Owning a commercial building is a major responsibility, especially when juggling the upkeep of your often-used systems. While you may assume that electrical services are only required for a commercial building in the event of an emergency or outage, the reality is that it’s best to keep up with electrician-approved maintenance to stay safe and save money. As the property owner, it’s your responsibility to stay on your toes and to act quickly on any signs that electrical services may be required. 

The Signals You’re Due for an Electrical Services Upgrade

1. Lack of Power

Perhaps the most obvious sign that you’re dealing with a less-than-perfect electrical system in your commercial space is not having enough power to run at full speed. You should be able to fire up all of your lights, machinery, and outlets simultaneously without blowing a fuse or causing one component to work at half-power. If you’ve noticed that your lights flicker throughout the day or that powering your larger appliances causes another to turn off, it’s time for a visit from your local electrician.

2. Tripping Breakers

While it’s normal for your circuit breakers to trip from time to time, regularly tripping is an indication that the electrical system is just not up to snuff. If constant trips are getting in the way of running your day-to-day schedule smoothly, it’s time you call for professional help. Your circuits should handle more than one large appliance being used at the same time, so it may be necessary to rewire the system entirely or install new breakers that are designed for a larger commercial space. 

3. Safety Hazards

Your business’ electrical system should be a source of productivity, not a safety hazard. If you’ve had experiences with sparking, fires, shocks or melting wires, it’s time to have the entire electrical setup taken down and reinstalled with current industry safety standards in mind. This is most common in buildings with outdated wiring and insulation, so if your building is older and has not been serviced in the last five years, it’s time to bring out a professional to explain how you can better protect your property, inventory, and staff. 

Are you in the market for a commercial electrician you can trust in Cincinnati, OH? If so, it’s time you called Craftsman Electric. Since their start in 1984, they have acted as the area’s go-to name for reliable, prompt, and comprehensive construction and repair services. Whether you’re in the market for a routine safety inspection or are looking to amp up the electrical system from top to bottom, you can trust that they’ll get the job done. For more help with your electrical services, visit them online or call at (513) 891-4426.

Fire Prevention Week is this week is October 8-14, 2017

“Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”

In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.

That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:

• Draw a map of your home with all the members of your household by marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your hour, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

Working smoke detectors in the kitchen and on every floor are a must for every American home. Check your smoke detectors this week!

Craftsman Electric loves electricity – including Christmas lights and decorations. Christmas lights, twinkle lights or fairy lights as they are called, have come a long way over time. We want to make sure you keep your family and friends safe this holiday season from short circuits, injuries and electrical fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 150 homes are burned, with 8 people killed and 14 people injured every year due to incorrect use of holiday lights. Don’t let this happen to your home and family—before you deck the halls, the windows, the trees and the bushes with tons of lights, consider that you may need to install new circuits for Christmas lights, even if your decorating plans are modest, but particularly if you have more ambitious plans.

In some areas Christmas lighting has become a fierce competition among neighbors. This is always a treat for anyone lucky enough to ride through these neighborhoods. If you are one of those using an excess of lights for your festive display remember to prevent electrical overload during the holidays. Be safe as you hang up your awesome Christmas or other Holiday lights in your home or yard. Enjoy and be careful this season by following these steps:

• Make sure your electric panel can handle your holiday lights.
• Always read and adhere to product safety labels.
• Make sure your power source comes from a GFCI outlet. This type of outlet will shut the circuit off if there is an overload. If you’re not sure call Craftsman Electric or a licensed electrician to help.
• For outside lights and extension cords, always use ones that are meant for outdoor use, and are waterproof or water-resistant with a tag marked underwriter’s lab (UL). These lights meet national industry standards with the American National Standards Institute.
• Before setting up any Christmas lights, plug them in to make sure all the bulbs are working.
• Replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs. Unplug any light strings before changing bulbs.
• Keep extension cord connections above ground and away from snow and water.
• Tape cords where there might be potential walking hazards.
• Don’t let cords be so long that they pile up.
• Don’t overload extension cords.
• Never pull the cord from electrical outlets. Pulling on the cord can damage the cord’s wire and insulation and even lead to an electrical fire.
• Throw out any broken, cracked, frayed or bare wires, loose connections, or damaged lights.
• Turn your lights off when you leave or go to bed at night.

One last thing you will want to consider as you gear up for the holiday lights: you can save electricity by using newer LED lights over the standard holiday lights. They need far less electricity to glow. Just to compare: One strand of 50 standard mini lights requires about 20 watts, while one strand of 70 LED mini lights doesn’t quite need 5 watts. That’s 20 extra lights, and a whole lot less power consumption. Depending on the condition and usage on your circuits already, you still may want to consider installing new circuits for Christmas lights.

Craftsman Electric Contractors can help you avoid electrical fires or shock that can be caused by inadequate outlets. Call us to see if your electric panel meets your electrical needs so your family stays safe this holiday season. Keep your investment protected. Call us for a free estimate at 513-891-4426 and have a licensed electrician help you get ready for the holidays and Christmas lights!

Do you remember the last time an electrician inspected your home? Electrical home safety inspections may not be on your regular schedule, but they’re still necessary to keep your home safe from electrical shorts and fire hazards. If you’re due for an inspection or aren’t sure whether you need one, Craftsman Electric in Cincinnati, OH, has provided this breakdown so you can learn more about the process.

What Is Your Electrician Looking For?

During an electrical home safety inspection, the specialist you choose will check several factors. The first issue is whether everything in your house is wired correctly according to professional safety standards and in working order.

Fire prevention will factor into the inspection, and your electrician will also check for any electrocution risks in your system. After basic safety checks, your electrician will also evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your electrical system and suggest improvements.

Who Needs an Electrical Inspection?

In general, if you’re worried about electrical safety in your home, it can’t hurt to ask an electrician to check on your system and make any necessary home electrical repairs. There are also several specific times you should schedule an inspection. If you’re buying or selling a home, a report on its electrical safety can be a major help to everyone involved, factoring into pricing and other decisions.

Older homes which haven’t already been inspected according to modern safety standards should be checked to ensure they’re in compliance. If your house is over 40 years old, it is much more likely to have damaged or faulty wiring. Finally, if you’ve added a major appliance or taken on any renovation project involving electrical installation or alteration, an electrician should be involved to ensure the changes don’t compromise your home’s electrical safety.

If you need an electrical home safety inspection or electrical repairs, schedule with Craftsman Electric today. You can reach them at (513) 891-4426 or contact them online to make an appointment. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook for more helpful tips and the latest updates

The lighting in your office can do much more than help you see properly. It can also improve employee morale and increase efficiency. The professionals from Craftsman Electric in Cincinnati, OH, specialize in commercial electrical services designed to help you optimize your facility’s lighting system, and they’ve compiled some tips for you below to help you make the best of your situation.

If you want to provide the best possible lighting for your employees, try:

• Switching to Energy-Saving Bulbs: One of the first things you can do to improve the lighting situation in your office is invest in energy-saving light bulbs, which will boost efficiency and decrease your maintenance costs. Energy-saving bulbs come in many shapes and sizes and are traditionally longer lasting than incandescent light bulbs.
• Installing a Cohesive Lighting Design: Good lighting entails more than just installing the brightest bulbs you can find. It requires some serious thought as to which lighting fixtures are placed where. For example, by combining indirect overhead lighting, natural light, and movable fixtures, you can achieve the ideal working conditions for your facility.
• Knowing Different Tasks Require Different Lights: Your optimal lighting scheme will differ greatly if you run a factory as opposed to a clothing boutique, so it’s important to keep in mind different lighting performs different functions. Ultimately, you may find it necessary to contact a commercial electrical services professional for some expert advice on your lighting system as it relates to your business.
• Installing Lighting Controls: One good way to maintain control over the lighting of your facility is to install accessories that enable you to tailor the lighting of your premises to your specific needs. Controls such as dimmers, occupancy sensors that switch on when someone enters a room, and timers will help maximize efficiency.

Finding the perfect lighting solution for your office isn’t always easy but the commercial electrical services team from Craftsman Electric will help. Contact them today at (513) 891-4426 or visit them online to learn more about their electrical installation and landscape lighting services.

Upgrading your home’s exterior is an excellent way to improve your curb appeal and give it a refreshed appearance. One of the most powerful ways to accomplish this is to add landscape lighting. The electrical contractors at Craftsman Electric provide outstanding lighting upgrades to residents in Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky.

If you’re thinking of giving your home a little makeover, this could be just what your property needs to establish itself as the envy of the neighborhood. Here are three ways your landscape’s lighting features make such a difference:

• It Is Inviting: Lighting is an inviting feature that transforms any outdoor space instantly. It conveys a sense of warmth and comfort, and it suggests that the area could be ideal for entertaining. It’s also ideal for calling attention to attractive landscapes and yard features. Certain plants and flowers look stunning when they’re illuminated.
• It Creates Safety: Think of landscape lighting as an additional layer of safety for the property. While it serves an aesthetic purpose, it also deters intruders from trespassing—a dim space is far more inviting to a burglar than a brightly lit yard.
• It Establishes a Theme: If you’ve designed your landscape meticulously, your electrical contractors understand you expect nothing but the best from your lighting. They’ll work to design a scheme that best accents your outdoor space, whether you’re radiating lights upward or downward, or crossing them across the yard for a more dramatic look. You can also use lighting to negate shadows or to drench areas with a soft glow for a more elegant look.

When you work with the electricians at Craftsman Electric, you can count on one thing: results. That’s because these residential electricians know exactly what it takes to deliver a landscape lighting solution that best complements your home’s exterior. Focusing on both appearance and security, the company’s design ideas are as attractive as they are practical. Visit the company’s website to learn more, or call (513) 891-4426 to schedule an appointment

New home buyers are busy looking at kitchen cabinet space and the number of bedrooms, but a safe electrical system should also be on their list of must-haves. Craftsman Electric is a residential electrician in Cincinnati, OH, that offers reliable home electrical repairs and maintenance.

If you’re buying an older home, there’s always the risk of investing in an electrical system that’s not up to par. Here are three things to look for before making the purchase official:

• Check the Outlets: Every electrical outlet in the home should be installed securely in the wall. When you’re touring the property, it’s a good idea to keep a small electrical device with you to test the wall outlets. If the outlet is loose, doesn’t work, or sends sparks flying when you plug something in, that’s a clear sign something isn’t right. You should also ensure all outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms are GFCI receptacles.
• Inspect the Electrical Panel: A home’s electrical panel is like the heart that keeps everything operating smoothly. It should be clean, easy to get to, and the breakers should be clearly labeled. You can also check to make sure there is no wire slack. Many older homes don’t have main disconnect switches; while this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it’s important to know ahead of time.
• Know the Type of Wiring: Your home’s age will often determine what kind of electrical wiring it has. Aluminum was used in the 1960s and 1970s, and knob-and-tube wiring is still found in homes built before 1930. Ideally, you want your home to have copper conductors. If you’re not sure how to determine the type of wiring, it’s always best to ask a residential electrician.

Don’t fall in love with a home until you’ve had it inspected by a professional electrical contractor. You rely on electricity every day, and it’s impossible to tell what secrets a property is hiding without insight from a residential electrician. Call Craftsman Electric at (513) 891-4426 to schedule a home electrical inspection. You’ll also learn more about what they do on Facebook.

Ohio’s frequent rainstorms can damage landscape lighting fixtures, leaving your yard in complete darkness. The team at Craftsman Electric knows a few wise decisions can prevent this from happening. For more than 30 years, the residential electricians have been the area’s leading source for high-quality electrical wiring solutions for existing and new homes.

Below, Cincinnati’s best electricians share simple ways you can protect landscape lighting fixtures from the elements:

• Choose the Right Location: Placing fixtures close to your house is a great way to keep them protected. Your home serves as a barrier against high winds and heavy rain. If fixtures are in the middle of the yard, Craftsman’s electrical installation expert will let you know the best placement.
• Motion Detectors: To save energy, install motion detectors. When you’re home, set the motion detectors to turn on or off when they sense movement. This way, you’ll cut down on energy costs and won’t have to worry about lights burning out in heavy winds.
• Install Solar Lights: When electrical wires get wet, they can short circuit your entire system. You can install solar landscape lighting to prevent this from happening. Because the lights don’t have wires, the next storm won’t blow out the system.
• Invest in Protectors: You can place shields over landscape lighting fixtures for added protection. The clear boxes slip over fixtures to protect light bulbs from moisture.
• Use Durable Bulbs: Although you can place indoor light bulbs in outdoor spaces, there are varieties specifically designed to stand up against Mother Nature. Flood lights are long-lasting and more durable than the average light.

To update your landscape lighting in Cincinnati, call (513) 891-4426 to schedule a service appointment today. Visit Craftsman Electric online for more electricity solutions, and like the electrical contractors on Facebook for news and announcements.

Are you ready to watch the NCAA Tournament?! Where are you watching the game? If you have a new flat screen HDTV that’s not mounted on the wall or going out to buy one this weekend, we can complete your installation services before the Sweet 16. Professional flat screen HDTV installation is all you need to have the greatest Sweet 16, Final 4 or Championship party in Greater Cincinnati.

Don’t get us wrong – you could install your flat TV yourself. However, you could also run the risk of your valuable TV ripping a hole in the wall and breaking on the floor. We’ll take proper care of your flat screen TV and securely mount it on the wall in the room of your selection. It takes an electrician to run the cables and cords through the wall so there is no electrical damage. Who needs wires all over the floor and the walls? That’s not a clean installation, plus it looks tacky. We offer complete whole house wiring, so rest assured knowing the wiring for your flat screen TV is in the hands of a licensed professional electrician.

Call Craftsman Electric at 513-891-4426 to schedule or for your free estimate.

Are you craving a lighting upgrade or an updated look? Utilizing LED recessed lighting may be your answer. This upgrade or electrical installation is a popular choice among many homeowners as well as commercial spaces, offering a streamlined, up-to-date look. LED is a newer version of recessed lighting.

If you’re shopping for an upgrade, Cincinnati’s Craftsman Electric explains three key reasons to try LED recessed lighting:

High-Quality

What do electrical contractors love about LED recessed lighting? The quality and safety it provides are unbeatable, and it doesn’t emit infrared or ultraviolet light. Recessed LED lights can also make a room look bigger than it is. If it is installed in a ceiling, it creates an illusion of a taller ceiling and as a wall wash, it makes the room look bigger. A soft, delicate hue is given off from a LED canister, blurring the perimeter boundaries creating a visual feeling of spaciousness. LED fixtures are natural looking with a wide choice of colors and trims making them compatible to different interior or exterior styling concepts.

Long-Lasting

One of the top benefits of LED lights is that they last much longer than other lighting options. In fact, LED bulbs and diodes have an operational life expectancy of up to100,000 hours. When you do the math, if you were to leave your LED light turned on for 8 hours per day, it would last for 20 years!

Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest reasons to switch to LED is the energy efficiency. LED lights use 80 to 90% less energy compared to conventional bulbs. What this means is that 80% of the electrical energy used by the bulb is converted to light, with only 20% being converted into other energy forms such as heat. By comparison, a normal incandescent bulb operates at just 20% efficiency, with 80% of the electricity being lost to heat.
If you spend $100 a month on your lighting, only $20 of that has gone to lighting the room, while the other 80% has gone to heating it! With LED lighting that figure is flipped, and it’s this energy efficiency that saves you money each month.

If you’re seeking a new look or electrical option, LED recessed lighting is the way to go, offering unbeatable benefits that other options simply can’t match. A skilled electrician from Craftsman Electric will help you make the ideal installation choice for your home or office, budget, and needs. Visit them online for more information or call (513) 891-4426 to schedule your free estimate today.