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Your electrical system can pose a health and safety hazard when you have exposed wiring. Wiring in your home can become exposed due to:

• The age of the electrical system
• Damage from animal infestation
• Storm damage
• Vandalism

Exposed wiring and faulty ground wires rank among the top electrical safety concerns for OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Whether your property is a family home, rental property, business, or office, you can keep occupants safe by promptly addressing exposed electrical wiring.

If you need electrical work done, including repairs to electrical wiring, turn to a contractor with years of experience in safe electrical repair. For professional electrical installation services in Woodstock, GA, by Long View Lighting, set up an appointment with our staff today.

If you observe exposed wiring, avoid exposure to electric shock and potential electrocution by calling an electrician immediately. If you can safely access the circuit breaker, flip the switch to cut power to the damaged wiring. Additionally, avoid contact with water in the vicinity of the exposed electrical wiring.

Exposed Wiring

Different wires perform different functions within your house. Unless you know your home circuitry and have training in electrical repair, you will likely not be able to distinguish between hot electrical wires and safe wires and work with them safely. A technician will use proper safety equipment and treat any exposed wiring as potentially hazardous until they verify the circuit is not live.

Exposed Ground Wires

Ground wires allow any positive electrical charges (electrons) to flow into the earth as the result of a short circuit when an exposed wire touches something metal. If the ground wire is not functioning, electric current from the hot wire of a faulty electrical circuit could cause a fire or an electrical shock.

Cutting Power to Exposed Wiring

If you know which appliances, lights, or other devices the wiring goes to, you can reduce the risk of electrocution or fire by flipping the circuit breaker switch in the electrical panel. If you are uncertain whether the circuit is receiving power, you can safely check the status of the exposed wire by using a non-contact voltmeter.

Using a Non-Contact Voltmeter

A no-contact voltmeter uses capacitance or the electric field generated by the circuit to measure the electrical potential in a circuit. Be cautious when approaching exposed electrical wiring, even if you are using a non-contact device. If the wire is hot, you could suffer an injury if you lose your footing or if the damaged wiring is in contact with conductors, such as metal objects, in the vicinity.

Using a Standard Voltage Meter

A voltage meter provides a more accurate reading than a no-contact voltmeter. They use an electrode that comes into direct contact with the wiring. The voltmeter calculates the voltage difference across the electrical circuit.  

Identify the Extent of the Damage

Once you verify that the wire is not receiving power, carefully inspect the damage to see how widespread it is. Ask yourself the following questions to determine the severity of the problem:

• Is a single wire loose or frayed? 
• Are multiple wires damaged?
• Is a switch, outlet, or other fixture damaged?
• Are there scorch marks, melted insulation, or other signs of electricity arcing between wires?

Fixing the Exposed Electrical Wiring with Electrical Tape

If a single wire is damaged and the damage is not severe, you could correct the problem by covering the exposed area with electrical tape. The electrical tape should insulate the wire and prevent it from causing damage if it comes near another exposed wire or a metal surface.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional for Electrical Repairs

Professional contractors should also be aware of interior design principles. They will carry out repairs neatly without leaving visible wiring, holes in drywall, or other eyesores. Having an insured professional carry out the work means you can get insurance to cover the damage if there is an accident or injury due to the repair job.

Keep Your Home Safe with Professional Electrical Repair from Long View Lighting

Long View Lighting is a licensed, experienced electrical repair company. You can rely on their team of experts to do electrical work right the first time while using reliable safety equipment and practices.If you notice any exposed electrical wiring in your home or business in Woodstock, GA, call Long View Lighting. Learn more on why you need the pros for electrical outlet installation and other information about their electrical services by contacting the team.

For safe, effective electrical outlet installation, it is essential to hire professional, licensed electrical contractors in Woodstock, GA.

With video tutorials on nearly every aspect of home renovations, many homeowners attempt electrical outlet installation on their own. The problem is that homeowners rarely have professional training for working around electricity, putting themselves, their homes, and their electrical systems at risk. Before attempting outlet installation, consult with your local expert electrical installation contractors in Woodstock, GA.

How to Know It’s Time to Install New Electrical Outlets

When moving into a new home or considering upgrades for your current one, knowing when you need new electrical outlets installed helps you safely plan for electrical updates. Modern technology requires more energy to power the various appliances we depend on for comfort and convenience. Some homeowners believe that a new, shiny cover plate means they have an up-to-date electrical outlet, but professionals know that looks can deceive untrained eyes.

Easy ways to tell whether you need to upgrade your electrical outlets or install new ones include:

• A circuit breaker that trips more often than other ones
• The need to use power strips, surge protectors, or extension cords
• Outlets with two prongs as opposed to three
• Damage to plugs, including discoloration, cracks, or a loose fit

How to Know if Your Outlets Are Up-to-Date

Before beginning an upgrade or installation, professional electricians in Woodstock, GA, ensure that your wiring stands up to scrutiny. Older wiring consists of black and white wires, each performing a different function.

Black Wire

Called hot wires, black wires bring electricity from the breaker panel into the outlets. 

White Wire

Called neutral wires, white wires take any unused electricity delivered to your outlet and return it to the breaker panel.

New electrical set-ups require hot and neutral wires but include an additional ground wire. Encased in green, the ground wire typically won’t actively move electricity. However, if your outlet suffers from unstable electrical conditions, the ground wire absorbs the unstable energy and wires it into the ground and away from your home.

Once your electrician establishes that your electrical set-up meets modern-day safety standards, they’ll move forward with your outlet installation.

Is It Safe for Homeowners to Install Electrical Outlets?

Long View Lighting’s first priority involves the safety of homeowners and their houses. Trained electricians don’t recommend that homeowners attempt electrical outlet installation. Without professional training, homeowners often don’t have awareness regarding these considerations:

• The age and condition of existing hardware and circuits
• The tools and testing equipment required for safe electrical outlet installation
• The safety conditions that guarantee problem-free electrical work
• The recommended or legally required upgrades when replacing an existing outlet

What Are Some Examples of Electrical Outlet Installation Code?

Since different rooms have specific electrical needs, the National Fire Protection Association has established safety codes to protect homes from electrical malfunctions. Some examples of these safety codes include:

General Outlet Installation

• Walls wider than 24 inches can have an outlet.
• Hallways longer than ten feet require at least one outlet.
• General room electricity requires 15 amp circuits.
• There should be an outlet placed every 12 feet.

Kitchens

• GFCI outlets only
• No face-up electrical outlets
• Kitchen islands require at least one outlet
• Countertop outlets need at least two branch circuits

Bathrooms

• GFCI outlets only
• No face-up electrical outlets
• At least one outlet installed within three feet of the sink basin

What Can Happen with DIY Electrical Outlet Installation?

Each year in the U.S., over 20,000 electrical fires affect homes. Improperly installed electrical outlets contribute to that number, making outlet installation a dangerous undertaking for DIY projects. With approximately 1,400 injuries and 500 deaths reported each year, the risk of self-installation far exceeds the cost of hiring a professional electrician.

Besides causing a fire, you could also suffer electric shocks while attempting an electrical outlet installation. Whether at the outlet itself or the circuit breaker, amateur hands quickly turn into lightning rods. The amount of electricity coursing through your home can cause burns, internal injuries, or even death if you mishandle it.

When You Need Electrical Outlet Installation, Stay Safe by Hiring Woodstock, GA, Electrical Professionals

Safe electrical outlet installation requires a working knowledge of electricity, experience with electrical tools and equipment, and a thorough understanding of electrical code. Attempting to install or exchange your electrical outlets independently can create dangerous conditions for your health, home, and electrical system. Call to learn more about electrical outlet installation with Long View Lighting in Woodstock, GA, or to explore the guide to puppy-proofing wires.

Pets can be at a much higher risk of electrical accidents in your home than you realize. Cats and dogs may consider wires a fun toy to play with or might engage in chewing wires and other objects for stress relief. The experts for electrical installation services in Woodstock, GA, by Long View Lighting describe how to puppy-proof wires in the paragraphs below.

How Often Do Pets Suffer Electrical Accidents in the Home?

Dogs and puppies are more likely to receive electrical shocks than cats, which are less likely to chew cables. However, individual cats may have anxiety problems that lead to nervous chewing on electric cables. Watch for chewing behavior in all of your pets to determine what steps you need to take to keep pets safe.

Young puppies and kittens are curious about the world around them and may chew on anything they can reach while teething. Learn how to puppy-proof wires before bringing a young pet home.

Performing an Electrical Risk Assessment in Your Home

Vet costs to treat your pet after an electrical shock can range anywhere from $500 to over $3,000. To prevent injury to your pets, you should perform a home risk assessment to look for the potential for electrical accidents due to:

• Dangling wires
• Tangled or nested wires
• Appliances too close to water sources
• Electrical fire hazards
• Exposed electrical sources
• Damaged wires

To perform a risk assessment, walk through your home. Look for potentially dangerous situations, such as phone chargers left plugged in on a kitchen counter even when your phone is in your pocket or tangled TV and entertainment wires in the living room.

If your cat regularly jumps onto your kitchen counter, consider unplugging your phone charger after use, so it doesn’t hold a current. Detangle cables and use clips or Velcro cable straps to loop long wires and prevent them from getting tangled again.

Deterring Chewing Behaviors Around Electric Cables with Your Pets

Your pets may chew on cables for several reasons, whether because they look like a fun toy or because your pet has an anxiety condition that presents with chewing for self-soothing. You can take several steps to improve electrical safety around your home.

1. Pet training. Trained dogs are much less likely to chew than untrained dogs. With enough patience and knowing what motivation to use, you can even clicker-train a cat. If you have both, you can train them together once your dog passes basic obedience training class.
2. Cable management. The easiest way to prevent chewing is to block access to cables. Mount power strips on a wall or the back of your desk or entertainment center to keep cables from reaching the floor. Tie up long cables, and use clips to keep cables separated.
3. Block access to rooms with several power sources. If you have a home office or workshop with several electronics or power tools, use a pet gate or close the door to the space when you need to work or when you leave your workspace for the day to keep pets out of the room.
4. Offer an alternative. According to pet behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, whenever you tell a pet “no” to something, you need to give them an alternative “yes.” Offer your pet a new favorite chew toy instead of your electric cables.
5. Deter chewing with a repellant. You may need to coat cables in a pet-safe bitterant spray to deter chewing with a bad smell or taste or get some plastic bite-proof sheaths for your cables.

Call an Electrical Engineer to Work Safely with Electric Sources in Your Home

If you notice exposed electrical panels, outlets missing their covers, or loose outlet receptacles, learn why DIY electrical repairs isn’t advisable. Call a professional electrician to perform an electrical safety inspection and make any necessary repairs.

A certified electrician has the training and experience to work safely around electrical sources using the appropriate personal protective equipment. Trying to do electrical work on your home yourself could result in serious injuries from an electrical arc or damage to your home, including disrupting your electrical circuits or causing an electrical fire.

Contact Long View Lighting in Woodstock, GA

Now that you know how to puppy-proof wires for your furry family members, make sure your home is safe from electrical accidents for all inhabitants. Call Long View Lighting in Woodstock, GA, to schedule an inspection of your home’s electrical systems.

One of the most dangerous things for homeowners to try is Do-It-Yourself (DIY) electrical repairs. DIY electrical repairs might seem like a good idea initially, but you should spend the extra money on an experienced electrician and ensure the job goes right. Don’t try to be a hero when it comes to fixing your electrical system.

There are many reasons not to attempt electrical repairs on your own. In this article, we discuss four of the most common reasons.

When you need assistance with electrical repairs, consult the experts at Long View Lighting.

Reason #1: Electrical Shocks

When you try DIY electrical repairs, you risk electrocuting yourself or someone else. Working with electrical wires can be incredibly dangerous if you don’t have the proper training and know-how. You don’t have to touch a high-voltage wire to experience a significant or perhaps even fatal electric shock.

With light fixtures, power outlets, and large appliances, your home electrical current runs from about 110 to 240 volts. At 110 volts, an electric shock can pack a mean punch. However, 240 volts could be fatal.

There’s no reason to turn a simple electrical repair into a dangerous DIY project. Instead, get professional help from a well-trained, highly qualified Woodstock, GA, electric contractor.

Reason #2: Electrical Fires

The second reason you should never try DIY electrical repairs is fire hazards. Even at home, electrical systems have complex layouts with intricate wiring configurations. Without the proper knowledge and specialized training, you could quickly solve one problem and create several more serious, long-term ones.

It doesn’t take much to mess up the wiring, resulting in critical safety hazards. While an electrical shock has instant consequences, the effects of faulty wiring could remain unnoticed for weeks or even months. Just when you think you did  an excellent job and don’t need to call an electrician, you might have to put out an electrical fire.

Don’t take on any electrical project yourself and put yourself and your family at risk. Hire a professional and rest easy knowing you’re safe from electrical hazards at home.

Reason #3: Failing Inspection

Electrical shocks and fire hazards should be reason enough not to tamper with your home’s wiring system. However, a DIY electrical repair project can also lead to local inspection issues.

A certified inspector must approve your home’s electrical functions before you use them. When you fail inspection or fail to receive the proper inspection, you put your home in danger and risk paying steep fines. If you try to complete repairs yourself and don’t get everything back up to code, you will likely not pass inspection.

Hiring a local electrician can easily prevent inspection problems, safety hazards, and heavy fines. An experienced professional ensures your home is safe and will pass its next inspection.

Reason #4: Unforeseen Issues

When untrained amateurs mess with a complex electrical system, several things can go wrong. The wiring in your home might appear safe, but you can’t work based on appearances alone. Your exciting DIY project could quickly turn into a nightmare.

Professionals have the training and expertise to work carefully. They don’t take risks or shortcuts because they understand necessary precautions, following every safety measure in the book. To complete the job correctly and safely, you must know what to do and what not to do.

Key Takeaways

Don’t attempt electrical repairs on your own. You could put yourself, your home, and your loved ones in danger from:

• Electrical shock from live wires and shorts
• Electrical fires from improper rewiring after completing repairs
• Failing inspection by not getting your system up to code or avoiding inspection altogether
• Unforeseen issues that only an experienced electrician could identify before attempting repairs

These are just four reasons why you should never try DIY repairs. Learn more about electrical repair and troubleshooting to stay safe while assessing electrical issues in your home.

Get Professional Electrical Repairs and Maintenance

No homeowner should attempt DIY electrical repairs, regardless of knowledge and expertise. It’s too dangerous to risk messing up, and you should leave it to our highly trained Woodstock electrical contractors.

At Long View Lighting, we offer top-quality, safety-first solutions to all your electrical needs. Call us today!

Having a home that accurately represents you and your family is important to most modern homeowners. Although there are many ways to enhance your residence’s curbside appeal, installing a beautiful garage door is a simple change that can instantly take your home from drab to fab. 

Many people don’t know where or how to start shopping for the garage door of their dreams and wonder, “How much does it cost to replace a garage door?” Long View Lighting is here to help. Here are a few tips that will make shopping for a new garage door in Woodstock, Georgia, a breeze.

What to Consider Before the Installation Process

It’s no secret that installing or replacing a garage door can be rather costly. The installation process commonly costs upwards of $1,000 on average. However, there are many factors you need to consider before diving into the installation process. 

What Size Is Your Garage Door?

Knowing the size of your garage helps narrow your search and gives you a rough estimate of the cost before the project even begins. It’s important to know the dimensions of your garage before shopping around because garage doors vary in size depending on the size of your home and garage. A typical single-car garage door can range from $600 to $1,500, while a double can cost $800 to $1,500. 

What Style of Door Do You Want?

In addition to your garage door’s appearance, you need to consider the functioning style of the door. Many different forms appeal to a wide range of homeowners. The most common are:

• Swing-up or tilt-up doors
• Swing-out doors
• Roll-up or sectional doors
• Sliding doors

Finding a style that works for your home gives you an idea of the project’s expenses while enhancing your home’s curb appeal.

How Much Will Labor and Materials Cost?

There’s more to a garage door installation than choosing your desired form and style. Figuring out the cost of labor and materials needed for installation is important before starting the project. You typically want to add 20% to your overall budget to cover the labor costs, overages, and necessary materials. 

It’s also wise to shop around before commenting to a single installer. Most companies’ rates vary depending on your location and the price of your chosen installation materials. Other things to consider include:

• Material removal ($25-$100)
• Hardware replacement ($50-$350)
• Resizing ($500-$5,000)

Homeowners associations often require specific garage designs and materials. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, check with them before gathering supplies and committing to a design.

Where Can I Find a Loyal Garage Door Installer?

Finding an experienced and trustworthy garage door installer can be difficult. Different companies may give you different quotes for how much it costs to replace a garage door. However, if you’re looking for garage door repair in Woodstock, GA, Long View Lighting has you covered. Their trusted team of professionals fulfills all your installation needs without draining your wallet. For proficient installation with outstanding customer service, look no further than Long View Lighting. 

Call (770) 790-3511 today and make your garage dreams a reality with Long View Lighting’s expert garage door installation in Woodstock, GA. 

Did you know that switching to energy-efficient lighting can reduce your energy consumption by 75% percent? The benefits of this reduced energy consumption are financial and environmental. They can greatly improve the size of your wallet and the comfort of your home.

At Long View Lighting, we want everyone to learn more about the benefits of energy-efficient lighting. Keep reading below for all the perks.

Reduced Electric Bill

People are aware that switching to energy-saving lights will reduce their electricity consumption. But what they don’t realize is just how much it can save.

You can save at least $75 annually by making a few lighting changes. Besides, most LED energy-saving lights only need a replacement every 23 years, so you will be buying bulbs very infrequently. Every lighting switch has an impact and you will notice the greatest savings on your electric bill if you upgrade all lights to LED.

Not only can energy-efficient lighting reduce your lighting costs, but it can also reduce your air cooling bill. Energy-efficient lights emit less heat than their incandescent counterparts. This means you can build a cooler more comfortable home, especially in warmer months.

Reduced Carbon Emissions

Just one LED bulb reduces greenhouse gases by half a ton. Imagine the environmental impact if every bulb in your house is energy-efficient. Now imagine if every household and business used energy-efficient lighting.

Greenhouse gases are the main cause of global warming. Just changing ten lightbulbs can prevent the emission of 3,400 pounds of carbon dioxide. States like California are banning incandescent lightbulbs as part of their greener initiatives. 

Longer Lighting Lifespan

LED bulbs are capable of outlasting incandescent bulbs by up to 25 years. A traditional incandescent bulb can last one year on average, but energy-efficient lights can last 10 to 30 years. This saves money, resources, and time.

You will maybe only need to replace your lightbulbs every 25 years, saving you money and time. You save time that would have been wasted searching for new bulbs and changing them each year, not to mention the extra time changing those harder-to-reach lights that might need professional installation. 

The lasting power of the bulbs is also better for the environment since fewer bulbs will need to be produced with the increased lifespan. Fewer bulbs mean fewer resources used. Most energy-efficient bulbs are recyclable, creating a closed production loop. 

Build a More Comfortable Home With Energy-Efficient Lighting

With energy-efficient lighting, you can build a space meant to last and have peace of mind. Have peace of mind in the fact that you won’t have to change your lightbulbs frequently. You can relax and know your lighting choices are creating a greener future for you and your children. 

Start small and change a few lights to energy-saving light bulbs, soon you will find it is worth changing your whole lighting system. Get in touch to learn how to make a seamless transition to energy-efficient lighting with our recommended energy-efficient lighting upgrades.

The modern world runs on electronics. Whether it’s using the television or the Internet to unwind after work or using a work laptop to do our jobs, electronics are fundamental parts of daily life.

When a power outage occurs, it throws everything off balance. All the usual tools you rely on suddenly become useless. When that happens, do you know how to protect your home?

In many cases, power outages happen as a result of storm damage. Usually, storms give you some time to prepare your home in the event of a power outage. So, in this article, discover five vital tips on what to do when preparing your house for a power outage.

1. Surge Protectors Help Protect Your Home

People often throw around the term power surge but don’t fully comprehend what it means. A power surge occurs when electricity stops flowing, then resumes flowing again.

If it resumes too suddenly and with too much charge, it can damage your electronics. In a worst-case scenario, it could cause a fire. A hairdryer, for instance, might short circuit. A high voltage TV could cause damage with a surge.

To prevent these issues, consider protecting your house with a surge protector. These items help to mitigate any damage that a surge could cause.

2. Unplug Your Devices

When a storm comes through, one of the best things you can do in protecting your home is to turn off and unplug your electronics. Don’t leave anything plugged in that doesn’t need to be. 

Lighting can enter your home through your electronic wiring. By disconnecting these devices, you rob lightning of its entry point into your home. Furthermore, you help spare your devices any potential damage. 

3. Preparing Your House With a Disaster Kit

Long before a storm or other threat arises, it’s wise to have a disaster kit together just in case something should happen. You should keep kits for each person in the household, including your pets. 

These kits should include essentials, such as non-perishable food, bottled water, first aid supplies, batteries, cash, blankets, and a flashlight. You can add other items as necessary, such as inhalers or epi-pens. 

4. Protect Your House From Flooding

If a storm arrives that knocks out power; there’s a good chance it’s bringing heavy rain with it. If this happens, basements often suffer flooding. To prevent flooding, invest in a sump pump with a battery backup system. 

5. Prevent Freezing Pipes

Winter storm outages bring with them the chance of your pipes freezing and bursting. To ward this off, shut off your water and open your faucets so they can run dry. While you won’t need this for short outages, those lasting longer than a day may require these measures.

Take The First Step To Protect Your Home Today

These precautions should help to prevent the worst from happening to your home. To protect your home more fully, consider having your wiring inspected. Faulty wiring can lead to tremendous dangers in a power outage, such as violent power surges.

To update your wiring, contact experienced electricians today!