FAQs
Clover Electric, Inc.
Have a[n electricity-related question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!
What uses the most electricity in your home?
Items that require only electricity to either heat or cool items will always use the most electricity in a home. Some of these items consist of air conditioners (window or full unit), electric furnaces/baseboard heaters or space heaters, electric vehicle chargers, clothes dryers, and hot water tanks. Other items like hair dryers, coffee makers, microwaves, toasters, and vacuum cleaners also use quite a bit of electricity. For help identifying high-energy appliances or addressing electrical concerns in your home, local electricians can provide professional guidance. Items like LED lighting and electronics usually use the least amount of electricity in a home.Why does an outlet spark when I plug in a device or appliance?
Electricity is always sitting at the outlet waiting to send power to the item being plugged in. If the item you are plugging in is already turned on or doesn't have an on/off switch, the electricity in the outlet will jump to the cord end. This is normal as electricity moves faster than we do. If, after the item is plugged in, you still hear crackling sounds, the outlet feels hot to the touch, or you see black marks forming on the outlet, then it is time to consult an electrician to get the outlet checked out for safety.Why are plugs falling out of my wall outlet?
Plugs that fall out of a wall outlet usually indicate that the outlet's internal contacts have become worn or damaged. A loose connection can prevent the plug from fitting securely and may create a potential electrical hazard. If you notice this issue, avoid relying on the loose outlet and consider contacting a professional for electrician services to inspect and replace the outlet if necessary.My circuit breaker trips all the time. Why?
This means the breaker is detecting something that is not working properly in your home, and it shuts off to protect you and the electrical items on that circuit. This can happen for all sorts of reasons, from too many items being plugged in to an appliance failing internally where you can't see it. The breaker itself could be defective, or a wire could be damaged inside a wall from a picture being hung. No matter the reason, your breaker is protecting your home from a potential fire, and you should get the issue checked out by a professional electrician companies.What is GFCI protection?
It protects you and me from getting seriously shocked or electrocuted. These devices are always monitoring your electricity, and if they can't sense it properly, they shut down all power to the items they are watching. These are usually outlets that have a test/reset button on them and are located in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, outside, etc. A licensed electrician can inspect these devices and help ensure they are working properly. Bottom line is, it keeps living beings safe.What do I do if I lose power to a section of my home?
1. Check your electrical panel and look for a breaker handle that is out of place compared to all the others in your panel. This is usually in the middle, tripped position. 2. Once found, turn that breaker handle to the off position. This will reset the breaker, and you should hear a low click when it resets. This will allow you to turn it back to the on position. Please note that you will not be able to turn the breaker on if it does not reset. 3. Once the breaker stays in the on position, go check the areas of your home to see if they are working again. If they are, then congrats! You fixed your electricity. 4. If you cannot find a breaker in the tripped position, then check your GFCI outlets and try resetting them. These outlets are usually located in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and outside. 5. If you tried the above steps and you still have areas not working, then contact a professional. A local electrician can help identify the underlying issue and determine the appropriate repair.Why won't my circuit breaker reset?
This means that the problem still exists somewhere and needs to be resolved before it can start working again. Sometimes this can be as simple as unplugging all items you have plugged in and then trying to reset the breaker. If it works, then one of your plugged-in items was causing the problem. Other times, it could be a damaged wire, loose connection, or faulty breaker. In this case, it is best to contact your local professional electrician, who can identify the issue and make the necessary repairs.Why can't I just replace my old circuit breaker with a bigger one?
This could cause an electrical fire if the wiring isn't able to handle the extra power. Breakers are sized by electricians to protect the electrical wiring in your home from overheating and causing a fire. Please consult a licensed electrician to find out if your wiring can handle this increase in power before replacing it with a larger breaker. They will be able to provide options to either safely increase it or run new wiring that can handle the additional power safely.Why does my light switch make a popping noise whenever I turn it on or off?
Electricity is essentially jumping from one side of the switch to the other, creating a small arc that can sometimes be heard. This is not typically a problem, as electricity just moves faster than we can. When this becomes a problem is when the switch is getting old and wearing out, then it needs to be replaced right away. Some warning signs for this are if the switch is getting hot to the touch, the popping sound becomes a longer crackling sound, or you see black soot forming on the cover plate. Switches usually have about a 15-25 year life expectancy. If you notice these warning signs, contact top electricians to inspect and replace the switch safely.How long can I use an extension cord for power?
Extension cords are a temporary-use item only. They are created using smaller wire than you have in your home, and they cannot handle the same power demands on a continual basis. This means they will wear out faster if they are used all the time. These should only be used for short periods of time until a hardwired outlet can be installed as a permanent solution. Items that should not be used on an extension cord include space heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators/freezers, microwaves, exercise equipment, garage door openers, etc. If you need a permanent electrical solution, electrician services can help install additional outlets where needed. If you notice any cracks, fraying, or loose connections, you should replace the extension cord immediately.




