Common Electrical Safety Hazards and How to Avoid Them

If you’re a homeowner, then you know there comes some responsibility with the title. From paying your utility bills to making sure that your living space is clean, there are many different ways to keep busy on a daily basis, but what about steering clear of electrical mishaps? Believe it or not, they happen more […]

The Facts About the National Electrical Code

This May is National Electrical Safety Month (NESM), an annual campaign established to encourage electrical safety in the home, school and workplace. Universal Home Experts are big proponents of electrical safety and are joining in the crusade to ensure the protection of our Houston neighbors. The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI), one of the major sponsors of NESM, […]

Electrical Outlet Maintenance

One of the leading causes of residential fires is faulty electrical outlets. In fact, according to the National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA) from 2010 – 2014 16% of civilian deaths were caused by “electrical distribution and lighting equipment.” Additionally, there are at least 25,000 electrical fires each year that are the result of faulty outlets. […]

Signs Your Electrical Wiring Needs to be Replaced

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, home electrical systems are responsible for an estimated 53,600 fires every year. This results in more than 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage. These facts should be enough to concern anyone who lives in a home 40 years or older – especially one without […]

The Facts About Your Electrical Panel

To many homeowners, the electrical panel is an intimidating piece of equipment only touched when there is a circuit blown or a power outage. Even in these instances, many people are afraid to touch them at all. But it’s important to understand the basics of your electrical panel – especially if your home is older […]

Electrical Safety Tips for Halloween

Taking basic precautions for Halloween festivities has always been a part of the preparations. Requirements for kids walking the neighborhood at night and other safety tips for the little monsters are essential talking points every year. But this Halloween, while decorating for the big party and planning what costumes to wear, make sure that you […]

Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

To celebrate Electrical Safety Month we thought it would be a good idea to include the younger set in the conversation. There are so many potential electrical hazards in the daily life of a child (grade school and under), it never hurts to remind them how to respond. Whether at home or outside, we’ve compiled […]

Winter Heating and Electrical Safety Checklist

Each year, electrical fires increase during the winter months due to an increase in the use of electrical products. This raises the chances of electrical fires, electrocutions, and other injuries. Additionally, home fires in general increase during the colder months, with heating equipment being the second leading cause. For more information on winter safety, see […]

How to Fix a Blown Fuse or Tripped Circuit Breaker

Blowing a fuse or tripping a circuit breaker is a common issue, especially if you’re a multitasker. If you overload a circuit, your system will cut off the electrical flow to prevent your wires from overheating and causing circuit damage or fire. Follow these steps to restore power and get all those appliances going again: […]

The Story of Volta and the First Battery

Born on this day, February 18th, 1745 in Como, Italy, Volta was brought into a world without batteries, electric lighting, or any clear distinction between pseudoscience, magic, and science. This mysterious and magical world was the beginning of our modern conceptions of science. As John Maynard Keynes put it, “Newton was not the first of […]