Electrical Safety Tips for Spring Cleaning

It is time to electrify your spring cleaning list! Spring cleaning is an ideal time to assess your home’s electrical needs. You can start by prioritizing what electrical items in your home need repair, electrical items that require simple organization, or larger tasks that need to be placed into the hands of a trusted, licensed electrician. Once you have a general idea of what needs to be completed, you can tackle that spring cleaning list!

Taking care of our customers is our top priority, which is why we outlined a list of electrical safety tips to add to your spring cleaning list:

  • Inspecting cords and receptacles in the home: It is important to inspect cords and receptacles in the home. Frayed or worn out cords should be disposed of and replaced to prevent any electrical accidents and possible fires.
  • Cluttered areas: It is important to organize cluttered areas that are utilizing multiple electrical strips or overloaded strips. Less is best. Utilizing zip ties to keep wires neatly together and labeling each cord can help tidy up these busy areas. Disposing of cords that are worn, frayed, or no longer needed is recommended.
  • Cleaning Electronics: Removing dust from electronics that are stationed on the floor is important to lengthen the lifespan of the electronics. Removing dust prevents damage and possibly prevents any electrical hazards such as fire or short circuits. Utilizing dust covers on electronics is an option for reducing dust accumulation.
  • Assessing the age of wires: If any electrical wires are 30 years or older, McCabe Electric recommends scheduling a free estimate, we will come to your home and provide you with upgraded wiring options. Wires that are 30 years or older are a safety hazard due to deterioration, possible loose connections and short circuiting.
  • Cracked sockets: Cracked sockets could potentially allow wires to be exposed which could lead to shock or other safety hazards. Repair by an electrician is highly recommended.
  • Flickering lights: One of the most common calls we receive from our customers is their concern regarding flickering lights. There are many reasons a light can be flickering: a faulty or loose wire, an incorrect bulb that is being used or a failing light fixture. When in doubt, call McCabe Electric and our trained electricians will troubleshoot and most times repair the issue that day!
  • Burning smells: A burning smell in the home can definitely be concerning. There are multiple possibilities when it comes to this type of smell in the home. If you have just fired up your furnace for the first time in a while, this smell can be normal however you should contact your trusted HVAC contractor to ensure your HVAC system is working properly. An electrical burning smell could be from a faulty appliance, frayed wires, or water that is seeping into an electrical component. When in doubt we recommend calling McCabe Electric or your local fire department if it is an immediate emergency.
  • Loose wiring: If you see any loose wiring during your spring cleaning, please contact McCabe Electric and we will set up a service to assess and repair the wiring issue. 

If you need assistance with any electrical projects, McCabe Electric, Inc. Is here to help! We provide service calls and free estimates for larger projects. Please email [email protected] or you can contact us at 609-581-0788

10 Things Electricians Do When They Move Into a Home

Electrician Safety Comfort Tips2When you custom build a home, you can control the electric service, lighting and placement choices. But for most home buyers, these decision have been made by the builder or previous home owner. So here’s a few things electricians will do to improve the safety, comfort and convenience in their new home:

  • Replace all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Whether you upgrade for performance and reliability or replace with the same brand is a matter of choice – but always replace them to keep you and your family safe.
  • Upgrade the electrical service with new panel. Today’s homes use a lot of electric power to support appliances, computers and entertainment devices. Inadequate or obsolete panels can cause overloading, system shut downs and even fires. To stay connected and safe, many older homes benefit from an electric panel upgrade.
  • Install a whole house surge protector to keep appliances and computers safe from unexpected power surges.
  • Installation of LED and recessed lighting. By far the most energy efficient, cleanest and most eco-friendly way to illuminate your home. Their long life and energy efficiency also save you money.
  • Installation of ceiling fans in bedrooms and family room. With so many designs and options, ceiling fans improve the comfort, style and lighting in any room. They provide cooling in the summer and push warm air down to keep you comfortable in winter. They really are a year-round value!
  • Installation of back-up generator. Whether you choose a portable generator panel or an automatic standby generator, it keeps you connected. It’s especially helpful in areas that are prone to power outages or for those who operate a business from their home.
  • Installation of GFCI receptacles. These shut off electric power if a ground fault occurs to prevent electrocution and insure safety. They should be used in all bathrooms, kitchens, garages, unfinished basements, laundry rooms and on the exterior of your home.
  • Replace receptacles with tamper resistant devices for child safety.
  • Installation of LED under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. It is an inexpensive way to add style and value to the room while improving energy efficiency and lighting. With so many options, you can create the right mood for your family’s favorite gathering spot.
  • Replace builder grade or prior owners light fixtures with something that is “our” style. Light fixtures are an accessory – so we want them to enhance the look and feel of the room.

Whether you are just moving in or been in your home for a while, these are some upgrades you may wish to consider for safety, comfort and convenience.

If you are local in Central New Jersey, give us a call at 609-581-0788 for a free estimate

Security and Landscaping Lighting

McCabe Electric, Inc. is fantastic.  They get you on the schedule immediately and do a great job with fair prices! MM- Millstone, NJ. January, 2025 (Pool Wiring).

These guys are the best in the business. Timely and efficient service, they always clean up after themselves and the work is fantastic. They are certainly worth every penny and I highly recommend! EC, Hamilton, NJ. January 2025 (Kitchen Renovation)

Commercial Lighting & Electric Installs

New offices require a special skill set to ensure that lighting and electric panels are installed to code specifications. We have certification in the area of new construction and work with builders to inspect, install & certify buildings before they open.

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Standard installations done right the first time

NJ Electrician Code Experts

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Safe practices are our focus

Working with electricity has it’s hazards. We continually educate our team in the best practices for safety. We want our technicians to be safe sa well as our customers. We can inspect your home to make sure that all your outlets are properly installed and all your fixtures are correctly grounded and secured.

NJECA

Member of NJECA

Safety and best practices are our prioriy

Over 20 years Experience

We are leaders in the central NJ region in the field of electrician work for residential and commercial projects. Our team can handle inspection service, code remediation, rewires, rehabs and new home wiring.

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We welcome your questions.

Contact us for a quote on your project today

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Recessed & LED Lighting

Residential electric projects are one of our specialties. We can provide clever design for your kitchen. We’ll set up[ neat, efficient lighting to make your kitchen functional any time of day.

 

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Put our expertise to your benefit, we look forward to working on your project.

Get started TODAY!

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