Electrician working on home getting ready for the holidays - Shockwave, Houma, LA

Is Your Home’s Electrical System Ready for the Holiday Season?

As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners in Houma, Morgan City, Thibodaux, and surrounding areas begin to decorate their homes with dazzling lights, set up festive inflatables, and power up electric heaters to combat cooler weather. With this increased demand, it’s crucial to ensure your home’s electrical system is ready to handle the extra load safely. Ignoring the state of your electrical system can lead to power outages, electrical hazards, and even fire risks. Here are some essential tips to prepare your home for the holiday season.

1. Evaluate Your Electrical Capacity

Holiday lights, kitchen appliances for holiday feasts, and space heaters can quickly add stress to an already burdened electrical system. Before you start decorating, it’s wise to assess whether your system can handle the additional load. If you’ve been experiencing flickering lights, tripped breakers, or buzzing outlets, these could be signs your system is already overworked.

Shockwave Tip: Our licensed electricians can conduct a load evaluation of your electrical panel and recommend upgrades or necessary repairs to keep your home safe and festive.

2. Inspect and Upgrade Your Outdoor Outlets

Outdoor holiday lights are a staple in creating a festive atmosphere. However, using indoor extension cords or failing to inspect outdoor outlets for damage can lead to safety hazards. Weatherproof outlets and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are essential to preventing electrical shocks and minimizing risk during wet or cold weather.

Shockwave Tip: We specialize in upgrading and installing weatherproof and GFCI outlets, ensuring your outdoor setup is both safe and convenient for the holiday season.

3. Avoid Overloading Outlets

It’s tempting to use power strips to connect all your holiday lights, gadgets, and appliances, but overloading outlets is one of the most common causes of electrical fires. Use heavy-duty extension cords, avoid daisy-chaining multiple power strips, and spread out the electrical load by using different outlets throughout your home.

Shockwave Tip: If your home’s electrical layout is limited, we can install additional outlets to help you power your decorations safely without overburdening your system.

4. Perform Routine Electrical Maintenance

Regular electrical maintenance is crucial to identify potential problems before they escalate during the holiday season. Check for frayed wires, faulty light fixtures, and aging circuit breakers that might need replacing. You should also test your smoke detectors and make sure they are operational in case of emergencies.

Shockwave Tip: We offer comprehensive electrical inspections that include checking wiring, breaker panels, and outlets. We’ll help you ensure your home is up to code and ready to handle the increased holiday demand.

5. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

If your home is older, your electrical panel may not be equipped to handle modern energy needs, especially when factoring in holiday lighting and heating. An outdated panel can become a fire hazard or lead to frequent power outages.

Shockwave Tip: Our expert electricians can assess your current electrical panel and provide recommendations for upgrades or replacements, ensuring your home is safe and energy-efficient for the holidays and beyond.

Let Shockwave Generators & Electric Help You Prepare

At Shockwave Generators & Electric, we understand that the holiday season brings both joy and increased electrical usage. We’re here to help ensure your home is safe, efficient, and ready to handle the extra load of holiday festivities. Whether you need a full electrical inspection, outlet upgrades, or a panel replacement, we have you covered.

Give us a call today at (985) 261-0937 or schedule a consultation online, and get your home ready for a safe and festive holiday season.

Serving Houma, Morgan City, Thibodaux, Raceland, Lockport, and the surrounding areas.

Why do my circuit breakers keep tripping? Shockwave

Why Do My Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping? Common Causes and Solutions

Are your circuit breakers tripping frequently, leaving you in the dark and frustrated? You’re not alone. Many homeowners in Houma, Morgan City, Thibodaux, Raceland, Lockport, and the surrounding areas experience this issue, especially during times of high electrical demand. At Shockwave Generators & Electric, we understand the inconvenience and potential hazards that come with this problem. Let’s explore why your circuit breakers might be tripping and what steps you can take to resolve the issue.

Common Causes of Circuit Breaker Tripping

  1. Overloaded Circuits
    • What It Is: When too many devices or appliances are connected to a single circuit, it can draw more current than the circuit is designed to handle.
    • Signs: Frequent tripping when using multiple appliances, lights dimming when large appliances turn on, or warm outlets.
    • Solution: Try redistributing your electrical load by unplugging some devices or using fewer appliances simultaneously. If the problem persists, you may need additional circuits installed by a professional electrician.
  2. Short Circuits
    • What It Is: A short circuit occurs when a live wire touches a neutral wire or another conductive material, causing a surge of electricity.
    • Signs: A breaker trips immediately after it’s reset, and you may notice a burning smell or see scorch marks around outlets.
    • Solution: Short circuits are a serious electrical issue that can lead to fires. Turn off the breaker and contact Shockwave Generators & Electric immediately at (985) 261-0937 to inspect and repair the problem.
  3. Ground Faults
    • What It Is: Ground faults happen when a live wire touches the ground or a grounded part of an appliance, causing a surge of electricity to flow directly into the ground.
    • Signs: Similar to short circuits, ground faults often cause instant tripping of the circuit breaker and may be accompanied by a buzzing sound or sparks.
    • Solution: Like short circuits, ground faults are dangerous. Avoid using the affected circuit and call a licensed electrician to assess and repair the fault.
  4. Faulty Appliances
    • What It Is: Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your electrical system but with a faulty appliance that draws too much current or causes a short circuit.
    • Signs: The breaker trips only when a specific appliance is in use.
    • Solution: Unplug the appliance and try using the circuit without it. If the breaker stops tripping, the appliance is likely the issue and should be repaired or replaced.
  5. Worn-Out Circuit Breakers
    • What It Is: Circuit breakers can wear out over time, especially in older homes or those with high electrical usage.
    • Signs: A breaker that trips frequently even when there’s no clear cause or a breaker that feels loose or doesn’t stay in the “on” position.
    • Solution: Have the circuit breaker inspected and replaced if necessary. Upgrading your electrical panel may also be advisable if your home has an outdated system.

What Should You Do if Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping?

  1. Don’t Ignore It: Frequent tripping is a sign that something is wrong. Ignoring the problem could lead to more serious issues, including electrical fires.
  2. Check for Overloads: Unplug appliances and devices from the affected circuit and try resetting the breaker. If the breaker stays on, you may have simply overloaded the circuit.
  3. Reset the Breaker: If the breaker trips again after being reset, or if it won’t reset at all, it’s time to call in the professionals.
  4. Call a Licensed Electrician: At Shockwave Generators & Electric, our experienced electricians can diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your home’s electrical system is safe and reliable. Don’t take chances with your home’s safety—reach out to us today at (985) 261-0937.

Why Choose Shockwave Generators & Electric?

As a trusted electrical service provider in Houma and the surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch service to our community. Whether you’re dealing with a tripping circuit breaker, need a panel upgrade, or are looking to install a generator for peace of mind during storm season, our team has you covered.

Don’t let a tripping breaker disrupt your life. Contact Shockwave Generators & Electric today at (985) 261-0937 or visit schedule a service online. Let us handle your electrical needs so you can enjoy a safe and comfortable home.

Is it time for an electrical panel upgrade? Shockwave, Houma, LA

Signs You Might Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade in Houma, LA

Electricity is the lifeline of modern homes, powering everything from essential appliances to entertainment systems. However, as our reliance on electricity grows, so does the need for a reliable and efficient electrical system. One crucial component of this system is the electrical panel, which distributes power throughout your home. At Shockwave Generators & Electric, we understand the importance of a well-functioning electrical panel and are here to help you determine if it’s time for an upgrade.

1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

If you find yourself constantly heading to the breaker box to reset tripped circuits, it’s a clear sign that your electrical panel is overwhelmed. Frequent breaker trips indicate that your panel is struggling to handle the electrical load of your household, potentially putting your home at risk of electrical fires. Upgrading your panel can help manage the increased demand and prevent these disruptions.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Do your lights flicker or dim when you turn on certain appliances? This could be more than just an annoyance—it’s a warning sign. Flickering lights often indicate an overloaded circuit or a failing panel. An upgrade can ensure a steady flow of electricity to all parts of your home, maintaining consistent lighting and appliance performance.

3. Outdated Panel

Older homes in Houma, Morgan City, Thibodaux, Raceland, and Lockport may still be using outdated electrical panels that are not designed to meet today’s energy needs. Panels over 20-30 years old, especially those with fuses instead of circuit breakers, should be upgraded to modern, safer models that comply with current electrical codes and standards.

4. Burning Smells or Scorch Marks

If you notice a burning smell near your electrical panel or see scorch marks around it, it’s a serious red flag. These signs indicate overheating and could lead to electrical fires if not addressed promptly. Immediate action is necessary, and an upgrade can provide peace of mind by enhancing the safety of your home’s electrical system.

5. Adding New Appliances or Renovations

Planning a home renovation or adding new high-demand appliances like a washer, dryer, or HVAC system? Your current electrical panel may not have the capacity to handle the increased load. Upgrading your panel ensures that your electrical system can support your new additions without issues, allowing you to enjoy your upgrades without worry.

6. Frequently Blown Fuses

If you’re still using a panel with fuses and find that they frequently blow, it’s time for an upgrade. Circuit breakers are more efficient and safer than fuses. An upgraded panel with breakers will provide better protection against electrical overloads and short circuits, enhancing the overall safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system.

Contact Shockwave Generators & Electric Today!

At Shockwave, we are committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait—contact us today to schedule an electrical panel inspection and upgrade. Serving Houma, Morgan City, Thibodaux, Raceland, Lockport, and the surrounding areas, we’re here to provide top-notch service and peace of mind.

Call Shockwave Generators & Electric today at (985) 261-0937 or schedule an appointment online here. Let us help you keep your home safe and powered efficiently!