floods, and fires can lead to widespread power outages affecting millions of consumers annually.
5. Auto Accidents: Collisions involving vehicles and power poles can disrupt service by damaging critical electrical infrastructure.

Investing in a home generator can provide peace of mind during these unpredictable events. By ensuring that your essential systems remain operational during outages, you can protect your family and property from the inconveniences and dangers associated with power loss. For more information on selecting the right generator for your needs, consider consulting with professionals who can guide you through the installation process while ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Portable Home Generators

Portable home generators power a few essentials in your home until power is restored. They must be manually started and connected to necessary appliances. Portable models cost less than standby models, typically around $500 to $1,500, but they can only operate a few appliances at once. They also come with the added danger of carbon monoxide poisoning if they are operated in improper locations.

Home Standby Generators

Home standby generators are typically powered with natural gas or propane. Used in conjunction with automatic transfer switches, they turn on automatically when the power goes out in order to prevent an interruption in service. But that convenience and peace of mind will cost you: home standby generators cost between $5,000 and $15,000. The investment may be worth it when most of your home’s electrical devices seamlessly transition to backup power whenever your electricity goes out.

• A home should have its wiring updated about every 25 years. While modern electrical systems might last longer than that, you should at least have your wiring inspected by a professional electrician in order to confirm that nothing is damaged, worn out, or outdated.

• Updating old wiring is a task best left to professionals. Electricians know how to replace faulty wiring safely and also know what to look for when inspecting a home. They can even tell you if a functional piece of wiring is out of date.

There are many signs of bad wiring in a home. Some of the most common include:

• Flickering lights
• Dimming lights when vacuuming
• Scorching
• Warm outlets
• Frequent outages (not related to weather)
• Buzzing sounds from outlets and walls

• Wiring should be inspected if it is more than 25 years old. In particular, many of the wiring types and techniques used prior to 1980 have been deemed unsafe by modern standards. A professional can evaluate your electrical system and recommend whether your old wiring needs to be replaced.

• If you frequently experience tripped circuits or deal with dimming lights, buzzing noises, and other issues, then your home wiring likely needs to be updated. Call an electrician for a professional inspection before you spend the money needed to replace wiring. An electrician can let you know if your issue is just one small problem in an otherwise OK home wiring situation, or if it requires a full replacement.

• Yes. Unless you yourself are a professional electrician, you should hire a pro to update your wiring. Upgrading home wiring is a time consuming and complex task that if done wrong can lead to serious issues down the line. Don’t risk your safety, your family’s safety, and the safety of any future occupants in your home. Call an electrician to do any major home wiring work.