With the rise of work-from-home opportunities, many people are spending more time in their houses. However, that means more people are experiencing a drastic increase in their monthly electricity bills. These expenses add up fast and can be a hassle to combat. Thankfully, there are a few simple methods you can pick up to lower these costs!

As a local business, Gulf Coast Electric prioritizes the needs of our fellow Destin homeowners. Our team of electricians is committed to excellence and strives to provide stellar service. Read ahead to learn how you can lower your monthly electric bill and save on future utility costs.

Unplug “Vampire” Appliances

Vampire appliances don’t have fangs or a garlic intolerance. Instead, these devices suck energy even when they’re not in use. Vampire energy can account for 5-10% of your total electrical use. A few vampire appliances you can unplug are: 

• – Phone chargers
• – Televisions
• – Coffee makers
• – Electric toothbrushes
• – Video game consoles
• – Cable boxes
• – Printers and fax machines

Individually unplugging these devices can be a hassle. Fortunately, a power strip can make the task much easier for you. You can plug nearby appliances into the strip to prevent a power drain. This method is an easy way of reducing your utility bills.

Replace Your Air Filters

Your air conditioner uses filters to capture airborne pollutants. The device keeps your unit operating effectively and should be replaced every three months.

Air filters can become clogged with dust and other debris over time. The buildup can prevent your system from running effectively, using more electricity to keep your space at a constant temperature.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is an efficient way of controlling your residential energy use. With this technology, you can schedule when your air conditioner operates using your phone or tablet. These thermostats are effective at conserving electricity and can change the temperature even when you aren’t home.

Seal Air Leaks

Sealing your windows and doors will prevent air from escaping your home through gaps in the frames. Your ductwork also requires routine inspections to check for leaking ducts.

Air leaks can make your home feel warmer, causing your air conditioner to overwork itself. When your cooling system works for a longer timeframe, your electricity costs will rise significantly.

Wash Your Clothes With Cold Water

Laundry day is a prime opportunity for electricity conservation! Unless a specific fabric requires warm water, you can wash your clothes in cold water.

Your washing machine won’t need high amounts of electricity to heat up, reducing electricity costs. Cool water is equally effective at removing stains and dirt from your clothing when compared to warm or hot water.

Only Run Appliances When They’re Full

It can be tempting to knock out a small load of laundry or run a half-full dishwasher. Most appliances use the same amount of energy, regardless of how full they are. You can prevent high electricity use by only operating these devices when filled.

Contact Us For High-Quality Destin Electrical Services

When you’re in need of a 24/7 electrician, look no further than Gulf Coast Electric! Our team prioritizes your safety and satisfaction. With our reliable services, you can trust your Destin electrical system is in good hands. Contact us today to schedule your next service!

Becoming a parent is life-changing. Although being a parent is very exciting, it’s normal to feel a little nervous as well. After all, curious children can get themselves into some tricky and even dangerous situations.

One of the top concerns for child safety is home electric outlets that release strong electrical currents. Baby-proofing may seem impossible as your child becomes more curious and adventurous. However, at Gulf Coast Electric, we’re here to help you put your fears to rest by providing practical baby-proofing methods to keep your child safe.

Plug-In Electrical Outlet Covers

The most affordable and common electrical outlet cover is a small, plastic plug inserted directly into the outlet. While effective, it can be slightly inconvenient to constantly remove and insert the cover between each use. These plugs are great for outlets that don’t get much use.

Slide Outlet Covers

Another way to baby proof outlets is to install slide outlet covers. These covers look just like regular outlet cases, but the opening for the plug can slide to cover up the open holes and prongs. Compared to removable plug-in outlet covers, this option is more convenient to use since it doesn’t use any loose parts.

In-Use Outlet Covers

Even when an outlet is in use, your child may still want to mess with it. After all, cords and plugs spark a lot of curiosity in little minds. Even though baby proofing in-use outlets may seem impossible, there are outlet covers that do just that.

In-use outlet covers act as a cage around the outlet to cover up the plug and outlet. There are small openings for the cords on the side of the cover. Although this is an effective way to baby proof in-use outlets, you can also move furniture to block the outlet when possible.

Baby Proofing Electrical Cords

When you baby proof house appliances, you should address loose cords in addition to the outlets. Cords can be fun for children to play with and chew on, even though they are dangerous. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to baby proof your cords.

Buy A Cord Box

If you have an appliance with a cord that is way too long, you can buy a cord box to house the excess cord. This keeps it away from little hands that want to play and prevents it from getting tangled. 

Use A Cord Cover

To keep your child from chewing on electrical cords, you can use a cloth or plastic cord cover. Some covers are coated with a bitter flavoring to ward off curious mouths.

Secure Cords To The Wall Or Ground

A great way to stay organized and prevent children from messing with cords is to secure your cords to the wall or ground. You can use electrical tape or a duct cord cover to keep your cords in place.

Dealing With Power Strips

Power strips can be especially dangerous for children due to the high concentration of outlets and the mobility of the strip. A great way to baby proof your power strips is to purchase a power strip cover that keeps the outlets in a hard case, away from your child’s hands.

Baby Proof Your Home Today

Baby proofing a home is no small feat, but with a variety of products and resources, it doesn’t have to be stressful. As your child grows, explores and discovers the world, there should be no worry about a mishap in the home. Using the products listed above will prevent electrical injury and restore your peace of mind.

If you notice an electrical cause for concern while baby proofing your home, contact Gulf Coast Electric for a Destin professional electrician. We’re happy to help you with all your electrical needs!

This rainy season, watch out for hazardous storms that could put your Destin home in danger. In more powerful storms, you might experience a power outage. Power outages can leave you and your family in the dark about what to do next.

You don’t always know how long your outage will last or when you can get an emergency 24/7 electrician down, so it’s always good to prepare in case this happens to you. Gulf Coast Electric wants to share 5 power outage safety tips from our team of experts.

Monitor Alerts

Watch out for any local weather reports using your phone, television or radio. Your internet service will cut out during a power outage, so it’s important to use other devices to check for live updates. You can sign up for local alerts and other warning notifications on your phone. Get texts or calls right to your phone in case of a power outage emergency.

Only Use Flashlights

Getting everyone in your household a flashlight will help you navigate through the darkness while the power is out. Candles cause unnecessary fire hazards and don’t provide enough light for each room. Create a space for flashlights and extra batteries for you and your family for the next heavy storm.

Prevent Power Overloads

Power surges after your power comes on can cause serious damage to your home. To prevent power overloads, unplug your appliances and electronics while the electricity is still out. Turn off your utilities when your local officials instruct you to do so or when you believe you might have damage to these appliances.

If you’re worried about your food spoiling, keep your fridge and freezer doors closed until the electricity comes back on. Food in your refrigerator will keep your food cold for about 4 hours while a freezer can keep food frozen for 24-48 hours depending on how full it is.

Protect your home from the dangers of power overloads by unplugging your appliances when the power goes out.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Rainstorms cannot only knock out your power, but they can also cause gas leaks in your home. Don’t use a gas stove in your home during a power outage. Using gas stoves, generators or charcoal grills inside your home can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and use gas appliances outside away from any windows if you need to.

Prepare For The Next Power Outage

Once that power comes back on, you can rest easy knowing that your electricity is back and running again. When the power comes back on, you can check to see what foods made it through the storm. Any food warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit should be thrown out. This is also the same for medication that should be refrigerated. Contact your doctor for a new supply if your medication has gone unrefrigerated for longer than 24 hours.

From here, you can start stocking and restocking an emergency kit for the next power outage. This includes nonperishable food and extra batteries. You can never be too sure when the next one will come!

Contact Gulf Coast Electric For Destin Electrical Services

If you find any electrical problems after a storm or need electrical maintenance, contact our team! Gulf Coast Electric offers services for new and returning clients who want to protect their homes with an extra layer of electrical safety. Contact us for a consultation today!

If you’re looking for ways to increase your home’s safety, GFCI outlets are great additions to your list of improvements. GFCI outlets, or ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, reduce the risk of electrocution and other electrical damage in your home. They can easily be added to any part of your home. But they are also required in specific areas of your home.

Our specialists at Gulf Coast Electric want to share some electrical safety tips for our clients interested in any GFCI outlet installations.

How Do They Work?

A GFCI outlet dramatically reduces the chances of getting electrocuted in your home. These kinds of outlets have sensors that monitor the electrical flow in your outlet’s wires. Specifically, it will sense for ground faults — when an electrical current escapes a damaged cord and goes through the insulated wires.

Ground faults can cause a dangerous electric shock to homeowners. With the help of a GFCI outlet, it will shut off the electricity with an internal switch before serious harm can be done.

These kinds of outlets will look different compared to your standard electrical outlet. Along with the prong plug-in slots, GFCI outlets come with a “TEST” and a “RESET” button. This is so you can turn the power back on to a tripped outlet. GFCI outlets help reduce severe electrical injuries to homeowners and their families.

Where Should They Be Installed?

By law, there are specific places in your home where you need a GFCI outlet installation. These places are:

• Home exteriors
• Crawl spaces
• Wet bars
• Bathrooms
• Garages
• Every kitchen outlet next to a countertop
• Basements
• Electrically-heated floors

The main reason these areas need extra protection is that they have water sources nearby. Outlets near sinks, showers and other plumbing are more likely to trigger electrical surges because water is an excellent conductor of electricity. You may still find standard outlets in your bedroom, but you should always have GFCI outlets in high-risk areas.

How Should I Care For Them?

Luckily, you won’t need a lot of maintenance for GFCI outlets. You can check once a month to make sure they are functioning properly by pressing the test button on the outlet. Your outlet can trip accidentally from nearby lightning or static electricity.

If your outlet trips too frequently or doesn’t turn back on, it may need to be replaced.

Can I Do My Own GFCI Installation?

Homeowners with electrical experience can replace a worn-out GFCI outlet with the right equipment. But for a full installation or additional help with a replacement, you should leave it to the professionals. Each outlet has its own kind of wiring and it can be complicated to rewire your outlets. A licensed electrician has an easier time navigating these outlets and can complete your installation without those complications.

Our team at Gulf Coast Electric would love to be part of your home improvement process. We can send out a Destin professional electrician to let you know where would be the best places for GFCI outlets. Practice electrical safety in your home and contact us for a consultation today!

If your electric meter breaks, it is most commonly up to the utility company that installed it to fix it immediately. This has very few exceptions, and utility companies will quickly send a technician out to diagnose and repair any electric meter issue you may have. Here at Gulf Coast Electric in Destin, Florida, we believe in education about your most essential home services.

Responsibility for Electrical Meter Repair

Utility companies are largely responsible for your electric meter for many good reasons. Because these companies often install the meters, they will be responsible for how they function after the fact. The company is also responsible for performing regular readings to ensure that electricity is appropriately measured. They will perform any necessary repairs.

The Big Exception: Tampering

While the utility company is responsible for your meter’s well-being, there is a big exception. Sometimes, individuals will try to tamper with their meter to attain a better reading before billing takes place. Not only is this not recommended as you can severely damage the meter, but utility companies aren’t responsible for the damage you cause if you try to tamper with the meter. 

The most apparent sign of tampering is cut wires and outside physical damage to the meter. It will ensure the meter is stuck at a particular reading, meaning you won’t be charged fully during the next billing cycle. This is highly illegal and noticeable.

Common Problems With Your Electric Meter

If you think that your electric meter is broken, four types of damage may be to blame:

Mechanical 

Mechanical issues are one of the most common problems that electrical meters face and are easily one of the most noticeable. It can be caused by any external interference, which can include:

• – Weather
• – Tree branches
• – Blunt force
• – Damage to the surrounding area

Easy ways to tell if there’s mechanical damage is to look for broken dials, broken gears or damage around the area. Tell your technician if mechanical damage was done directly to your unit and has affected your billing process. 

Electrical

Electrical damage is less common than mechanical, but it can cause long-term issues with your electric meter. These can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• – Electrical surges
• – Faults
• – Overloading
• – Corrosion

Electrical repairs tend to be more intensive and complicated, meaning it can take longer. However, electrical damage has ginormous implications on measuring your electricity, which can lead to false highs and lows. 

Wear And Tear

Wear and tear can be defined as damage caused by time instead of external factors. This is common in all home services, and your electrical meter is no exception. Noticing signs of wear and tear can be hard to see from the outside, with its most significant indicator being inaccuracy in reading electrical output. The types of damage that you may see with wear and tear are:

• – Corrosion
• – Debris accumulation
• – Physical wear
• – Electrical wear

All of which can contribute to the inaccuracy that you will face. Wear and tear can be solved by installing a new meter, or at the very least implementing new parts. There are plenty of ways to perform maintenance to slow down wear and tear, but the only way to eliminate it is with a new unit.

Call Today For An Amazing Destin Electrician!

In addition to problems with your electric meter, there are a variety of other electrical issues that you may notice in your Destin residence. Here at Gulf Coast Electric, we know how urgent electrical repairs can be! That’s why you can count on us to provide reliable work.

Servicing the Destin and Panama City areas, we even offer 24/7 emergency services so no one is left behind. Call today to schedule a consultation that will ensure accuracy and quality.

Your electronics distribute out a lot of energy while you’re using them which is why they heat up so fast. Did you know that your electronics can overheat, causing them to break down completely? A surge protector has your back, though, and it can help you avoid the expense of replacing the products that you enjoy using.

Are you a homeowner who needs surge protection or breaker installation? If so, Gulf Coast Electric is here for you! We have professional Destin electricians that know how to help keep your electronics from overheating. We’ll also be happy to provide you with knowledge on power outlet safety and electric safety tips! Most importantly, we want to help keep you and your home safe from electrical damage and fires!

Why Are My Electronics Overheating?

There can be more than one reason why your electronics are producing too much heat. Many electronics, such as gaming systems, computers and DVD players rely on fans that help regulate heat. If the fans aren’t working properly, it can lead the product to overheat easily.

And another cause could be if the air vents are blocked, heat will fill up the unit and cause the temperature to soar. With this being said, you should always pay attention to the noise of your electronics and see if they sound different than usual. If your electronics continue to overheat and trip your breakers, call us out to your home. Our technicians can provide you with the professional help you need!

The Importance Of Using A Surge Protector

Surge protectors are important to have inside your home in order to keep your power outlets from overheating and causing a fire. These protectors also help prevent you from having to replace your electronics if they do end up getting hot while plugged into an outlet. At Gulf Coast Electric, we have well-trained electricians that can install a surge protector inside your home to keep your home’s electrical system running safely and efficiently.

Dangers Of A Hot Power Outlet

If you notice a hot outlet inside your home it must get immediate attention. Hot outlets can be caused by the following:

• Damaged wiring
• Corrosion
• Loose connections
• Moisture
• Faulty electrical installation
• Overloaded outlet

The first thing you need to do if you experience a hot outlet is to unplug the electronics right away and reset your breaker if it’s tripped. Tripping breakers are essential because they help prevent your wiring from overheating and causing a fire inside your home. If your breaker continues to trip, stop resetting your panel and call the professionals on our team. At Gulf Coast Electric, we want you to avoid fire hazards that could occur in your home. Making sure your power outlets aren’t overheating is important!

Rely On Gulf Coast Electric Services Today!

If you’re a homeowner and you need help protecting your electronics and electrical system, call us today! We offer 24-hour emergency services for our Destin customers. Our professional, certified electricians are here to prevent your electronics from overheating by checking on your power outlets and so much more! And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our specialists over the phone. We are here for you and we put our customers first!

If you want to avoid a disaster over the holidays, making sure your home services are pristine is a must. Whether it’s pipes freezing over or an electrical shortage, interruptions to holiday celebrations are unwelcome! Many families fall into the trap of letting their electrical services waste during the year, and problems always seem to come up at the most inopportune times. 

At Gulf Coast Electric in Destin, Florida, we want to ensure your house runs as smoothly as possible. Before you invite all of your family and friends over, there is a lot you can do to make sure that your electrical appliances are in tip-top shape! Read on to learn more about the services we recommend.

Check Your Electrical Wiring

Electrical wiring that hasn’t been maintained often has a lot of dangers that it comes with. It can result in issues such as electrical surges, fires and inefficient performance. All these take a massive toll on your wallet and home safety. Checking your wiring can avoid long-term damage from frays and other problems.

To check your wires, you should look for the basics of electrical problems. This includes:

1. Discolored sockets
2. Chew marks on wires
3. Flickering lights
4. Burning smells
5. Loud buzzing noises
6. Shocking
7. Loose outlets 

All of these indicate that you’re about to experience electrical troubles. Making sure to address these with outlet covers, surge protectors and professional intervention can save you a lot of trouble. Remember to check your wiring at least one or two times per year. 

Look Into Protection

If you’re worried that the problems with your electricity are already prone to happen, try to focus more on protection and prevention. For example, The National Fire Protection Association says that faulty or damaged wiring causes 69% of electrical fires, so it’s important for you to invest in wire protection. The same can be said for outlet and surge protectors, which many homeowners can install themselves. 

Another good option for protection is to look into the different types of insurance available for electrical systems. Checking your homeowner’s policy to make sure you have coverage for power outages or electrical problems is a must. Coverage over your electrical system ensures you won’t get caught in a financial bind later!

Invest In A Professional Electrician

Another great way to avoid any electrical mishap during the holidays is to invest in professional electrical services. Plenty of electricians will provide maintenance checks for your system throughout the year, and you can knock out very big problems early on by doing so. 

During electrical tune-ups, a technician will inspect your breaker. This is to make sure that all of your currents are at safe levels. If a current is off, the technician will look for the area it has shorted, and offer you a solution for fixing and preventing it. If you’re in an area where storms and blizzards are common, this is one of the best options for you. The electrician will know what is best for local regulations and which surge protector is the most efficient in managing your currents. 

Call Today For An Electrical Inspection!

You don’t want to be left in the dark whenever you have family over for the holidays. Making sure that you put proper care and protection into your electrical systems will make outages much less common and lower energy prices! Here at Gulf Coast Electric, we emphasize accessible prices and excellent quality. Call today for a top-notch evaluation!

In the age of technological advancement, the number of devices and appliances used in the average home is rising — and so is the need for electrical outlets to power them! It’s easy to overlook something as seemingly insignificant as outlet placement, but it can make a big difference in the overall function of your home activities.

Proper placement of electrical sockets can make using your gadgets more convenient and improve your home’s aesthetic by eliminating the crowded look of extension cords. What are the most accessible locations for outlets? Gulf Coast Electric is here to share these placement tips with homeowners to ensure an optimal home experience!

Areas For Outlet Installation

When deciding where to install electrical outlets in your home, we recommend working with a professional electrician to make sure placement is in compliance with electrical code requirements.

Our certified technicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to certify all installations meet safety standards and your satisfaction. Read on to learn more about the ideal areas for socket placing and their electrical code safety guidelines.

Living Room

Your living room is the heart of your home. It’s where you and your whole family go to convene, play, watch tv and relax — not trip over messy extension cords! It’s important that you have enough outlets to accommodate the various entertainment systems your family room may have to avoid safety hazards.

According to the updated 2023 National Electrical Code, outlets must be placed every 6 feet along any intended living space floor for optimal functionality. You should install living room outlets in the following areas:

• · Along every wall
• · Up high on the main wall for mounted TV
• · On the floor for lamps and charging stations
• · Near the fireplace mantle, if you have one, for holiday decor

Kitchen

If the living room is the heart of the home, the kitchen is the stomach. It can take multiple kitchen appliances to feed all the hungry bellies in your family, so having enough outlets is essential to cooking with ease.

The National Electrical Code also requires that any electrical outlets installed in your kitchen, as well as bathrooms and garages, be GFCIs. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are safety devices that prevent electrocution by tripping the electrical circuits when they detect ground faults or leakage currents.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that GFCIs have saved thousands of lives and helped cut the number of home electrocutions in half. In addition, you shouldn’t place GFCI outlets more than 20 inches above a countertop as a safety precaution. The following areas are safe for installation:

• · Every two feet along each counter
• · Along the kitchen backsplash
• · On the kitchen island, if you have one
• · Inside the pantry and select cabinets for small appliances
• · Underneath bar tops

Bedrooms

When arranging outlet locations in bedrooms, it’s important to consider how many people sleep in the room. For example, bedrooms that couples or siblings share will require more sockets than a one-person bedroom.

To increase the functionality of a bedroom, you may also want to think about installing switched outlets. A switched, or half-hot outlet, has two inputs. The top input is permanently “on” while the bottom half can be turned “on” or “off” via wall switch.

For example, if you have a lamp plugged in the bottom input of a switched outlet, you can turn it on/off by flipping the wall switch. Instances like these can prove very useful in a bedroom setting.

Optimal places for bedroom outlets include:

• · On every wall
• · Up high on the main wall for mounted TV
• · On each side of the bed, for bedside table devices
• · Inside the closet for irons, clothing steamers, etc.

Bathrooms

Understanding the best outlet locations in your bathroom is important, but knowing where not to install them is even more vital to the safety of you and your loved ones. You should keep sockets at least 6 feet away from bathtubs and showers and at least one foot away from sinks to avoid getting any cords wet.

For safety concerns and convenience, you should stick to these areas for outlet placement:

• · On each side of the sink, to prevent cords from crossing over
• · Inside drawers and cabinets for hair tools, electric razors, etc.
• · Inside medicine cabinets for electric toothbrushes

Contact Our Destin Electricians

As a locally owned and operated company, Gulf Coast Electric takes pride in serving our community. If you’re looking to add electrical outlets to your home, our team is here to offer expert counsel and professional installations. We are dedicated to meeting safety standards and all your family’s comfort needs.

Give us a call today and plug into superior service!

Like so many of our home appliances, we tend to take electricity for granted. When we turn on our lights, we expect the bulb to flicker on. When our phones run low, we expect the outlet to serve as a charging station. Almost everything in a modern house relies heavily on electricity, so when the power suddenly goes out, it feels like your life has been turned on its head. Luckily, Gulf Coast Electric is here to answer your questions and provide the services you need.

What Is A Power Outage?

A power outage occurs when the electricity goes out unexpectedly, disrupting your home and possibly the greater community you reside in. Electrical power is temporarily lost and is unable to reach the user. Depending on the scale, they can affect everywhere — from a neighborhood to an entire city.

Electrical Outage Causes

Nature

For the most part, nature is lovely, but sometimes it can be destructive. Power lines and poles are highly vulnerable to the weather. Strong winds can knock over poles and tear through power lines. Extreme temperatures, lightning and natural disasters all cause electrical failure.

Overload

Overloads occur when there is a high power demand. Electric cables, transformers, and other electrical equipment can become overburdened and cause an outage. On a smaller scale, overload may occur with your electrical circuits.

Wildlife

Animals are naturally curious creatures and sometimes find themselves attracted to power outlets because of the warmth they radiate or the humming of electrical outlets. Unfortunately, if they chew through a cord or burrow themselves in a transformer, the damage to themselves and the surrounding area is often disastrous.

Different Types of Outages

There are various types of power outages that occur, which are all caused and fixed in different ways, as seen below.

Blackout

A blackout is a loss of total power in an area, typically affecting all of the people in that entire area. Blackouts usually occur after severe weather causes significant structural damage to electrical facilities.

Depending on the damage and how quickly it can be repaired, a blackout can last anywhere from a couple of hours to several weeks.

Rolling Blackout

Rolling blackouts are planned power outages. Utility companies may use rolling blackouts when the power demand becomes so high that the equipment used to supply this is put at risk for damage. By cutting power off to one area and then another part every couple of hours, the power company can protect against an overload happening.

Brownout

Brownouts are periods of reduced power which never lose power completely. This is a drop in voltage in an electrical power supply system.

Brownouts may be intentional or unintentional — if a utility company is at maximum demand, they may intentionally lower the voltage in certain areas, resulting in a brownout. Other times, brownouts may occur because the need is already maxed, resulting in a voltage drop.

Permanent Fault

Permanent faults are typically caused by a fault in a power line. Out of all the types listed, these are the easiest to fix. Once the part of the faulty power line is repaired, power is restored and does not tend to affect a large area.

Tips For Electrical Failure

• · If anticipating a power outage due to severe weather or other causes, fully charge all devices.
• · Keep your freezer and refrigerator closed.
• · Routinely check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work.
• · Have an emergency kit.
• · If possible, use flashlights instead of candles since candles may risk starting a fire.
• · Consider purchasing a backup generator.
• · Contact your local station in case of an emergency.

Electrical Maintenance And Repair

Whether you’re looking for residential or commercial services, Gulf Coast Electric has the seasoned professionals you need. Contact us today for more information about what we offer!

With home improvement, there’s always more to be done! From adjusting lighting fixtures to rewiring and rerouting, you can find plenty of electrical do-it-yourself improvements for your home. However, if you’re going to step into the electrical improvement realm, safety and knowledge are key!

Luckily, Gulf Coast Electric is here to help guide you on your electrical journey! With our electrical safety and wire guide, you’ll be able to upgrade your home with ease. 

Electrical Safety

First up, it’s important to be safe when working with wires. If possible, we recommend getting a professional electrician to perform work around your home because DIY electrical tips aren’t a substitution for professional training. However, if you’re a handyman ready to learn about wiring, there’s a few things you can do to prepare!

1. Purchase sturdy safety goggles, a fire-resistant face shield and thick rubber electrical gloves, and wear them before starting your project.
2. Always turn off the circuit breaker on your main panel to cut the power to the circuit you plan to work on.
3. Unplug the appliance before working on it.
4. Test the wires with a multimeter to make sure that they aren’t live. 
5. Do not touch gas or plumbing pipes when working with electrical lines. 

With these bases covered, you’re all set to start on your project!

Electrical Wiring Color Guide

Wires come in a full rainbow of colors, and they all carry electricity. However, that’s really the only similarity they have! The color of a wire shows its purpose and helps to keep your electrical space organized. 

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has a guide for some colors, but not others. Thankfully, electricians have their own language with wires, and we’re going to break it down for you!

Black Wires

These wires are “hot” or live wires. Live wires carry the electrical current from your home’s electrical panel to your appliance or fixture. While the NEC doesn’t require hot wires to be black wires, it’s the most common choice for residential wiring. 

You may see a black wire carrying the current from a light switch to its respective light, and that circuit section is called a switch leg. Traveler wires, although it’s less common, can also be black in color.

Red Wires

Red is another common color for hot wires! Larger appliances, ones that need 240 volts, need two hot wires to receive enough electricity. Typically, they’ll use one black hot wire and one red. 

Just like black wires, red wires can be switch legs. You’re likely to see them in devices that need two switch legs, like a ceiling fan with one switch for the fan and another for the light. 

Green, Bare, or Green and Yellow Striped Wires

Green, bare, or green and yellow striped wires, which are wires without a coating, act as ground wires. They work like a failsafe for the circuit. If the circuit isn’t working properly, these wires channel any unintentional current down into the earth to avoid people being shocked. 

Ideally, these wires should not be carrying electricity. However, they can, so always test them before making any cuts or disconnections.

Gray & White Wires

Gray and white colored wires are grounded conductors, or neutral wires. Where a black wire would carry electricity to the appliance, the neutral wire returns it to the panel. It essentially completes an infinite loop.

The NEC says neutral wires can be white or gray, or have three stripes of white or gray on any color background, minus green. Red, black or any other color tape at the end of a gray or white wire shows that the wire is actually a hot wire. 

Remember: these wires carry a current, so they should always be treated as live wires.

Blue & Yellow Wires

Yellow and blue wires are pretty versatile. They can be used as switch legs in wall pipes, or they can be used as a traveler wire in multi-way switches. Although black or red wires are the more common choice for this, especially in residential electrical circuits.

In industrial or commercial buildings with three-phase power, blue and yellow wires are a common choice. Even though you probably won’t see them often, remember to treat them as if they are a live wire!

Pink, Orange, Brown & Violet Wires

And here we have the rest of the wire rainbow! The main purpose of these extra colors are to provide color options to help keep circuits safe and organized.

Orange wires are the most common out of the bunch because we can use them like a live red wire. You’ll probably see them in a higher voltage circuit or in a fire alarm circuit. Violet and pink wires aren’t as common, but they’re sometimes used as switch legs or travelers. Brown wires are more common in industrial buildings where they’re used as live wires. 

Professional Electrical Wiring Services

Learning the wire rainbow is essential to stay safe when working with electrical circuits, but it’s overwhelming! If you’re looking for premium electrical services for your home, look no further! 

At Gulf Coast Electric, we pride ourselves on our knowledge and skill set. When you’re looking to upgrade your home with new lighting, whole home surge protection or a new outlet, you can trust our trained electricians!

Call today and speak with our friendly staff!