Electrical Tips & News

Did you know winter is the worst time of year for residential electrical fires? It's true—increased electrical demand during the winter months creates a variety of electrical hazards that many homeowners may not be aware of. At Harrison Electric, we're here to help you protect your home and family from dangerous electrical installation, improper use, and outdated electrical systems. To help you recognize where these common hazards occur, we've put together this brief guide. If any of the following situations sound familiar, it's time to contact us for upgrades.

The modern home features a wide variety of high-value electrical appliances that are subject to damage without proper protection. At Harrison Electric, we know your appliances are valuable investments, and we also know that damaging electrical surges are more common than you might realize. In fact, the average home experiences approximately 20 voltage spikes every day. For the best protection against these potentially damaging power surges, whole-house surge protection is key. Curious what it is and whether your home needs it? Let’s take a look.

It’s that time of year again—Christmas light season! There’s nothing quite like the festive appeal of a house full of decorative Christmas lights, but if you plan to decorate this year, exercise caution. Each year, faulty Christmas light installation and useage cause 20 deaths and over $25.3 million in property damages. At Harrison Electric, safety is our top priority. So, to help you protect your most valuable possessions during the holiday season, we’ve put together a few Christmas light safety tips. When it’s time to break out the decorative lights, keep these suggestions in mind:

Winter is right around the corner, which means it’s time to prepare your property for months of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. We all know about preparing our plumbing and sealing our doors and window, but how many of us think about winterizing our electrical systems? A properly winterized electrical system can help protect you from chilly drafts, weather-related power surges, and even structural damage. What do you need to do to help ensure your property is protected this winter? The experts at Harrison Electric in the Twin Cities metro give you a quick rundown below.

Do you have an old circuit breaker box? Do you know if it needs an upgrade? If you aren’t sure how old your circuit panel is, or whether it contains damaged or outdated wiring, you might have a fire hazard on your hands. The experts at Harrison Electric in the Twin Cities, MN, explain what you need to look for to help ensure your breaker box doesn’t catch fire.

Each year, tens of thousands of homeowners put themselves at risk by continuing to use their electricity, even with glaring hazards present. Of the 374,000 residential fires in the United States per year, nearly 48,000 of them are due to electrical failure. To protect your home and family, it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your electrical system and remedy hazards promptly. Learn to recognize dangerous electrical situations in your home with this quick rundown from the experts at Harrison Electric.

If you own an older home, there’s a good chance it contains aluminum wiring. Decades ago, aluminum was the wiring material of choice due to rising supply costs and mounting economic strain. Both electricians and homeowners quickly realized, however, that aluminum wiring was not only inefficient but could also be downright dangerous. If you still have aluminum wiring in your home, the experts at Harrison Electric discuss why you should have it replaced as soon as possible.

The charm and character of an older home cannot be understated; however, the electrical wiring within such homes often calls their safety into question. Times have changed, and with them, electrical codes—primarily for heightened safety and to accommodate our growing desire for electronic devices. Why do you need to upgrade your wiring if you live in an older home? The experts at Harrison Electric in Plymouth, Minn. are here to explain:

Who loves saving money? You? Electrical upgrades can help with that. The average American spends just over $100 per month on their electric bill, and while that may not seem substantial, over time, the numbers can really add up. If the total on your monthly electricity statement is higher than you’d like it to be, a few small electrical tweaks can make a substantial difference. How? The experts at Harrison Electric in Plymouth, Minn. are here to explain.