Understanding How the Winter Season Can Affect Your Household’s Electrical System

December 4, 2023

The winter season brings holidays, festivities, unique outdoor activities, and picturesque scenery. However, wintertime can also bring cold temperatures and precipitation that can have a negative impact on your home’s electrical system. For example, winter storms can cause power outages, and increased use of appliances can result in tripping breakers. Even the type of lighting and decor used during the winter can raise the risk of electrical fires. Since electrical systems play an integral role in the daily operation of your home, it is important to understand seasonal challenges and take precautionary steps to handle dangers or risks. A look

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Will It Damage My Electric Vehicle If I Charge It Nightly?

November 1, 2023

Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger in your Fox Valley, WI home is guaranteed to make life a bit easier. At-home charging stations eliminate the need to wait in long lines for the chance to power up. If used correctly, an at-home charger can even extend your auto’s battery life, promote enhanced battery safety, and save you money. But what if you use it nightly or overnight? Read on to find out how lengthy plug-ins and overcharging can impact your EV battery’s health. Installing and Using an at-Home Charging Station According to a U.S. charging study

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Help! Why Can’t I Reset My GFCI?

October 24, 2023

Added to the National Electric Code (NEC) in 1971, GFCI outlets have helped prevent countless injuries since their inception. Typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas, these fast-acting circuit breakers terminate electric power during ground fault events in less than a second. Faulty wiring, high levels of moisture, and build-ups of dust and other debris are just a few of the many triggers that could cause your GFCIs to trip. In most cases, resetting a GFCI in your Fox Valley, WI home should be both quick and easy. If it isn’t, the following are several possible reasons why.

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A Deep Dive Into Short Circuits

September 13, 2023

Short circuits are not just a spark or a glitch. They involve a complex interaction of currents that can lead to unexpected consequences. Join us as we navigate the details of short circuits, uncovering their causes and effects and the valuable insights they provide into the fascinating realm of electrical connections. What Is a Short Circuit? A short circuit occurs when an unintended low-resistance pathway is formed in an electrical circuit, allowing current to flow outside its intended route. This phenomenon results from a breach in isolation between conductive elements. It often leads to unintended consequences,

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How to Tell if Your Electrical System Needs to Be Upgraded

August 14, 2023

Modern households rely on electricity more now than ever before. The need for reliable and safe electricity in every home is only going to increase, meaning that your electrical system needs to keep up. However, many people neglect to upgrade the electrical systems in their homes for much longer than they should. This isn’t usually due to a lack of caring. Many people don’t know how to tell when their electrical system is due for an upgrade. Luckily, there are many symptoms of an outdated or damaged electrical system that any homeowner can learn to

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A Practical Guide to Understanding the Difference Between Watts and Amps

July 26, 2023

Electricity plays a vital role in modern life. Nevertheless, many people do not know the difference between 50-watt and 75-watt light bulbs or understand the importance of amps in the prevention of power outages. While we often take this natural phenomenon for granted, understanding the basics of electricity can provide insight into when to seek a professional for electrical maintenance and care. A look at the differences between watts and amps can create a wonderful foundation for ensuring that your home’s electrical system remains in excellent condition. What Are Watts? A watt is a unit of

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Steps You Can Take To Help Prevent an Electrical Fire in Your Home

June 13, 2023

The thought of a fire in your Fox Valley home can be quite frightening. One common cause of house fires is issues with the electrical system in your home. While it can be scary to think that a simple spark from an electrical wire could be enough to set your home ablaze, the good news is that electrical fires are largely preventable. By making a few simple changes around your home, you can have peace of mind knowing that an electrical fire is much less likely. From your friends at Black-Haak, here are some simple action steps you can take

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Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

May 13, 2023

Electricity is a powerful resource that plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It powers everything from our homes to our workplaces. However, when it comes to electrical work, it’s important to hire a qualified electrician to ensure that the job is done safely and effectively. But with so many electricians out there, how do you know who to choose? Before hiring an electrician, you should ask some important questions to ensure that you’re getting the right person for the job. Read on as we explore some of the key questions you should ask before hiring an electrician.

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4 Common Issues With Your Electrical Switches

April 13, 2023

Electrical switches are a vital component of any home’s electrical system, providing the power to turn on lights, appliances, and other devices. But like any part of your home, they can malfunction or become damaged. To keep your electrical switches functioning properly, it’s important to know how to identify and troubleshoot common issues. Let’s discuss some of the most common issues people encounter. 1. Flickering Lights Flickering lights can be both a nuisance and a cause for concern for many homeowners. While they might seem like a minor inconvenience, they can often be an indicator of

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Questions to Ask When Considering a Whole-Home Generator Purchase

March 1, 2023

When disasters such as severe storms, blackouts, or other natural phenomena occur, power can be knocked out in your area for days, if not longer. This makes it extremely challenging to keep your home safe and functional. Having a generator can be a crucial part of regaining peace of mind and ensuring survival during emergencies. Generators provide a backup power source that keep your lights, heating and cooling systems, and other appliances running when the power grid goes down. If you haven’t yet considered the purchase of a whole-home generator to keep you up and running, let’s take a look

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