Have power outages forced you to begin looking for a professional Gulf Coast electrician? Never fear! Gulf Coast Electric is here to help! Finding trustworthy tradesmen can be difficult when there are so many options to choose from. Yet at our business, we promise quality work at affordable prices no matter what kind of inspections or repairs you need.

Everyone on staff at Gulf Coast Electric is friendly and experienced in providing clients with top-notch assistance. Our household electrical advice is well-respected, and we’re always happy to get you “Plugged into Superior Service.” Read on to know what to look for in your next professional electrician, or chat with one of our welcoming staff members at any time! 

Compare Risks and Costs 

When searching for a reliable electrician, you should always make sure the business you are looking to hire has dependable licenses, respectable insurance coverage, and fair pricing. Keeping these three things in mind is sure to help you and your family find the best person for the job without risking extra strain on your bank account.  

Licenses

One of the most important factors when looking to hire an electrician is licensing. A license proves that the person you are about to employ has put in the work to become certified in a skill and accomplish it safely and correctly. It is always a good idea to check an electrician’s license and ensure that there are no restrictions preventing them from completing the job you need.

Insurance

Secure insurance is also essential when it comes to hiring an electrician. Researching a prospective business’s policies and liability plans can protect you and your family from accidents down the road. Make sure your electrician’s insurance coverage has not expired and that it covers risks of damage to your property. 

Prices

Affordable service is always the goal for homeowners- but searching for the cheapest option might not work out in the long run. When it comes to hiring an electrician, you should strive to make your goals as straightforward as possible. Getting several quotes on the repairs or services you need gives you extra leverage when comparing the prices of different businesses. 

Look for Stellar Qualifications and Recommendations

One thing to remember when researching electricians is that the more qualifications and accreditations they have- the better! It is always a good sign if the person you are looking to hire is certified in many different areas of the electrical field. 

When it comes to qualifications, experience with energy efficiency is always useful. Electricians with a background in conserving energy may know of advanced tech that can help you and your family save lots of money.

Another way to find a reliable electrician is by asking your friends! If people in your social circle are openly positive about a business’s services, this may be a sign that you’ve found the right place for you. 

Pay Attention to First Impressions 

Even though analyzing first impressions may seem silly, being aware of how an electrician presents themself can offer you valuable insight into the quality of their work. Some important characteristics to pay attention to are: 

• Attitude 
• Communication skills
• Professional appearance
• Time efficiency 
• Honesty

Contact Us at Gulf Coast Electric Today! 

At Gulf Coast Electric, you never have to worry about the quality of our services. Our high standards are evident in all of our residential electricians and commercial electricians. Contact us through our website to make an appointment, or give us a call today! 

If you have been having issues with your circuit boards or are curious about their interworkings, then we are here to help. Here at Gulf Coast Electric, we will provide you with information to better inform you about your circuit boards!

What Is A Circuit Board?

Printed circuit boards are the standard version of this tangible technology which is a crucial component of all electronic devices. Typically constructed of fiberglass, they increase efficiency by downsizing and replacing large wiring.

This compact technology allows for electricity to pass through it and connect every electrical component in whatever device it is in. Think of it as the star player on your team. All success runs through your circuit board!

Common Causes Of Circuit Board Failure

Your Circuit Board Is Old

Unfortunately, father time is undefeated. Despite how convenient and efficient a circuit board is, do not think they are immune to old age! Your circuit board will inevitably wear down eventually.

However, you should not worry because this issue can be solved by replacing components of the board with newer ones.

Interior Components Are Poorly Constructed

Getting it right the first time in many instances in life can save you a lot of time and frustration. Although, this is not always practiced. Your circuit board could be wrong from the start by consisting of faulty materials!

If this is the case, you could be struggling with defective components or integral parts of your circuit board easily breaking down. Also, if your circuit board was created using counterfeit materials then you may also experience issues.

Environmental Influence

If your circuit boards are brand new and properly constructed, you may still be scratching your head as to what is the root of your circuit board problems. If your home has experienced power outages or your devices have been exposed to extreme weather, then this cause may be affecting you. The weather can have an impact on the condition of your circuit board.

When severe weather rolls in and you experience power outages, this can be harmful to your circuit board. Excessive heat can increase the risk of failure as well. Dust and debris collected over time can prevent your circuit board from operating properly.

Short Circuit

We all must eat to live and some of us live to eat. However, it is always best to pace yourself no matter how hungry you are or how good the food is. Well, sometimes your circuit board can receive too much of a good thing all at once and it can be extremely dangerous.

When circuit boards have too much power running through them, they can severely malfunction. This is called a short circuit and it can cause considerable damage to your circuit board! This is an issue that should be dealt with immediately with professional help — that is where we come in.

Contact Gulf Coast Electric For Professional Electrical Repair!

If you need a circuit board repair, then give us a call today! Headquartered in Destin, Florida, we are committed to providing affordable and safe services for your utilities. So, if you are looking for a gulf coast electrician then give us a call today!

Some homeowners jump at the chance to renovate and replace items; others are filled with dread at the thought. Many people will take their needs and turn them into a DIY project no matter which side they land on. Painting a room or replacing shower tiles yourself can be a great personal project. However, some things just can’t be DIY’d. The Gulf Coast Electrical team is here to tell you that installing new light fixtures in your Florida home is one of those things.

It is our job to make replacing electrical items in your home, like light fixtures, look effortless, but the reality is that electrical needs in your home will always range in complexity. Without an expert eye, it is easy for things to go south very quickly. Electrical malfunctions can be the leading cause of electrical fires. And electrical fires will turn what could have been an otherwise affordable job into an expensive disaster.

That’s why you should hire an expert electrician to get the job done. Read below to find out why hiring an expert is worth it.

Your Safety Matters

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical malfunctions account for almost 7% of electrical fires. Homeowners can do many things to avoid this, like replacing aged appliances, but taking on a professional electrician to take care of all your wiring needs is a preventive measure.

It’s Not As Simple As It Looks

Wiring in your home is already a complex matter. Installing new light fixtures can become even more complicated when you find yourself needing to add new wires to your already existing connections. Many people don’t expect to deal with different types of cables, switch boxes or rewiring. So, it is always better when left in the hands of a pro.

You May Run Into More Issues

You could start out thinking you are only changing a light fixture and quickly realize more work needs to be done. Navigating damaged wires or even getting to the end of your project and realizing the lights still flicker may leave you frustrated. Experts have an easier time identifying what issues are present and have the equipment to deliver a solution. Save yourself time by finding a professional that is equipped with all you need to get the job done.

Light fixtures may not be the only thing you need an electrician for. Here are some common needs that an electrician can help you with:

• Replacing wiring
• Repairing circuit breakers
• Installing outdoor lighting
• Installing new outlets

Find An Expert

Unless you have extensive electrical experience, you should always hire a professional to meet your needs. It doesn’t matter whether your fixtures are being reinstalled in the same spot or you want them rewired to somewhere new. This job is better off in the hands of an expert.

Gulf Coast Electric is here to serve all of your electrical needs. Contact us to see what we can do for your Destin home!

DIY home improvement projects can be great for building technical skills. Homeowners can safely repair specific minor electrical issues if they are willing to take on the task. However, some projects may be dangerous to complete without the help of a professional electrician. 

Although it can be tempting to try, the process of electrical fan installation has many risks and can be a danger to do on your own. 

Gulf Coast Electric prioritizes customer safety and has compiled this guide on why self-installation can be hazardous. 

Risks of Self-Installation

Altering electrical wiring is hazardous. It may seem cheaper to tackle the task on your own, but the dangers of self-installation may be just as costly as hiring a licensed electrician. 

Unstable Fans Lead to Ceiling Damage

Replacing or adding a new light fixture requires a hole cut in the ceiling. The measurements required must be precise for the hole to hold the fan. Ceiling boxes are also necessary to secure a fan to the ceiling. 

Without the proper support, ceiling fans can become wobbly and fall without warning. Not only will this damage the fan itself, but it will likely cause craters and cracks to appear in the ceiling. These issues cause unnecessary and expensive repairs avoided with the assistance of a professional electrician.

Faulty Wiring Can Cause Fires and Electrical Injury

Electrical fan installations require intricate wiring to function correctly. Ceiling fans have different wiring methods, depending on the type of fan. Improper wiring can lead to electrical fires and significantly damage your home. Without the proper safety measures, incorrectly connected wires can cause severe electrical injury. 

Extensive Electrical Code Regulations 

The National Electrical Code is the standard for safe electrical installations. Professional electricians are familiar with the local electrical requirements in buildings and homes. Those unfamiliar with their local electrical requirements risk installing ceiling fans unsafely or violating electrical codes in their area. 

Benefits of Hiring an Electrician 

Apart from ensuring that a fan is correctly situated, electricians can usually install ceiling fans in a short time period. Electricians take the proper safety measures into account and meet the standards required from your local electrical code. Electricians are licensed to help you, making the electrical fan installation process much less stressful. 

Taking Price Into Account

Price is an important factor for most homeowners. DIY home improvement projects are tempting to take on, especially if they assist in saving money. However, installing a ceiling fan yourself might be more expensive than hiring a professional to do it for you. 

Homeowners may have to purchase appliances for fan installation that electricians use daily. Some of these appliances include: 

1. A ladder
2. Measurement tools
3. Various pliers
4. Saws 
5. Electrical tape

Additionally, installing a ceiling fan requires a lot of time and patience. Homeowners have lots of responsibilities and the amount of time fan installation takes can be just as costly. Hiring an electrician to install a ceiling fan can help to save you both money and time. 

How Can Gulf Coast Electric Help? 

If you aren’t sure about ceiling fan installation, the Gulf Coast Electrical team is here to help! We’re here to answer any questions you might have about the process. At Gulf Coast Electric, we aim to provide superior service while putting your safety first. Contact us today to learn more about your options for electrical fan installation!

It goes without saying that a house or business would be incomplete without proper electrical wiring. It’s an essential part of modern life, and for this reason, most electricians recommend delegating major electrical services or repairs to the pros.

However, there are some electrical wiring tips that every home or business owner would benefit from knowing!

Below, Gulf Coast Electric outlines the top 4 things everyone should know about their electrical wiring. Keep reading to learn more about basic wiring terms as well as how to recognize the most common wiring problems!

Copper vs. Aluminum

Since the beginning of the nineteenth century, copper has been the traditional wiring material for most homes. However, in 1965, the United States saw an increased demand for copper due to the Vietnam War.
Consequently, copper became increasingly scarce and its price soared. Electricians had to come up with cost-effective solutions as a result, and that was aluminum.

While aluminum can get the job done, it doesn’t come without risks. When heated, it expands significantly more than copper. And if your cables grow and shrink too much, they may become loose over time.
This is just one of the many issues that can arise from aluminum wiring.

If your residential or commercial building has aluminum wiring, our electricians at Gulf Coast Electric recommend scheduling a partial rewire or full rewire. That way, you don’t risk dealing with any potential fire hazards.

Understand GFCI

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a circuit breaker that’s designed to cut off electricity in the event of a ground-fault. This happens when the grounding path from a tool or electrical system is broken. A GFCI monitors the amount of current going to and coming from your home equipment. If there is an imbalance in the current, the GFCI will shut it off to prevent a fire.

Most homes today have GFCI outlets already installed, especially in areas where there is water. In fact, GFCIs are required by the National Electric Code (NEC) in all kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, garages, and outdoor receptacle locations.

However, if you’re building a new home or perhaps have an older home that doesn’t have GFCI outlets, then Gulf Coast highly recommends having them installed.
Damp environments can make you vulnerable to harmful electric shock; however, using a GFCI outlet significantly reduces your chance of injury.

Electrical Wiring Labeling & Color Coding

All electrical wiring typically has markings on its insulation that provide important information about the wiring. This includes:

· Wiring name
· Insulation type
· Wire size
· Wire material
· Number of wires contained
· Special ratings

In addition to the markings, electrical wiring often uses color-coding. The colors are determined by the size of the wires within the cable as well as the amperage rating of the cable. White-sheathed NM cable, for example, is rated for 15-amp circuits, whereas yellow NM cable is suited for 20-amp circuits.

Be Careful with DIY Projects

Gulf Coast understands that it may be tempting to take on electrical wiring projects on your own instead of contacting an electrician in order to save money. However, electrical wiring within a building is a complex network of wires and outlets. With little or no electrical wiring experience, it might be difficult to distinguish between wires.

Wiring problems can cause electrical fires, arc faults and electrocution, among other dangerous consequences. As a result, rewiring your home or company yourself is never a good idea. If you’re unsure about how to go about a wiring issue, we recommend getting help from a trustworthy electrician. The money you might save is not worth the potential safety hazards.

Have Electrical Wiring Issues? Contact Gulf Coast Electric!

Not sure how to go about an electrical wiring issue in your Destin home? Gulf Coast Electric is ready to help! Our electricians have provided electrical repairs for the Florida area for more than 80 years. We are committed to providing cost-effective, reliable electrical services through a dedicated and responsive workforce. Contact us today!

As adults, avoiding electrical dangers is second nature, but curious kids do not know about electrical safety. We live in the “golden age” of technology, meaning we use and run more electronic devices in our homes on a daily basis than ever before.

Mismanaging energy use and incorrectly using the system/appliances are also on the rise, which can quickly create hazards. Accidents related to electricity can include minimal or multi-organ injuries and, in extreme cases, death.

Teaching your children about electrical safety in your Destin home will protect them from injuries while keeping your system working efficiently. Gulf Coast Electrical prioritizes Destin electrical safety, so use these tips and techniques to prevent accidents and encourage your family to safely use electricity.

Electrical Safety Tips For Children

Setting strict electrical safety rules helps create a base of knowledge for your kids about electricity. Write them down, talk about them together and keep the rules somewhere they are seen often and easily, so kids know how important they are.

Common household electrical safety rules for children:

• Keep fingers and objects away from outlets
• Water and electricity don’t mix — keep electronics away from water and wet hands
• Before you use new electronics, ask an adult for help
• Never yank on a cord to unplug it
• Don’t plug a lot of things into an extension cord or power strip
• No power lines — don’t climb trees or fly kites near them
• Stay away from fallen, broken or sparking wires and transformer boxes

Helping your little ones understand how electricity works is the best way to make sure they follow the rules. Plenty of videos, games and books are available online to act as fun, free resources. You can use them to set the groundwork with your kids, together. So you can spend quality time with them while they learn lessons about electrical hazards, safety and other excellent tools.

General Tips On Electrical Safety

Because we spend so much time at home using devices, we cannot overstate the importance of household electrical safety. Learning to use your electronics properly keeps them working effectively, without overworking the system, and prevents electricity-related accidents.

Keep your family safe using these tips:

• Ensure that no more than one heat-producing device is plugged into an outlet at any given time, like a hairdryer, coffee-maker, toaster etc.
• Plug all major appliances, like ovens, fridges and laundry machines, directly into the wall, not into an extension cord or adapter.
• When you aren’t using an appliance, unplug it to reduce energy use, save money and prevent other appliances from electrical surges.
• Always avoid running cords under rugs, carpets and doors to prevent tripping, fire hazards and other electrical accidents.
• Use the recommended wattage indicated on lamps and other light fixtures at all times to reduce the risk of overheating and energy waste.

In addition to promoting household safety, following these basic tips will also reduce your energy use and save you money on your utility bill.

Eliminate Household Hazards

Although electricity is a great tool that has transformed technology to create our modern world, it can easily become dangerous when used improperly. If you are concerned about the safety of your family around your home’s electrical system, call our team today.

Serving residential and commercial properties in Destin, Panama City, Niceville and the surrounding areas since 1980, Gulf Coast Electrical is ready to provide you with award-winning service. We perform general repairs, installations, maintenance, 24/7 emergency, inspections and other specialty services.

Don’t take a chance with electrical protection for your loved ones — call us today!

We all know that electricity is vital to our homes. But another component that’s just as important as electricity is our home’s electrical wiring.

While copper is the standard electrical wiring material, some homes are wired with aluminum. If your home or business has aluminum wiring, then it needs special consideration. Use this guide by Gulf Coast Electric to learn more about aluminum wiring and whether it’s safe to use in your Destin home. 

Why Does My Home Have Aluminum Wiring? 

As mentioned above, most homes today have copper wiring rather than aluminum wiring. In fact, copper has been the standard wiring material for homes since the early 19th century. So, you might be wondering, why would a home have aluminum wiring in the first place? 

In 1965, copper was in high demand due to the Vietnam War. As a result, copper grew scarce and its prices skyrocketed. This forced home builders to look for cost-effective alternatives. Aluminum was cheaper than copper and abundant in supply, so it became the next best option.

The Problem With Aluminum Wiring

Since then, we’ve learned that while aluminum is good at conducting electricity, it has hazardous qualities. For one, it expands much more than copper when heated. And if wires expand and contract too much, your wires can loosen over time.

Loose wiring exposes the metal inside your wires, causing a plethora of issues such as oxidation, corrosion, warping and weak outlets. Not only that, but all these issues can lead to electrical resistance as well. And once resistance increases, so does the heat inside your wires.

Excess heat in electrical wiring poses a serious fire hazard. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have a wire connection that reaches “fire hazard conditions.”

How Can I Tell If My Home Has Aluminum Wiring?

Finding out if your home has aluminum wiring should be fairly easy. First, check when your home was built. According to the CPSC, if it was built between 1965 and 1974, then there’s a high chance it has aluminum wiring. 

You can tell for sure by checking your home’s electrical panel or electric cables that run through the basement or garage. There should be markings on the cables that say “Al” or “aluminum” every few feet. 

You can also look for exposed wiring in unfinished parts of your home such as your basement, attic or garage. 

What to Do If Your Home Has Aluminum Wiring

If you’re considering a home that has aluminum wiring, or your home already has it, don’t worry! There are a few options to help you deal with aluminum wiring. Here are the main ones:

Partial Rewire

As the name suggests, a partial rewire is when only a portion of your home’s electrical wiring is updated. A partial rewire is less expensive than a full rewire, less invasive and protects your home much more than before.

A partial rewire targets wire connections, which is where most problems happen. This is typically done by attaching a piece of copper wire to the ends of the aluminum wire at connection points. This process is also known as “pigtailing.”

Full Rewire

This option is the most effective way to fully prevent the risks of aluminum wiring. By removing every trace of aluminum, your home is significantly safer and less prone to fires. But because this option requires so much time and upheaval, it’s also very costly. 

Contact Gulf Coast Electric!

Regardless of what avenue you choose, we recommend having a qualified electrician evaluate your entire electrical system. A thorough electrical inspection ensures that all connections are tight and are working safely. Our qualified technicians at Gulf Coast Electric can help answer any questions related to aluminum wiring, copper wiring or wiring in general. Contact us today to protect your Destin home wiring today!

Most commercial electrical issues happen behind our businesses’ walls, making them difficult to trace and understand. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with some of the most common electrical problems for commercial buildings will give you a sense of what kind of issue you might be dealing with. To help, Gulf Coast Electric has compiled a quick list of the most common commercial electrical wiring issues you should know about! 

Loose Wiring 

If you have loose, faulty wiring at your switches or outlets, it likely is due to poor installation. One way to tell if this is an issue in your business or facility is to check for burning or sizzling sounds. If you hear these sounds, it’s important to not let too much time pass by. Ask a certified electrical technician to look at the source of the sounds (or smells) as soon as possible. Loose wiring is known as an electrical fire hazard.

Old Wiring 

Like all other types of technology, wiring experiences wear-and-tear, even if we can’t see it happening. Just because our wiring is behind walls and “out of sight, out of mind,” doesn’t mean it isn’t working hard to maintain our comfort everyday!

Old wiring is another very common issue within the commercial electrical world. This issue isn’t always a localized one, either – a lot of the times, old wiring can cause issues all the way from your meter box to an outlet. 

If your business or facility is running in an old building, it’s important to ask an electrician to check the health of your wiring annually. This saves you the hassle of having to ask for an emergency evaluation which can take longer than you’d like.

Circuit Overload

Circuits overloads take place when you exceed the rated load for a line of electricity. For example, a circuit might have three outlets but that doesn’t mean it can handle that many loads of power-draining simultaneously. Over time, this can lead to a tripped circuit breaker, which is caused when too much electric current flows through a given line. 
If you are unsure what a circuit breaker is, think of it as a device made to protect your electrical system. It shuts off automatically when there is too much electricity. If you find your circuit to trip repeatedly, it might be time to call your electrician to see if there can be stronger outlets that can sustain multiple devices or appliances at once. 

Light Switches and Bulbs

 
Common throughout all residential and commercial buildings, flickering lights are a telltale sign that you’re experiencing electrical problems and that they shouldn’t be ignored. However, for most electricians, light switches that no longer work suggest loose wiring. This, again, shows the importance of scheduling maintenance annually to check the state of your electrical system. An electrician will help you find the root of a problem that started as one flickering light and then turned in a costly repair. 

Contact Gulf Coast Electric today!

Do you suspect your commercial facility or building is experiencing some electrical issues? Don’t wait – call Gulf Coast Electric to help you get to the bottom of the problem! Our goal is to help you run your electrical systems smoothly and efficiently in residential and commercial spaces! Contact us today for all your electrical wiring questions and learn more about our services!

When it comes to energy efficiency, many homeowners fail to take into account their home lighting. Oftentimes the light bulbs used in lighting fixtures can have an impact on your energy bills. So, which are the best for energy savings? Which may end up costing you more?

At Gulf Coast Electric, we encourage Destin energy efficiency so all homeowners in the area can enjoy lower electric bills. That’s why we’ve come up with a helpful guide to help you choose the best light bulbs for your home. 

Can Certain Light Bulbs Really Save You Money?

Something as simple as changing the light bulbs in your home’s lighting fixtures can help save you money on your energy bills. 15 percent of your average electricity use each month is devoted solely to lighting. 

This may not seem like much, but it adds up in the long run. Energy-efficient options are typically one of the best ways to lower your energy bill. In addition, turning off lights when not in use is another great way to save money. 

Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

Did you know you could save about $225 on your yearly energy bills just by switching to LED bulbs? Think about how many lighting fixtures you have in your home. That’s a lot of electricity in use daily. Now, think of how much you could save if all of these fixtures used energy-efficient light bulbs. 

LED bulbs labeled with the ENERGY STAR seal of approval have earned the right to be called energy-efficient. These safe and high-quality light bulbs can be found at your local hardware or department store. They use up to 90 percent less energy than traditional light bulbs and even last 25 percent longer.

Best of all, they don’t cost much more than a traditional light bulb. They even come in a variety of colors for mood lighting. With 40W, 60W, 75W, and 100W options, LED bulbs are a great way to cut down on your energy bill.

Light Bulbs to Avoid

If a light bulb doesn’t have the ENERGY STAR logo, it probably isn’t worth your money. Not only will this bulb eat away at your electricity, but it’ll die much sooner than an LED bulb. These are typically cheap, low-quality light bulbs that may not even produce much light. 

Incandescent and halogen light bulbs are the least energy-efficient choices on the market. Their high wattage may produce a bright light, but it’ll cost you much more on your energy bill. Additionally, because these bulbs fade quicker, you’ll be spending more to replace them. 

LED bulbs have such a good lifespan that they’re preferred for areas such as garages and basements, as they can be left unmaintained for years to come with proper use. You won’t get that kind of quality or longevity with bulbs not approved by ENERGY STAR. 

Trust in the Home Energy Professionals

When it comes to electricity, the electricians at Gulf Coast Electric know how to safely and effectively get the job done. Whether you’re looking for increased energy efficiency or system maintenance, we’re the ones to rely on. Contact us today!

Reliable electricity is a vital part of any modern home. The wiring in your home ranges from easily understood to extremely complicated. As a homeowner, you need to understand the very basics of electrical wiring. If you’re looking for information about the electrical wiring in your home but aren’t sure where to begin, look no further. Gulf Coast Electric has created this guide for Destin homeowners to help you better understand the three basic components of your home’s electrical system.

Safety first! 

Always turn off the power to whatever outlet you plan to work on. Using a small piece of tape, cover the breaker switch so it does not get turned on accidentally while you’re working. Make sure there is no power by using a voltage tester. Serious risks are involved when working on electrical systems, including electrocution and electrical fires. Proceed with caution and use the right tools. We at Gulf Coast Electric advise you to hire a professional electrician when you want to get your projects done safely.

What are all these wires?

The black wire is the hot electrical wire. Electricity is carried through this wire from the breaker box (also known as the load center) to the outlet or switch. The white wire is the neutral wire. This sends unused electricity from the outlet or switch back to the breaker panel. The green wire (sometimes it is bare copper) is the ground wire. Electricity travels through this wire back to the breaker and then outside. There it travels through a rod that is buried in the ground and is displaced. This stops the electricity from running through you! Sometimes a fourth wire is required in three-conductor wiring. This applies to three-way light switches. In that case, there is another hot wire, usually colored red. Wires must be joined together with their corresponding colors to create a circuit. If they are not joined correctly, an electrical short will occur.

Electrical Wiring Tips

• Water is a great conductor of electricity. Avoid wet floors, keep your hands dry and keep electrical equipment away from tubs, showers and sinks.
• Always turn off power at the load center. Mark the main switch with tape for a visual reminder.
• Check for residual electricity with a tester. The equipment is not too costly and testing only takes a few seconds.

• Wear rubber soled shoes and insulated rubber gloves. This is especially important when working in a damp area like a laundry room or bathroom.
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes. This applies whenever you are using power tools.   
• Use tools with rubber grips to minimize your risk of shock.
• Never use equipment with damaged cords or frayed wiring.
• Opt for nonmetallic ladders, such as wood or fiberglass. 
• Check with your local electrical-codes department for compliance requirements.

Contact a licensed electrician for speciality wiring and any other electrical services to ensure your home’s electrical system is running properly and safely. Looking for a trusted electrician in Destin? Contact Gulf Coast Electric today!