Cloth wire is copper or aluminum wire with a cotton wrap around it. Cloth wire is outdated and can be dangerous if it has dried out due to heat from light bulb or basic use. Cloth wire should be check to see if it has deteriorated or is putting your home at risk.

The problem with aluminum wiring is that it expands and contracts creating arcing problems. When it arcs, it usually does so without tripping the breaker. Aluminum wire has very limited use and is not allowed in most residential applications. It is a definite fire hazard.

Recessed lights are supplied with a thermal overload. Because the fixture is inside your ceiling, it is important that excessive heat from the bulbs do not cause a fire. Because of this, the thermal overload acts as a thermometer i.e. when the heat reaches a preset temperature, it will disconnect the electric. When the fixture cools down, the electricity is reconnected. To avoid this problem, lower wattage lamps will generate less heat, try changing them. The recessed can should have a sticker on the inside of it listing the lamps which are compatible with it.

No, it is not a safety issue if the fuse box is not showing any deterioration or stress ( rust, burn marks, or melted copper). Fuses are actually more sensitive than circuit breakers; therefore they are safer than circuit breakers. The problem with fuse boxes is twofold. 1. After a fuse protects your home from an overloaded circuit by blowing its contact (blown fuse), you have to throw it away. Therefore you may go through many fuses. Secondly, the majority of insurance companies and new home buyer inspectors now require that fuse boxes be replaced with circuit breakers.

Most appliances and electrical devices today come with 3-prong plugs. The third prong is for grounding purposes. For safety issues, it is advisable to have everything in your home properly grounded. Having a properly grounded electrical system reduces the risk of electrocution and damage to your equipment; therefore, you should have them change.

A GFCI is an abbreviation for a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or Ground Fault Interrupter. It is a specially designed outlet normally used in wet locations or children play areas to protect an individual from electrical shock. A GFCI measures the resistance on the “positive” and “negative” loads connected to it. If there is more resistance in either of the 2 loads, the GFCI trips and stops power from continuing. The electrical code requires that GFCI’s be installed within 6 ft. of sinks in all kitchens, baths, laundry areas and also all outdoor outlets.

Assume all overhead lines are power lines and stay away from them.

Do not climb trees, or fly kites near power lines.

Never attempt to remove something that may be caught on an overhead line.

Never touch anyone who is in contact with a power line, call 911.

Get inside at the first sign of lightning.

Do not seek shelter under a tree.

Make sure that your pets (s) do not chew on electrical devices or there cords.

*The same frayed electrical cord that delivers an electrical shock to an adult, may have enough voltage to kill a dog or cat.

*Keep electrical cords away from puppies and kittens.

*If you have difficulty getting your pet to stop chewing on the cord, you may want to wrap the cord in a thick plastic sleeve.

*Keep Halogen lamps away from play areas for pets and children. Some Halogen bulbs can reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees. A fire can easily begin, if the lamp knocked over during play.

*Discourage pets from curling up for a nap behind warm computer equipment. Can’t I just do my own electrical wiring repair work?

Most major work performed on your home should have a permit pulled. Most small repairs and installations can be performed without a permit. The easiest way to find out if you should have a permit is to call your city/village to ask an inspector.

Yes, to pull a permit in Chicago and surrounding areas you have to be a licensed contractor but plenty of contractors out there are not licensed or even qualified electricians. For your family’s safety, MAKE SURE YOUR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR IS LICENCED!!!!!!