Archive for the Electrical Tips Category

JQ Electric Wins Nextdoor’s 2024 Neighborhood Faves Electrician Award! When it comes to choosing the best local businesses, who better to ask than your neighbors? Each year, Nextdoor.com gives community members a chance to vote for their favorite local businesses. These businesses, loved and trusted by locals, earn the coveted Neighborhood Faves award. In 2024, JQ Electric proudly won the Neighborhood Faves award for being the best electrician in Crofton, Maryland. Here’s what makes this award special, and why JQ Electric continues to be the go-to electrician in the community. What Are the Nextdoor Faves Awards? The Neighborhood Faves awards

From winter snowstorms to summer thunderstorms, Crofton, Maryland weather can cause an unpredictable power outage. These storms can easily create a power outage for hours or even days. Preparing your home for a power outage is essential to keep your family safe and comfortable when the lights go out. By planning, you can minimize stress and handle any blackout with confidence. Here are some tips on how to get ready for a power outage. With these preparations, you’ll have peace of mind when severe weather strikes. Build an Power Outage Emergency Kit First, every home should have an emergency kit

If you’re planning a home renovation or new construction, understanding Maryland’s residential electrical codes is essential. These codes ensure that electrical work meets safety standards and helps protect your home and family from potential hazards. Let’s discuss some key Maryland residential electrical codes and standards, breaking down the essentials you need to know. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what’s required—and when it’s time to call a professional electrician like JQ Electric, serving Crofton, Maryland. The Importance of Electrical Codes Before we dive into the specific codes, let’s start by discussing why electrical codes matter. Electrical codes

Have you noticed dimming lights in your home? Flickering unexpectedly? It’s a common issue that can feel frustrating, but it might also signal an underlying electrical problem. While dimming lights may seem like a minor inconvenience, they often point to a more significant issue within your electrical system. So, why do your lights keep dimming, and what can you do about it? Let’s explore the various causes and what steps to take to fix the problem. Overloaded Circuits First and foremost, one of the most common reasons lights dim is due to overloaded circuits. When you turn on a high-powered

If you’ve ever experienced a frequently tripping GFCI outlet, you know how frustrating it can be. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shocks. When they trip, it’s usually a sign of a problem. But what exactly causes them to keep tripping? This blog will explore why GFCI outlets trip and how you can fix the issues. If you’re unsure about what’s causing the problem, keep reading. You’ll learn when it’s time to call in a professional like JQ Electric, serving the Crofton area, to help resolve electrical issues. What Does a GFCI Outlet

It’s frustrating when light bulbs blow out more often than they should. Replacing bulbs regularly isn’t just inconvenient; it might signal an underlying electrical issue. Here are some of the common reasons why bulbs burn out, and a few solutions. If you need an “electrician near me” in the Crofton area that can help solve your electrical problems, give JQ a shout. How to Prevent Future Light Bulb Blowouts While some problems require a professional, there are steps you can take to extend the life of your light bulbs: 1. Use the correct wattage: Always use bulbs that match the

Do you have a warm electrical outlet? What does it mean, and how do you handle it? Electricity is one of those things we often take for granted. We flip a switch or plug in a device and expect everything to work smoothly. But what happens when you notice something unusual, like a warm electrical outlet? Should you be concerned? Let’s explore what it means and what steps you should take to ensure your home’s safety. What Causes a Warm Electrical Outlet? Several factors can cause a warm outlet, and it’s not something to ignore. Electricity generates heat as it

Your electrical outlet is not working! This problem might have existed forever or be a recent development. Regardless, several things can cause electrical outlets to fail. These include issues with circuit breakers, outlets that have worn out, GCFIs, or more serious wiring issues. When you face dangerous situations with your home’s electricity, getting help from a professional is always safer.  The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reports that 51,000 home electrical fires happen yearly. Many of these accidents start with problems in electrical outlets. If you try to fix electrical issues without the proper skills or tools, you risk getting

Electrical outlets are standard in most United States homes. Also known as sockets or power outlets, they do as their name suggests and bring electricity into buildings. These electrical outlets allow us to power all our devices daily without thinking much about it. Flipping on the lights, watching television, blending a smoothie, or keeping that cell phone charged all start the same way: with an electrical outlet.  Standard Electrical Outlets Electrical outlets come in two standard forms in North and Central America (as well as parts of Europe, Asia, and South America). Type A consists of Two flat parallel pins

Light switches have an important job – to turn on or off the lights. But besides lighting up the room, there are various types of light switches. Each switch serves a different purpose. 1. Single-Pole Switches A single-pole switch is one of the most common types of light switches used in residential electrical systems. It is a simple on/off switch that controls the power flow to a single lighting fixture or electrical outlet. The term “single-pole” refers to a switch with only one set of electrical contacts. 2. Three-Way Switches A three-way switch is an electrical switch used to control