Blog

What’s the Difference Between a Circuit Breaker and a Fuse Box?

Fuse boxes and circuit breakers are both designed to prevent electrical fires or shocks in the event of a short circuit or an overload. Although they serve the same purpose, they function in different ways. If you’re a homeowner, you should understand the difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse box, and you should know which one your home is equipped with. How a Fuse Box Works A fuse is a weak point in

Read More »

Why is My Arc Fault Breaker Tripping?

Arc fault breakers are safety devices that trip and stop the flow of current when they detect an electric arc or spark. As of 2014, NEC electric code requires contractors to install these breakers in all new kitchens and laundry rooms and in new 15 and 20 amp branch circuits. Homeowners may also be required to install arc fault breakers if they replace or upgrade their circuits. Plugging too many appliances into a circuit, incompatible

Read More »

Do Electrical Inspections Find Hazards in Clearwater Homes?

Do Electrical Safety Inspections Identify Hazards in Your Clearwater, FL Home? Keeping your home, your belongings, and your family safer can provide you with real peace of mind in Clearwater, Florida. An electrical inspection can alert you to safety issues with your electrical wiring, panel, and other devices inside your home. At Mister Sparky, we offer comprehensive electrical safety inspections that can alert you to hazards inside your Clearwater home. Our skilled and knowledgeable electricians

Read More »

Most Common Electrical Safety Hazards in Clearwater Homes

There are a number of electrical hazards that could leave your home vulnerable to significant damage. You could also be leaving your family vulnerable to bodily injury or death. Therefore, it’s important to understand what these hazards are, the signs that a hazard might be present in your home, and what you can do to mitigate an issue in a timely manner. An Overview of Common Electrical Hazards If the wiring in your home was

Read More »

How to Bug Proof Electrical Outlets

Even people with spotless homes can find bugs inside from time to time. Bugs can crawl through the tiniest cracks when they’re looking for food and shelter, and when they find a comfortable spot, they tend to stay there. Unless you locate the bugs and deal with them quickly, they’re likely to multiply. If bugs choose your electrical outlets as their new home, they can cause serious problems and damage your wiring. Knowing what to

Read More »

How To Fix a Buzzing Electrical Outlet

If you hear a buzzing noise coming from your electrical outlet, there are a few common issues that could be to blame. Depending on the cause, the underlying problem may increase your risk of experiencing an electrocution or a house fire. Because of this, it’s important to seek out professional help from Mister Sparky if you hear a faint buzzing noise coming from one of your electrical outlets. What Causes a Buzzing Noise Near Your

Read More »

What causes outlets to stop working?

Many things, from simple fixes to more complicated electrical problems, can cause outlets to quit working. Finding the root of the problem is crucial for making sure everything works properly and safely. Here are a few typical causes of malfunctioning outlets and solutions to those problems. Top Reasons an Outlet Would Stop Working Blown Fuse One of the most common and obvious causes of a non-functioning outlet is a blown fuse. This is quite common

Read More »

Can an Upgraded Electrical Panel Improve Energy Efficiency?

Upgrading your electrical panel can provide some unexpected benefits for you and your family in Clearwater, Florida. Older electrical panels and fuse boxes can often waste energy in transferring it from your electricity provider to the various areas of your home. By contrast, modern electrical panel installations often include energy-saving features that can help you manage your utility bills while enjoying reliable power for all your appliances and devices. The friendly and skilled electricians at

Read More »

How do I know if my electrical panel is outdated?

An electrical panel powers your home, providing electricity to your lights, your appliances, and your devices. Like with any system, however, panels become old and outdated. Besides limiting the flow of electricity in your home, an outdated panel can be dangerous, causing power surges or even fires. If your home has an old fuse box or outdated panel, it may be time to consider a replacement. What Is an Outdated Electrical Panel? An outdated electrical

Read More »

Choosing the Right Electrical Panel for Your Clearwater Home

How to Choose the Right Electrical Panel for Your Clearwater Home Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing panel or want to build a new home, choosing the best electrical panel will make sure your home stays safe. An electrical panel works to distribute electricity throughout your house. You want to select something efficient, convenient, and functional. Plus, it needs to be able to meet your daily energy demands. Let’s look at some options to

Read More »