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  • The Complete Guide to Electric Service Upgrades: Is Your Home Ready for Modern Power Demands?

    The Complete Guide to Electric Service Upgrades: Is Your Home Ready for Modern Power Demands?

    As homes become more reliant on modern technology, the need for a robust and efficient electrical system grows exponentially. From powering energy-intensive appliances to accommodating smart home devices, an outdated electrical panel can struggle to keep up. This guide dives deep into the importance of electric service upgrades, helping you determine whether your home is ready to meet modern power demands and exploring the benefits of upgrading to a 200 or 400 amp electric panel.

    Why Are Electric Service Upgrades Necessary?

    The average household’s energy consumption has increased significantly over the years. Older homes, often equipped with 60-amp or 100-amp electrical panels, were designed for simpler times when air conditioners, electric vehicles, and high-powered devices were not as prevalent. Today, these outdated systems can pose safety hazards, limit functionality, and increase energy inefficiency.

    An electric service upgrade ensures your home can handle modern electrical demands safely and efficiently, while also future-proofing it for years to come.

    Signs That It’s Time for an Electric Service Upgrade

    If you’re unsure whether your home’s electrical system needs an upgrade, watch for these common signs:

    1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips – An overloaded electrical panel can’t manage your household’s energy demands.
    2. Flickering or Dimming Lights – This often indicates that the panel is struggling to distribute power evenly.
    3. Use of Multiple Extension Cords – Excessive reliance on power strips suggests inadequate outlet availability.
    4. Warm or Burnt Outlets – Overheating outlets are a major safety risk.
    5. Old Electrical Panel – Panels older than 25 years often lack the capacity for modern needs.

    The Benefits of Upgrading to a 200 Amp Electric Panel

    A 200 amp electric panel is a significant upgrade for many homes, providing ample capacity for today’s electrical demands. Here are the key benefits:

    • Enhanced Safety: Reduces risks of electrical fires caused by overloaded circuits.
    • Improved Efficiency: Modern panels optimize power distribution, reducing energy waste.
    • Support for Smart Devices: A 200 amp panel can comfortably power smart home systems, electric vehicles, and HVAC systems.
    • Increased Property Value: A newer, upgraded panel is an attractive feature for potential buyers.

    When a 400 Amp Electric Panel Is Necessary

    For larger homes or properties with advanced energy needs, a 400 amp panel might be the better choice. This is particularly true if:

    • You own multiple electric vehicles.
    • Your home features large appliances such as double ovens, pools, or home theaters.
    • You run energy-intensive equipment for hobbies or work.

    How to Get Started with an Electric Service Upgrade

    Upgrading your electrical service requires professional expertise. A licensed electrician can assess your home’s current system, identify its limitations, and recommend the best solution. The process typically involves:

    1. Inspecting the existing panel and wiring.
    2. Determining your home’s power needs.
    3. Replacing the outdated panel with a 200 or 400 amp model.
    4. Upgrading your utility service line if necessary.

    Conclusion

    Don’t let an outdated electrical system hold your home back. An electric service upgrade is an investment in safety, efficiency, and convenience, ensuring your home is ready for the demands of today and tomorrow.

    Ready to make the switch? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call +1 516-218-4711, email us at contactus@noshorts.com, or visit noshorts.com for expert advice and dependable service. Let’s power your future together!

  • Electrical Safety Tips for Homeowners

    Electrical Safety Tips for Homeowners

    Electrical devices and appliances make our daily lives undeniably better. With them, we can perform various chores with ease, work remotely, and entertain ourselves at home. But because electronics are so commonplace, we sometimes forget how dangerous they can be when we don’t handle them properly. In honor of National Electrical Safety Month, we present electrical safety tips to prevent injury.

    Treat Cords With Care

    Cords are what can most often lead to harm. You should therefore treat them with care. This means that you should be mindful of where you run cords in your house. Rather than having them lay across the middle of the floor, limiting them to the corners and edges of the room is better. There, no one will trip or damage them inadvertently. Whenever you need to unplug a cord, remember to do so gently and from the head. Tugging at a cord will only increase the chances of it breaking. If you do notice that you have cords that have become loose or damaged, you should replace them. Damaged cords will not be able to prevent shocks or fires as intact cords will.

    Avoid Contact With Water

    In an average home, electrical devices can become hazardous when they’re near water. Because the water that you use contains dissolved salts and other charged compounds, it conducts electricity. So, water that comes into contact with electricity can fatally shock you. To avoid this, do not use electrical devices near your bathtub when it’s filled with water or rooms where floors are wet. Likewise, don’t touch your electrical devices when your hands are wet. Should you want to install a new outlet in your kitchen or one of your restrooms, you need to make sure that it’s far enough from water to stay safe. Beyond National Electrical Safety Month, electrical safety tips to prevent injury like this are vital to remember in your everyday routine.

    Repair or Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

    Your electrical panel is the conduit that electricity from your utility company passes through before traveling around your home to its many outlets and fixtures. That’s why it’s pivotal to keep it in good condition. If your electrical panel is too old or broken, it will not be able to protect your home from power surges as it’s supposed to. In turn, your appliances could become overloaded with electricity, irreversibly harming them. A house fire could also start when your electrical panel is working. Guard your home against such a disaster by calling an electrical professional who will repair or upgrade your electrical panel so that it matches your needs perfectly.

    Should you be searching for licensed electricians in Nassau County, NY, there’s no better company to turn to than No Shorts Electric. Call us today to have your electrical panel upgraded or repaired.

  • Dangers of Water Damage in Electrical Systems

    Dangers of Water Damage in Electrical Systems

    Checking your electrical panel from time to time is the best thing you can do as a homeowner in order to save you both a headache and costly repair in the future. Your electrical service, meter, panel, and breakers are the heart of your home. These devices keep you connected to the world, provide light, help heat, cool and provide the luxury of a comfortable home.

    So what can water damage do to your panel?

    1. Water damage to your electrical panel and breakers can cause the contact points to corrode.
    2. Corroded contact points inside your electrical panel can cause your lights to flicker or shut off completely.
    3. Over the long term, if you do not repair your electrical panel, water will continue to cause extensive damage leading to a major costly repair.
    4. Often you will find that your breakers are not operating as they were designed, leading to the first indication of water damage. Helping to stop the water source leak before it’s too late will prevent having to replace / install new breakers in your electrical panel.
    5. Be sure to monitor your electrical panel from time to time as most people don’t miss electricity until it stops working. Monitor your electrical panel for water, decay, and rot.
    6. From time to time, we arrive at clients home, to find out that critters and birds alike have created a nest or home for themselves in the electrical panel and/or meter outside your home.

    If you think there is an issue with your electrical panel, or you start to see the start of damage, or the introduction of water in places there shouldn’t be any, please do not hesitate to call us for a free estimate.

  • DIY-It or Hire an Electrician for Your New Generator Install

    DIY-It or Hire an Electrician for Your New Generator Install

    Before if you decide if you should DIY-it or hire an electrician for your new generator installation, check this blog out to learn the importance of a professional’s help.

    Portable Generators

    Smaller portable generators that are used for camping trips or other outdoor activities don’t need an electrician present to set up. They typically come with straightforward instructions, and since they don’t need wiring to a central system, there isn’t much hard work necessary to get them up and running. Just make sure that it is fully charged or filled with the correct fuel, and you are good to go.

    Standby Generators

    When you are installing a standby generator in your home or building, you will need the help of an electrician. A correctly installed generator should be able to rest ideally, then power up during an outage, providing power to the essential functions in the building. If an amateur handles the installation, they most likely won’t have the skill or knowledge to isolate the voltage to only power the necessary things. Also, they might overpower the system, causing the system to overload.

    The Advantages of Getting an Electrician

    Electricians are highly trained craftspeople with years of experience in a variety of skills, including generator installation. This process is a completed task that requires several connections between the generator and the electrical system to be executed correctly for it to work. With our experience, we can ensure that your backup systems are working flawlessly, so in the case of an emergency, you’ll be able to rely on the generator for power when the power does go out.

    You should especially get a professional for commercial properties because the loss of power could mean the loss of profits, and it isn’t worth saving money in installation fees when you compare it to the potential of having a temporary shutdown.

    If you are still debating whether you should DIY-it or hire an electrician for your new generator installation, commit to getting help from an experienced professional. At No Shorts Electric, our home standby generator installers can assist in any home standby installation to guarantee that you’ll be able to rely upon your generator’s power in an emergency.

  • What To Expect During an Electrical Inspection

    What To Expect During an Electrical Inspection

    How many years has it been since you’ve had an electrical inspection done on your home? If the answer is more than 5 to 10 years, you need to schedule one as soon as possible. You might assume your electrical system is working fine, but you never know what’s going on beyond the surface. Inspections can save your home from potential electrical fires and other hazards. An assessment can also point out areas that need preventative maintenance. Here’s what to expect during an electrical inspection.  

    Checking Your Outlets 

    An electrician will start with inspecting your outlets, switches, sockets, and light fixtures. They’ll make sure that each of these components is working correctly and up to code. If they find any issues, they can recommend replacement options for you.

    Surveying the Wiring  

    Next, the electrician will do a thorough inspection of the wiring in the home. Faulty wiring could result in an electrical fire and other hazards. It can also harm the wiring of your other fixtures and electronics. The electrician may also offer an upgrade for your wiring. If the wiring is highly outdated, then an upgrade is a must.  

    Looking at the Panel Box   

    The electrician will then look at your panel box. They may need to make some minor repairs if the box is outdated or damaged. They’ll also check for proper labeling. If your panel box isn’t labeled, the electrician can help you do it. It’s essential to label your fuses so that you can reset them in case of a trip.

    If the electrician decides the panel box is too outdated or damaged, they’ll recommend replacements. It’s a good idea to update your fuse box if it’s ancient. A newer electric repair panel box will help the performance of your wiring and electronics.  

    Completing the Inspection 

    Once the electrician finishes their inspection, they’ll present their findings to you. That’s when they’ll recommend any replacements or repairs and bring up any other issues. Feel free to ask them any questions about the inspection and the next steps you should take. Once the inspection is done, you’ll receive a compliance certificate.  

    So that’s what to expect during an electrical inspection. As we stated, if it’s been more than 10 years since your last electrical inspection, you need to schedule one as soon as you can.

  • Advice for Choosing the Best Generator for Your Home

    Advice for Choosing the Best Generator for Your Home

    When severe storms strike, they can spell disaster for your home. That’s why you need to prepare for emergency scenarios. People living in areas where the weather can cause problems should prepare emergency supplies should they need to survive without aid for a while or leave. Another thing they should have at their disposal is a generator for backup power. Here’s some advice for choosing the best generator for your home so that you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

    What Size?

    Size is perhaps the most important factor to consider when picking out a generator. For example, larger homes will need correspondingly larger generators than smaller ones. You’ll also need to consider wattage and what you need in terms of power. If you need electricity for multiple things to run at once, you’ll need a high wattage.

    How Much Power?

    Along with size, you must determine how much power you want the generator to have. Some generators need refueling more often than others. Ask the salesperson about this before you sign on the dotted line. The last thing you want is to have to get up in the middle of the night to refuel.

    Wires or Wireless?

    You must think about whether you want a generator with cords or one without them. There are advantages and disadvantages to both alternatives. Wireless chargers have portability, which may come in handy during hazardous weather. However, portable chargers are incredibly heavy. Wired generators are more stable but do have lots of cords. Also, you have to make sure that your outlets match up with the ones you have at home.

    This is excellent advice for choosing the best generator for your home. No Shorts Electric is here to provide you with generator installation services. We have generators that’ll accommodate your every need. They can provide light, heat, and electricity until the harsh weather passes. So, check out our site today so that you can prepare for whatever comes your way.

  • EV Home Charging Stations

    EV Home Charging Stations

    Everyone should try to be more sustainable these days. People should buy organic, use less electricity, and drive as little as possible. If you have to drive, you should consider doing so with an electric car. Electric cars are so much better for the environment, and you don’t have to worry about gas. But if you do get an electric vehicle, you should also get a charging station for your home. This article will describe the advantages of installing a home charging station for your electric car.

    Save You Money

    One of the primary reasons to install a home charging station is that it’ll save you money. If you have to go to a third-party charging station every time you need to recharge your car, you’ll be spending unnecessary cash. So, although the charging station may seem like a significant investment at first, you’ll end up saving money in the end.

    It’s Convenient

    Another advantage of installing a home charging station for your electric car is that it’s convenient. Imagine not having to go to a charging station every time your vehicle is running low. You won’t have to go to a charging station before your road trip. Instead, you can charge your automobile from the comfort of your own home.

    Safety

    When you charge up your car in a public or shared parking garage, you assume the same risks as leaving your vehicle in a parking garage. People who leave their automobiles in parking garages are more likely to become crime victims or have their cars broken into. For these reasons, you should install a home charging station so that you don’t have to go anywhere to fuel up your vehicle.

    This article has proven that you should get a charging station at home for your electric vehicle. You’ll save money, and you won’t have to worry about leaving the house. If this piece has convinced you to make the switch, contact No Shorts Electric today. We’re expert electric vehicle charger installers, and we want to make your life as easy as possible.

  • Things To Consider Before Buying a Whole-House Generator

    Things To Consider Before Buying a Whole-House Generator

    We’ve all been stuck in a power outage before. It gets boring, it gets dark, and if it lasts for long enough, you have to toss everything from your fridge and freezer into the trash. Severe enough storms can even cause blackouts for days on end. If you think putting in a generator sounds like a good idea for you and your family, take a look at this list of things to consider before buying a whole-house generator.

    Output

    When buying a generator, one of the most important things is to make sure you buy the correct size generator to meet your power needs in the event of an outage. Accurately sizing a generator can mean the difference between maintaining your important appliances or getting limited power and having to choose what’s most important. In most cases, a higher power generator is only needed for large buildings that house company operations or industrial uses. You probably only need a small to medium-sized generator for your home, but it’s best to start by assessing your power needs and sizing your home to accommodate a generator.

    Fuel

    Because they are connected to the main gas network, natural gas generators do not require fuel storage. The generator will run and perform as needed as long as your utility service is not disturbed. A diesel base tank, which is linked to the unit’s base, is required for diesel generators. If the tank is smaller, it will require more frequent refueling. As a result, greater diesel fuel reserves may be necessary, or an emergency stock of diesel fuel may be required.

    Autonomy

    If you don’t always have someone at home, it might be a good idea to purchase an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), which will activate the generator on its own in the event of a power outage. When electricity is restored, the generator will automatically shut down. Without an ATS, someone must be there to manually turn the generator on in the event of a power outage, and someone must also physically turn the generator off once power is restored. This is useful in case a power outage occurs while you’re out of town—you can rest assured knowing your frozen and refrigerated items won’t spoil. As such, that makes an ATS one of the most important things to consider before buying a whole-house generator.

    If you own a home, buying a generator is a good investment. You’ll be able to keep your fridge and freezer running, and if you have necessary medical equipment at home, you can know that it will still be operational as well. Do your research on the output you’ll need, the fuel you’ll use, and whether an ATS would be best for you, and you should be set for installation! Give the whole-house generator installers at No Shorts Electric a call and set up your appointment today!

  • What To Expect During Your Electrical Panel Repair or Upgrade

    What To Expect During Your Electrical Panel Repair or Upgrade

    One of the hardest things to regularly check in your home is your electrical system. Due to much of it being behind your walls, it’s not exactly as simple as popping off the drywall and taking a peek. So it should come as no shock that you may be in for a few surprises when you undergo electrical work. To find out more and prepare yourself, keep reading to find out what to expect during your electrical panel repair or upgrade.

    Cost

    You may be concerned about the cost of upgrading your home’s electrical panel. Sometimes, repairs and upgrades to the electrical panel can be pricey. Budget to spend about at least $2,000 for labor, and remember that you’re responsible for purchasing the parts as well. Keep in mind that if the electrician discovers anything unexpected during the job, the repair cost can rise. Your walls hide many things about your home that may not be discovered until after the project starts. Adjustments are likely to be made as the work progresses, particularly to ensure that your system passes the final inspection. This is probably the most important thing to expect during your electrical panel repair or upgrade.

    Inspection

    A state inspection is required when a job is finished to ensure the electrician has done everything needed and that they have completed their work in a safe and appropriate manner. They will alert a building inspector on their own when they are finished. Don’t worry; this is a necessary step to ensure the well-being of yourself, your family, and your property. The inspector will probably draw attention to some details the electrician should attend to, but most of the work should already have been completed. A good electrician is well-versed in inspection procedures and can perform well under pressure.

    Protection

    Even if your electrical panel isn’t necessarily going to cause any damage to your home, there is still a lot of damage that can be done to your modern electronics and appliances. Every home has an amperage safety limit, and some of those limits may not have been raised for decades, depending on the age of the house. If you have a lot of things plugged in all the time, you may be harming these devices and your wiring by overdoing it on the amperage. When you upgrade your system, you’ll be able to add to your safety limit, meaning you can safely have your devices plugged in. This keeps your circuits from being blown out and prevents your wiring from carrying too much power at any time.

    Now that you know what to expect, you can go into your electrical panel repair with the utmost confidence and readiness.

  • EV Charging Levels & Speeds

    EV Charging Levels & Speeds

    The arrival of new electric car models encourages consumers to think about trading in their conventional vehicles, and business managers are considering adding commercial charging stations to meet the rising demand. In almost all cases, companies choose Level 2 chargers instead of DC fast chargers. If you’re curious about charging your automobile, continue reading for a brief explanation of EV charging levels and speeds.

    Level 1

    The power produced by a normal 110V AC wall plug is called Level 1. You’ll get an EV charger that connects it to a 110V outlet when you buy an electric automobile. Keep in mind that you will only get four to five miles per hour out of this outlet. If your car can go for 400 miles on a full charge, you can expect to spend over four full days waiting.  As a last resort, you can use a 100V wall outlet. However, the trickle charge of electricity is not desirable for most drivers. As a result, most EV drivers either purchase a Level 2 charging station for their residence or find a commercial Level 2 charging station, such as those currently available at many businesses and apartment buildings.

    Level 2

    Level 2 charging, which employs a 208/240V AC configuration, is the industry standard for daily charging levels and speeds. A 30amp charger can charge electric automobiles at 25 miles per hour since it has twice the power of a 110V outlet. An EV driver can get a complete charge throughout the workday or while parked overnight at this speed. Because the J1772 connector is compatible with all plug-in models in North America, you may charge at a regular Level 2 charging station whether your car is a PHEV or a BEV. A Level 2 electrical outlet uses the same amount of electricity as appliances like washing machines, making it simple for property managers to supply EV charging stations.

    Level 3 / Direct Current Fast Charging

    To increase charging speeds, some fast-charging stations employ between 200-600V DC and 50+ kW. The majority of these high-power terminals can charge an electric vehicle in less than an hour. You can frequently find DCFC stations along roads and near shopping malls because they consume so much electricity and are more expensive to build. The most common application for DCFC is when you’re on the road in your electric vehicle and need to refill. While charging at Level 1 and Level 2 charge stations is standardized, BEVs can use one of three fast-charging connectors: CCS, CHAdeMO, or Tesla. To utilize a fast charger that is functional with their vehicle, EV owners must first identify their vehicle’s plug type. Some localities are now building CCS, CHAdeMO, and Level 2 fast chargers at the same location due to a lack of uniformity and incompatibility with specific EV models.

    Hopefully, you now have a grasp of the basic differences between the three types of chargers. If you’re looking to hire some EV charging stations installation contractors, reach out to us here at No Shorts Electric with any questions and to schedule a consultation!