Finding a Trustworthy Electrician

When it comes to electrical work in your home, safety is a top priority. Faulty electrical wiring can be a fire hazard, so it’s crucial to find a reliable and certified electrician. However, there are some important things to consider before hiring one.

Even seemingly safe electrical wiring can become a safety hazard if it’s not installed correctly. For instance, lights on overloaded circuits can spark when household devices are in use. Fuses may blow or circuit breakers may trip, cutting off the power to the entire circuit. This is why working with an experienced residential electrician is essential to avoid these issues.

Types of Electrician

Master Electrician: This expert has passed a standardized test and has a minimum of two years of experience. They have a deep understanding of the National Electrical Code and any state-specific amendments to it. They are licensed to design, install, and maintain electrical systems.

Journeyman Electrician: While not holding a master’s license, a journeyman electrician in Myrtle Beach is still state-certified. They can install electrical wiring and devices but cannot design systems.

Identifying a Qualified Electrical Expert:

To determine if an electrical expert is skilled and qualified, pay attention to the quality of their work. Well-done electrical work should be neat and organized, with wires and cables arranged systematically. If you notice wires crossing or hanging haphazardly, it’s a sign that the electrician may not be taking the necessary care.

When Working with an Electrical Expert:

Have Plans in Place: For significant projects like whole-house repairs, architects or engineers usually create plans. These plans detail outlet placements, switch locations, and the types of fixtures to be used.

Coordinate Purchases: Before making any purchases yourself, coordinate with the electrical contractor. They may have a preferred supplier or a discount that can help you save on materials. Provide the contractor with a list of your preferences, including product names, model numbers, and where you found them.

Consider Warranty and Accountability: When the Myrtle Beach electrician makes the purchases, they assume responsibility for warranty issues, damaged products, faulty items, and missing parts. This can save you time and hassle in the long run.

In conclusion, ensuring the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical systems is essential. If you need help with electrical wiring or repairs, it’s advisable to reach out to a trusted electrical contractor. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle your electrical needs safely.

For reliable electrical services, consider contacting a professional electrical company like MB Electrician Pros. They have licensed electrical contractors you can rely on for your home’s electrical projects.

Your safety and peace of mind are their top priorities. Call MB Electrician Pros now.

Like our Facebook page for more info about our services.

MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com

Home Improvement: DIY or Hire a Professional Electrician?

Before actually doing a home improvement project, there are a few things to consider like plumbing and electricity. Initially, you have to consider whether to do it yourself (DIY) or hire a home professional. Will you need to hire an electrician or a plumber? This is an important decision to make before you proceed with your home improvement plans. To help you decide, here are the opinions of experts who have worked on a range of various projects.

Home Improvement Project According to Expert Electrician

Home improvement projects are not simple and easy projects, especially if it entails complicated outlets and circuits or plumbing. Home professionals suggest planning everything ahead of time and looking at all aspects of projects including

• how big it would be
• what it would entail
• costs included
• how long it would take

It is best to contemplate and finalize everything while still in the planning stage as it is easier to change things on the drawing board rather than while the project is ongoing.

To determine what route to take – either to hire a home professional or do it yourself – you have to ask yourself whether you have all the required skills for your home improvement project. Of course, there are different types of home improvement projects and each one requires a different and specific skill. Attempting to do something by yourself when you lack the necessary skills and knowledge will only result to disasters and accidents.

Hence, it is best to primarily assess your skills first before jumping into the project, especially if your project includes

• changing of electrical wiring
• rearranging water pipes
• fixing your HVAC system.

These specific tasks should be best left to professionals and highly skilled workers.

Keep in mind that doing a home improvement project by yourself is not only about saving money. Yes, you increase knowledge and gain experience by doing something for the first time without help from professionals. But what if you made a mistake? Hiring someone to fix that mistake is an added cost that could most likely be more than what you would have spent when you hired a home expert in the first place.

When to Hire a Professional and When to Do it Yourself

The specific types of home improvement project vary widely. It may be as simple as

• painting
•  changing tiles and installing sinks
• to rewiring the electrical system
• changing water pipes

For simple home improvement tasks, it is safe to choose the do-it-yourself option. These tasks are easy to learn and master for someone who has less experience in doing a home.

What’s more is the sense of fulfillment one gets after successfully completing a home improvement project without professional help, even if it is as simple as changing wallpapers or painting kitchen cabinets. Also, these simple tasks are great for people wanting to gain skills in home improvement and making a career out of it.

For larger home improvement projects, it is best to hire a home professional. However, you will have to consider whether to hire a handyman or a specialized trade professional. Again, this decision all comes down to the specific type of home improvement project and everything that is included in the project. A handyman could be hired for projects and tasks that do not require a permit. But if you’re looking to do a major home improvement with lots of different permits, then you definitely have to hire a skilled professional.

Decision Making

Before making your final decision, there are three important factors you have to primarily consider:

• all the costs involved
• the time needed to complete the task
• the safety of your home improvement project and all tasks it includes

To make the best decision, compare your two options (doing it yourself or hiring a home professional) using the three factors:

How much would it cost if you do it yourself?

Obviously, it would cost less as you wouldn’t have to pay for professional fees unlike when you hire a skilled worker.

How long would it take to complete the project?

When you do it yourself, it would most likely take it longer than when you hire a professional electrician in Myrtle Beach, a handyman or a plumber to do it; regardless of whether the home improvement task is easy, simple, or difficult.

Will the project maintain safety?

Evidently, your home improvement project would remain safe when you hire a home professional since they have years of experience doing all types of home improvement projects. Plus, they are more knowledgeable in maintaining safety and organization in the project area.

But of course, there are still other factors that you have to consider when making your decision. If you want to gain experience and increase your skills in the home improvement department, then you should definitely try doing it yourself. If the project is not that difficult and if you have extra cash to pay for any mistakes you may commit while doing the project.

On the other hand, if you want to finish the project as soon as possible and with high quality, you should then hire a skilled tradesman.

When hiring a professional, you may want to seek references from friends and families to ensure that the job will be completed on the agreed date with the highest quality. For Professional Electricians, call MB Electrician Pros.

Like our Facebook page for more info about our services.

MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com

Electrician Tips: Protecting Your Home from Holiday Fires

During the holiday season, we all enjoy the festive spirit with dazzling lights, beautiful trees, and decorations. But did you know that more house fires happen during this time than any other? It’s because of all the holiday cheer we bring inside and outside our homes. To keep your family and home safe, let’s go over some important safety tips from a professional electrician to prevent fires during the holidays.

Electrician Tips: Avoid Holiday Fires

1. Inspect Your Christmas Lights, Cords, and Power Strips

Those twinkling Christmas lights are lovely, but they can also be dangerous. The National Fire Protection Association says that Christmas lights cause almost 800 fires every year in the United States. Before you hang them up, inspect all your lights, cords, and power strips.

• Check the lights for damage and cracked insulation. If you find any, it’s best to throw them away.
• Make sure none of the bulbs are broken; replace them if needed.
• If you use extension cords, check them for damage and ensure they are rated for outdoor use if used outside.
• Inspect power strips for burn marks, scorching, or melted plastic. If you see any, replace the strip immediately.

2. Use the Right Lights for the Job

If you’re decorating outdoors, use lights that are designed for outdoor use. When in doubt, use them inside and get new ones for the outside. For Christmas trees, it’s best to use LED lights because they produce very little heat, making them safer than traditional bulbs, which can cause trees to catch fire.

3. Don’t Overload Outlets and Circuits

Overloading outlets and circuits is a major cause of fires. Large incandescent light strings use around 125 watts, so you can safely run only 11 strings on a 15-amp circuit without other devices. For small incandescent light strings, connect no more than four or five strands together, and never exceed six 5-string chains or 30 strings total on one circuit.

LED lights use less energy, so you can connect more of them together. Typically, you can safely connect 20 to 40 LED mini-light strings, depending on their length and the number of bulbs on each one. However, remember not to exceed 80% of a circuit’s capacity, which is about 1,400 watts on a 15-amp circuit.

4. Unplug or Turn Off Lights When You’re Away

A simple way to reduce fire risk is to unplug or turn off your lights and decorations when you’re not at home or before going to bed. This way, you’ll be aware of any issues as they happen.

5. Consider Installing Separate Circuits for Outdoor Decorations

If you love decorating the outside of your house, consider having a residential electrician in Myrtle Beach install separate circuits and outdoor outlets for your decorations. You might even need multiple circuits for all your decorations to avoid overloading. Outlets along the roof eaves are convenient, and using a switch to control them from inside can make it easier to turn everything on and off.

Stay safe this holiday season! By following these simple safety tips provided by professional electricians in Myrtle Beach, you can enjoy a festive and fire-free holiday season.

Protect your home, your loved ones, and the holiday spirit. Be safe and have a wonderful holiday season! Call MB Electrician Pros now.

Like our Facebook page for more info about our services.

MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com

Electrician Tips: Keep Your Christmas Merry and Your Bills Low

Are you all set to transform your home into a festive wonderland this Christmas? It’s that time of year to bring out the decorations, lights, and ornaments. However, all that holiday splendor can cause your electric bills to soar. Don’t worry, though! We’re here with tips from a professional electrician to help you avoid high electric bills this Christmas season.

How to Cut Down on Electricity Costs During the Holidays

Turn Off Lights at Night

While those twinkling lights look magical in the darkness, it’s best to switch them off when you head to bed. Leaving lights on overnight not only poses a fire risk but also needlessly increases your electricity bill. Remember, if no one’s awake to enjoy the lights, it’s better to give your wallet a break and turn them off.

Choose Energy-Efficient Bulbs

In the past, traditional Christmas lights with C style bulbs guzzled energy. Today, you have the option to go for energy-efficient LED bulbs. They come in various colours and styles, allowing you to save on electricity without sacrificing the festive charm.

Replace Old Lights

We understand the sentimental value attached to older decorations, but there comes a time when it’s safer and more cost-effective to upgrade your Christmas lights. Frayed wires, broken bulbs, or outdated lighting can not only increase energy costs but also pose a fire hazard. While nostalgia is powerful, it’s essential to prioritize safety and efficiency when it comes to holiday lights.

Consider an Electrical Panel Upgrade

If your home has an older electrical panel with frequently blown fuses, it’s time to think about an upgrade. Older fuse box panels can’t handle as much electricity, making them prone to issues during the holiday season. Replacing fuses can be inconvenient and unsafe. Some older panels have even been linked to electrical fires. So, for a safer and more energy-efficient holiday season, consider upgrading your electrical panel today.

Energy-Efficient Christmas Tips From A Pro Electrician

Use Timers: Set timers for your Christmas lights to ensure they turn on and off at specific times. This way, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere without keeping the lights on unnecessarily.

Unplug Decorations: When you’re not using your holiday decorations, unplug them to prevent “phantom” energy consumption. Many electronic devices continue to use electricity when plugged in, even when turned off.

Opt for Solar-Powered Decor: Consider using solar-powered lights and decorations for your outdoor displays. They harness the sun’s energy during the day and light up automatically at night, reducing your reliance on electricity.

Candlelight Ambiance: Enhance the cozy holiday ambiance by using candles instead of electric lights for some of your decorations.

Make Your Christmas Bright and Budget-Friendly

This Christmas, follow these tips to keep your home festive and your electric bills in check. If you need any electrical services or have concerns about your electrical panel, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At MB Electrician Pros, we’re here to help you make your holiday season merry, energy-efficient, and cost-effective.

Let’s make this holiday season electrically efficient! Call MB Electrician Pros now.

Like our Facebook page for more info about our services.

MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com

A Comprehensive Guide to Hiring A Trustworthy Electrician

The process of finding an electrician you can truly trust can be a daunting task, especially for homeowners who prioritize their family’s safety. The importance of hiring a skilled and dependable electrician cannot be overstated.

Faulty electrical work not only risks causing damage to your home but also undermines your faith in electricians as a whole. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that you enlist the services of a professional electrician who possesses the necessary expertise and reliability.

Why the Need for a Skilled Electrician?

Electricity and wiring are critical components of your home that demand careful and precise handling. Ideally, electrical tasks should be carried out exclusively by trained and highly skilled professionals.

Any mishandling in this domain can swiftly result in severe problems, potentially causing not only structural damage to your house but also posing a significant threat to the safety of its occupants. Therefore, the hiring of professional electricians you can trust becomes paramount.

Navigating the Path to Finding Trusted Electricians

The abundance of local electrical contractors offering their services can make the process of finding the right one quite challenging. To assist you in your quest for reliable electricians, here are some invaluable tips to consider:

Valid License Verification

Begin your evaluation by requesting each electrician under consideration to provide proof of their license. While you may not necessarily need a copy of the license, it is essential to visually confirm that it is current and up-to-date. An active license serves as a testament to the electrician’s formal training and qualifications.

Insurance Assurance

Every electrician should carry proper insurance coverage. This not only safeguards the electrician in Myrtle Beach but also protects you in the event of accidents during the course of the electrical work. Without adequate insurance, you may find yourself responsible for both property damages and the electrician’s injuries. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that the electrician you are considering is adequately insured.

Manufacturer Training Recognition

Certain electricians, particularly those engaged in larger installations like heating and cooling systems or security systems, undergo specialized training provided by specific manufacturers. To identify such highly trained electricians, look for manufacturer certifications on their website or within their office premises. This endorsement underscores their commitment to delivering high-quality service and customer satisfaction.

Request Referrals

A trustworthy electrician will readily provide you with referrals to substantiate their competence and capabilities. Take the initiative to contact these referrals, inquire about their experiences with the electrician, and gain insights into the electrician’s skills and work ethics. This firsthand information can be instrumental in making an informed decision about whether the electrician is the right fit for your electrical needs.

Guarantees and Warranties

A Myrtle Beach electrician who offers guarantees and warranties demonstrates a higher level of trustworthiness and credibility. These assurances provide you with the assurance that you can reach out to them should any issues arise as a result of their repair or installation work. It indicates their commitment to resolving any problems promptly and efficiently.

In your pursuit of finding electricians you can trust, consider reaching out to us at MB Electrician Pros. We are more than willing to engage in a discussion about our services and address your specific electrical needs.

Call MB Electrician Pros now! Your family’s safety and your home’s well-being are our top priorities.

Like our Facebook page for more info about our services.

MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com

Electrician Tips For Maintaining a Bright and Safe Holiday

As the holiday season approaches, many people in Myrtle Beach are busy decorating their homes with lights and festive adornments. But amidst the joy and merriment, there can be electrical problems that dampen the holiday spirit. From flickering lights to blown fuses, these issues can be frustrating and even risky. That’s why you’ll need to hire a professional electrician to help you out.

Here we discuss

• common holiday electrical problems
• offer tips for troubleshooting them,
• highlight when it’s best to seek help from an electrician in Myrtle Beach to ensure a safe and joyful holiday season.

Understanding Holiday Electrical Challenges

The holidays bring celebrations and decorations, but they also bring unique electrical challenges, especially in Myrtle Beach’s climate. The combination of festive decor and the need for increased power usage can lead to issues like

• overloaded circuits
• faulty wiring
• flickering lights
• blown fuses
• even electrical fires

One primary reason for these problems is the increased demand for electricity during the holidays. As more lights, decorations, and electronic devices are added to homes, the electrical system can become overwhelmed. This can result in flickering lights and blown fuses, causing frustration and potential dangers.

Myrtle Beach’s humid climate can exacerbate these issues as moisture can seep into electrical outlets and wiring, leading to corrosion and short circuits. This presents risks not only to the electrical system but also to the safety of the home.

DIY Solutions for Minor Electrical Issues

As the holiday season approaches, being prepared for minor electrical complications is essential. While some issues may require professional assistance, there are DIY solutions that can help with minor electrical problems during the holidays.

If you encounter flickering lights or blown fuses, try unplugging some holiday decorations or electronic devices. Overloading the electrical system can often be the culprit. Reducing the number of items on the same circuit can alleviate the strain and prevent further problems.

If moisture is a concern, ensure that outdoor decorations and electrical connections are adequately weatherproofed to prevent corrosion and short circuits due to the humid Myrtle Beach climate.

For minor issues, trying these DIY solutions first can be effective. However, if problems persist or become more severe, it’s crucial to contact a licensed electrician for professional help.

Recognizing When to Call a Professional Electrician

While DIY solutions can address minor issues, there are times when it’s essential to enlist the expertise of a professional residential electrician. If you experience persistent problems like flickering lights or frequent blown fuses, it’s a sign of a potentially serious underlying electrical problem that requires professional attention.

Moreover, if you encounter electrical issues involving exposed wires, sparking outlets, or any signs of electrical fire, immediate action is necessary. These situations pose significant safety risks and should not be handled without professional assistance.

Knowing when to call a professional electrician ensures that electrical problems during the holidays are swiftly and safely resolved. Your peace of mind and the safety of your home and family are worth the investment in professional help.

Tips for Preventing Future Electrical Issues During the Holidays

To ensure a safe and hassle-free holiday season, here are some tips to prevent future electrical problems:

• Be mindful of electrical load: Avoid overloading circuits by spreading out your decorations and using multiple outlets.
• Use surge protectors: Invest in surge protectors for electronic devices to safeguard against power surges caused by electrical problems during the holidays.
• Inspect outlets and cords: Regularly check for damaged cords and ensure outlets are secure and undamaged.
• Consider LED lights: Use LED lights for holiday decorations as they are energy-efficient and generate less heat, reducing the risk of electrical problems.
• Call a professional: If you’re unsure about your electrical system’s safety or encounter persistent issues, don’t hesitate to contact a professional Myrtle Beach electrician for inspection and repairs.

By following these tips, you can prevent future electrical problems during the holidays and enjoy a safe and joyful season with your loved ones.

If you have any electrical concerns during the holidays or at any time of the year, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional electrician. Your safety is our priority. Call MB Electrician Pros now for assistance.

Like our Facebook page for more info about our services.

MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com

Electrician Tips: Fixing Power Cords and Plugs

Power cords and plugs are essential components found in most household appliances and electronics. Whether it’s your computer or electric stove, these elements share common traits when it comes to repair. Here are some tips from a professional electrician that you need to be familiar with.

Knowing how to mend a broken power cord or plug can save you from frustrating situations. If you’re unsure about handling these issues, here are some practical tips to assist you in addressing power cord and plug problems.

Electrician Tips: Power Cord and Plug Problems

Identify the Source of Problems

Regularly inspect all your appliance cords for signs of wear and tear. Sometimes, the issues may not be visible, so it’s crucial to dedicate time each month to check each power cord. To confirm if a cord is faulty, use a continuity tester. This device can determine if a cord or plug is working efficiently. When a cord is faulty, the tester will indicate it by lighting up or buzzing.

If the tester signals an issue, remove the plug and test all the points on the cord. If the tester consistently lights up or buzzes along the cord’s test points, the problem likely lies in the plug. Once you’ve pinpointed the source of the electrical problem, replace that specific part before attempting to use the appliance.

Replacing an Appliance Cord

To replace a power cord, start by removing the worn-out one. Some appliances allow for easy cord removal by taking off the cover from a connection box. For others, you may need to partially disassemble the appliance to access the terminals and detach the cord. Typically, a clamp or strain-relief device secures the cord in place.

Loosen the clamp or remove the strain-relief device to safely remove the cord. When installing the new cord, don’t forget to reattach the strain-relief device or tighten the clamp. Mishandling these components can lead to damage, so replace them if necessary before using the appliance.

Creating New Connections

Certain appliances have conductor ends that loop around terminal wires. When making new connections, carefully strip about 2 inches of the cord’s outer insulation. Strip about half an inch of the insulation from the end of each conductor wire. Twist the wire filaments that are exposed into solid prongs. Loosen each terminal screw and loop each twisted wire filament around its respective screw. Once completed, tighten the screws firmly.

Fixing Faulty Plugs

When the issue resides within the plugs, you can simply remove and replace them with new ones. To replace a worn-out plug, you’ll typically need to open and disassemble it. There are two types of plugs found in appliances: male plugs and female plugs. Male plugs have two blades or two blades and a grounding prong and are designed to fit into electric outlets. Female plugs have terminal holes rather than blades and are often used at the appliance end of the cord. Female plugs may be held together by either rivets or screws. While screw-held plugs can be taken apart and repaired, those held together by rivets cannot.

Replacing Plugs

Before replacing the plugs, open them and check whether the conductor wires are correctly attached to the plug’s screw terminals. Loose or improperly connected wires can cause plug failures. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed with plug replacement.

Attaching a New Male Plug

After removing the faulty male plug, insert the cord through the plug opening, pushing it in until about five to six inches of cord are inside. Strip about 2 inches of the cord’s outer insulation and use a wire stripper to get rid about half an inch of the outer insulation from each conductor wire. Twist the exposed filaments into solid prongs and loop them around the screw terminals before tightening the screws. If the screws have different colors, match them with the colors of the exposed wires.

Once the wires are securely fastened to the terminal screws, you should slide down the cardboard insulator over the plug blades. If there’s a clamp-type sleeve, ensure it’s firmly secured around the cord. If you’re uncertain about any of these steps, don’t hesitate to contact a residential electrician.

If you find these cord and plug repair tasks intimidating, consider reaching out to your local electrician in Myrtle Beach. Periodic inspections of your home’s electrical system can prevent potential disasters.

Ready to Ensure Your Home’s Electrical Safety?

Don’t wait until problems arise—prioritize your home’s electrical safety.

For professional assistance, reach out to MB Electrician Pros today. Your safety and peace of mind are worth the investment.

Like our Facebook page for more info about our services.

MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com

Electrician Tips: Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Lights

It’s that exciting time of the year again! You’ve taken out your festive decorations, and your holiday lights are ready to light up your surroundings. Now, let’s ensure your lights keep shining without any interruptions and keep you and your loved ones safe during this joyful season. Here are some tips from a reputable electrician.

Every December, we assist homeowners with power problems caused by holiday lights. To help you avoid unnecessary headaches and expenses, as well as stay safe, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide.

Electrician Tips For Your Holiday Lights

Step 1: Understanding Potential Issues

After you’ve adorned your yard with dazzling lights, it’s essential to be prepared for potential power outages. These outages can affect not only your holiday lights but also other parts of your home. Imagine losing power to

• your garage freezer filled with valuable game meat
• your malfunctioning garage door opener when you need to get to work
• even finding no electricity in your bathroom when you want to use your hair dryer.

We’ve seen it all!

The main culprits behind these scenarios are:

Moisture: Water can enter your yard through rain, sprinklers, or dew, posing a danger when mixed with electricity. Our GFCI outlets are designed to cut off power when moisture is detected to keep you safe.

Overloaded Circuits: When circuits have more electricity running through them than they can handle, the circuit breaker trips to prevent overheating.

Electrical Shorts: Electrical shorts occur when electricity takes an unintended path due to damaged or old wiring insulation. This often leads to a circuit breaker tripping.

Now that you know what can go wrong, let’s talk about how to prevent these problems.

Step 2: Setting Up Lights and Decorations Safely

Choose Lights Carefully:

When using string lights from previous years or purchasing new ones, make sure they are UL-listed and suitable for outdoor use. Check for damage such as cracks, frays, or exposed wires in the cords and replace damaged strings. When replacing bulbs, match the wattage/voltage as indicated on the original package. Always unplug the lights before changing bulbs.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the maximum number of connected light strings. You can also consult your Myrtle Beach electrician.

Proper Installation:

To minimize outages and safety risks, install your lights in a way that keeps them dry.

• Seal connections between lights
• position plug connections in protected, dry areas
• hang lights under awnings when possible
• Use fasteners that won’t damage wire insulation, such as insulated staples.

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Plug into a GFCI Outlet:

Because outdoor decorations are exposed to moisture, plug them into GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected outlets. GFCI outlets cut off power when they detect a potential water and electricity hazard. Locate the GFCI protecting your holiday lights‘ circuit in advance and test it for proper operation.

Overloading Prevention:

Consider the appliances already using the same circuit as your holiday lights. Avoid overloading the circuit, especially if it also powers appliances like refrigerators or freezers. Installing a dedicated circuit for your holiday decorations is a wise choice to prevent overloads.

Outlet Protection:

Ensure the outlet you use is protected from the elements. For outdoor outlets, use in-use weatherproof covers to shield them while lights are plugged in.

Maintain Electrical Breakers:

Regularly flip the breaker that powers your holiday lights to keep it working correctly. Older breakers may need replacement if they fail to cut off power.

Use Extension Cords Wisely:

If you require extension cords, choose outdoor-rated, UL-listed, and 3-wire grounded cords. Select the appropriate length for the distance you need to cover. Avoid daisy-chaining multiple short extension cords, as this can lead to overheating. Ensure indoor outlets are also GFCI-protected when using extension cords indoors.

Safety Considerations:

Be cautious of overhead power lines, use fiberglass ladders for safety, and keep decorations away from power lines and tree branches that may contact them. Consider the safety of children and pets when decorating.

Part 3: Troubleshooting Power Outages

If you encounter minor power issues with your lights, follow these steps to troubleshoot:

• Wait for moisture to dry if present.
• Reset the GFCI protecting your lights’ outlet.
• Unplug lights and decorations, reset the GFCI outlet, and test with another device.
• If power is restored, plug in the lights. If not, proceed to the next step.
• Reset the circuit breaker for your lights.
• Repeat the same process: unplug, reset the breaker, and test with another device.
• If power is restored, plug in the lights. If not, check your lights for damage, loose connections, or cut cords.
• Reset any other in your home.

If power is restored, plug in the lights. If not, consult a professional electrician in Myrtle Beach.

To ensure a hassle-free and safe holiday season, consult with a professional licensed electrician. Our team is here to help you with your electrical needs and troubleshooting.

For quality services from a reputable electrician, call MB Electrician Pros today to make your holiday season brighter and safer!

Like our Facebook page for more info about our services.

MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com