Have you ever been sitting in your house and noticed a humming sound? This can be an annoying sound even though it is quiet it is still a noise that is in the background of your life. The humming sound is often coming from an aspect of your electricity and it can be futile trying to figure out where it is coming from. The fact is that the sound could actually be from an appliance or outlet that could be a warning there is a problem. That is why you want to be able to pinpoint the area that the sound is coming from. Then you can alert your electrician to come out and make an adjustment or repair to the area.

Sentry Electric Lists Ways to Locate an Electrical Humming Sound in Your Home

Use a Cone to Locate Pulsating Humming Noise: Have you ever seen an old photo of someone that is hearing impaired and they have a large cone on their ear. The great thing is that we now have access to hearing aids to increase people’s ability. Although the cone is not something that should be thrown out the window. The cone can be used to attempt to locate the electrical humming sound. It seems like the sound is everywhere and using the cone will help you. You can roll up a sheet of paper and use it in your ear to zone in on the sound. The sound will bounce into the cone and deep enough into your ear so that you can pinpoint the sound.
Record the Electrical Buzzing Sound: If you want to try and hear the sound louder than it is in the home you can do a recording. It is best to get something that will record the sound such as a cellphone. Record it in the area that you are hearing it so you can replay the sound. Now you can use headphones and the volume to enhance the sound to try and determine what is sounds like.
Test Circuit Breaker: Lastly you can use the elimination method to try and locate where the sound might be coming from. The best way to do that is to go out to your electrical breaker box and switch them all off. This will stop the stream of electricity and you can listen to see if the sound is gone. If the sound stops you know that is where it is coming from. Now you can turn them on one at a time. Listen carefully to see if you can hear the humming when it starts again. This will help you know which area of the house the sound is coming from and you can eliminate the rest.
Cause of Electrical Humming: The sound can be annoying and knowing what the cause is will help you to know what you need to do. There are several items that are in your home that could be the source of the sound. One could be the lights and fixtures, the wiring in the house behind the outlets and even the circuit breaker as well.

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Sentry Electric offers electrical inspections and emergency repairs in your home. Call our office today to have your home inspected.

Most of us will suffer some electrical problems from time to time. As current passes through wire there is a tendency for the conductors to contract, very noticeable in aluminum wiring. This movement over time may loosen connections but most problems are mechanical. Dimmer Switches, switches, outlets, over loaded circuits and recessed lights are on top of the list for DIY intervention.

Electrical Power Distribution System

Overloaded outlets or circuits can be addressed through load distribution. Spreading out the draw lowers the load and will usually take care of the problem. Dimmer switches are a problem if they are cheaply made using subpar craftsmanship or shoddy materials. Change them out for a more solid component when addressing the problem. Frequently blown bulbs are usually the result of using a high wattage bulb not matched to the socket. LED’s reduce the power draw but can be brighter without overload concerns. Recessed lights flickering on and off, indicates the heat protection circuitry is trying to compensate for the wrong bulb. Check the bulb specs and buy a bulb for recessed fixtures.

Turn Off Circuit at Breaker When Doing Electrical Work

Never tackle an electrical problem without turning off and taping the breaker for the circuit you’re working on. A little tape indicates to others not to reset the breaker. Check the outlet by using a “non-contact pen-style electric tester” this will ensure you turned off the right breaker and ensures a dead circuit. When undoing wires recap them with the wire nuts until you’re done. Moisture and electrical power don’t mix and are not a positive factor for your well-being.

When is a Licensed Electrician Required?

Dimming and flickering lights indicating a loose connection demands the expertise of an electrician for fast detection of the problem and resolution. Frequent tripping of the breakers indicates either a short or bad breaker. Shorts are fire hazards and need to be addressed sooner rather than later. ASAP! (As Soon As Possible).
Buzzing, burnt or loose outlets. Plugging and unplugging are a mechanical process. Mechanical processes cause wear and tear. Plugs loosen, an appliance short can case burning of the outlet, needing replacement. Outdated two prong low load wiring may cause significant problem and should only be tackled by a pro. If your living in that dream antique house it may have knob and tube wiring, or unsafely installed aluminum wiring are very dangerous. Building codes evolve over time and are based on experience and some are bad. Outdated wiring was installed before wiring codes became the standard or when codes where not as inclusive as they are now. Modern appliances and electronics have upped the required power availability substantially in the last 40 years, older home wiring just may not be up to the demand. Back in the day a 60-amp service was sufficient, no longer. 200-400 amps is becoming the standard. Anytime your dealing with water and electrical power in the same environment it is best to turn it over to the pro.

Lighting Consultations, Fixture Installations & More in Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, Southbury, Stamford, CT & Fairfield County, Connecticut

A home built before public gas showed up will be an all-electric home and will have high circuit demands especially for major appliances like water heater, stoves and ovens, clothes dryers and air conditioning. It is always best to be safe than sorry, if in doubt call a professional. Sentry Electric can handle all your electrical needs.

Sometimes a home could use some upgrades or adjustments to make it more suited to your tastes or the latest trends. A rather intricate and dynamic role is the lighting. The dull, simple light fixture can make it difficult to see recipes, prepare meals, create delicious pastries, or even see the people gathered around the table. Getting some additional lights or adding features can be very beneficial with the varying options that are available to enhance your kitchen’s functionality and ambience. Being that kitchens that are the heart of the home where many families spend the majority of their time together, a well lit area is optimal to cook, chat, eat, work on projects, and so on. With that in mind, we at Sentry Electric would like to take the opportunity to discuss some of the options you have to better illuminate your kitchen.

Kitchen Lighting Ideas

1) Lighting centerpiece. Go for the prominently eye catching ceiling fixture on the ceiling. Leave the efforts to sufficiently camouflaged fixtures strategically placed under the cabinets when it comes to giving your kitchen the functional and adequate lighting. Consider the centerpiece of the kitchen to be a
vintage or antique fixtures on the ceiling.
2) Illuminate dark corners. Brighten those dark corners that make it difficult to see when you spend a lot of time cooking, baking, or even crafting in the kitchen and need the better lighting for the for counter space. To give off the light you need and to not get stuck in dark corners, install subtle lights under cabinets, over walk ways, stove tops, sinks and prepping areas.
3) Functional lighting for lifestyle. Keeping your sense of style is just as important, as we mentioned the heart of the home is the kitchen and having adequate lighting is important for completing tasks in the kitchen. While still having additional lights serving your needs, you can incorporate lighting fixtures that fit your home and your lifestyle. You can have the gratification of seeing the little things you love as busy yourself in the kitchen.
4) Emphasize and compliment aesthetics. To dramatically improve the feel and dynamics of your kitchen, simply replace light fixtures to correspond the overall design style of your home. Use contemporary custom light fixtures to compliment clean cut architectural lines on furniture and strikingly bold art for example.
5) Get creative. It’s okay to break away from tradition. Breaking out from traditional pendants, lighting above a kitchen island is not only beneficial, but it can add the right touch of dazzle. Get the lighting above your island to help brighten up your kitchen if it is not already installed. Choose a light fixture liken unto a skylight for a clean and uninterrupted appearance.
6) Layered lighting. Put lights on multiple levels for those that love you lighting options. Insist all lights are featured with dimmers along with multiple levels. For example, a few floor lights around an island, with functional lights under the cabinets, and the elegant ceiling lighting can give the room versatility in creating subtle ambience, or well lit working space all at the same time.

Lighting Consultations, Fixture Installations & More in Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, Southbury, Stamford, CT & Fairfield County, Connecticut

No matter what you have in mind, we at Sentry Electric can help you get your wiring set and the fixtures installed to get the lighting you want in your kitchen quickly, efficiently, and most importantly, safely! Contact us to schedule a lighting consultation today!

There are quite a few electrical services at your disposal. With the potential issues that vary from home to home the electrical rewiring can cover a long range of needs. A problem that happens in homes concerning the electrical wiring occurring in homes entails repairs, replacement, or even relocation in some cases to rectify the wiring conflicts. Because rewiring services covers a wide spectrum, we know people have their questions and we at Sentry Electric would like to take an opportunity to answer a handful of the most common frequently asked questions regarding electrical rewiring services.

Need to Update Electrical Wiring

Older homes, typically, are most likely to have rewiring concerns. Developers, homeowners, and contractors understand that newer homes need room for expansion and upgrades down the line and will frequently equip homes to handle the electrical needs of more. But since the older homes are not capable keeping up with the electrical homes, rewiring, expanding, and remodeling are often performed.

Electrical Wiring FAQ

Q: What should I know about electrical rewiring services?
A: Depending on how big the home is and what is all involved in the work, the electrical rewiring for a basic home can take a minimum of 10 days including the preparatory work and cleanup. Most electrician’s attempts to minimize the intrusion to the best of their abilities, but you have to keep in mind the work is a bit disruptive. Always feel welcome to ask your questions about the details of their work, but to expedite their process, try not to constantly disrupt their work.
Q: Should I invest in electrical rewiring services in the event my home sustained water damage or was flooded.
A: Electrical rewiring is needed in most of these situations. An inspection should be done following the water damage/flooding incident to see the extension of the damage.
Q: How do I know if my house needs to be rewired?
A: Even if your home is old, there is no solid guideline to what makes your home require an electrical rewire. You may want to consider a professional electrical rewire in the event you can relate to one or multiple of the following:
– Having an electrical inspection on a new home proves necessary to invest in rewiring services.
– Lights are flickering or not working at all.
– If deterioration of the rubber casing to your electrical wiring that was installed since the 1960s is showing.
– A recent flood/ water damage/ smoke damage inflicted your home.
Q: Is there anything I should do before my rewiring services.
A: Before your consultation, decide if you want any light fixtures changed or moved. Ask about costs and recommendations to how you need your electrical needs met. Before the service, note that there will be some construction dust-like particles when performing rewiring services. Cover up or remove sensitive electronic equipment and/or treasures from the rooms that are being rewired to keep them safe from the particles.

Electrical Wiring Services & More in Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, Southbury, Stamford, CT & Fairfield County, Connecticut

When your home needs to be rewired to accommodate the electrical output your home demands, call in the experts of Sentry Electric and let our specialists get your home rewired safely and efficiently.

We rely on electricity every day. It is an essential part of our lives. However, it is also very dangerous, especially for children. As children grow they become more curious and until they learn the dangers of electricity, it is important to protect your children. Sentry Electric would like to share some basic practices for child safety, some of which you may have all ready considered and some you may not have. Following are some of the basics of electrical safety.

Electrical Safety for Kids; Tips & Rules to Follow

1. Never overuse a single outlet or extension cords. Not only can it harm children but also is one of the common causes of electrical fires.
2. All electrical cords from all the devices in the home should be properly secured in place and away from little hands. Additionally, it helps prevent pets from chewing on the cord. This could expose the wires within which, again, is hazardous.
3. Make sure kids can’t climb fences that are near electrical substations. Make sure to keep kids away from fences and most especially metal fencing. Kids should also not play around electrical wiring systems, including flying kites outside or sticking toys inside outlets and electrical devices.
4. Make sure little ones can’t pull on cords. In so doing they can eventually strip the protective cover away from the cord and expose the wires which can cause harm and fires.
5. Don’t let children plug electrical devices into outlets. Same for charging electrical devices, often kids can put adapters in the wrong place and get electrocuted.
6. Teach your children it is dangerous to climb trees that are near or make contact with electrical lines.
7. Make sure to also teach your children how dangerous it is to mix electrical devices with water. For example hair dryers, electrical devices, and toys is not always a good idea.

Home Child Proofing Checklist & Why it is Important

When you have children under the age of five years old, it is dangerous to not properly secure your home and child proof your electrical features in your residence. Start by using outlet covers to prevent children from sticking objects into them. There are external covers that can completely lock kids out, which some say is better than just the plug-in outlet covers. Others would recommend hiding outlets with furniture as well. Extension cords or other electrical cords should be secured to the corners of the wall. There are many ways you can wrap and secure all of the cords to prevent kids from grabbing or tripping over them. It is also a good idea to seal the electronics. Keep them enclosed in entertainment centers or up high where little kids can’t grab them.

Electrical Wiring Services & More in Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, Southbury, Stamford, CT & Fairfield County, Connecticut

Teaching a child about the dangers of electricity is just as important as protecting your children from the electricity and the electrical features found all over your home. For more advice on protecting your children from electricity, or if you need help inspecting or repairing your home’s electrical features, contact Sentry Electric. We are dedicated to keeping your home and your family safe. For all of your electrical commercial and residential needs, contact Sentry Electric today.