Image by (Joenomias) Menno de Jong from Pixabay as seen at https://pixabay.com/photos/electric-car-hybrid-car-charging-2783573/
Your business needs EV Charging. You may not know it but it is true. If you are to get your business ready for the crunch of Electric Vehicles that will soon be dominating the streets, you should seriously think about installing EV Charging Stations at your business. EV Charging Stations will welcome new shoppers by incentivizing them to park their car at your location, charge up, and shop. The beauty of it is the fact that it’s charging, but it’s not free. Ozburn Electric can install retail EV Charging Stations allowing you to profit from the Electric Vehicles while they park and the drivers shop.
Give Ozburn Electric a call today at 770-784-1618 and see how Retail Grade Level 2 EV Charging Stations can enhance your business.
Warning Signs Your Rental Property Needs an Electrician
Electricity is the most fundamental discovery that has created our modern lives. Electricity lights up our cities, drives our industries, and is the backbone of our digital technology. But most of all, it is the basis for tenants’ comfort in a rental property. But since most parts of a home’s electrical systems are out of sight, the home’s electricity is often taken for granted.
The only time landlords and tenants pay attention to their electricity supply is when something is not working. But before an electrical fault manifests as an obvious problem, usually it has been going on for a while. Most electrical dangers start deep inside the walls of a rental, where the signs of failure or malfunction are not easy to detect until they result in a fire.
An overwhelmingly high proportion of house fires begin in the home’s electrical wiring. They are caused by obsolete, damaged, poorly installed, or improperly maintained wiring. And because of the fact that many landlords do not know the telltale signs of imminent problems with a home’s electrical systems, electrical problems are mostly discovered in their advanced stages.
Unlike the home’s plumbing or HVAC systems, as Avalon Management points out, landlords often don’t know the indicators of impending electrical problems. They have to wait until they experience an electrical failure before they recognize that they have a problem. However, electrical faults are the most dangerous type of damage to have in a rental property, due to the high risk of fires and electric shocks.
This is why landlords must know the signs of electrical problems and when their rental needs an electrician. The ability to properly identify electrical faults can make the difference between preventing fire and fighting a fire. It could also make the difference between life and death. Here are the warning signs landlords need to know when their rental property needs an electrician.
Get an electrical evaluation
An electrical evaluation establishes a baseline of where the home’s electrical systems are. It offers owners an overview of the systems by identifying obsolete components, poor installations, wiring that is not up to the code, and other problems. The evaluation makes it easy to deal with issues going forward.
Frequent circuit breaker trips
Circuit breakers prevent damage by shutting off the power when there is an overload. Occasional circuit breaker trips are normal, but when trips happen several times in a month, there may be deeper issues with the wiring.
Flickering, buzzing, and dimming lights
If the lights in a home flicker, buzz, or dim slightly when they are turned on, or when multiple appliances are being used in the home, it is a sign that the wiring needs an upgrade. Flickering lights are caused by a power surge, especially when appliances place a demand above what the wiring can handle.
Chewed up or frayed wiring
This problem is caused by rodents and pets. Some animals like to chew on hard surfaces and they often choose a home’s wiring. Frayed wires can also be the result of improper installation by an amateur electrician. If there are rodent droppings in the home or other signs of pest infestation, suspect this problem.
Warm and vibrating wall outlets
Power outlets that feel warm to the touch or which vibrate slightly when in use are a sign of bigger problems with the home’s wiring. Also if the outlet sparks when it is in use, it could be because the outlet is substandard or the home’s wiring is damaged.
Smell of burning
If a smell of burning often hangs in the air and its origin cannot be pinpointed, there is a good chance that part of the wiring inside the walls has been damaged by fire. Smoke and strange odors are other ways these problems manifest. These signs occur mostly when an appliance is being used.
Scorched, discolored, or sparking outlets
Scorch marks and discolorations on power outlets mean that the wires behind the outlet are damaged and releasing heat. In addition to scorch marks, there may be evidence of warping.
Noisy electrical panels
Humming or cracking sounds from inside the electrical panel is a sign that the wiring is overloaded. Wires get overloaded due to age or damage. These sounds mostly happen when a device is plugged in. Electrical panels should not be making any sounds.
Broken light switches and outlets
If light switches and power outlets work for a period and then stop working, there could be loose wiring in the system. It may also be because the wires inside the walls are burnt.If after checking the light switches and outlets no problems are found, the problem is with the wiring.
Recurring electrical problems
When some or all of these issues become frequent in a rental, it could be an indication that the home’s wiring system has reached the end of its useful life. In addition to the above signs, when bulbs burn out quickly or appliances function at lower power levels, the home needs an electrical evaluation.
There you have it, 10 warning signs your rental property needs an electrician. If you notice any of these signs, best to give the professionals at Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. a call at 770-784-1618.
For more information and guidance when selecting rental property, go to https://avalonpropertymanagement.net/ or simply click here to see what Avalon Property Management has to advise on this topic.
You can reach out to Avalon Property Management at:
Did you know that OSHA and NFPA 70E requires employers to assess all equipment operating at 50 volts and higher for shock and Arc-Flash Hazards?
Don’t feel bad because many facilities and plant managers don’t realize this until it is too late. In addition to the discovering shock hazards, incident energy, and Hazard Risk Categories, a properly performed Arc Flash Audit can uncover other problem area such as power drops throughout your facility. The further into your electrical distribution system and farther away you are from the power source, the more likely hood of your power dropping thereby possibly damaging sensitive equipment and becoming another area for employee safety concern.
If you are wondering if your facility only needs one Arc Flash Audit and you’re done, you are wrong. An Arc Flash study should be performed every 5 years. An arc flash risk assessment is more about your and your employee safety and should be reviewed every five years, or any time modifications are made to the facility that can effect the outcome of the study. Major or sometimes minor variations such as fuse type or breaker setting adjustments can have a huge impact on personal safety.
How can I obtain an Arc Flash study or audit? First, try to find the electrical blueprints for your facility. This would be a huge help with the electrical company that you obtain to do the study. This will also save you money in the front end because the study may reveal costly changes and corrections. If you live in Georgia, give Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. a call at +1 770-784-1618 to arrange a professional Arc Flash Audit today.
If you want to hire an electrician that can safely perform an Arc Flash Study, just give Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. a call today at (770) 784-1618. You can also see and read more about Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. at www.OzburnElectrical.com.
Ahh, Spring 2023. The fresh smell of pollen along with the warm kiss of the sun. I love Spring. It’s not Winter and it’s not Summer. A perfect balance of cold and warmth.
Along with Spring comes a time of renewal. Maintaining a healthy home goes beyond dusting and vacuuming and Spring is the perfect time to review any problems that your home was able to limp through the Winter.
Here are just a few things to check to make sure your castle is ready for a new year.
Take a Look at the Roof. Check to see if any shingles or roofing is missing or torn. Check the eves to make sure the rain can not penetrate.
Clean the Gutters. Grab a ladder, and check your gutters for debris.
Inspect the Concrete. …
Run Outside Faucets. …
Give Your AC Some Attention. …
Check Out the Deck. …
Repair and Reseal Woodwork. …
Run the Sprinklers.
and last but not least, have a qualified electrician come do a thorough analysis of your home’s electrical system. If you live in the metro Atlanta GA area, give Ozburn Electrical Contractors a call at 770-784-1618 or send an email to info@ozelec.com.
A typical household spends around $1600 per year on electric consumption. Some homeowners even spend much more while a few may spend less. In my opinion, any amount is too much! Did you know that a large portion of what you are paying for in your electric bill is never used? Let us put it in other words: Energy is wasted month after month right at your very home. Thus, you are spending on something that you never even use. For example, when you leave home, your air conditioner or heater is probably working. What about the closet lights that you forget to turn off?
To make up for this, here are the changes you can do in order to get the most out of every cent you pay for in your electric bill:
Turn off unnecessary devices. If you are not watching your television, never leave it on. This also goes with your stereo. Learn how to turn them off if you don’t need them. Turn off the lights if you are leaving the room as well. Also switch off the air conditioning system if you don’t plan to return for a while. In the summer, I like to push my AC thermostat to the 80 degree mark. That may sound hot but according to EnergyStar, you can save up to $185 a year by adjusting your thermostat whenever you leave your home for 8 hours or longer. After all, there’s no need to heat or cool your empty home to the same temperature as when you’re home, right? Heating and cooling system consume a large portion of your electric bill so you might as well do some necessary changes with them. If for instance you do not want to enter a cold home, you can purchase an inexpensive programmable thermostat (way less than $185) for your heating and cooling system. In this way, you do not have to leave the heating system running all day. All you have to do is to set the time when you want your heating system to work and you will save a lot of money.
If you don’t use your computer monitor, turn it off. It’s not enough to rely on your screensaver. It uses energy too. Like the television, it consumes electricity when you are not using it.
Keep your receptacles free. Unplug all your chargers. Yes, they consume small electric current but if you leave them plugged in day in and day out for months, you will feel their effects on your electric bills. Remember that these little things, when piled up, can be big.
During cooler days, use the sun to warn up the house. Yes, I said the sun. Passive solar energy is one of the best ways to heat your home during the cool fall and cold winter months. The sun is free so open your drapes and windows and let your heating system rest for a while. Close the windows and drapes at night.
If you don’t want to turn the lights on and off every time you go in and out of the room, you might want to get some timers, dimmers and motion sensors to do the job for you. They are worth the investment.
Refrain from using hot water when washing your clothes. Also, it will save you money if you wash full loads as compared to partial loads. Concerning your dishwasher, make sure you wash full loads as compared to a partially empty dishwasher. Just don’t do like I do and overfill or you will truly “pay” the price. There is a reason that I have been married 32 years.
Doing these things doesn’t mean you deprive yourself from freely using the electricity you need. It only means that you are wisely spending every cent you pay for in electric bills.
If you have an electrical problem, give Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. a call today at 1-770-784-1618. Visit our website at www.OzburnElectrical.com.
Electrician Checklist: Reputation, Experience, Credentials, Insurance, Bonded, and Warranty
Before searching for an “electrician near me” or before checking out Facebook for an electrician, you need to do your electrical homework. If you are a retail or commercial business seeking an electrician, here are a few helpful tips for hiring a qualified electrician. Electricians come in many flavors. I say that because you can hire electricians tag specialize in residential work, commercial or retail, industrial, automation, controls, landscape, and much more. When it comes to commercial electrical work, you may not want the skills of an electrician that knows industrial automation and controls but you do want an electrician that is more skilled than just a residential electrician. However, does that mean that you should just hire the first commercial grade electrician that you come across? Absolutely not. It is crucial that you verify at least six key things about an electrician or an electrical contractor before hiring them to perform work on your critical electrical system.
Reputation – Every person or business has a reputation, be it good, bad or some where in the middle. With the internet, it is easier today than ever before to verify the reputation of a commercial electrician in your area. It only takes a Google search to find numerous reviews about electricians in your area. Now only do you usually find reviews about an electrician or an electrical company, you usually have a chance to review the websites of some of the electrical contractors that you are considering and possibly contact past clients or references.
Experience – While it is true that an electrician just starting out may be excellent, it is better for a business to find commercial electrical contractor that has several years of experience and a proven track record. Usually during an aggressive economy, may individuals “become electricians” and have the truck to prove it. Look for companies that have been in business for at least a few years, and make sure that they operate out of a brick and mortar location. Companies that operate out of an actual physical location demonstrate a particular commitment to their business, which can establish confidence in their ability to get the job done right, within the established budget, and with a warranty. Ask a potential electrical business how long they have been in business. This can establish if they have ridden out particular hard economic times or not. If an electrical company has been around for many, many years, this usually means that they have honored their commitments to the customer and are not a “fly by night” company.
Credentials – No matter what electrician or electrical contractor you choose, make sure that they are licensed and certified by the appropriate regulatory bodies of your state, county or district. Also it is extremely important to make sure that they abide by the rules and regulations as set forth by your electrical utility company. Regardless, the electrician that you select should follow all of the federal rules and regulations as set forth by the National Electrical Code (NEC) developed by the Department of Labor out of Washington, DC. These type credentials prove education and experience, which can provide some peace of mind.
Insurance – Also, before hiring any electrical contractor, make sure that both the company and the employees are adequately insured. Electricians that are insured protect you and your business against liability issues and against property damage and more. If an electrician is insured, then any potential problems caused by the electrical contractor are likely covered under their policy. Hiring a serviceman without insurance just increases your risks, potentially costing you financially in the event of any unforeseen problems. You could even ask for proof of insurance just to make sure the electrical contractors fits your needs.
Bonded – A surety bond protect the consumers from harmful and unethical business practices. For instance, an electrician or electrical company that purchases a surety bond does not intend on using it. Here’s why: if a customer files a $1,000 claim against the electrician’s $10,000 bond, and the claim is proven, then the surety bond company will pay the claim. However, the electrician will need to reimburse the surety bond company for the full $1,000 claim. It’s in the electrician’s best interest to honor the terms of agreement with the customer in hopes that they don’t have a claim against them.
Warranty – Make sure to check if they warranty their work. Some electrical companies like to quickly get their tools up, get paid and leave quickly after a job is complete and never discuss a warranty on the products or labor. Ask about a warranty. If the company does not have a warranty, you may want to skip over this company. A reputable electrician or electrical company should at least provide a warranty that covers labor while the product warranty covers the product. A great electrical company would offer both, a labor warranty and a product warranty.
For most people, the Google search for “electrician near me” will suffice. You must do your due diligence in searching for a commercial or industrial electrician. For large commercial or industrial facilities, it may be necessary to hire an electrician who specializes in the mechanical intricacies of commercial properties. However, before hiring any electrical contractor, take the time to verify their reputation, experience, credentials, insurance, bonded, and offer a warranty. By verifying these six specifics, your company can rest assured that the electrician working on your property is qualified and capable of handling the maintenance and care of your electrical system.
If you want to hire an electrician that passes all of the above requirements, just give Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. a call today at (770) 784-1618. You can also see and read more about Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. at www.OzburnElectrical.com.
If you think that finding a “good, reliable” electrician is easy, ask an electrical services company.
These days finding a reliable electrician can be hard. When it comes to your home, Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. wants only the best, high quality electrical work done for you. Although this article is about how you, as a home owner or general contractor can find a good electrician or electrical services company, we want to let you know that even finding a good, solid electrician as an employee can be difficult sometimes. At Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc., of Covington, GA, we only hire the best because our customers deserve the best.
One way to find a good electrician is by word of mouth or in marketing terms, “repeat and referral”. Word of mouth is the best way that any trades person can be advertised. Because word gets around very fast to other people. Check with your relatives, friends and neighbors to see if they can recommend someone to you that does good work and that has did quality work for them. This is a good way of finding a reliable electrician to do work in your home.
Look online for good reviews or a good reputation. It used to be where you could pick up your local paper and look for advertisements for electrical work done in your area and the surrounding areas where you live. Nowadays, hardly anyone looks at a newspaper because of social outlets on the internet. Do a Google search for “electrician near me” to see what is local to you. The results page should give you good enough information to at least get you started on finding a good electrician or electrical services company. The internet offers a variety of good ways to check the electrician out before hiring them to do work for you.
How ever you find someone to do electrical work for you, make sure they come from a reputable company. It is best to check that the company will do the type of work that you are needing. And if they can start the work you need in a good time frame when you want it done. Check from them that their work is guaranteed and that they will stand by their work. Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. offers a 1-year warranty of their work and they’ll stand by that with integrity. Get a quote in writing and compare it with other company quotes. Check how long they have been in business and if they have a good reputation and are an established company. (Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. has been in business since 1984!) And make sure to ask them if they are carrying insurance. All of these things will help you to find a good reliable electrician.
It is good to check out an electrician to see if he is good at his work and reliable. Ozburn’s employees have been vetted and have completed IEC Electrical school or are in the process of taking electrical classes at IEC. IEC stands for “Independent Electrical Contractors” and abide by the rules and regulations as set forth by the Department of Labor out of Washington, DC. If you would like to read more about the IEC, click here.
There are those people that do not run a legitimate business and are not dependable or capable of doing the job. These will be the ones that you definitely want to avoid. You need to find this out before you go and hire someone like this. They are usually pretty easy to spot.
Here are some of the things to look for if someone is not running a legitimate business.
There only phone number they give is for their mobile phone.
They try and talk you out of doing the job right because they see a easier way of doing it.
They make the work sound way more complicated then it really is.
They won’t give you a written quote for the work in writing.
They won’t give a firm price to you for the work being done.
They have no references from jobs they have did.
They can not show you any paper work of any certificates they have or any qualifications that they have for this type of work.
These are the things that you need to watch out for when hiring a electrician or you can just give Ozburn Electric a call today at 770-784-1618 and bypass all of the worry and stress.
Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. services the metro Atlanta area and also Covington, Conyers, Marietta, Alpharetta, Stone Mountain, Greensboro, Lake Oconee, Reynolds at Lake Oconee, Madison, Loganville, Snellville, Eatonton, Monticello, Jackson, Stockbridge, McDonough, and more! Call us today!
If you would like to remodel your kitchen, give Ozburn Electric a call today at 770-784-1618. We can enhance your lighting based on your dreams and stay in line with your budget. Give us a call today!
