At Quality Electric, we’re committed to providing our customers in New Hampshire, particularly in Somersworth NH and Dover NH, with safe, reliable, and high-quality electrical services. We often get a lot of the same questions about electrical systems, so we’re here to answer the most common ones to help you understand the basics of maintaining a safe home. You can also check out our YouTube Video where we answer these questions and many more!
1. Do I Need an Electrician to Change Lights or Outlets?
Yes, you do. While changing a light fixture or outlet might seem straightforward, only a licensed electrician should perform this work. Your electrical system is complex and includes wiring, circuit breakers, and devices that ensure your safety. Our trained electricians evaluate the entire system during any installation to prevent hazards that unlicensed individuals might miss. Hiring a licensed electrician protects your home and keeps you compliant with New Hampshire regulations.
2. What’s Required to Become an Electrician?
Many people think anyone can become an electrician with a bit of training, but it requires years of dedicated education and fieldwork. In New Hampshire, an apprentice must complete 8,000 hours of hands-on experience and four years of school, either in-person or online. This training ensures that the electricians working on your home have the expertise to handle any electrical installation safely.
More information can be found on the NH State Websites by following this link – https://www.oplc.nh.gov/electricians-board-license-requirements
3. Is My Fuse Box a Hazard?
Older homes in Somersworth NH and Dover NH often still have fuse boxes instead of modern circuit breaker panels. While the fuse box itself isn’t necessarily a hazard, the problem arises if fuses are improperly replaced with incorrect amperages. For instance, installing a 30-amp fuse on a circuit rated for 15 amps can cause overheating, which risks electrical fires. Fuses also don’t always “trip” in an overcurrent situation, which can lead to serious safety hazards. Consider upgrading to a circuit breaker panel for increased protection.
4. How Can I Tell if My Home Has Ungrounded Wiring, and Is It Safe?
Ungrounded wiring is a common issue in older homes throughout New Hampshire. The ground wire provides an extra layer of safety, helping protect both people and equipment by ensuring your breakers work properly. Without it, there’s a higher risk of shock and equipment failure. To check for ungrounded wiring, you can use an outlet tester or call a licensed electrician from Quality Electric for a thorough inspection.
5. Why Are My Circuit Breakers Tripping?
Under normal circumstances, your circuit breakers should rarely trip. However, overloads from items like air conditioners, vacuums, or space heaters are common culprits. If you notice a breaker tripping frequently, it’s likely doing its job by preventing overheating. Rather than continuing to reset it, call an electrician to assess your home’s electrical load and determine if an upgrade is necessary.
6. What Is My Main Electrical Service, and Do I Need to Replace It?
Your main electrical service includes the connections that bring power from the street into your home. This includes the meter, main disconnect, and panel. A well-maintained main service is essential for your home’s safety and electrical performance. If you hear recommendations to replace it, it’s typically due to age, wear, or outdated equipment that can no longer handle your home’s electrical needs.
7. What Should I Check in My New Home’s Electrical System?
If you’ve purchased a home in Somersworth NH or Dover NH, here are a few essential checks to ensure electrical safety:
- Electrical Panel: Do you have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, which are known for safety issues?
- Knob and Tube Wiring: Older homes often have outdated wiring that may need replacement.
- Grounding: Ensure your wiring is grounded.
- Smoke Detectors: Are they up to date?
- GFCI and AFCI Protection: These devices add critical protection against shock and electrical fires.
8. Where Do I Need GFCI Protection?
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is essential in areas where water may come into contact with electrical devices, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor outlets. GFCI devices prevent electrical shocks by shutting off power when they detect a fault. For properties in New Hampshire, building codes often require GFCI outlets in these areas, so it’s important to stay up to date.
9. Do I Need Surge Protection?
Yes! Surge protection is vital for protecting all your electronics and appliances. A single power surge can damage items like refrigerators, TVs, and computers. Investing in whole-house surge protection can save you from costly replacements and repairs.
10. Why Are My Outlets Hot?
Outlets that feel warm can indicate a problem, especially if they are too hot to touch. It may be due to overloading, loose wiring, or a faulty device. For safety, immediately stop using the outlet and call an electrician to inspect it.
11. Should I Have Regular Electrical Inspections?
Absolutely. New Hampshire’s climate—especially in Somersworth NH and Dover NH—exposes homes to extreme temperature fluctuations. The constant expansion and contraction of materials can loosen electrical connections, creating fire hazards. Scheduling regular inspections with an electrician ensures your system remains safe, no matter the season.
To learn more about why Inspections are so important, check out this article we wrote
https://qualityelectricnh.com/2023/06/22/5-reasons-why-i-should-get-an-electrical-safety-inspection/
Quality Electric: Your Trusted Electricians in Somersworth NH and Dover NH
Whether you have a question about a small outlet or are considering a full electrical upgrade, our team at Quality Electric is here to help. As trusted electricians serving Somersworth NH and Dover NH, we provide comprehensive electrical services to keep your home safe, efficient, and up to code.
If you’re looking for electrical services in New Hampshire, feel free to reach out to us or explore our other resources for more information on maintaining a safe electrical system.
