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Lighting strike in night sky

How Does Lightning Damage Electrical Equipment?

Florida is one of the top 5 states for lightning strikes. According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Sunshine State experiences roughly 1.2 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes annually. These strikes can pose a significant danger to people and homes. What Makes Lightning Strikes in Florida Dangerous? The enormous discharge of electrical energy is what makes lightning strikes in Florida so dangerous. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lightning strikes

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Lightning bolt above homes

What Happens If Lightning Strikes Your House?

Dealing with residential lightning damage is probably one household disaster scenario that you’ve never even considered, but lightning strikes are far more common than most homeowners think. The issues caused by even a single indirect lightning strike can be far-reaching and result in long-lasting impacts to numerous systems throughout your property. Common problems resulting from residential lightning strikes include electrical power surges, fires, structural damage and hidden system failures. Many of these issues aren’t readily

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Chandelier install high enough above dining table

How High Should a Chandelier Be Over a Table?

A chandelier should hang 30-36 inches over the table in a room with an 8-foot ceiling. For higher ceilings, you need to add 3 inches for each foot. You also need to take the size of both the table and the chandelier into account. In the article below, you’ll learn how to do that along with standard height rules and how to make adjustments for ceiling height. You’ll also get some sizing guidance and tips

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What Size Chandelier Do You Need for a Dining Room?

The majority of dining rooms should have a chandelier that measures 1/2 to 2/3 the width of the table. But, you’ll also want to take into account the overall room size to select the ideal diameter. Chandelier size matters for creating the right room proportions and lighting balance for the highest level of comfort. Taking a deeper look at the sizing rules, table guidelines and installation considerations for chandeliers helps you find the perfect one

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HVAC tech installing generator for 200 amp service

What Size Standby Generator for 200 Amp Service?

Standby generators are rated differently from electric service panels, so the size of the generator you need probably won’t translate exactly to the size of your electric service. The size of a standby generator will be based on the load it is expected to carry during an outage. The size of an electric panel is determined by the number of high-demand units it must carry. Whole-house generators are sized differently from portable generators, and factors

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Generator outside home

How Long Can a Generator Run? (Portable vs Standby Explained)

A generator can run anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks or longer. The specific timeframe depends on several factors, including the fuel source as well as the use of a whole-house or portable generator. Quick Takeaways Portable generators usually run 6–16 hours per tank Whole-house standby generators can run days or weeks Natural gas generators can run as long as fuel supply is available Runtime depends on fuel type, load, and maintenance

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Long ceiling fan downrod

Are Ceiling Fan Downrods Universal?

Ceiling fan downrods are not universal. Homeowners sometimes assume they are because certain styles have a similar appearance, and most options come in standard lengths. Understanding how they differ is essential to picking one that’s compatible with your ceiling fan. Brand differences can include threading, diameter, and mounting systems. Scheduling a professional installation for your ceiling fan is key to ensuring proper sizing and safety. Quick Takeaways Ceiling fan downrods are not compatible across all

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Properly measured ceiling fan installation

How To Measure Ceiling Fan Size the Right Way

As summer rolls around, balmy breezes quickly turn into sweltering heat waves. With ceiling fans, you can reduce your energy costs by keeping your home at a warmer temperature. However, to ensure a comfortable home, you need the right ceiling fan size. The wrong size can oft result in poor airflow, excess noise, and wasted money. In order to get the right ceiling fan, you’ll need to account for your ceiling height, blade span, and

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Unsafe aluminum wiring

Is Aluminum Wiring Safe?

By modern standards, aluminum wiring isn’t safe. It was installed in many homes in the 1960s and 1970s. Unfortunately, these wires tended to overheat and become loose, leading to major fire hazards. Because of this, aluminum wiring is no longer used when constructing today’s homes. Quick Takeaways Aluminum wires are more likely to oxidize, overheat, or become loose. These wires are more likely to cause electrical fires. Flickering lights, burning odors, and warm outlets are

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Knob and tube wiring in old home

How to Find Faulty Wiring in a House

Faulty wiring is one of the most hazardous situations you can face in your house. Once the wires aren’t working properly, you face the risk of dealing with house fires or damage to your home’s electrical system and home appliances. You’re also at a higher risk for shocks or burns if you come into contact with heat or electricity from the bad wiring. As a homeowner, knowing what you can safely check yourself versus when

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