If you’re planning on selling your home in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, it’s extremely important that you make sure everything is up to code. Some code violations are illegal, others can be dangerous—some are both!

Wiring mistakes – most wiring mistakes are made by handymen doing electrical work instead of certified electricians. Among the worst we’ve seen are electrical systems that were hooked up using extension cords instead of dedicated electrical wires!

Overcrowding with too many wires – overcrowding is another sign of a contractor who didn’t know quite what they were doing. Since poorly maintained wires can get hot, any place where there are masses of wires packed tightly together can create a major fire hazard.

Exposed wires or junction boxes – frayed or exposed wires can pose a major electrical safety hazard and should be either replaced or patched up. And while junction boxes should be within reach, they should not be so easily accessible that they can accidentally be touched.

Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI) outlets or breakers not working properly – GFI outlets are especially important for the kitchen, bathroom, and anywhere else where water or humidity could create an electric shock risk. If these outlets are not working properly, you could be in danger without even realizing it!

Mixing line- and low-voltage wires together – the National Electric Code (NEC) expressly forbids this, but we often see it, especially when dealing with HVAC installations.

Light fixture or ceiling fan installed without a junction box – junction boxes are required to be installed so they are always accessible and are used to run multiple conductors in two or more directors. The most common problem we see is junction boxes installed out of reach in a concealed wall or ceiling space.

Missing or damaged switch and outlet covers – plate covers on switches and outlets are important for preventing electric shocks. If you’ve recently painted or remodeled the room, you may have taken the covers off. Make sure you put them back on!

Damaged outlets – damaged outlets can cause appliances and anything plugged into the outlet to malfunction and can also create a major fire risk.

These days, many home sellers are seeing the value of having an electrical inspection prior to putting their home on the market. Having the ability to correct any electrical code violations ahead of time may help in avoiding delays in the negotiation and sales transaction.

If you’re planning on selling your home in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, call Kolb Electric! We can perform an electrical inspection and make any necessary electrical code corrections. Don’t wait—call us today!

The pool at your Tampa home is an excellent place to enjoy recreation, to relax, or even to host events and parties. But are you getting the most out of your pool design? The use of light can add not only dynamic appeal to your space, but provides a greater level of safety. Not to mention the fun of a nighttime pool party!

Electric cars like the Tesla are rapidly growing in popularity—more so than any type of car in the industry. At some point, it’s safe to assume that vehicle powered primarily by electricity will be the standard for the automotive industry, so it’s important for the infrastructure in the U.S. to change in order support electric vehicles. Electric cars save energy, promote health, and are environmentally friendly, so they can offer a number of great benefits, and if you’re considering purchasing an electric vehicle, it’s important that you prepare your home for the change.

When it comes to residential Tesla and other electric vehicle chargers, it’s generally recommended that you install a Level 2 charger. Here some basic information about Level 2 charging devices:

Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are what most homeowners have access to. Level 1 electric vehicle chargers use standard household outlets, and it’s common for electric cars to come with Level 1 charging cords that cna be directly plugged into your home’s outlets. The downside of Level 1 chargers is that they’re limited to about 120 volts, which means that they can take up to 22 hours to charge your car.

Level 1 chargers are probably not a feasible option unless your car is a plug-in hybrid.

Our professional Princeton electricians recommend Level 2 chargers for residential electric vehicle charging. Level 2 chargers supply 240 volts of electricity to your car, so they can significantly reduce charging times. You’ll be able to fully charge your car in as few as three to four hours.

Installing Level 2 chargers will probably require some adjustments to your home’s electrical wiring, but our Princeton electricians will be able to handle the job.

The primary benefit of a Level 2 charger is the significant reduction in charging time. You’ll be able to charge your car much more quickly, which gives you more flexibility when it comes to using your automobile. Your car can easily be fully charged over night, or while you enjoy a meal and complete some household duties.

Level 2 chargers can also help you save money on your electrical expenses. They’ll allow you to charge your vehicle at strategic times when electrical demand is lower. You can take advantage of lower electrical costs during the night, which help maximize energy savings on an already efficient vehicle.

Lights are one of the greatest things about the holidays. You’ll find them in trees, colorfully decorating home exteriors; you’ll even find them on vehicles. And honestly, we love it. Lighting is one of the keys to the spirit of the season and an integral part to this time of the year. But, as we’re all well aware, they aren’t exactly the easiest thing in the world on your energy bills.

Looking for ways to keep your holiday lighting costs at a minimum this year? With more than 25 years of experience and knowledge, we can give you a hand! Sit back, relax, and let the certified electricians at Hoffman Electrical show you some quick and simple ways to lower holiday lighting costs!