Our Coronavirus Policy

October 28, 2021 by Opal Isaac Posted in Electrician Talk

Our Coronavirus Policy

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To our most valuable customers:

The Root Electric team has been following the developments of the COVID-19 virus very closely in recent days. Since our founding in 1986, we have made it our business to be responsible members of our community, specifically in the ethical standards with which we hold ourselves and our business. Three very important pillars of our standard of ethics are: ensuring the safety and welfare of our employees while at the work site; strict adherence to government policy; and putting our customers best interest before our own. These standards have become even more salient, as we take into consideration our responsibility in limiting ourselves, our employees, and our customers to exposure to the COVID-19 pathogen.

Electricians are listed as “critical infrastructure” for the energy sector in the guidelines released by the Department of Homeland Security. (See https://www.cisa.gov/energy-sector). These guidelines have been followed by all states currently operating under a “shelter at home” order. As such, Root Electric will continue to operate under the threat of the pandemic with the following modifications to our normal procedure.

We will keep in close contact with our employees, ensuring that they are in good health at the start of each day. We will help keep them up to date on current guidelines of social distancing or quarantine set forth by the federal or state government. If an employee is not feeling well, they will be allowed sick leave without question. Work for that day will either be assigned to another employee still in good health, or postponed until Root Electric can fit the project into the schedule.

We will contact our customers first thing in the morning on our scheduled day of installation or service to verify that they are still healthy and comfortable with allowing electricians into their home. Cancellation or delays of work will be allowed without penalty or forfeiture of deposit.

Our electricians and estimators will clean their hands with disinfectant wipes before entering a jobsite and after leaving. Out of respect for our customers’ property, we will not wipe off surfaces that we worked on unless otherwise instructed by the customer. This is purely to protect our customers’ property from damage or staining from a cleaner not safe for the surface in question. We will be happy to use a customer-supplied disinfectant in the area where we work in a manner specified by the customer.

It is important to note that the very nature of our work can irritate the lungs and nasal passages in an otherwise healthy individual. Some areas of our homes, to include attics and crawl spaces, can induce coughing or sneezing due to the presence of cellulose or fiberglass insulation. Additionally areas of the home not regularly occupied by the customer can accumulate dust or pet dander, causing a similar reaction. If you hear a cough or sneeze from one of our electricians while working, these common household air particulates are the likely culprit, not COVID-19.

It is our intention to continue to serve our customers and our community in the safest way possible. We intend to comply with all government instructions with regard to our industry as they are given. Due to the uncertain nature of the current environment, our policies may change suddenly and without notice, however, we will make every effort to keep immediate customers up to date. Feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Respectfully,
The Root Family
Root Electric

How to Prevent Electrical Fires

October 28, 2021 by Opal Isaac Posted in Electrician News

Check These 7 Things Right Now to Prevent Electrical Fires at Your Home

Perhaps the most tragic thing about the 25,000+ home electrical fires in homes across the U.S. each year is that the vast majority of them could have been prevented if the right safety precautions had been taken. In most cases, these are very simple tips you can do right now. Just taking care to use your electrical devices, outlets, etc. correctly can drastically reduce your family’s chances of electrical fire tragedy, so please read these tips and go through your house and make sure everyone is following them today. And if you have any questions, contact our Northern Virginia electrician now at (703) 494-3989.

1. Don’t Overload Your Outlets

In other words, you don’t want extension cords to be a permanent solution to any situation in your home. Each outlet’s circuits were designed to convey a certain amount of electricity and overloading with extension cords and too many power strips does exactly that. This is one of the most common reasons for electrical fires, and it’s entirely preventable. Make sure your surge protectors have an internal circuit breaker that will cut power if it senses problems. If your family simply has too many gadgets that need plugging in at once, it’s probably time to install new outlets and wiring.

2. Use Only GFCI Outlets Near Water

Kitchens, bathrooms, workshops with sinks and any outdoor outlet should be a “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter” outlet. You’ve seen them—the sturdy looking outlets with three-pronged plug stations that have two buttons in between marked “Test” and “Reset”. These outlets are especially designed to cut the power supply if they sense moisture. If your kitchen, bathroom or any other room where water flows has an older style outlet without those buttons, contact Root Electric right away to have them replaced.

3. Keep Flammable Objects Away from Electrical Outlets and Cords

Avoid placing furniture, curtains, decorations, boxes or any other flammable item in front of (or too close to) an outlet. Most outlets generate an unnoticeable of heat, but if they’re overloaded (see step 1) or faulty in some other way, they could generate a lot more heat, cause sparks and then start a fire on whatever is closest to them. Don’t take that chance! In fact, regularly feel your outlets to see if they’re noticeably warm (they shouldn’t be). If they are, electrical repairs are in order.

Customer Testimonial

Very professional from the first contact by Bill Root through the free estimate and completion of the job. They kept the work area (my kitchen) very clean and made very few holes in the ceiling. My workmen included an apprentice. I think it is great that a company is assisting a young person to become a Master Electrician. I highly recommend Root Electric.

Chris R.

4. Unplug Small Devices and Appliances When Not in Use

According to some studies, the average family has at least 50 electrical devices or appliances plugged in at any one time. Of course, very few people unplug their entertainment systems when they leave the house, nor does it make sense to ever unplug the refrigerator. However, we do urge you to unplug things like the toaster and other small kitchen appliances before you leave each day. And never leave a space heater plugged in when you’re not there! Those are notorious for electrical fires! Same goes for electric, heated blankets. Try to get into the unplugging habit now, because those kitchen appliances cause a lot of fires when left plugged in and unattended. Unplug small appliances you use in the bathroom too. Also, you can actually save money on electricity by fully unplugging computers, printers and entertainment systems from the wall when you’re not at home because even in the “off” position, those things till suck power from the system and add up on your electrical bill.

5. Retire Older Appliances

We know, you like to squeeze every last moment of use out of any appliance you have, because they can be expensive! But these older, malfunctioning appliances can be some of the worst electrical-fire starters! So, if any of your appliances show the following signs of wear, dispose of them safely and get a newer, safer model ASAP:

Frayed electrical cords

Using it causes lights to flicker in the room, or to turn them off (we’re looking at you, old microwaves…)

Sparks when turning on

Excessive heat coming from the device

These are signs of an electrical fire disaster just waiting to happen, so don’t ignore them!

6. Limit the Use of Space Heaters

One of the leading causes of electrical fires is prolonged use of electric space heaters. We recommend that people limit the use of space heaters by only using them when the room is occupied. We also recommend running them at 1/2 power instead of full power. A space heater at 1/2 power will keep a room just as warm as full power, but without the risk of damage to the outlets or overloading the circuit.

7. Schedule a Regular Electrical Safety Inspection

In addition to these 5 things that you can go around your house and do right now (make it a family activity so everyone knows these safety tips), schedule a regular electrical safety and electrical building code inspection with your Northern Virginia electricians. If you have any concerns or questions, we can help you decide how to solve problems listed above, and we can also check your electrical panel, wiring and other areas that would not be safe for you to check on your own. Electrical safety inspections provide great peace of mind for you and your family, and add a little extra incentive to buyers if you’re trying to sell your home as well.

The Root Electric Team is obsessive about safety for our clients! If you have any concerns about the electricity in your home, please contact us immediately and we can help you! (703) 494-3989.

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How to Save Energy in Commercial Buildings

October 27, 2021 by Opal Isaac Posted in Electrician News

Saving Energy in Commercial Buildings: 7 Ways

Whether you’re a property manager or a business owner, you are likely always looking for ways improve efficiency and trim waste to boost the bottom line. One of the most important ways you can do this is to find ways how to save energy at the office. Not only will this help you reduce excessive electricity bills for your commercial buildings, but it will help your company achieve a lighter environmental footprint—something everyone can feel good about. So, evaluate all of your commercial properties and offices to see if you’re following these 7 tips to save electricity.

Note: if you’ve done all of these things to save energy in the office, but your commercial building electric bills still seem high,contact Root Electric. Your Northern Virginia commercial electrical contractor can evaluate your commercial building to find and fix problems that may be draining your energy budget: (703) 494-3989.

1. Fix and Upgrade the Lights

Upgrading your commercial building or office lighting systems, particularly if it’s been a few years and the lights flicker, is a critical way to slash your energy usage. In fact, it’s one of the most effective ways how to save energy at the office Just think: how many people in your buildings remember to turn off all the lights when they leave a room? When was the last time you had your commercial electrical contractor check whether your office buildings were using the most efficient lighting systems available at that time? Upgrading your office lighting to the latest, most efficient office lighting systems can save a massive amount of electricity and money:

First, install motion-sensitive lighting in areas that aren’t in constant use, like conference rooms, restrooms, parking areas and breakrooms. This removes the problem of forgetful team members not turning off the lights. After a certain amount of time without detecting any motion in a certain area, the system automatically shuts the lights off, thereby saving you up to 80 percent in lighting costs.

Also, switch to the most efficient commercial building lighting options. Upgrading to LED lights can reduce the lighting portion of your electric bills significantly—to the tune of at least 60 percent! And newer models of fluorescent lighting and UID lights have also improved in their energy savings as well.

LED lighting also lasts considerably longer and requires less maintenance over the long haul, so it’s a wise choice for many applications in your office and commercial buildings.

2. Take Advantage of Power Management Settings on Office Equipment

Make sure that you set all office computers, printers and other equipment to the most efficient energy saving modes available. You shouldn’t walk past a vacant computer and see a screensaver anymore – the black, quiet screen of energy savings is what you should see.

3. Don’t take Power Management Automation for Granted, However

As wonderfully simple as it is to set power management defaults for your office equipment and other electrical systems, it’s important to double check them on a regular basis as these controls can get reset or overridden from time to time. Set a reminder to check power saving settings throughout your commercial buildings and offices each month, and especially during seasonal changes, to make sure everything is set to the most energy-efficient setting on a regular basis.

4. Update Your Server Rooms

Server rooms are an essential these days, but with cloud data hosting becoming more secure and ubiquitous, many companies are seeing a huge energy savings by migrating at least some of their data to a cloud hosting system. If you’re not ready to make that step, consult with your IT manager to find other energy saving options like bumping up the inlet temperatures for your servers or improving air-flow management.

Customer Testimonial

Hi Bill, I wanted to take a few minutes to say Thank You to you and your team. You all handled a rather tricky situation in a professional and respectful manner. In addition, your team members did an outstanding job. They were respectful, knowledgeable, and courteous – taking time to explain every aspect of the job to us. As a result, the work was completed to our specifications and without any surprises. We are customers for life! All the best to you and yours.

Steve R.

5. Keep Motors and HVAC Systems Maintained and Updated

Every year, it’s important to have your motors synchronized and HVAC systems checked to ensure they are operating at their most efficient capacities. When these systems are working harder than they need to, they can pose a considerable drain on your energy resources and jack up your electrical bills.

6. Adopt Energy-Saving Thermostat Settings

We’ve all been there: the office thermostat wars! Someone is always either too hot or too cold. To save energy, it’s important to have energy-efficient, programmable thermostats installed in your commercial buildings and to have management make the call on the most energy efficient settings at different times of the year. Encouraging employees who run hot to bring a small fan for their cubicle while encouraging employees who run cold to bring an extra layer simply makes good energy sense. You can’t keep everyone happy with the thermostat. And while you’re at it, make sure you’re not heating or cooling any rooms that don’t need it.

7. Call Your Commercial Electrician for an Energy Audit: (703) 494-3989

Root Electric’s premier commercial electrical services team can go through your commercial buildings to discover even more energy-saving opportunities for your office than these. Every office is unique, so a customized look around can help you discover other ways to save energy at the office that you may have overlooked before. Contact us today to schedule an energy-saving office evaluation: (703) 494-3989

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Electrical Upgrade During Your Remodel

October 27, 2021 by Opal Isaac Posted in Electrician Services

If I Remodel My Home, Do I Need an Electrical Upgrade too?

Tis the season for remodeling here in Northern Virginia. People are updating their kitchens, their bathrooms, their home offices, etc. with remodeling plans they’ve been dreaming about for a few years now. But with these remodels, these questions always come up:

Do I need an electrical upgrade during my remodel?Should I get an electrical upgrade at the same time, before, or after the remodel?

Good questions, the answers to which largely depend on the home and the remodeling projects being done. But the majority of the time, the answers are:

Yes, you probably need an electrical upgrade, and…It’s usually more cost effective and safer to do the electrical upgrade at the same time as the remodeling project.

Of course, your home or circumstance may be different, but more often than not, you’ll want to take an electrical upgrade into account if you’re doing any major remodeling project in your home, particularly when it comes to kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, entertainment rooms or additions.

Why Do I Need an Electrical Upgrade with My Remodeling Project?

If you live in an older home, like many families here in Northern Virginia, it’s possible your home has actually needed an electrical upgrade for awhile now, depending on when you last had it done. Not only have our electrical demands increased over the years, but the building codes dictating how electrical work is done in homes have also changed to address those increases over the years. If your home isn’t currently up to code, adding new appliances, additional space, outlets, switches, etc. may well require an electrical upgrade in order to keep your home safe, efficient and up to local building codes.

Customer Testimonial

Excellent service all around. Bill Root III came out and provided an estimate, and answered all the questions I had. He was very patient and professional with me. The estimate was very detailed and an excellent price. Root Electric did an excellent job coordinating the schedule with me, their technicians, the county inspector, and the electric company so that everything would be completed the same day.

When the work was performed, the 2 technicians arrived and got right to work. They were very thorough, professional and got all the work completed with no issues (no issues from the inspection either). I would definitely recommend this company and will use them again.

Kent S.

Bathrooms, Kitchens, Workshops, Home Offices and Entertainment Rooms Need More Power

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most popular types of remodeling projects, but many families are adding rooms, updating their home offices, adding workshops, etc. All of these new additions or remodels require upgraded, more efficient electrical wiring, and possibly a new electrical panel.

Let’s just discuss the kitchen for a moment, as an example. In older homes, kitchens often didn’t have that many outlets because there weren’t as many small appliances and gadgets in use. Fridges and ovens were smaller and didn’t pull as much juice as today’s larger models either. Today’s building codes require an outlet ever 6 feet away—but we find that for many of our customers, they need outlets spaced around 4 feet from each other.

Remodeling at the Same time as an Electrical Upgrade

It makes far more sense to upgrade your electrical system during a home remodeling project than to delay it until afterwards. Here’s why:

It saves time and dust to update the wiring while everything is out in the open during the remodel.

It costs far more to have to re-open walls and panels you’ve just finished in order to do the electrical work later.

Overall, it will save you a lot of time, money and hassle to just do it all at the same time. That way, the electrical system can be updated to accommodate your new remodel as well as your current and future electrical needs as they grow. It’s also safer to do all of the electrical work this way so that your electrical system fits well with any new appliances, tools, office systems, etc. that you intend to install during your remodel.

Need a Woodbridge, VA Residential Electrician? Call (703) 494-3989

If you’re getting ready for a remodeling project, large or small, don’t forget to contact Root Electric, the residential electricians homeowners trust to keep their homes safe and powered up in the most efficient way possible: (703) 494-3989. We’ll show you how you can save time and money on your remodeling project while keeping your home current on all your family’s electrical needs.

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7 Life-Saving Space Heather Safety Tips

October 27, 2021 by Opal Isaac Posted in Electrician News

Space Heater Safety Tips

Every winter, thousands of families experience a home fire because of incorrect space heater use. Very sadly, some people even die in these fires. So, please – before you plug in the space heater and turn it up full blast, read these tips and use yours safely. That way, you can stay warm and safe at the same time. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Root Electric at (703) 494-3989.

1. Check the Label for Independent Certification:

Before you buy a space heater, make sure to look carefully at the labels and packaging to see that the space heater has been safety certified by an independent testing body. For example, the UL, ETL or CSA are international testing organizations that are independent of the manufacturers. This type of testing and certification ensures that you don’t have to rely on the manufacturer to tell you their space heater has been tested for safety—independent testers have done this.

2. Follow Safety Precautions on the Label

First of all, don’t buy too small of a heater to heat a large room, and don’t get a huge heater for a small room. Buy one that fits the space you need to heat. Also, be aware that there are hundreds of different kind of space heaters—some use electricity, some use natural gas or propane. You’ll need to take specific safety precautions for each of these types of power. For example, never use an electric space heater in a damp room like a bathroom. For a gas or propane heater, if you smell gas, turn off the controls, open a window and leave the room. Don’t flip on any switches or light any matches.

3. Use Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Regardless of whether you use space heaters or not, make sure your smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are fully functional. Have them tested periodically, especially during the winter.

Customer Testimonial

I had several items to be done and all were done on a schedule easy for me to meet and all the work was done well. The technicians were very knowledgeable, courteous, and prompt. It was a very easy experience and I am very satisfied.

Ann W.

4. Look for Automatic Shut-Off Features

Newer models of space heaters have automatic shut-off features that will cut the power to the space heater if it tips over, senses moisture or that it’s overheating. And if you ever smell or see smoke or the lights flicker when you turn on the heater, turn it off and contact Root Electric for assistance.

5. Where to Put the Space Heater

Space-heater placement is also essential for safety. Make sure that you place your space heater on a level, hard, non-flammable floor, not a table or counter. Keep them well away from furniture, rugs, bedding and curtains (at least 3 feet). Don’t use space heaters in areas where you are using paint or flammable materials (workshops and garages). Also, don’t use space heaters in children’s bedrooms and keep pets and children away at all times.

6. Unplug when Unattended

Don’t use a space heater overnight or while you’re away from home. Turn off the controls and grasp the plug and pull straight out when unplugging (don’t yank the cord). Check the cord frequently for damage and do not plug space heaters into power strips – plug them directly into the wall outlet.

7. Space Heater Controls

Keep in mind that space heaters can draw a huge amount of power. So much so that if used incorrectly, they can trip circuits and use more power than your home is wired for. So instead of running it full power, run it at half power (750 watts, usually) so it won’t burn up your home’s electrical circuits.

If you have any questions or concerns about your space heater, please don’t hesitate to contact Root Electric in Northern Virginia for assistance. We can help you pick the right space heater for your space and let you know what power settings your home can handle. Most of all, we just want you and your family to be safe! So, call us: (703) 494-3989.

More Information:

Electrical safety tips for summerExtension Cords SafetyBill’s Safety Circuit – Food warmer trips circuit…

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Electricians in Woodbridge

October 26, 2021 by Opal Isaac Posted in Electrician Services

Licensed experienced Electricians in Woodbridge, VA (see testimonials about their work)

The Electricians Woodbridge Trusts: 6 Things You Can Expect from Root Electric

For more than three decades, Root Electric has earned a reputation as the electricians Woodbridge neighbors go to when they want to remodel, replace a light fixture, update wiring at their business, renovate a commercial building, install a generator, need to fix an electrical problem at home, or anything else having to do with electricity. We make it top priority to put our customers first always, in terms of safety and high quality electrical work. So, if you need a bonded, insured and licensed electrician in Woodbridge, just contact us today for any of your electrical repair, installation, inspection or emergency needs: (703) 494-3989. Here’s what you can expect when you call:

1. Local Electricians in Woodbridge

We’ve been working tirelessly in the Woodbridge area for more than 30 years and understand how the houses are built here and how the local electrical and building codes work. We live here and we understand the needs of our neighbors in the local community. So, whether you need to upgrade your home electrical system, install new light fixtures, remodel your kitchen, or repair home wiring, we know how to do it right the first time and make sure you, your home and family are safe when doing it.

2. A Wide Range of Residential Electrical Services

When you’re looking for an electrician in Woodbridge, you’ll need to pick one who is up for anything your particular home electrical system demands. That means a deep knowledge of a broad range of home electrical issues. This is something Root Electric’s home electrical experts specialize in. Below is a basic list of the services we provide:

Upgrade home electrical serviceRepair or replace electrical panelInstall whole-house surge protectionWhole-house rewiringReplace or Repair fuse boxInstall sub-panelInstall, upgrade or repair appliance circuitsInstall exhaust fansInstall attic fansInstall ceiling fansInstall or repair outletsInstall new light switchesInterior and exterior lighting designInstall new light fixturesInstall recessed lightingInstall outdoor lightingInstall security lightingInstall under-kitchen cabinet lightingUpdate electrical service for vintage homeRepair aluminum wiringReplace light fixturesHome electrical troubleshootingInstall emergency generatorsInstall portable generators and panelsIdentify circuitsHOA contractsProvide electrical home inspectionsInstall electrical for accessory dwelling units (detached or attached)Hot tub and spa electricalDeck outlets and lightingBasement electrical repairsInstall light postsRepair cable television outletsTelephone outletsInstall dedicated outlets for electric carsProvide electrical installation and repair for home additionsInstall wiring for remodelingInstalling ADA-compliant lights, switches and outlets

3. A Fully-Qualified Commercial Electrician in Woodbridge

In addition to providing a full suite of residential electrical services in Woodbridge, we also provide commercial electrical services. With our extensive certification, licensing and understanding of local building codes, we can take care of your local business just as well as we can take care of your home. Whether you need office lighting installation, wiring repair or anything else, Root Electric is the commercial electrician Woodbridge businesses call when they need help avoiding downtime.

4. Licensed, Bonded and Insured Woodbridge Electrician

One of the most important questions you should ask any Woodbridge electrician you’re thinking of hiring, whether for a residential or commercial electrical repair or installation, is to see proof of their license, bonding and insurance. These are essential certifications and documents that demonstrate that your electrician continues to stay current with changes and updates to local and national building codes, maintains the highest quality standards and makes sure to protect their workers, equipment and their clients with insurance. Never hire anyone without these qualifications.

5. Respect for You and Your Home

One thing that drives us crazy is when we hear about a bad experience a homeowner has had with another electrician in Northern Virginia who did not take care to put down drop cloths or clean up after themselves when they finished a home electrical repair job. Our residential electricians take the utmost care to leave your home better than they found it, both in terms of excellent, high quality electrical work and cleanliness!

6. Hyper-Detailed Estimates

Many Woodbridge electricians out there will give you a very general, broad estimate because they are afraid of potential contingencies and unexpected findings when they get to working on your home electrical repair. But not Root Electric. This sets us apart from other Woodbridge electricians because we deeply research and examine your problem and take into account as many possible “unexpected issues” as possible so that we can draw up an estimate that contains nearly every possible detail you could expect. That way, you aren’t confronted by any unpleasant surprises when we settle the bill. It’s all spelled out clearly, with all your questions answered up front. We’ve gotten several awards for this sort of thing, in addition to our high quality work and customer service. And if anything does come up that we did not expect (rare), we inform you immediately. Good communication with our clients is one of the many reasons we’ve become the electricians Woodbridge homeowners rely on when they need help.

Root Electric: Your Best Electrician in Woodbridge

Electrical work, whether in your home, or in your business, is never something you should leave to chance. Choose the Electrician Woodbridge residents have depended on for more than three decades to provide the highest quality, safest electrical work in Northern Virginia. Contact us today for a free quote: (703) 494-3989.

We look forward to working with you!

Customer Testimonial

Ann W.

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Extension Cords Safety

October 26, 2021 by Opal Isaac Posted in Electrician Services

This article has been published at Old Bridge Observer over 10 years ago on July 21st, 2007. It shows our commitment to help our customers as much as possible to give he best advice for Electricity and Safety at your home.

Bill’s Safety Circuit
Bill Root, Licensed Master Electrician, Answers Your Questions About Electricity And Safety

LIFE EXTENSION
I have the good fortune of working  with many real estate professionals  serving the public in the Old Bridge  area. My skills are tested as the result  of home inspections made by  specialty companies highly trained in  this field. One location in a home that  especially comes to my attention is  the attic. On too many occasions, I  have seen hazardously performed  electrical installations in this out of  the way spot.

The use of extension cords to wire  anything in a home is an accident  waiting to happen. The extension cord  of choice seems to be the 3-wire  outdoor type which can be found in  various colors. This material is not an  approved National Electrical Code  wiring method and therefore is not  safe. One home owner installed a  receptacle in the attic using an extension cord, then proceeded to  wire ceiling fans with the same  material. When finished, all there  was to do was simply plug the  extension cord into the receptacle to  supply power to the newly improperly  wired ceiling fans. Just because it  works doesn’t mean it is safe.

Please, when tackling a home project,  consult a professional or a “how to”  book to keep your home in one piece  and your family safe.

Remember, knowledge is power -  don’t be left in the dark.

Email your questions to:  [email protected]

ROOT ELECTRIC
703-494-3989
Putting your safety first since 1986.

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How to Extend Your Electric Vehicle’s Range

October 26, 2021 by Opal Isaac Posted in Electrician Services

6 Secrets to Make Your Electric Vehicle Go Farther

More and more people are opting to get electric cars, which is awesome for the environment, but it can be a real adjustment period, getting used to how they work. One frequently asked question we often hear is: “How can I make my electric vehicle go farther?” So we’ve collected this set of tips to help. If you have any other questions about this or EV charger installation, contact Root Electric today for assistance.

1. Opt for the biggest battery you can afford

Premium electric vehicle batteries are not cheap, we know. But the bigger the capacity, the less often you’ll need to interrupt your day for a recharge, especially on long trips or while commuting. Because time = money in real life, choosing the bigger battery will save you both in the long run.

2. Be Careful Using the Heat

In classic gas engines, the combustion process makes heat naturally, which you can use to heat your car. This doesn’t happen in electric vehicles, so there’s very little heat that gets generated without drawing extra juice from the battery to fire up the resistance heater or heat pump. Even Tesla recommends trying to limit the car’s HVAC system. Dress warmly and rely on the seat heaters on really cold days.

3. Don’t Punch It for Acceleration

The same is true for cars that run on gasoline. The more you “punch it”, the more you tax the battery, which can wear it out more quickly. So just drive and accelerate at a sane pace unless you have a situation that calls for quick acceleration to stay safe.

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4. Watch Tire Inflation

Again, this makes sense for any vehicle, electric or combustion. But in the case of EVs, you don’t have to get your oil changed regularly, which is when you’d normally get your tires checked. You have to remember to do that regularly on your own in order to keep your battery running efficiently. Make a point of checking the tires at least monthly and it will de-stress your battery so it runs longer.

5. Keep the Trunk Clear

Any extra weight you keep in the trunk is going to make the battery work harder. On average, people may load 100-300 extra pounds in their vehicles on any given day and just leave it there. We all do it. But if you don’t need those things in your trunk on a day-to-day basis, store those things in the garage and your battery will go farther.

6. Keep Your Car Warm in Winter

Make sure to check your EVs owner’s manual about cold weather protocol. Simply put, batteries don’t like the cold. Low temperatures can lower the range of an electric car. Keep it plugged in overnight if you have to park outside, but if you can, keep the car in the garage overnight where it won’t get as cold.

Each electric vehicle works a little differently, so be sure to follow your owner’s guide for more ways to extend your car’s battery range. If you have questions about, or need EVSE installation in Northern Virginia, contact Root Electric today.

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Commercial Street Light Pole Installation: KB Electric LLC

October 13, 2021 by Opal Isaac Posted in Electrician News

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Commercial Street Light Pole Installation: KB Electric LLC

KB Electric LLC is licensed and insured for all residential and commercial electrical work in Southeastern, PA. With that said, our master electricians do many residential and commercial street light pole installation jobs in the Montgomery County, PA area, as well as the surrounding suburbs of Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Delaware County, PA.

Commercial Street Light Pole Installation for Residential Development (Neighborhood in Collegeville, PA)

Street Light Pole Installation

Are you a property owner in need of additional lighting for your residential development? Are the roads too dark on or around your commercial property? If so, it may be time to install a few light poles to illuminate the roads at night. At KB Electric LLC, our electricians can install any and all types of light poles for your convenience. To give you an example, our latest project was in a residential development with the installation of a 220v with in line fuses and photocells mounted on the top of the pole.

Styles Of Street Light Poles & Posts

There are many varieties of light poles you can choose from for your property. Here are some to name a few:

Steel Light PolesFiberglass Light PolesAluminum Light PolesDecorative Light Poles

Different Types Of Commercial Street Lights

There are different types of light sources you can choose from for your street lights. With advancing technology, we listed a few that are the most popular. For questions about these types and what would work best for your property, please give us a call!

LED Street LampsMetal Halide Street LampsHigh Pressure Sodium (HPS) Street Lamps

Commercial Street Lights: Retrofitting

If you have existing street light poles but need a professional to replace the fixture and/or bulb, KB Electric LLC can retrofit your street lamp. Retrofitting a street light pole for a light that is more energy efficient can save on costs and lengthen the life of the fixture/bulb. We recommend replacing your old lamps with LEDs for energy efficiency.

Call KB Electric LLC For Commercial Street Light Pole Installation

KB Electric LLC can install any style of street light pole and your choice of lamp fixture. If you are a property owner that needs a commercial street light pole installation, give us a ring at (267) 467-3178. We install many street lights for:

Residential Developments (Neighborhoods)ParksShopping CentersOffice Plazas

Tips to Identify Electrical Wires

July 19, 2021 by Opal Isaac Posted in Electrician Services

An electrician is a person specializing in electrical wiring of commercial buildings, electrical transmission lines, industrial machinery, and other related electrical items. Electricians can be employed either in the construction of new electrical units for homes, business establishments or the repair and maintenance of old electrical infrastructure. They perform works such as wiring up power cables, installing and repairing transformers, testing circuits, etc. Thus, the electrician plays a crucial role in different sectors of industry.

There are different types of electricians and they perform different functions. A good electrician needs to be well-versed with all the electrical systems and instruments. For instance, he must be proficient with the use of transformers, circuit breakers, circuits, power outlets, etc. He should also be skilled at laying out the plans for new constructions or modifications. Thus, he should be a very resourceful and adept electrician.

To become an electrician, one must get through several stages. This includes taking up apprentice training programs offered by vocational schools and community colleges. In most cases, electricians start their training programs by completing their formal education. However, there are several electricians who opt for short-term courses while going through their formal training.

After completing formal education, electricians get an opportunity to take up hands-on training programs. These programs usually last for two years at a vocational-technical school or a technical college. On completion of a training program, electricians obtain a certificate known as EITC (English Institute of Electrical Testing and Technology). On completion of a course at a vocational-technical school, electricians receive an associate’s degree. Electricians who want to take up higher education can get through an online program at a vocational-technical school. With the increasing demand for electricians, there are many online institutions that offer electrical systems training.

There are also a number of vocational-technical schools that offer courses in-classroom training. The instruction takes place in an actual classroom. The classroom training helps electricians develop the skills they need to become an electrician. Although classroom training is highly beneficial, it may not be suitable for all electrician applicants. If you want to pursue classroom training but don’t have an opportunity to travel and meet other students, classroom training might not suit you. This is because some subjects taught in classroom training require theoretical study rather than practical application.

On the other hand, there are electricians who choose to receive their training on the job. The work of these electricians is mostly to set up wiring and perform routine maintenance work in residential electricians’ offices. These electricians are usually employed by large-scale construction companies that own big buildings. They work alongside employees who have much more experience since the work requires close collaboration between the employees. In small offices, they work in pairs.

If you’re thinking of becoming an electrician, there are a number of things you need to know about being an electrician. Electricians have different job titles such as power installers, wiring contractors, or ac engineers. Although electricians generally work with electrical systems, there are slightly different types of electricians that do not have to work with electrical systems. A contractor is an electrician that installs and repairs systems like home cooling and heating systems and electrical systems. Contractors that provide plumbing, heating, or ventilation services are not considered to be electricians.

To be able to become one, you need to have a high school diploma. You don’t even need to have a high school diploma to become an electrician in most states. However, becoming an electrician usually requires the completion of a two-year course. Courses are available at community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, and vocational programs. You can also complete your course at a college or trade school. You can find out more about becoming an electrician by checking with your state’s licensing boards.

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Check These 7 Things Right Now to Prevent Electrical Fires at Your Home

1. Don’t Overload Your Outlets

2. Use Only GFCI Outlets Near Water

3. Keep Flammable Objects Away from Electrical Outlets and Cords

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4. Unplug Small Devices and Appliances When Not in Use

5. Retire Older Appliances

6. Limit the Use of Space Heaters

7. Schedule a Regular Electrical Safety Inspection

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Saving Energy in Commercial Buildings: 7 Ways

1. Fix and Upgrade the Lights

2. Take Advantage of Power Management Settings on Office Equipment

3. Don’t take Power Management Automation for Granted, However

4. Update Your Server Rooms

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5. Keep Motors and HVAC Systems Maintained and Updated

6. Adopt Energy-Saving Thermostat Settings

7. Call Your Commercial Electrician for an Energy Audit: (703) 494-3989

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​​If I Remodel My Home, Do I Need an Electrical Upgrade too?

Why Do I Need an Electrical Upgrade with My Remodeling Project?

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Bathrooms, Kitchens, Workshops, Home Offices and Entertainment Rooms Need More Power

Remodeling at the Same time as an Electrical Upgrade

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​Space Heater Safety Tips

1. Check the Label for Independent Certification:

2. Follow Safety Precautions on the Label

3. Use Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

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4. Look for Automatic Shut-Off Features

5. Where to Put the Space Heater

6. Unplug when Unattended

7. Space Heater Controls

More Information:

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The Electricians Woodbridge Trusts: 6 Things You Can Expect from Root Electric

1. Local Electricians in Woodbridge

2. A Wide Range of Residential Electrical Services

3. A Fully-Qualified Commercial Electrician in Woodbridge

4. Licensed, Bonded and Insured Woodbridge Electrician

5. Respect for You and Your Home

6. Hyper-Detailed Estimates

Root Electric: Your Best Electrician in Woodbridge

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More Articles About Home Electrical Improvement

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6 Secrets to Make Your Electric Vehicle Go Farther

1. Opt for the biggest battery you can afford

2. Be Careful Using the Heat

3. Don’t Punch It for Acceleration

Real Customers & Real Reviews

4. Watch Tire Inflation

5. Keep the Trunk Clear

6. Keep Your Car Warm in Winter

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE

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Street Light Pole Installation

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Call KB Electric LLC For Commercial Street Light Pole Installation

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If I Remodel My Home, Do I Need an Electrical Upgrade too?

Space Heater Safety Tips