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Colorado Electrical FAQ’s

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Holiday Electrical Checkup - 5 Steps for a Safe Celebration

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Colorado Electrical Systems.

Learn the answers to common questions about residential electrical systems and how to improve your energy efficiency and home’s safety.

At Doctor Fix-It, our customers have a lot of questions about their home’s electrical system. From a flickering lightbulb to burn patches around your outlet or even wondering when it’s time for an electrical wiring upgrade, our licensed professional electricians answer any questions that you have about the repair or installation you’re having done or anything else that has to do with your home’s wiring.

If you see something on this list that you need help with — or if you find yourself having an Colorado electrical emergency — give Doctor Fix-It a call!

Why is my smoke detector chirping?

Usually, this means that you have a low battery. However, some smoke detectors are hard-wired into your home and don’t need batteries. In that case, a chirping sound could mean a defective model. Or, it may be telling you that it’s time to replace it. Home smoke detectors and CO2 detectors typically last about 8 years. Check the date of production on yours, and if it’s older than 8 years, call Doctor Fix-It to replace it for you.

Why are my exterior lights going out so fast?

There are a few reasons. If you use cheap bulbs, they’ll burn out faster than better-quality bulbs. Larger wattage bulbs also burn out faster, as the excessive heat build-up shortens the bulb’s life. Or, you could have power surges that burn out the bulb.

Are TV, phone, or internet wiring something that the Doctor Fix-It electricians can install or move?

Cable and phone companies no longer install wiring in residential homes. Instead, consumers are responsible for hiring a licensed Colorado electrical contractor to wire TV, internet, or phone lines. Give Doctor Fix-It a call to help you add on or move wiring in your home.

There is a 110-volt outlet on the exterior of my house. Can I use this to plug my holiday decoration lights into?

Yes, but be careful how many strands are drawing power from the single outlet. If you have many strings of lights strung together, then you may overload the outlet, pushing it beyond the circuit breaker’s capacity. You may need to add additional circuits to handle your holiday decorating, call Doctor Fix-It when you need an electrical panel upgrade.

Will I need to use point-of-use surge plug-ins if I already have surge protection installed into my home's electrical wiring?

Yes, while mainline surge protection can protect your home’s wiring, there’s no absolute guarantee that your appliances and electronics will be safe if lightning hits your home or there’s a big power surge.

Will my lighting and surge protection keep me safe from lightning strikes?

No, while your surge and lighting protection may offer an additional defense, there is no 100% guarantee of safety when severe storms strike.

Can I plug 110-volt devices into my regular 110-volt outlets in my home?

Yes, but keep in mind that if the device exceeds the circuit’s capacity, then it will trip your breaker.

Can I install a ceiling fan where I have a ceiling light?

Yes, but make sure that you ask a licensed electrician to check that the electrical box is braced correctly to hold the fan and that it’s rated for its torque. In fact, it’s usually best to have an electrician handle your ceiling fan installation from start to finish. Doctor Fix-It has years of experience with ceiling fan installation and troubleshooting!

Why are my fluorescent lights cycling on and off or flickering?

Flickering lights usually mean that the bulb is almost burned out. Or, it could indicate an improperly installed bulb, or that your home is having minor power fluctuations. If your lights are cycling on and off, then there could be a problem with the ballast, which should be replaced when you replace the bulbs.

How do I reset my breaker after it tripped?

Disconnect everything that’s plugged into the outlets servicing the particular breaker switch. You may need to redistribute the electronics and appliances to different outlets to prevent the breaker from tripping again. If it’s still tripping after redistribution, call a licensed electrician at Doctor Fix-It, as this could indicate a major problem.

Why am I blowing fuses?

If you have ground fault interrupters, which are susceptible to weather conditions and moisture, then your circuit breakers can trip. Otherwise, one of the appliances plugged into the tripping breaker may be causing it to trip.

Do I need to have my home's aluminum wiring replaced?

Aluminum wiring itself is safe, but the problems that come with it involve the connections. Because aluminum is a soft metal, it can come loose as the connections expand and contract with the electrical energy that passes through them. The heat builds up in the loose connections, which eventually causes electrical failure. Usually, you’ll need a whole-house rewire.

Do You Have More Home Electrical Questions?

If you have more questions, or if you’re running into Colorado electrical problems at your home, Doctor Fix-It can help. We are your local licensed team of electricians servicing homes and businesses in the Denver, CO area. Call Doctor Fix-It today at 720-797-7373 for your electrical repair or installation needs.

We are a family-owned and operated business, proudly servicing the Denver area.

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