FAQs

Delaney's Electric, Inc. is dedicated to increase electrical safety at home and in the workplace by providing knowledgeable and professional service to our customers as well as safety information and tips to protect your home, children, pets and workplace from electrical hazards.

• Why do some outlets have test and reset buttons?
  • They're called ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs. These devices monitor the flow of electricity through the outlet's circuit. If there is any variation in the current, the GFCI will automatically cut the power, preventing injury.
• If the GFCI is working, is there any danger of electric shock?
  • Even if the GFCI is working properly, people can still be shocked. However, the GFCI can act quickly to prevent electrocution.
• What is the difference between fuse boxes and circuit breakers?
  • Fuse boxes and circuit breakers are types of service panels that perform the same function: if a circuit is overloaded, the fuse will blow or the breaker will trip to prevent damage to the rest of the system. A circuit breaker can be reset where as a fuse operates only once and must be replaced. If your breakers or fuses trip repeatedly, call an electrician because you may have a problem with your electrical system.
• What should I do if an appliance continues to blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker?
  • Appliances that repeatedly blow fuses or trip circuit breakers should be unplugged, repaired or replaced. Also any appliance that shocks you should be unplugged, repaired or replaced.
• When is an electrical inspection recommended?
  • The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend electrical inspections for homes over forty years old, homes ten years and over with any major renovation or major appliances added, and homes at the time of resale to provide consumers with a greater awareness of the condition of the electrical system, including capacity, limitations, potential hazards and safety solutions.
• How do I protect my home from electrical hazards?
  • Electrical systems age and can become overloaded, particularly in older homes. Over the years as more lighting, appliances and equipment are added, the electrical system becomes overburdened and problems can develop. If fuses blow or circuit breakers protecting branch circuits trip frequently, new branch circuits or other repairs may be necessary. A qualified licensed electrician can determine if repairs are necessary and can estimate the cost.
  • Consider installing an arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which detect arcs in electrical systems, a leading cause of electrical fires and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which can protect from lethal electrical currents.
  • Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren't overloaded. Also check extension cords to make sure they are not frayed, damaged, or placed under rugs or furniture.
  • Make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures and lamps.
  • One of the most important precautions consumers can take is to test GFCIs and smoke detectors monthly. Replace smoke detector batteries annually.
• What is the difference between a Direct Current (DC) and a Alternating Current (AC)?
  • A direct current (DC) is a unidirectional flow, while an alternating current (AC) reverses direction repeatedly. The time average of an alternating current is zero, but its energy capability (RMS value) is not zero.

Delaney's Electric, Inc provides electrical services for Contractors, Residential Property Management, Realtors, and Insurance Agents. We stand behind the quality of our service with a solid guarantee. Please call (970) 834-1715 or Contact Us for an estimate.