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The Importance of Emergency Generator Maintenance

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 04:54:19 GMT

A generator must be available in case of serious emergencies. This means that it needs to be in good working order at all times to be able to function at a moment’s notice even if it has not been used in years. Regular maintenance on a generator can result in the difference between life and death in the situations where it is suddenly needed.

How Often Are Generators Used?

Because generators are emergency equipment, there is no way to predict the amount of time generators will be in use in a given year. Of course, life is running more smoothly if their use is not needed. They may end up running for only a few hours a year outside of maintenance-related tests, or they may run for hundreds of hours a year during a prolonged natural disaster.

Lack of Maintenance Could Lead to Generator Failure

Unfortunately, it is never known when a generator will need to function in a very serious situation. A generator that fails to operate is a very serious problem, so completing regular maintenance helps avoid this issue altogether.

Knowing where to go for the right emergency generator maintenance is half the battle. Once you have the right maintenance professionals assisting you, it takes the guesswork out of the equation. To speak with electrical experts today, contact Payne Electric Co.

Why You Need Landscape Lighting

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 04:52:37 GMT

Your yard is an investment that can pay dividends in several ways. Not only does it provide a haven for family and friends to play and socialize in, but it also can add attraction for potential buyers. One way to enhance your investment and get even more out of your yard now and in the future is to install landscape lighting.

If you spend a lot of time outside, then landscape lighting is a no-brainer. Why not extend the amount of time you can be out in your yard adding illumination? Here are some of the

Provides Safety

Not only does outdoor lighting light up the yard so you can better navigate walkways, gardens and patios more safely, but it also deters intruders from coming in.

Adds Décor

You can really create an ambience around your home by accentuating certain areas at night. This is done by showcasing and highlighting your landscape with decorative lights that add a beautiful glow.

Curb Appeal

Not only will your home be more inviting in the evenings to friends and family, it will also look more enticing to potential buyers when it comes time to sell.

It’s clear that landscape lighting offers more benefits than just extra light for pathways. Many of these benefits can both be enjoyed immediately and have long-term advantages. For more information on why you need landscape lighting, contact Payne Electric Co.

Electrical Service for Your Home

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 04:49:28 GMT

Did you know that presence of electrical faults is among the top five causes of residential fires? When your life, your family, your home and all you hold dear is on the line, get a professional for any electrical service you require!

Payne Electrical Co. has been providing excellent customer care and professional electric service to businesses and homes in Kentucky and Indiana since 1953. We want to earn your trust and to take care of your needs as well.

We provide residential electrical services such as any repairs you might need, rewires, breaker upgrades, and lighting for your yard, and much more. Do you have any iffy outlets? Do not risk it; get them fixed by a professional. Need to upgrade your old fuse box to a breaker panel? Call us! Look, when it comes to electrical work, you need a certified professional to do the work for your home the right way.

We also provide electrical tie-ins for room additions or remodels, and we can wire throughout the home for computer cabling. Do you live in a storm-prone area? We can ground your entire house to prevent damage to your electronics from lightning strikes. Contact Payne Electrical Co. and ensure your safety with our team!

Protect Your Home Through Oversight and Awareness: Signs Your Electrical Wiring Needs Replacement

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 03:43:05 GMT

Owning your own home means embracing a world of new responsibilities that may sometimes be surprising or difficult to understand. If you don't have experience in dealing with a specific problem, you might know about important warning signs which can highlight a potential issue. Your electrical wiring likely falls into this category.

Making sure that your home keeps up with industry standards can seem like a real challenge, but if you take the time to learn about how your home functions, that challenge is likely to drop off. If you identify electrical issues before they compound, you can guarantee that you're not at risk of untimely or dangerous breakdowns.

Below, you'll find a guide to some warning signs that your home may display when your electrical wiring needs to be replaced. Awareness of these signs is the first important step in responding to them, and that response is absolutely essential for allowing you to remain safe and secure.

Unusual Buzzing

When you're in a certain environment on a regular basis, it's natural for the sounds in that environment to start to fade into the background. Regular noises may escape your notice, but if you find yourself hearing things that seem unusual, it's important to make sure you respond. Subtle background noises can signal an excess of voltage or a poorly functioning wiring situation which might snowball into something more serious.

In some cases, these noises can manifest as a consistent buzzing coming from the vicinity of switches and light fixtures. In other cases, you might hear a small popping sound when you plug into an outlet. Whatever the noise happens to be, it's essential that you don't ignore it. Wiring that's damaged enough to create an ambient hum can represent a serious risk of overloading and could prove to be an ignition source for a potential fire.

Consistent Breaker Tripping

Making sure that you can locate your breaker box and that you have a solid working knowledge of which part of your house each switch overseas can be extremely important. Not only can that information help you reset your breakers when they trip, but it can also help you identify damaged areas of your home which are susceptible to overloading. If one switch is frequently tripping, it's likely a sign of a serious problem.

If you have too many appliances which draw too much voltage operating in one area, you might find yourself with improperly functioning wiring. However, if you address that situation and your system still doesn't stabilize, it's likely a sign of some wiring damage. Most household appliances should be easily handled by a modern electrical system that's up to industry standards, and you don't need to feel like you're required to settle for anything less.

Warm Fixtures

When electrical wiring starts to become stripped and exposed, it's likely to perform far less efficiently than when it's properly maintained. This inefficiency will manifest in a number of ways, but one of the most obvious is when your wiring starts to put off heat.

Any heat that's detectable through the fixtures is likely a warning of a serious issue with your wiring. Excessive heat poses the risk of a serious ignition source, and even if you don't find yourself dealing with a fire, you might still be in a position where you're left dealing with a failed system.

The professionals at Payne Electric Co. have the skills and experience necessary to perform residential maintenance that keeps your home up to industry standards. Relying on a highly skilled electrical service is the best way to guarantee you can avoid untimely failures and secure your home for years to come.

Why Are Your Lights Flickering?

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 03:42:49 GMT

The lights are flickering. They aren't going off completely, and they aren't flickering 100 percent of the time. But something is definitely going on with them. Flickering lights aren't normal. Even though they may not seem like a big deal, it's possible that you're witnessing a symptom of something serious. The problem here is that you don't know why they're flickering or what to do about it.

Taking a wait-and-watch approach may seem like a money-saving option, but it may cause your electric system excess damage in the long-run. Understanding the causes behind this electrical issue is the first step to getting help. While you might not be able to pinpoint the exact cause, having some ideas of what the culprit is can make a conversation with your electric contractor easier.

What causes a home's light to flicker off and on? Take a look at some of the most common culprits behind this electrical issue.

A Loose Bulb

Even though a flickering light can indicate a serious problem, it can also have a fairly simple cause. Before jumping to conclusions or assuming that you'll need to replace your home's wiring, consider the simplest answer.

Checking for this potential problem is as easy as turning your wrist. Try tightening the bulb — making sure that it's in the socket all the way. Keep in mind that there's no need to force the bulb in farther than it naturally wants to go.

If the bulb feels loose when you start to turn it and the lights stop flickering after it's tightened, then you know what the problem was. But if you still see a flicker or the on-off issue comes back quickly, then you'll need an expert electrician's expertise.

A Faulty Fixture

Sometimes the problem occurs between the light bulb and your home's wiring. A fixture that has a loose connection may be the culprit behind your flickering issue. If you suspect that a lamp's switch or some other part of its wiring is at fault for the flicker, then unplug the fixture. Have a professional evaluate and make repairs if possible.

It's also possible that the problem is not as bad as you think. A plug that isn't pushed all the way into the socket can also cause this issue.

A Circuit Overload

When does your light flicker? If it only happens when the dishwasher gets going or another major appliance turns on, then you may have a circuit overload. Even though removing the light or an appliance from the circuit should remedy the problem, you need to make sure that this is the issue. A professional should evaluate the circuit and check for overloading before you make any changes.

Along with overloads, the circuit issue may be with the wiring as it goes into the electric panel. This is something that a qualified electrician needs to inspect and repair. Never attempt to repair this type of problem on your own. There is potential for shock and fire hazard that presents a danger to anyone who is unsure of what they're doing.

A Community Concern

Flickering lights aren't always a one-household issue. Do your neighbors have flickering lights as well? Do some investigation and ask around the neighborhood. If they are also dealing with the same problem, then the utility service may be at fault.

The only way to verify this issue is by calling the electric utility company. They should send a technician out to check for problems and make the necessary repairs.

Do you have unexplained flickering lights? Our professional team at Payne Electric Co. can evaluate the electrical issue and provide the fix your home needs.

Electrical Safety In Your Home

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 03:09:36 GMT

Electrical safety is a major issue. Even though electrical problems are far from the first cause of residential fires (cooking causes the most fires resulting in injuries), these fires still happen. On top of that, 6.8% of home electrical fires end up in human injury, according to FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration. This makes preventing them a top priority.

Luckily, you can take several steps to keep your home safe. While accidents can happen, they don't have to be the norm. Between some basic knowledge and regular maintenance from a qualified electrician, you can reduce the risk to yourself, your family and your property.

How can you help to keep your house safe — electrically speaking? Start with some education. Keep in mind, you don't need to go to technical school or take electrical lessons. Leave the repairs and maintenance to the pros. Instead, take a look at what you should watch out for, avoid and call the experts to fix.

Electrical Cords

That worn extension cord that you've had for years isn't looking right. It's starting to fray and you can see in through the outer-coating. Damaged cords can lead to electrical issues. Never use a cord that has clear signs of wear. And certainly, never use a cord that has a hole, cut or chunk missing from it.

Along with checking for wear, you should take caution with some of the ways that you use extension cords. Extension cords aren't substitutes for permanent wiring. While it's tempting to rig up your own system to save money or time, it can cost you more than a few dollars in the long-run. You need a professional electrical contractor to replace or install wiring, and not a simple cord.

Make sure that your cord and your appliance (or whatever else you're using the cord for) match when it comes to wattage rating. If you aren't sure, ask a pro instead of assuming it's okay.

Outlet Safety

Obviously, you know not to touch an electrical outlet. But that's not the only safety measure you should take around them. How else can you protect your house and yourself from outlet issues? Never overload an outlet. Plugging multiple cords into power strips or other multi-plug devices could overload the outlet.

Chances are you've run into an issue at some point in time where you have a mismatch between the outlet and the number of prongs on the plug. Never remove a prong to fit what should be a three-pronged plug into an outlet that's made for two. There's a reason why it only has two little slots in it. Either choose an appropriate adapter or have an electrician replace the outlet.

Water and Electricity

You can save yourself a shock by separating water and electrical use. This means choosing somewhere other than the clogged sink to blow dry your hair and keeping the radio out of the bathroom.

Avoid making similar mistakes outdoors as well. Don't plug outdoor appliances or devices in near sprinklers or during rain storms.

Outdoor Activities

Rain and sprinkler systems aren't the only issues when it comes to electricity and the great outdoors. Be aware of electrical lines that are buried underground. If you're planning on digging in your yard, call in the pros to help you locate lines first. You don't want to hit a barely buried line with the garden hoe as you’re tilling the dirt for your new garden.

Do you have a possible electrical safety issue in or around your home? Never try to repair or replace any part of your electrical system on your home. Payne Electric Co. can help to resolve the issue in a safe way.

A Lighting Guide for Family Game Nights

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 03:09:36 GMT

Family game night is a general term for an event in which a group of family members or friends gather together to enjoy all types of games. Not only is the game selection important, but it's also important to have the proper lighting for the game you're playing.

An electrician has the tools, experience, and equipment to help set up your home for dozens of different games. Browse through each game type to see how improved lighting can help you and your guest enjoy the visuals, atmosphere, and experience of every game.

Board Game Tables

If board games are your game of choice, then you know how important it is to read every card, roll of the dice, or detail on the game board. Poor or dim lighting can hinder the playing experience and cause the players to miss small but important details.

A section of evenly spaced, recessed lighting can be installed directly over the board game table. If you use bright bulbs, then the board will be fully illuminated and eliminate harsh shadows that can interfere with the game.

Once the lighting is configured, the wiring can be set for customization. For example, even if the whole room has recessed lighting, the board game area can be configured to have its own light switch so that just those lights will turn on while you’re playing.

Performance Games

Another fun type of game that you can play during a family game night is a performance game. These types of games include classics like Charades or Pictionary but may also include newer variations of these games.

Performance games can be taken to the next level with the use of track lighting. A track lighting set features individual bulbs set on a track. The lights can move and adjust down the track as needed.

When playing a performance game, track lighting is an ideal option for creating a spotlight effect. The track lights can shine directly on a performer and increase the fun and excitement of a game. If two players go head to head, then two spotlights can easily be created using the track light.

Video Game Lighting

Thanks to a lot of family-based games and interactive options, video games have now become an integral part of family game nights. The lighting you need while you play video games is different than lighting for a traditional card or board game, and it can be a little trickier.

The key to lighting for these games is to eliminate glare on televisions while still providing enough light for players to see, interact, and enjoy snacks together. Of course, you also want the players to be able to see their controllers as well.

This is why ambient lighting is one of the best options when it comes to playing video games. These lights can add some light, but they won’t shine towards the television or create a glare.

Another lighting feature to consider installing is a dimmer switch for the other lights in the room. This way you can adjust the lighting depending on the game you’re playing.

The low light settings are also ideal for watching TV shows and movies, and a dimming feature can create a comfortable atmosphere for everyone at the home. In addition, you can use the dimming feature to set other moods as well, for example, during date night, dim lights can be very romantic.
An electrician can survey a room to determine the best spots for lights and help set up the best options for gaming. Schedule a consultation with one of our electricians at Payne Electric Co. We can help set up your home for plenty of great gaming in the years to come.