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!

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!

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! 

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!