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Generator outside Florida home

How Long Can a Whole Home Generator Run?

When your power goes out, it pays to have a whole-home generator installed. Even if your power is out for weeks, your generator can continue to run. However, your runtime will vary based on your generator size, maintenance consistency, fuel source, and electrical demand. Additionally, you’ll be limited by how much fuel you have on hand. Quick Takeaways Whole-home generators are generally able to run for several days or weeks. A natural gas generator offers

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Bolt of lighting during Florida storm

7 Reasons Florida Homes Need a Generator During Storm Season

While many people love to live in Florida for its warm weather, oceanfront beaches, and scenic landscapes, severe weather is still a frequent issue. Hurricanes, lightning storms, and power grid strain often cause extended blackouts in Lakeland and the surrounding areas. An extended blackout means no air conditioning or refrigeration in many homes, which leads to food spoilage and safety issues related to extreme heat and humidity. Losing power occasionally is all but unavoidable in

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GFCI outlet that won't reset

6 Reasons Your GFCI Outlet Won’t Reset

It can be frustrating if your GFCI outlet doesn’t work and nothing happens when you press reset. This is a concern not just because you can’t use that outlet but also because it could indicate a problem with the wiring or another safety issue. In the article below, you’ll learn about the potential causes, possible fixes and how to identify times when a failure to reset may signal a more serious issue. We’ll help you

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Mister Sparky electrician inspecting outlet that is not working properly.

7 Common Reasons Your Outlet Is Not Working

Everyone has plugged in a coffee maker or a phone charger at some point, only to notice there isn’t any power. After plugging the device back in and even trying another device, you might wonder what’s wrong with the outlet. We will look at how you can safely go through the potential causes and when it might be time to contact a professional electrician. Quick Takeaways Tripped breakers or GFCIs are the most common cause

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Woman charger car in her driveway with level 2 EV charger

Level 1 vs Level 2 vs Level 3 Charging: What’s the Difference?

If you’re driving an electric car, you probably want to know what’s the best EV charging setup for your needs. Understanding the differences between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 chargers can help you choose the right system. Below, we’ll cover EV charging speed, power, and installation requirements, so you can decide which kind of charger will work best for you. Quick Takeaways Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V outlet and is the

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Homeowner using EV charging station with proper amount of amps

How Many Amps Are Needed to Charge an Electric Car?

Installing an at-home EV charger is one of the easiest ways to simplify your charging schedule. Just plug in the car overnight while you sleep and wake up to a fully charged battery. But not all EV chargers are the same. Certain types require different amperage and electrical panel capacity. If you’re wondering how many amps it takes to ensure your EV is commute-ready every morning, you’re in the right spot. This guide walks you

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Electrical tools used to measure electrical load

What Is an Electrical Load?

A electrical load generally refers to one of two things. One is any appliance or gadget that draws electricity from a power source. The other is the total draw of all appliances and gadgets on a circuit or set of circuits. You’ll hear the phrase “electrical load” a lot whenever you deal with an electrical issue. If you call an electrician for an inspection or to figure out what’s causing things like a buzzing sound

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Electrician repairing buzzing dimmer switch

5 Reasons Your Dimmer Switch Is Buzzing

It can be alarming anytime you notice something unusual related to your electrical system. A buzzing sound from your dimmer switch is one of those things. The good news is that a buzzing dimmer switch may be annoying but harmless. The bad news is that it’s difficult for you to know whether this is a fire risk or something less serious. In the article below, you’ll learn tips for diagnosing a buzzing dimmer switch and

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Mister Sparky Tech with homeowner discussing their joule ratings for surge protection at a home in Lakeland, FL

How Many Joules of Surge Protection Do I Need?

Modern homes are more dependent on electronic devices and smart appliances than ever before. Many of these devices are incredibly vulnerable to electricity surges from lightning strikes and power outages, and the best way to protect them from damage is with surge protectors. There are different types of surge protectors that you can buy for your home, and it’s important to choose the right ones for your needs. You probably already consider factors such as

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Lightning bolt in Lakeland, FL

Can a Surge Protector Protect Against Lightning?

When strong storms and lightning happen in Florida, a home’s electricity may be interrupted. Homeowners often ask if these power surges are dangerous or if they can cause problems with a home’s electronics, security systems or appliances. Using a surge protection system is the first line of defense for every Florida homeowner who wants to minimize damage while increasing the protection of their home and property from lightning strikes that cause power outages. Quick Takeaways

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