All American Electric

Frequently Asked Questions
Q.	*Why do only half my outlets work in my kitchen?*
A.	Newer kitchens will have two circuits. Check your circuit breakers to see if one has tripped. Each circuit will also be protected by a GFCI outlet, make sure these have not tripped and reset them, if needed.

Q.	*I can't reset my circuit breaker, or if I do, I still can't get power to the circuit.*
A.	Be sure the breaker has been turned completely off before resetting it. Sometimes they need to be pushed hard to get to the off position.

Q.	*Do I need to do any maintenance to my fan-forced wall heater?*
A.	Yes. All heaters need to be cleaned at least once per year. This is especially needed with heaters that have fans since the fans will pull dust into them. Turn the circuit breaker(s) in your electric service panel to "OFF". Then remove the cover and vacuum any areas that can be reached. Don't forget to turn your circuit breaker back on after cleaning.

Q.	*Why should I spend extra money on a flood style lamp for my recessed can lights when a regular light bulb works just as well?*
A.	A regular light bulb allows heat to rise up into the fixture causing a fire hazard. Flood lamps reflect heat away from the fixture.

Q.	*Can I just turn the main breaker off in my service panel and plug my generator into an outlet so I don't have to purchase a transfer switch?*
A.	No. you must have a means of making a positive transfer of power from the utility power to the generator. If you should forget to turn off your main breaker, power will be fed into the utility lines causing a hazard to the workers on the power line.

Q.	*What are the advantages of "Category 5" telephone wire?*
A.	Category 5 wire is manufactured to cause less interference or "noise" to electrical equipment, such as fax machines, telephones, and computers.

Q.	*Why do I have to bury electrical wire 24" deep?*
A.	Unless electrical wire conduit is installed, direct buried wire must be installed at least 24" deep to protect it from being damaged while digging.

Q.	*Why does the electrical inspector need to see the wire in a ditch or in a wall before it gets covered?*
A.	This is done for safety to make sure it is buried in a ditch at the right depth or in a wall so that it is installed according to code.

Q.	*Why in older homes do the circuit breakers trip when I have the toaster, microwave, coffee maker or other appliances running at the same time?*
A.	Older wiring methods do not meet today's needs. Older houses did not have the need to be wired for these appliances, so you may be able to only use one appliance at a time or have your old wiring updated.

Q.	*Why do I need to have an exhaust fan in my bathrooms and laundry room when I could just open a window?*
A.	This is a building code required to minimize moisture and hazardous molds. Opening of windows does not create the vacuum needed for good air circulation.

Q.	If my circuit breaker or fuse keeps tripping, why can't I just install a larger one?
A.	Because the wire needs to be sized to the breaker. If the wire is too small it will overheat causing a fire hazard.

Q.	*If I need more light can I put in a larger wattage light bulb in my light fixture?*
A.	Check the fixture to see what the maximum wattage is allowed. Too high of a wattage bulb will cause damage to the fixture and a potential fire hazard.

Q.	Why do I need to install my light fixture into a box rather than just fastening it to the wall or ceiling?
A.	All electrical connections must be made in a fire rated electrical box because of heat produced by electricity.

Q.	What's wrong with adding an extension cord to one of my appliances if it doesn't reach the outlet?
A.	80% of electrical fires are caused by permanently installed extension cords. Extension cords are meant for temporary use only. Kitchen appliances are manufactured with a 3' cord only. All other appliances can have up to a 6' cord. An exception to this is vacuum cleaners, which have a 20' cord.

Q.	Can I add extra outlets or light fixtures on to my existing circuits?
A.	You need to know the load on your circuit. Overloading a circuit will cause a fire hazard.

Q.	Can I plug my portable 1500 watt heater into any outlet in my house?
A.	A portable heater should be plugged into a dedicated circuit. General lighting circuits are not meant to handle the load size of this size heater.

Q.	*Can my friend, who is a licensed electrician, wire my house?*
A.	Only a licensed electrician who is working for an electrical contractor with a general administrators license can legally wire your house.

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