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Safety Tips for Hanging Christmas Lights

Posted on by oleg

The holiday season is upon us which means that many people are decorating homes to showcase the spirit of the season. Before you set out to decorate your home and hang Christmas lights, it is important that you educate yourself on proper light safety. Though outdoor lights and decorations can add the perfect festive holiday touch to your home, failure to abide by proper safety precautions can turn tragic.

 

SAFETY TIPS FOR HANGING YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

 

Before you set out to hang your Christmas lights, there are a number of precautions you should take to ensure your lights are safe and functioning properly before hanging them.

 

  • Try to avoid bargain lights – Many lights that may appear to be a good shopping bargain can cause fire hazards because they are cheaply made. It’s important to use lights that have been properly rated and tested, and have a safety rating clearly marked on the packaging. Properly rated lights will also have labels that are affixed to the electrical cords.

 

  • Be sure there is no fraying – If you store away your holiday lights and reuse them each year, it’s important you check the cords on the lights to be sure they are not damaged or frayed. If the cords are damaged and you elect to hang them anyway, you may experience an electrical short. This can lead to a fire or can cause damage to your other holiday lights.

 

  • Hang lights in proper locations – You should never hang your Christmas lights near space heaters, fireplaces, or any other items or structures that can cause a fire hazard. Be sure that the bulbs are no where near any type of flammable materials posing a safety hazard to your home.

 

  • Use the right lights – There is a drastic difference between indoor or outdoor lights, so it’s imperative you make certain to use the right lights. Holiday lights need to be used in the proper environment for which they are designed.

 

  • Safe and adequate hanging – When hanging your Christmas lights never use staples, tacks, or even nails, but rather use insulated light holders that are specifically designed for proper hanging.

 

  • Choose your extension cords wisely – More than likely when hanging your lights, you will find it necessary to use extension cords. If so, be sure you choose outdoor cords and do not overload the extension cords with wattage that is contrary to what they were designed to handle. Also, make sure any cords you use are placed properly so that others walking by will not trip over them.

 

  • Be sure to replace bulbs as needed – If any of the bulbs in your outdoor lights burn out, it is important you replace them right away. It is very dangerous to have empty sockets when your strings of holiday lights are plugged in.

 

  • Don’t leave the lights on when you are away – Though many of us like to display our Christmas lights and decorations throughout the evening hours, it is a good practice not to leave the lights on when you are away from home in case a problem develops with them. You want to be able to handle any problems that arise quickly to avoid damage or fires.  With that said, it is much safer to turn the Christmas lights off while away from home and then turn them on when you return.

 

A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON TO ALL

 

Gervais Electric, Inc. wants to take this time to send along wishes for a safe and happy holiday season, from our family to yours. Be sure to safeguard your home and family during the holidays and when hanging your Christmas lights, take every safety precaution possible. If you avoid taking shortcuts and use proper safety procedures, you can enjoy a beautiful holiday outdoor display.  Remember also, for all your home electrical needs, Gervais Electric stands ready to serve you- not just during the holidays, but all year round!

Winter and Christmas Electrical Tips for Your Safety

Posted on by oleg

Winter is here and many homeowners need to start preparing for the extreme winter weather and conditions that can impact an electrical system. From excessive precipitation and gusting winds, to heavy snowfall and ice storms, winter weather can certainly make it difficult to keep your electrical system operating effectively. With that said, our team of skilled professionals would like to provide a few electrical tips to keep every home and family safe during the winter and Christmas season ahead.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS

 

Here are some important electrical tips to give focus to this winter and holiday season.

  • Indoor space heaters –     Many homeowners not only look for ways to provide supplemental heat in their homes, but also look for ways to reduce their heating costs. To add heat to a drafty room in the house, many people turn to portable heating devices. This may be an ideal short-term solution, but it is important to avoid using an extension cord or a power strip of any kind to power up your portable heater. Be sure to always keep the space heater on a flat surface. Also, never run the cord of your heater under furniture pieces or carpets since this can easily result in fires.
  • Don’t overload your home outlets this Christmas – During the winter holiday months, it is best to plug in only one high-watt holiday decoration into your wall outlets so as to avoid overloading your home’s electrical outlets. We also recommend you use surge protectors to avoid voltage spikes when plugging in your Christmas trees.
  • Use outdoor extension cords for all those outdoor decorations – Many people do not realize that there is a difference between indoor and outdoor extension cords. The outdoor extension cords are equipped with three prongs and with insulation that protects the wires from fluctuating winter temperatures and moisture. The insulation also prevents damage that can occur from sunlight and other chemicals. For all your Christmas decorations, be sure to identify extension cords that are specifically for outdoor use.
  • Perform a system inspection – Before the frigid winter weather sets in, it is important to ensure that your electrical system is operating at peak levels. To accomplish this task, homeowners should schedule a thorough inspection. Our team of skilled electricians is on hand to perform a system inspection in their efforts to identify any potential issues and provide effective solutions to any such problems.
  • Avoid storm conditions and downed electrical wires – The winter season often presents with circumstances that can interfere with the typical flow of electricity and power to your home. Many times, a winter storm can result in downed electrical wires.  If and when this occurs, our team wants to remind you that you should never come near to, or in contact with, downed wires or any other damaged electrical wires that may run directly to your home. It is important that you immediately reach out to the power company and notify them of the downed wires. Never attempt to fix or alter downed wires.

THE PROS WHO STAND READY TO SERVE YOU

With winter and the holidays right around the corner, Gervais Electric Inc. would like to remind all our valued clients to give focus to these important electrical tips that are sure to contribute to the overall safety of your home and family. We also want to remind you that if you find yourself in need of electrical services, whether winter, spring, summer, or fall, our team of skilled and experienced professionals stands ready to serve you. Our award-winning team is committed to providing you with only the highest quality electrical products and services.  Give us a call to schedule your service appointment today. We look forward to serving you with all your home electrical needs.

Important Facts About the Installation of Electric Car Charging Ports

Posted on by oleg

With the release of Tesla electric vehicles, more and more people are now investing in an electric car and, therefore, are becoming more interested in installing ports for electric car charging in their homes. With that said, it is important to understand the significance of electric car charging ports and whether or not it is worth the investment.

 

For the average person, having an electric car charging port in their home ensures that they have an appropriate charge for the vehicle while it is parked overnight. It also ensures that your vehicle has enough of a charge when it comes time to take long trips. If you are thinking about making an investment in an electric car it is important to determine whether or not an electric car charging installation is right for you.

 

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION ABOUT INSTALLING A CAR CHARGER

 

There are a number of factors you should take into consideration when trying to decide whether or not installing an electric car charger is right for you.

 

What is your current electrical infrastructure at your home? 

 

Before taking into consideration the installation of a charging port or even plugging a car charger into your home’s power supply, it is wise to have a professional electrician perform an inspection of your current electrical infrastructure. You may very well have sufficient wiring and outlets in your parking area or garage, but there is a chance you may lack the sufficient infrastructure needed.

 

Only a licensed electrician can determine whether or not your home electrical system meets with the necessary standards to install a charger. So be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric and let one of our highly skilled and experienced electricians perform a thorough inspection of your home electrical system.

 

Where and how often do you need to plug in?

 

When deciding on whether to install a car charger, it makes good sense to assess the overall usage of your vehicle as well as the type of electric vehicle you own. This will help you to choose the best solution specific to your individual needs. If you only drive your vehicle to work and your employer has a car charging port, then using the port available to you each day makes good sense. Also, while traveling local distances, you can more than likely plug in at parking stations, shopping malls and other local charging stations as needed.

 

However, most individuals who own an electric car will more times than not want to have their very own car charging port at their home to be able to recharge and refuel in a location where the vehicle spends the majority of its time. Charging your electric vehicle at home can take amounts of time that vary, so be sure to determine what solution is efficient and meets with your individual needs.

 

How fast does it charge?

 

When you set out on your daily travels you want to be sure you are starting out with a full vehicle charge. How quickly you are able to attain a full charge is dependent upon the option you choose for charging. If you elect to plug your vehicle into a standard home outlet, often referred to as level 1 charging, it will charge your vehicle but do so very slowly because you are using 120 volts rather than a specialized charging port.

 

The recharge time also relies upon your battery capacity and the amount of driving you have done since your last vehicle charge. Installing a 240-volt charging port, referred to as a level 2 charger, requires a 240-volt power supply and typically a wiring upgrade in your home. Again, this should be performed by a professional electrician. You can contact Gervais Electric to discuss the charging options you have and the steps needed to upgrade the electrical infrastructure and charging power in your home.

 

The actual installation of your car charger

 

Finding a licensed and insured professional electrician to perform your electric car charging installation is key to the whole process. An electrician will assess the infrastructure of your home along with the area where you want to install the charger, to ensure that a proper installation can be performed. Having a professional electrician is essential to both the preparation and the overall charging station installation to ensure that your new charging port functions both properly and safely. An electrician will take care of necessary permits and building inspector approval as well.

 

TRUST OUR RELIABLE TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS

 

Gervais Electric, Inc. takes a great deal of pride in our team of licensed professionals who is steadfast in their commitment to meet the individual needs of all our valued clients. Whether you are looking to install a new electric car charging port in your home, or have any other electrical needs, rest assured we are the team for you. Give us a call to schedule an inspection of your home electrical infrastructure or discuss any other electrical concerns you may have. We look forward to serving you with only the highest quality products and services!

Dangerous Old Wiring in Your Commercial Structure

Posted on by oleg

Many commercial businesses over the age of 25 years are faced with outdated electrical systems and wiring problems. In very old buildings, the wiring was installed behind the wall plaster and always out of sight. Old wiring can pose many safety dangers to dated structures and to tenants, with fires being one of the most common and obvious. The wiring in any very old building is apt to be faulty and can, over time, lead to some serious safety and fire issues.

DANGEROUS WIRING

There are a number of reasons why the wiring in an old building is outdated and dangerous.  Here are a few of the most common reasons why wiring becomes, or is, faulty and unsafe.

 

  • Old wiring that has been modified or altered in any way can lead to live wires or connections that are not executed properly. In the walls of an old commercial building may be a number of improperly modified wires that can contribute to electrical fires and other problems.

 

  • Insulation on electrical wires in old or historical buildings, typically does not comply with industry standards of today. Overtime, old insulation will become brittle and begin to disintegrate causing the old wiring to become exposed. Exposed wires will often lead to fires.

 

  • Antique building were often built with knob and tube wiring. Age old knob and tube wiring becomes weathered and worn out over the years.  When this happens, it can lead to electrical fires in your building.

 

  • Very old electrical designs in extremely old buildings simply do not meet with industry codes, regulations, and standards of today- and they surely would never pass any electrical inspections performed. An electrical design of any building needs to be up to date and compliant, so as to avoid any fires or other harmful outcomes to the structure of the building and/or its tenants.

 

  • If your equipment or appliances in your building are not amped properly, there is a good chance that you might find yourself faced with a building fire at some point. Old buildings were designed and built with low amp wiring, which in today’s world is a prime source of building fires.

 

  • Finally, the breakers in an old building are sure to be out of date. The circuit panel may not have been upgraded for years, resulting in faulty breakers and switches.  With that said, it is imperative to upgrade the circuit panel in an old building to ensure the safety of the structure and its tenants.

 

THE TEAM OF EXPERTS YOU CAN ALWAYS RELY ON

In order for an old building structure to be safe for you and your tenants, Gervais Electric, Inc. highly recommends that you schedule an inspection of your old wiring and electrical system. Our skilled team will identify problems and provide effective solutions. To schedule an inspection, give us a call today.

Our team is steadfast in the commitment to meet the individual needs of all our valued clients and to provide only the highest quality electrical products and services. Our team is on hand to answer any questions you may have and discuss any concerns. We take pride in our performance excellence, our simple mission statement, and our high customer satisfaction rating. We remain committed to each as we move forward in the community and marketplace.

For more information about the dangers of old wiring and what you can do to avoid fires or to keep your tenants safe, give us a call today. We look forward to serving you and helping you to determine what upgrades and modifications are needed at your commercial property.

Don’t Overlook Your Electrical Panel… Is it Time for an Upgrade?

Posted on by oleg

As homeowners, we are all constantly looking for ways to enhance the aesthetic appeal, the value, and even the functionality of our homes. From interior design upgrades to outdoor living space additions, our options are many. However, often times homeowners will overlook one very important component within their homes when they are searching for the ideal upgrades – their electrical panel. Though your panel may be in a location that is typically out of view, it should not be out of mind. It is important to give focus to the integrity and overall performance capability of your panel and, when necessary, perform effective upgrades.

The electrical panel is the core of your home and proper care and maintenance of the panel is critical to the everyday performance of electrical appliances and components within your home. The ability of the electric source panel to sufficiently handle the power and electrical needs of your home should be of primary concern to every homeowner. Without proper care and maintenance, serious electrical performance issues, as well as safety issues, can and will arise in your living space.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UPGRADING YOUR ELECTRICAL PANEL

The demands made on the electrical source panel in your home are never ending. From appliances and lighting to computers, cell phones and laptops, the need and demand for electricity for the day-to-day operation of your home is constant and ongoing. There is a multitude of electrical devices in your home and perhaps even far too many for your electrical panel to handle. For this very reason, it is important for homeowners to determine whether a panel upgrade is needed in order to meet the electrical demands of your home and family.

WARNING SIGNS

There are a number of obvious warning signs that can help you recognize the need for a panel upgrade. Flickering lights, breakers tripping, bulbs that burn out quickly, and burning smells as well as corrosion or melted wires within the panel itself, are all obvious indicators. Turning to the professionals can help you identify the ideal solution to your ongoing electrical problems. A certified electrician can perform an inspection of your panel to determine whether or not you are in need of an upgrade. They will first identify the maximum amperage of your panel and if you have a 60-amp panel will recommend that you upgrade to a 200-amp right away. In addition, should the electrician take note of any of the warning signs above, they will advise an upgrade to ensure the functionality of your panel as well as the safety of your home and family.

TRUST OUR AWARD-WINNING TEAM

If you are experiencing electrical issues in your home, then perhaps it is time to upgrade your electrical panel. Further, if you will be installing new appliances, devices or other electrical items such as a swimming pool or perhaps even an outdoor spa on your property, installing a new panel would be highly recommended to ensure that not only is the panel itself upgraded and now able to handle the additional demands, but it is much safer as well.

For more information about electrical panel upgrades or to schedule an appointment to assess the current capability, safety, and performance of your existing panel, look no further than Gervais Electric, Inc. Our team of highly skilled and professional electricians is on hand to perform your free in-home assessment and to meet all your electrical needs. Take time out today to contact our skilled professionals. We look forward to serving you with only the highest quality electrical products and services!

Some Facts to Know About Electric Cars Before Making a Purchase

Posted on by oleg

In today’s world, electric cars are becoming more and more popular every day. There are a number of benefits to owning one of these new innovative vehicles, including the simple fact that you don’t have to spend money on buying gas any longer. In addition, equipped with quiet running, rechargeable battery powered engines, you no longer have to deal with loud engine noise generated by vehicles with typical gas engines. Further, electric vehicles require very little to no maintenance at all.

People are choosing more and more today to own electric vehicles. The industry sales of these environmentally safe vehicles have certainly sky rocketed in the recent years. There are an increased number of car companies today that offer electric vehicles and an increased number of consumers with an interest as well. In a green environment, electric vehicles are an ideal option since the electricity they run on can be a renewable resource. If you are in the market for an electric car, then there are a few important facts you’ll want to know before making that all important decision.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT ELECTRIC CARS

  • Cost benefits – It costs nearly half the amount of money to drive an innovative electric car than it does to drive a typical vehicle that runs on gasoline. Electric vehicles require very little maintenance since they have few moving parts. The primary component of an electric vehicle is that of the shaft which typically requires little or no maintenance at all with the batteries being maintenance free as well. Additionally, tax credits are available to those consumers who purchase electric vehicles.

 

  • Primary concerns – One of the biggest concerns consumers have is that of the cost of an electric car and affordability. The prices vary for Hyundai, Chevy, Kia and Tesla, with Tesla coming in at the higher end of the price charts. Another primary concern is that of the lack of charging stations and consumers fear of running out of power before reaching a charging station. It is also a grave concern that charging your electric vehicle takes a good deal of time.

 

  • Contribute to the environment – Electric cars protect the environment since they do not operate on gasoline. By eliminating exhaust fumes, the gas emissions are minimized adding to a green environment.

 

  • Extra perks – In some states you are allowed to travel in the special HOV lanes if you are travelling in an electric car, even if you are the only one in the vehicle.

THE FUTURE

The world will soon be witness to an increased growth in this new automobile technology as more and more individuals learn about the benefits and become more comfortable with the concept itself. More and more charging stations will be installed at tourist rest areas, in the workplace and in other common areas along the highways and many major roadways as well.

YOUR TESLA HOME INSTALLATION TEAM

If you are in the market for a new electric car, then be sure to put your trust in Gervais Electric, Inc. for your home charging installation for any make or model of electric vehicle. Our team of highly skilled and experienced installers stands ready to meet your EV charging installation need. Whether you are looking to install a charging station in your garage or outdoors, we are the team for you. For more information about our premier EV charging installation services or to schedule an appointment for an installation, be sure to reach out to one of our team members today. We look forward to serving you and want to remind you that for all your electrical needs, look to the pros here at Gervais Electric, Inc.

Top-Rated Electric Vehicle Charger Installers

Posted on by oleg

Today, you can find endless information about electric vehicles and a number of options to meet your individual driving and economic needs. Although it may not be very costly to drive an electric vehicle, compared to driving a conventional vehicle, which requires the purchase of costly fuel, there can be a downside. It does take a great deal of time to recharge the electric vehicle batteries after traveling any distance or making a trip. Our electric vehicle charger installers are highly skilled and experienced in EV installations, and are on hand to offer important insight on how to effectively and efficiently charge electric vehicles.

 

IMPORTANT INSIGHT

 

The majority of electric vehicles today are equipped with a Level 1 charger that plugs right into a standard 120-volt outlet. However, these standard Level 1 chargers require at least 18 hours to charge a vehicle fully. The actual length of time is dependent upon the battery capacity. A Level 2 charger, on the other hand, uses a 240-volt circuit for charging and ultimately delivers more power to a vehicle in much less time. With that said, installing a dedicated electric vehicle charger in your home has many benefits that include the following:

 

  • A reduced time for charging that ranges from 18 hours to a mere 3 hours
  • Your vehicle is allowed to fully charge overnight as you sleep
  • A reduced dependency on using random public electric charging stations
  • The ability to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates when and if ever they are available in your town or area

 

Level 2 chargers allow EV owners to have a more secure, convenient and enjoyable experience, both as a driver and owner. Gervais Electric, Inc. and our highly skilled and experienced Electric vehicle charger installers are equipped to provide all our valued clients a complete and efficient electric vehicle charger install, whether for your carport, garage, our anywhere near your driveway or home. Our certified EV installers and specialists will always recommend the best and most effective charger for the job, whether a high-current EV charger, a model that plugs in for easy relocation, or a specialized model for outdoor at home use.

 

THE BENEFITS OF OWNING AND DRIVING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

 

In today’s world, electric vehicles are fast becoming the vehicle of choice for many individuals. The benefits of electric vehicles are many. First and foremost, they help save you money, whether on the electricity fuel itself (as opposed to gasoline) or on the maintenance costs overall. They also outwardly cut your emissions and cut your vehicle oil usage. Finally, electric vehicles offer you a much more enjoyable driving experience with their instant torque, as well as their enhanced handling, comfortable ride, and overall responsiveness.

 

SCHEDULE YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER INSTALLATION TODAY

 

If you are in the market for a more efficient and quicker means of charging your electric vehicle, then look no further than Gervais Electric, Inc. Our team of highly skilled and knowledgeable electric vehicle charger installers stands ready to meet your every need. Our team of experts provides professional, efficient and state of the art installations of electric vehicle chargers throughout Franklin and its many surrounding towns and cities. We also provide a full lineup of high-quality residential and commercial electrical services to all our valued clients. We look forward to serving you. So take time out today and contact one of our team to schedule a consultation, an EV charger installation, or any other electrical service needs you may have.

Common Causes of Summertime Electrical Problems

Posted on by oleg

There are times, as we all know, when electricity can present issues with both danger and losses. When this occurs, we are all faced with tremendous inconveniences as well as a great deal of frustration. Summertime seems to be the one time of year where electrical problems can be more pronounced.

 

COMMON ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE SUMMER MONTHS

 

  • An electrical overload – There are a number of indicators that your home is experiencing an electrical overload. From flickering lights and overheated plugs, to buzzing sounds, and tripped circuit breakers, the signs are many. During the hot summer months, the cooling system is typically running constantly, and appliances are used even more. If you are experiencing electrical overload in your home, to make your home safe again, you will need to get your electrical panels upgraded.

 

  • Problems due to storms – During the summer there are many wind, rain, and lightning storms. Windstorms can easily damage the electrical wiring located on the exterior of your home, which can result in a disruption of the flow of electricity to your home. Lightning storms often cause abrupt power surges that can lead to an overload and ultimately cause damage to electrical appliances. If your area experiences frequent lightning or wind storms, followed by vast electrical problems, it may be in your family’s best interest to install a surge protector device in your home.

 

  • Aluminum wiring issues – If the electrical wires in your home are made of aluminum, it is important to understand how aluminum works. Aluminum will expand in heat and contract in cold weather. With this continued expansion and contraction, faulty and rusty wiring can occur. In addition, you may experience loose connections and even overheating as a result of the aluminum wiring. If you find yourself faced with any of these problems, it is imperative you have a certified electrician inspect the wiring, identify problems, and provide effective solutions.

 

  • Blackouts – Often during a huge storm, blackouts will occur and you find yourself without power for hours and sometimes even days. Having a back-up generator in your home is the perfect solution to this problem.

 

  • Chronic power surges – Power surges are typically the result of heavy electrical appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and air conditioners. Each of these will draw a great deal of power and create problems stemming from overloading or using too many appliances at the same time. Power surges can also be the result of a lightning storm. When excessive power surges occur, they can cause damage to appliances and devices and may even cause an electrical fire. It is wise to turn off any large electrical appliances during a storm to help avoid power surges.

 

GERVAIS ELECTRIC STANDS READY TO MEET YOUR EVERY NEED

 

Gervais Electric, Inc. takes tremendous pride in our top-of-the-line electrical products and services. Our team is steadfast in providing only the highest quality products and services. We are committed to meeting the individual needs of all our clients in timelines that are accommodating to schedules, and with prices that are truly affordable. If you are in need of any type of electrical services or are experiencing any number of electrical problems, be sure to reach out to our team of dedicated professionals. We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the best all-around electrical services.

Franklin’s Quality Electric Car Charging Installation Services

Posted on by oleg

As many of us know, electric cars have certainly begun to make their presence known in the auto industry. For over a decade now, electric cars- with their ability to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and reduce the carbon footprint as well, are becoming the favored vehicle of choice by many people who are concerned about an eco-friendlier world. With the evolution of electric cars comes the need for comfortable and convenient electric car charging stations.

 

There are some charging stations available publicly, and the number is growing each day. However, the most practical, important, and convenient place for electric car owners to ensure a battery is charged and always ready to go, would be in the comfort of your home. With that said, the services of a licensed electrician will be needed. In order to experience appropriate charges in an acceptable amount of time, a special designed electric car charger, with a dedicated 240-volt circuit will be required. That’s where Gervais Electric, Inc. comes in. Our team of highly skilled electricians will ensure your electric car charging installation is performed safely, effectively, and efficiently.

 

THE ADVANTAGES OF CHARGING YOUR ELECTRIC CAR AT YOUR HOME

 

There are a number of benefits to charging your electric car at home with one of the most obvious being the simple fact that you can save money. Sure, there is an upfront cost to have your charger installed conveniently in your home. But the amount of money you will save in the long term will, over time, far outweigh the initial installation cost.

 

Further, when you have to rely upon public electric car charging stations to charge your vehicle, it is every bit dangerous and costs a whole lot more than charging with your own home charger. There is truly no safer or more affordable place to plug your vehicle in than in the comfort and convenience of your own home. When you engage in home charging of your electric vehicle, you simply pull up to your installed charging station, plug your car in, and leave it be until morning. Certainly, the overall process is quite simple and, without a doubt, practical and stress free.

 

DECIDING WHERE TO PERFORM YOUR CAR CHARGING INSTALLATION

 

It makes sense to install your electric car charging station where you park your electric car. Some people house their vehicles in their garage, while others park them somewhere outdoors on their property. Whatever the case may be, and whatever the layout of your home and property, if you are able to install the charger in close proximity to where you house your electric car, that would be the ideal option.

 

  • Garage Installation – By far the most convenient option, installing your car charger in your garage, since it is indoors and very close to or attached to your home, is a wise choice. Your charging station, when installed in your garage, is protected from any outdoor elements and is less likely to suffer damage of any kind.

 

  • Installation Outdoors on Your Property – Every home is not equipped or designed with a garage which means that an outdoor installation makes good sense. Electric car charging stations that are built outdoors are designed to withstand the outdoor elements such as rain, snow, and wind. However, it goes without saying that a car charger installed in your garage is more apt to have a greater lifespan than those installed outdoors.

 

PUT OUR TRUST IN OUR TEAM

 

If you are in need of electric car charging installation services, then we are definitely the team for you. To learn more about our top-rated services, to obtain a quote, or to schedule an appointment for your installation, give a shout out to one of our team today.

Different Types of Electric Car Chargers to Choose From

Posted on by oleg

There are three types of electric car charging stations on the market today. To determine which of the three electric car chargers is best suited to your needs depends primarily on the type of vehicle you have purchased and your specific charging needs and requirements.

 

DIFFERENT ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING STATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM

 

  • Level One – Level 1 electric car chargers can simply be plugged into a 120-volt wall outlet. Though the setup is simple, Level 1 chargers are incredibly slow and are typically best suited for smaller battery hybrid vehicles or for your everyday electric golf carts. The benefit of a Level 1 charger is that they are extremely compatible with all cars. They can be easily charged at any accessible outlet you may locate or right at home.
  • Level Two – Level 2 electric car chargers would require the use of a 240-volt circuit. If you do not have a 240-volt circuit in your home, it will be necessary to have one installed to accommodate the requirements for a Level 2 charger. The Level 2 chargers can charge much faster than Level 1 chargers, allowing owners to get 25-60 miles of driving distance per charge hour. The Level 2 chargers, much like the Level 1, are also compatible with all cars.

 

  • Level Three – Level 3 electric car chargers are remarkably fast chargers and are often referred to as DC fast chargers. They are primarily used for long distance driving and are unable to be installed at a residence because they require a 440-volt circuit. With just one hour of charge time, Level 3 chargers can get up to 250 miles of driving distance and range. These electric chargers are most often found in either commercial or industrial locations.

 

DETERMINING WHICH ELECTRIC CAR CHARGER IS BEST SUITED FOR YOU

 

When trying to determine which electric car charger is best suited for you, the process is rather fast and simple. If you are looking to install the charging station in your home, then you can only choose from a Level 1 or a Level 2 charger. If you drive your car daily then perhaps a Level 1 charger would not be the best fit for you since they use a standard 110-volt outlet, which poses an issue with keeping your car adequately charged at all times.

 

A Level 2 charger, on the other hand, will allow you to attain the same level of charge provided by a Level 1, but in only 3 hours as opposed to the 20 hours it would take for a Level 1 charger. If you drive a larger car with a larger battery then a Level 2 electric car charger would be your ideal option.

 

Level 3 charging stations, again referred to as DC fast chargers, since they are used in both commercial and industrial locations would not be an option for installation in a home. These DC fast chargers are not only very expensive, but in order to operate properly, require specialized power equipment as well as a 440-volt outlet. For these reasons, a Level 3 charger would not be an option for a typical hybrid car owner looking to install a charging station at their home.

 

THE TESLA PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

 

Whether your home is already equipped with the required equipment for installing an electric car charger, or you are in need of a complete service panel upgrade to accommodate your installation, you can always rely upon Gervais Electric, Inc. Our team of highly skilled and experienced Tesla installation specialists stand ready to meet your every need. Reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc. today for more information about our top-rated electric car charger installations. We look forward to our every opportunity to serve you!