Resources

FAQ

My power is out. What do I do?

ln house – Sometimes you’ll notice approximately half your circuits are not working, or an appliance may seem to turn on but not function properly. This usually means one of the hot wires entering your home or building from Edison is somehow interrupted. Call the electric company.
Whole house – Again, a problem with the electric company. Could be a local transformer out, or a larger system-wide problem.
Small area of home – Usually a problem with internal wiring. Call us.

This may indicate a problem with the electric company. This may also indicate loose wiring either within your home or outside. It could also be a sign of an undersized circuit or undersized electrical service.

– You live in an area that is prone to frequent electrical outages.
– You want to ensure operation of basic home or business mechanical functions such as heat, sump pumps, wells, and refrigeration.
– You want to ensure continued operation of home medical devices, such as oxygen machines, sleep apnea machines, electric hospital beds, etc.
– For peace of mind if you are a senior, or have parents who desire to live independently.
– You rely heavily on computers, and want to ensure their continued operation to minimize loss of sensitive data (when used with UPS Systems).

Ground Fault Protection (GFCI) Code: Requires GFCI protection (GFCI outlets) near most water sources, outside locations, garages, unfinished basements and crawl spaces. GFCI’s prevent persons from being electrocuted due to accidental contact with electricity.
Arc Fault Protection (AFCI): Michigan Code supersedes National Electrical Code for AFCI’s.  AFCI’s are no longer required in Michigan residential 1 and 2 family home construction.
Hot Tubs: Hot tubs generally require a 50amp Ground Fault (GFCI) protected circuit. They also require 1 GFCI 120v receptacle within 10 feet, but no closer the 5 feet, from the edge of the tub.
Pools: Pools have special GFCI, grounding, and bonding requirements.

Surge protection will help minimize damage to sensitive electronics and appliances in the event of lightning or other electrical surges. You can buy individual surge arrestors for each appliance, and/or have whole-home surge arrestors installed at the electrical panel.

If you are tired of replacing fuses or you need room for more circuits in your existing panel, then it may be time to consider a service panel upgrade. Increasing the size of the panel and the service cable coming into your home or building may help reduce intermittent dimming of lights.

In exchange for a lower rate, you agree to allow the electric company to interrupt the power to your central air for up to 15 minutes per hour. This interruption is usually not noticeable, and allows the electric company to better manage their electric demand. Interruptible AC requires some rewiring and a separate meter. The cost of this work usually pays for itself in the long run.

TERMINOLOGY

Electricity – Energy made available by the flow of electric charge through a conductor.

Volt – The measurement of electrical force.

Amp – Measurement of the flow of electricity.

Watt – Measurement of total electricity used. Equals volts (force) x amps (flow).

Kilowatt-hour-KWH – This is how the power company measures your electric usage. Equals watts x hours used / 1000. Commercial rates are usually slightly higher.

Ohm – Measures resistance to electric flow in electrical conductors.

AFCI – Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. 2006 National Electrical code requires AFCI protection on all circuits serving bedrooms. AFCI’s detect small electric arcs in wiring due to loose connections, frayed or kinked cords, wiring in walls which is nailed or screwed into.

GFCI – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. Code requires GFCI protection (GFCI outlets) near most water sources, outside locations, garages, unfinished basements and crawl spaces. GFCI’s prevent persons from being electrocuted due to accidental contact with electricity.

Single Phase Power – Primarily Residential Use. Usually consists of two “hot” legs, one “neutral” leg plus “ground.” E.g.: “120/240volt single phase.”

Three phase Power – Primarily Commercial/Industrial Use. Usually consists of three “hot” legs and one “neutral” leg plus “ground.” E.g.: “277/480volt three phase” or “120/208volt three phase,” among others.

Transfer Panel – For use with Back-up Generators. Code requires these panels for proper tie in of back-up generators to your electrical system. Transfer Panels prevent your generator’s power from going back onto utility lines, possibly harming utility workers.

LINKS

Professional Memberships and Trade Organizations

BIA-SM – Builders Industry Association of Southeast Michigan (residential builders).
CAM – Construction Association of Michigan
Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce (Lyon Area Chamber)
IAEI – International Association of Electrical Inspectors.
NEMA – National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Trade Shows:
Shows at Suburban Collection Showplace
Novi Home Remodeling Show (for homeowners)

Power Companies:
Detroit Edison
Consumer’s Energy

State and National Electrical Codes and Licensing:
NFPA – National Fire Protection Association (publishers of the National Electric Code).
Michigan Dept of Construction Codes, Electrical Division.

Click the Link Below for Energy Saving Tips:
Energy Efficiency Guide