FAQs

Why hire an electrician instead of a handyman?

Electricians perform a wide range of tasks from wiring new construction to repairing and replacing older systems. They need to have critical thinking skills to perform tests and diagnose problems. And customer service skills to work with customers one-on-one. Mechanical aptitude is also important, as well as being comfortable around electrical work and confident in their abilities. They develop these skills through years of schooling in an apprenticeship program and thousands of hours of hands-on training in the field. Then there’s continuous education and safety training to stay up-to-date on changing codes and conditions.

What are the buttons on my electrical outlet?

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are required in common areas with a greater chance of coming in contact with liquid, like your bathroom or kitchen. They have two little buttons, often black and red, labeled as “test” and “reset.” A GFCI outlet monitors electrical currents and looks for irregularities between hot and neutral wires. If one is detected, the circuit is broken by the GFCI. Pressing “test” will also break the circuit, letting you know the GFCI is working properly. The “reset” button is used to restore the circuit.

How do I reset a tripped breaker?

When a breaker trips in your panel follow these quick steps.

Locate your circuit breaker panel.
Locate the tripped breaker that has moved from the “on” position to the “off” position, or is halfway between the two. It’s not always obvious and should not be aligned with the other breakers.
Reset the breaker by flipping it to the “off” position and then to the “on” position. There should be a audible click when this happens.

Is my generator working?

Make sure your generator is running. You can manually switch the main breaker so your generator turns on, or call into our office and one of our trained technicians will walk you through the process over the phone. Also, if you've heard your generator exercise at its weekly scheduled time, then you know it is running properly.

How do I check my generator's oil?

Your oil must be checked every 24 hours of continuous use. Your generator engine is just like your car's engine; 24 hours of use is equal to driving 90mph from New Jersey to Florida. To check your oil, turn the switch inside your generator from "auto" to "off." Let the machine rest for two minutes, then pull the oil dipstick. The oil level should be between the two holes on the dipstick. If you notice it's low, you can top it off yourself. If your stand-by generator is powered by propane, make sure your propane tank has an adequate amount or call your propane provider for a refill. If you have a portable generator, you should get in the habit of checking your oil each time you fill the gas tank.