Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WHY DOES MY SMOKE DETECTOR KEEP CHIRPING?

This is either an indication of a defective smoke detector, or the battery simply needs replacing.

WHY DO EXTERIOR LIGHT BULBS BURN OUT SO FAST?

This could be one of two factors. Either you're using non-brand named bulbs, or you're using light bulbs with too high of wattage, which cause excessive heat build-up shorting the life of the bulb.

CAN I PLUG MY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS INTO A 110 VOLT OUTLET ON THE EXTERIOR OF MY HOME?

Yes. Within reason, if the quantity of lights creates a load greater than the capacity of the circuit breaker, the breaker will trip off. In this event, additional circuits may be required to accommodate your holiday display.

IF I HAVE SURGE OR LIGHTNING PROTECTION ON MY MAIN SERVICE SHOULD I ALSO USE POINT-OF-USE SURGE PLUGINS IN MY HOME?

Yes. Main line surge is no absolute guarantee and any additional surge protection down stream in the system offers a greater level of protection; though, nothing is absolute when it comes to the power of Mother Nature.

WHY DO MY LIGHTS BLINK WHEN MY AIR CONDITIONER CYCLES ON?

Large appliances cause a minor momentary voltage drop, demonstrating itself as the blinking in your lights. This has no negative effect on the electrical equipment within your house.

WHY DOES THE REFRIGERATOR OR FREEZER, LOCATED IN MY GARAGE, KEEP GOING OFF?

Unless you made provisions with the builder for a dedicated circuit, the outlets in your garage are GFCI Protected per National Electrical Code. This device will not tolerate the additional resistance load created by refrigeration equipment. The GFCI senses there is a fault, and therefore trips off. The only cure to this problem is to provide a dedicated, non-GFCI circuit allowable by code.

CAN I DIM FLUORESCENT LIGHTS?

Yes. Dimming fluorescent requires not only a special dimmer, but also special fixtures. You cannot place a typical incandescent dimmer on existing fluorescent.

CAN I HANG A CEILING FAN WHERE A LIGHT IS?

Yes, but first you must make sure the electrical box is properly braced and rated for the weight and torque of the ceiling fan you are installing.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN MY FLUORESCENT LIGHTS ARE FLICKERING OR CYCLING ON AND OFF?

Flickering may indicate impending bulb failure, minor power fluctuation, and/or improperly installed bulbs. Cycling on and off is usually a clear indication of ballast and/or bulb failure. It is recommended when replacing a ballast to replace bulbs as well.

HOW DO I RESET MY BREAKER WHEN IT HAS TRIPPED OFF?

First, disconnect any additional devices that may have caused the breaker to overload and trip. Breakers are mechanical devices and must be turned all the way off before turning back on. Remember this is a mechanical device, so this may require several attempts. If this fails to reset the breaker, there may be a more serious problem, and you should call The Power Connection.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY LIGHTS, SWITCHES AND RECEPTACLES DON'T WORK?

Check to see if the outlet is on a switch. Check and reset GFCI outlets and circuit breaker. Check light bulbs and replace if necessary. If none of these are the problem, call The Power Connection.

WHY DO I BLOW FUSES OR WHY DOES MY CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIP?

Except in the case of ground fault interrupters, which are susceptible to moisture and/or weather conditions, fuses and circuit breakers should not trip. Check to see if some type of plugged in appliance is causing the problem.

WHAT CAUSES THE LIGHTS IN MY HOUSE TO FLICKER?

Central air conditioning and heat pump condensers may cause a noticeable dimming on start up. Lights may flicker or dim due to startup of some appliances or motor driven equipment. Check with the local utility company for possible defects in supply source or for the utility switching to other utilities for supply.

WHAT IS A GFCI DEVICE OR BREAKER?

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. In layman's terms this device protects you from electrical shock. When it senses the slightest increase in resistance resulting from ground fault, it turns off to protect you.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BREAKER PANEL AND MY OLD FUSE PANEL?

Both devices, either breaker or fuse, are designed to trip (turn off) in the event of an electrical overload. The only difference is that a breaker is mechanical and may be reset, whereas a fuse is one time only and must be replaced. Modern breakers are much more efficient and offer greater levels of protection.

WHAT ARE THE BUTTONS ON MY GFCI OUTLET?

The first button is a test button and when pressed should deactivate the outlet and any other outlet fed from it. This indicates a properly functioning device. The second button is the reset button that you depress to reactivate the outlet or outlets in the event of deactivation resulting from a fault.

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