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Do Whole-Home Surge Protectors Protect Against Lightning?

You can protect your home’s electrical system from many lightning-related power surges with a whole-home surge protector. These devices divert excess voltage away from wiring and into the ground. This reduces the risk of damage to electronics, appliances, and electrical system components. But whole-home surge protectors can’t protect against direct lightning strikes. Quick Takeways Whole-home surge protectors defend against nearby lightning strikes No surge protector offers complete protection against direct lightning strikes. The most common

Knob and tube wiring in older Tampa homes

9 Common Electrical Problems in Older Homes

While older homes have a lot of charm and character, many of them have outdated electrical systems that were never meant to support today’s modern electronics and appliances. This also makes them prone to some serious electrical issues that can increase the risk of fires, electric shocks, and some very costly repairs. Quick Takeaways Older homes often have outdated electrical systems that cannot support modern power demands. Issues such as flickering lights, frequently tripped circuit

Homeowner's lights dimming when AC turns on

6 Reasons Your Lights Dim When the AC Turns On

During the hottest months of the year, your air conditioner isn’t the only thing working hard in your home. Your electrical system also puts in extra effort to power your appliances, including your air conditioner. This is why some homeowners are surprised their lights flicker whenever the AC kicks on. Occasional flickering can be normal. But, in some cases, it can also be a sign of underlying electrical issues. Here, we’ll take a look at

Perfect placement of EV charger outside garage

Best Place to Install a Home EV Charger?

Owning an electric vehicle is becoming increasingly common in Tampa. Having an at-home charger is a smart move for saving time and money on charging. But you must keep in mind that where you have the charger installed is very important for charging speed and system safety. It also impacts how convenient it is to use the charger each day. This guide walks you through the best placement options and top mistakes to avoid. Quick

Mister Sparky electrician upgrading electrical panel during EV charger installation

Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade for EV Charger?

The short answer is, “Most likely.” You can probably get by with a 100-amp panel if you only have a Level-I charger. However, if you have a Level-II charger, you won’t because a Level-II charger uses up to 80 amps to charge your EV. If you have a home business that requires a fleet of EVs, and happen to have a Level-III fast charger, then you would need major work done to your home and

How Dust and Placement Affect Smoke Detectors

How Dust Impacts Smoke Detector Performance According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were 344,600 residential fires in 2023 and 2,890 deaths, most of them linked to cooking. This is why smoke detectors are crucial devices to have in your home. However, the performance of your smoke detector is affected by placement and dust. If you don’t install them in the right location, or you allow them to collect dust, they may respond slowly, produce

What Causes Smoke Detectors to Chirp?

Why Smoke Detectors Chirp and How to Fix It Smoke detector chirping is a frustrating yet necessary tool to help keep you and your family safe at home. There are a variety of potential causes such as a dirty sensor, improper smoke detector installation or an aging unit. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that you can take to keep chirping to a minimum and get the most from your existing products. What Does

How Many Smoke Detectors Does Your Home Need?

How Many Smoke Detectors Does Your Home Need? Every precious second counts when it comes to getting you and your family safely out of a house fire. Smoke detectors give you an early warning that might be what you need to save your life. Although having at least one smoke detector can help, the truth is that having the right number of life-saving devices in your home matters a lot. Proper coverage improves fire safety

Where Should Smoke Detectors Be Installed in a Home?

Where Should Smoke Detectors Be Installed in a Home? Everyone knows that having a smoke detector is important, but do you know where smoke detectors should be installed? For instance, it’s critical to be aware that they shouldn’t be placed in your kitchen or bathroom. Tampa Mister Sparky has put together safety tips to help ensure you’re using your smoke detector correctly. After all, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that your risk of

DIY Electrical Repairs vs a Professional Electrician

DIY Electrical Repairs vs. Hiring a Professional Electrician in Tampa If you’re having electrical problems in your home, you might be tempted to try to save money by doing the electrical repairs yourself instead of hiring a professional electrician. However, electrical work often involves more complicated tasks than other household projects, and DIY electrical repairs also carry greater risks. You should consider certain factors when you’re weighing the decision to do any electrical work yourself