FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Following are some of the most common electrical questions our customers ask. If you don’t see your question listed,
please contact us at 978-649-6900.

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?  Why do my fuses keep burning out? 

This is usually caused by three things.  The first reason could be there are too many electrical items plugged into the circuit.  Circuits are designed to only handle so much electric demand.  The second reason is there could be a short in the wiring, or the third reason is the breaker or fuse could be faulty.  It is recommended that an electrician evaluate the problem to ensure there are no safety issues.  Your electrician can also talk with you about adding more circuits to your home so that your electrical system can support all your needs.

Why are circuit breakers better than fuse panels? 

Statistics show that fuse panels have a much larger risk of fire than circuit breakers.  This can be caused by loose fuses, corroded contacts, or having the wrong size fuses installed.  In addition most fuse panels are outdated and not equipped to handle the electrical load of homes in the 21st century

What is a GFCI outlet?

GFCI outlets are commonly known as the outlets “with a button”.  GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. The outlet monitors itself for an electrical current imbalance.  (Those imbalances are what can give you a nasty shock!)  If it recognizes an imbalance, it will “trip” or shut itself off.  The national electric code requires that GFCI outlets are installed anywhere near water including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoors. 

How do I know my GFCI outlet is working?

There is a test button on all GFCI outlets.  The outlets should be tested from time at time – at least yearly.  Press the “test” button to trip the outlet.  Press the “reset” button to fix it.

Many of the electrical items I buy have 3-prongs on the plug but my home’s outlets are 2-prong.  Can I just cut that third prong off?

No!  The third prong is designed to prevent deadly electrical shock from the electrical item you are using.  The third prong acts as a “ground” so that, if a wire inside the item were to come loose, the plug can help divert the electricity back into your home’s electrical system rather than shocking the next person to touch that item.  If the third prong is disabled, there is nothing protecting you or a family member from receiving a nasty shock from the equipment.  Please contact Sargent Electric today to discuss upgrading your outlets.

Sargent Electric is a fully licensed, insured and bonded local contractor.  We take pride in maintaining exceptional cleanliness and courteous, professional work standards throughout our projects or service calls. We are in excellent standing with our customers. We are skilled, hard-working, friendly professionals. We love what we do, and strive for ever-increasing customer satisfaction.

Our mission is to determine and implement the right electrical project or service solution for each and everyone of our customers. We strive to provide fast and friendly electrical services with the highest level of quality and attention to detail available.

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Contact us at 1-978-649-6900 to get started!

We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry.