Electricity is the main source of power in our homes but must be properly regulated for safety. Overloads of electrical power can result in damage to wires, appliances, machinery, etc., which may result in a fire. But, fortunately circuit breakers are 
on the job. The idea of a circuit breaker or fuse is to disconnect your home’s internal circuit from the power main when excessive voltage tries to pass through. The main purpose of a circuit breaker is to protect your home and its electrical components from an electrical surge. Breakers provide short-circuit protection as well as overloading of circuit wires which could result Continue reading “Understanding Circuit Breaker vs. Fuses “
Month: March 2016
Space Heater Safety Tips
Stay Warm and Safe This Winter!
Now that winter has arrived many of us will be spending more time indoors. The winter months are a great time to curl up with a good book or catch up on your favorite TV shows. If you have a drafty room or chilly area in your house that you need to heat for a brief time a properly used portable electric
space heater can be a great alternative to turning up the thermostat to heat the whole house. While they can provide welcome warmth in these chilly spots, they can also pose safety risks if not used correctly. With a few simple safety tips and precautions, you can prevent most heating fires and accidents. Continue reading “Space Heater Safety Tips”
Home Smoke Detector Safety Guide
Your smoke detector is the most essential safety fixture in your home. In the US every year there are approximately 350,000 home fires which result in over 2,500 deaths. Of these more than half of deaths occur during fires in which no working smoke alarm
is present!
Early detection of fires is critical to saving lives and smoke alarms are an essential component in alerting a family to a home fire. Smoke and toxic fumes migrate faster than flames which account for the fact that most deaths are the result of inhalation of these toxic substances.
Almost all homes in the US have smoke alarms. Surprisingly, 20% Continue reading “Home Smoke Detector Safety Guide”
Does Your Home Have Knob & Tube Wiring?
One of the charms of living in New England is the large number of beautiful older homes here. When renovating or updating these homes however there are a number 
of age related issues you may run into. One of these is an old type of electrical wiring known as Knob and Tube wiring. With 35 years of experience working in these lovely older homes, Gibbons Electric has extensive knowledge of determining if your home has live Knob and Tube wiring and how best to Continue reading “Does Your Home Have Knob & Tube Wiring?”
Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician
Finding the right electrician for your home or business electrical project is more than just a cost consideration. You will want to ensure that the job is 
accomplished professionally and most importantly safely. Given that home electrical distribution and lighting systems are the fourth leading cause of home fires, according to The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), hiring an electrician that is licensed and insured may not always be enough. Ask the following questions which will assist you making the best selection for a the best qualified electrician with Continue reading “Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician”