Almost everything nowadays operates on electricity.

Almost everything nowadays operates on electricity. The modern conveniences that drive our world depend on electricity. Without a constant supply, our world grinds to a halt, as massive blackouts have proven in the past. Electricity has two forms in modern electronics: AC and DC.
AC [alternating current], is most frequently used in devices that require high amounts of power to operate.
DC [direct current], is more commonly found in devices requiring smaller amounts of power to operate.

Understanding AC vs. DC

Direct Current
DC was the original electricity that was created by Thomas Edison. This style of electricity sends a current in only a single direction, from a power source and to the power source again in a loop. Today, DC is used to power electronics that require batteries. Any device in your home that uses batteries uses DC current. Interesting to note, if your battery is plugged in to the power supply to recharge, it transforms AC current into DC.
Direct current is also used in manufacturing situations where electricity is generated on site for personal use. Factories and mills that require vast amounts of energy often create their own DC current to power their machinery. Most commonly, DC is found in steel mills, aluminum production, and is used to power mass transportation in large urban centers in the form of electric streetcars.

Alternating Current
AC power is easier to generate, which is why we use it as our standard electricity nowadays. The alternating current design allows energy to flow in both directions, making electricity easier to create and use in society. Regardless of where the current is moving, it is always moving in both directions at once. This results in current being present at every point in the power grid at every time as long as the connection to the generation unit is intact. The power that comes from the power plants, down the lines to our homes, is always AC in nature, thanks to the way our modern power grid is set up.

The power grid operates by creating AC current and sending it down the power lines. This current can be at whatever intensity the power company chooses.
Frequently, the electricity coming from these lines is far too powerful to be used in our homes. The transformers that we see on power poles transform the electricity from its high-powered state into something that our homes can use. Without the transformers, we wouldn’t be able to use the power that our society depends on.

Regardless of the style that we use in our devices and our homes, electricity plays an important role in society. Without both AC and DC electricity, we wouldn’t have those things that make modern life as comfortable as it is.

Contact Marbec Enterprises for any of your electrical needs!

Contact Marbec Enterprises for any of your electrical needs!
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Never use electrical devices that have damaged or frayed wires

It is the rare person who does not deal with electrical appliances today. Most people watch television, turn the oven on to cook food, or simply pop frozen foods into the microwave. With electricity pouring through virtually every home, everyone should be aware of the following electrical safety precautions:

1. Never use electrical devices that have damaged or frayed wires.
The thick wires that connect an electrical device to the wall for energy are designed to safely transfer electricity from the socket to the device. When those wires tear apart, fray, or otherwise become damaged, they can allow the flow of electricity to escape the wire. This can lead to a shock of you grab the wire in that area, but it can also lead to an electrical fire. Safety precautions require you to throw these appliances out if you cannot replace the wire.

2. Play it safe with water in close vicinity to electrical devices.
When water comes in contact with an electrical outlet or electrical device plugged into the wall, it can become live with electricity and present a danger to humans. If you have a flood in your home, do not step into the water if it is covering electrical outlets. Do not place electrical devices where they can fall into a sink or bathtub full of water.

3. Watch the placement of cords leading to electrical devices.
All electrical devices have cords, and it is common to run longer cords along the wall in order to place them where you want them. The problem is you can create a tripping hazard if you run cords along doorways or across floors in heavy traffic areas of your home. Carefully place cords where they are safe for everyone in your home.

4. If you are going to change parts on or repair an electrical device, you have to disconnect it from the outlet or otherwise shut off electrical flow to the device.
Never do work on or repair an electrical device while it is live with electricity. In most cases this just means unplugging the device before you open it up to make repairs, but when doing home improvement projects it could mean shutting off electricity from the breaker box. If you don’t know how to do this, then do not attempt the repairs on your own.

All of these electrical safety precautions should be remembered by adults working with electrical appliances. If you know someone who isn’t aware of any precaution on this list, send them here to learn. It could save a life!

When in doubt, call an electrician from Marbec Enterprises and have them take the worry out!

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Correct safety & maintenance of your hot water heater.

The hot water heater represents one of the greatest hazards in the modern home, yet far too many homeowners have never read their heater’s owner’s manual. Common dangers associated with these household appliances include severe burns from scalding water, electric shock hazards, explosions, and fire.

Because most water heaters reside in closets, basements and garages, and are for the most part hidden from our daily lives, many aren’t as aware as they should be of the maintenance and precautions which are necessary for safety. Many homeowners don’t know for instance, that they should drain and flush a hot water heater every six months, to prevent sediment buildup. Others are unaware that hydrogen gas can build up inside electrically heated hot water systems when they remain inactive for two weeks or more. Hydrogen buildup requires carefully performed procedures to safely remove this flammable gas from hot water pipes. Many don’t know how and why water softening systems shorten the lives of water heaters, or that every electric hot water heater should be properly grounded with the correct gauge of copper wire. Marbec Enterprises can do this.

Correct safety and maintenance measures covered in a water heater’s manual are extremely important for household safety, so every homeowner should study this to learn how to properly maintain their hot water systems. It’s also extremely important to understand the electrical dangers these appliances represent. Because a hot water heater contains electrical heating elements immersed in water, these elements can deteriorate with age and short out electrically to the water heater’s metal casing. When this happens, it’s possible to receive a severe and perhaps fatal shock when touching the hot water heater’s housing or connecting pipes. If you do not have the necessary skills to work safely around high voltage electrical conditions, you should always call a professional electrician at Marbec Enterprises any time you suspect a problem with your hot water heater or when you have any other electrical concerns. When any questions about electrical safety arise, please call Marbec Enterprises. Our electricians are trained and equipped to identify any type of hazardous electrical condition, and to determine the proper repair procedures.

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Let Marbec help you with your electrical home renovations!

With the explosion of home renovation shows such as House Detective, Holmes On Homes and Income Property , you would be hard pressed to find the person who isn’t aware that any renovation of an older home would require the specialized services of a licensed, qualified electrician. Often conjuring up images of the older, ‘quaint’, 40+ year-old home, the word “renovation” has almost become synonymous with a neglected home in disrepair, complete with bundles of wiring that could pass for extension cords. Obvious stuff that would appear glaringly unsafe to the average person.
What doesn’t come to mind is your typical, one or two-story home built anywhere from the 1980's to early 2000's.  But in today’s housing market, doing a kitchen and bath remodel could mean the difference between a sale and seeing no movement at all . Whether it’s to compete with newly built homes in a weak housing market or to increase the value and enjoyment of one’s home, a homeowner would be prudent to consult a licensed electrician when making any updates to their home. There can be unforeseen dangers when combining newer, modern appliances and lighting with existing wiring, and a licensed electrician from Marbec Enterprises can inspect and update your home’s electrical framework, ensuring its safety and increasing energy efficiency.

In a case of one trend bringing about another, the increasing popularity of in-home offices and theater rooms has  sparked the inclusion of structured wiring, or heavy-duty electrical and data cables designed to manage the latest (and yet-to-be-invented) electrical devices. Take into account that almost 50% of new homes built in 2008 included structured wiring and you can see that this trend could very well become the norm in the near future.

For questions on updating your home’s electrical infrastructure, call an electrician from Marbec Enterprises.

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We do industrial & residential wiring for electricity!

Whether you’re doing industrial wiring or residential wiring for electricity, you’ve got a complex task ahead of you. Needless to say, industrial wiring is essentially a much more complex form of residential wiring. Let an electrician at Marbec Enterprises take care of it for you. We will simply provide you with a very basic overview of what you need to understand with regard to residential wiring and industrial wiring.
It will be up to you to look up your local building and electrical codes for your home or office space. Also, check your local laws to see if you are even permitted to do your own amateur wiring before you proceed. Above all things, approach any wiring project with this knowledge at the forefront of your mind: “electricity can be deadly.” Put your safety ahead of all other concerns. Marbec Enterprises is
trained in all aspects of electrical work.
Basics of Doing Residential Wiring
Red wires and black wires are usually “hot”. This means that there is a current (amps) flowing from the circuit breaker to the electrical box or the appliance in question.
The white wires usually are “returns”. This means that they allow current (amps) to flow back to the circuit breaker after the electricity has passed through the load or appliance in question.
White wires should not be connected together with ground wires, with the exception being back at the circuit panel bus bar. If you fail to observe this rule, then every single time the load is energized (such as turning on an appliance), electricity will flow through the ground wire and the return wire simultaneously. This is very dangerous.
A ground wire is usually bare and attaches to an appliance’s frame. Under normal circumstances, current should not be passing through it. Only when there is a short circuit should electricity pass through the ground wire; this happens so that the circuit breaker will kill the flow of current to the site or appliance.
Basics of Doing Industrial Wiring
Smart industrial wiring is based on 3-phase electrical power. 3-phase electric allows less workload to be placed on each wire involved while at once allowing them to work together to give you maximum results. With 3-phase electric, the wires are smaller and the motor is smaller than a typical single-phase motor. These factors allow greater efficiency and longer lasting motors and wires.
There are four types of 3-phase electrical power:
Common 3 Wire
Common 4 Wire
3 Wire with Grounded Hot Leg
Special 4 Wire
No matter which type of 3-phase electrical power you choose to use, you’ll need a voltage meter in order to determine the actual voltages that are available to you. The type does not determine this.
Industrial wiring typically runs through metal conduits, armored cable, or a raceway. These enclosures are the safety ground–never the neutral wire.
The Marbec Electrical team of highly trained commercial electrical contractors has provided top quality electrical installations for large commercial building projects in Florida for over 10 years. We are trained in all aspects of commercial electrical work and offer extensive expertise and professional service to our clients.

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Did you know fluorescent lights contain hazardous mercury?

Short for “light emitting diode” and introduced commercially in the early 1960’s, the first LEDs produced low levels of red light, and were first used as indicator lights on electronic equipment. As their name suggests, LEDs are diodes, and will operate on both AC and DC electric current. In the mid-seventies, the first digital watches featured LED displays, and in the following decades, LED technology expanded into many applications as LEDs producing most of the light spectrum were developed, from infrared to short wave ultraviolet.

Most notable has been the development of LEDs producing extremely bright “white” light. Although these “white LEDs” first produced very cold bluish white light, their output has become more sophisticated, and LEDs are now available which produce “neutral white” as well as “warm white” light. The latter light color is very pleasing, and quite similar in color temperature to light produced by halogen lamps. Another term for LED lighting is “solid state lighting,” as opposed to “hollow state lighting” which describes nearly every other type of lamp or light bulb. LEDs have seven distinct advantages over halogen lamps, and ten advantages over fluorescent lamps. Smaller in size, quicker in response time, and cooler in operation, LEDs last 100,000 hours or more – longer than both halogen and fluorescent lamps. They are more efficient in their consumption of electrical energy than either halogen or fluorescent lighting, and they are safer than other lighting because LEDs can operate on much lower voltages. Also, because they have no delicate glass envelope or fine wire filaments, they are much more resistant to shock and vibration than halogen and fluorescent lamps. Because of their low voltage operation and resistance to impact and vibration, solid state lighting is rapidly replacing all other forms of RV, truck, marine, aerospace, and automotive lighting.

Very recently, solid state lighting is also appearing in homes and offices. And this is where its additional advantages over fluorescent lamps really shine. First, when operated from a DC power supply, solid state lighting doesn’t flicker like fluorescent lighting, which lends to a much more comfortable environment for individuals sensitive to flickering light. LEDs produce no harmful UV emissions, making them safer for our eyes and for artwork which can fade from exposure to ultraviolet light. Most importantly, LEDs contain none of the hazardous mercury vapor present in all fluorescent lamps. Because of the mercury vapor they all contain, fluorescent lamps of all kinds represent a serious and potentially dangerous hazard in our homes, schools, hospitals, public spaces, and offices. They also represent a serious ongoing disaster as we dump literally tons of mercury from discarded fluorescent lamps into our environment every year. If you are interested in a mercury free home or workspace, please contact Marbec Enterprises.

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Old wiring? Contact, Marbec Electric

If you’ve ever watched the show “Holmes on Homes” on HGTV, you’ve likely seen the problems associated with old or faulty wiring.  Mike Holmes tends to get very agitated by safety issues, and for good reason.  Each year, over 40,000 homes suffer fire damage due to home electrical problems.  These electrical fires account for hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.  And what’s the main culprit?  Old wiring!

If you live in a classic home built before 1940, chances are you have old wiring in the house.  You may have knob-and-tube or Romex wiring, both of which can become brittle over time.  The insulation dries out and starts to crumble, causing the inner wire to become exposed. The cloth insulation around the wire deteriorates with age and eventually becomes unsafe.
But perhaps one of the biggest threats of Romex and knob-and-tube wiring is that these types of wires aren’t grounded.  That means if one of your appliances shorts out, you could become the path to the ground for the electricity.

Even if your home is only 20 or 30 years old, you could still experience electrical problems at home due to a lack of capacity.  Most homes built more than 10 years ago are not designed to handle the amount of electronics we use today.  Think about it:  if your house was built in 1980, it was built before home PCs and laptops and HDTVs and surround sound and all of the other toys and gadgets we use today.  These appliances can draw a lot of power, and your current electrical wiring may not be up to the task.

If you own one of the houses that’s more than 20 years old, it’s a good idea to have a licensed electrician come out and take a look at the wiring.  He or she can make sure that your house will be safe and productive for many years.
For more information about Marbec’s list of electrical repair services, please visit us on the web or call.

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Easiest,quickest,cheapest way to transform your home!

Working with thousands of homeowners Marbec Enterprises has taken part in just about every home improvement project you can think up. Unfortunately, many homeowners’ plans for their dream home makeover have been put on hold due to a lack of funds. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to perform an affordable home makeover for a lot less than you might think.
By far, the most dramatic way to change the look and feel of your home, without a complete makeover, is by simply changing the way it shines! The lighting in your home plays a huge role in the first impression that you get when you walk into a room, and can be one of the major determining factors in setting the ambiance and overall feel of the room. By installing the proper recessed lights and pendant lights, along with chandeliers in your home, you will be able to accent the existing décor you already have.

Recessed can lighting will clean up your ceiling and do away with unsightly light fixtures installed everywhere.  When installing a recessed can, the type of trim is essential to maximizing the amount of light that you can get in an area.  A baffled or recessed trim will create a spotlight effect, whereas a flush mount trim allows the light to start at the ceiling and move throughout the room.  This gives a much more even look upon finished product.  Any electrician that has done a lot of installations should be able to guide you in the proper direction so that the style of lighting that you are looking for will be achieved.  Be careful attempting these by yourself, drywall will need to be cut for installation, and you never know where a wire or plumbing pipe may be hiding.

Pendant lighting is also making a big hit right now.  This type of lighting can be used to decoratively light up kitchen islands and kitchen bar-type counters.  This is a creative way to separate your kitchen from your living room.  Typically, homes are not pre-wired for these lights, and wiring will have to be added before they can be installed.  We highly suggest when wiring for these lights, that a new switch leg be installed for independent control.  As always, installing new wiring to your existing electrical should be done by a Marbec electrician.

Depending upon your tastes in furniture, replacing a living room of furniture can cost ten or twenty thousand dollars! Updating the lighting in the same room can drastically change the look and feel of the room, often for less than one thousand dollars. Replacing lamps and old fixtures with recessed can lighting and a classy chandelier can transform a dim dreary space into a room that you can be proud of. Switch out the chandelier with a nice ceiling fan that compliments the room, and you can even do your part in going green with the energy savings that come with using a fan to circulate the air in your home instead of relying constantly on your energy hogging air conditioning system!

If you need some help in creating your own affordable home makeover by replacing the out of date lighting in your home, contact an electrician at Marbec Enterprises to discuss the options available to upgrade.

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If your breaker trips consistently it could be dangerous!

Tripped circuit breaker: many of us have experienced them at some point in our homes, yet instead of asking ourselves, “Why Do Breakers Trip?”, we reset the breaker without much thought. Before flipping the switch back over to the “ON” position, however, it’s important to understand why the breaker tripped in the first place, and what can be done to keep it from happening again.
At Marbec Enterprises we understand the danger of ignoring the warning signs of a tripped circuit breaker. But first, you need to know what a breaker does and how it works.
Simply put, a home or business circuit breaker is a safety device that monitors the amount of electrical current going through the electrical wires in your home and shuts off the circuit if too much electricity is being pulled through it, or if there is any disturbance in the current that could result in a fire.

Whereas a fuse performs the same task but can only be used once, a circuit breaker can perform over and over with the use of a switch that trips to indicate when it has effectively cut off current to a particular area.

So, Why Do Breakers Trip and what kind of things could cause a circuit breaker to trip? Some of the most common causes of a tripped breaker include:
Overloaded circuits: Often times, when there are too many appliances plugged into an electrical circuit, the wiring reaches unsafe heat levels due to pulling more electricity through the circuit than it is designed to accommodate,  and puts your home at a risk for a fire. That’s when the circuit breaker trips, shutting off everything that is plugged in to that circuit, preventing overheating, reducing the risk of fire. This happens often in older homes, where the wiring was not designed to withstand the power of modern appliances.

Electrical shorts: Other times, a tripped breaker can happen as a result of an electrical short, due to old and worn out appliances, with damaged wiring in your home. Common causes of electrical shorts in the home include faulty wiring, rodents or other animals chewing through your wires or aging wiring in older homes. Because of the large range of possible culprits, diagnosing an electrical short can be more difficult and therefore should not be ignored. Determining whether a short is in an appliance may be as simple as disconnecting your appliance and resetting the breaker, if it continues to trip, definitely call a Marbec Electrician. Often times, it’s when an appliance is not being used and the electrical short is happening, that it is much more complex and requires professional help.

Because of the many reasons why your circuit breaker could be tripping, and because of the purpose of the circuit breaker, you should never take a tripped breaker lightly. It’s important to understand that the circuit breaker is a safety device; simply switching the circuit back on without investigating the culprit can become costly in the long run and, in many cases, extremely dangerous.

If your breaker trips consistently, chances are there is a potentially dangerous electrical issue that needs to be looked at. Call Marbec Enterprises to make sure that your home is safe and free from the risk of a short or a fire.

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Proper smoke detector installation is very important!

As a Marbec Electrician we know that your family’s safety is one of the most important things on your mind throughout the day, so we decided that now would be a good time to re-visit the subject of Smoke Detector Replacement and maintenance. As the weather is cooling off, it is very important that you are certain your family is protected in the unfortunate event that you experience a house fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage.” Remember these lucky 7 tips to keep your family safe this holiday season by ensuring that smoke detectors are installed correctly in your home, and that they are all in working order.

Smoke Detector Battery Replacement: At least once a year
One of the most important things to remember, if you already have smoke detectors installed in your home, is to replace the batteries at least once a year. An easy way to remember this is to change the batteries in your smoke detectors when you change your clocks for daylight savings time every year. Picking up this helpful habit makes it much easier to remember.

Smoke Detector Replacement: Every 5 to 7 years
Many smoke detector manufacturers recommend replacing the smoke detector unit itself every ten years, but a smoke detector’s reliability will actually decrease after 5 to 7 years. While this may seem like an extra cost, it is certainly a small price to pay for making sure that your family will have the most reliable method of early warning in the event of a fire, providing vital time for everyone to get out safely.

Smoke Detector Cleaning: At least twice a year
Dust, cobwebs, insects, and other airborne particles that make their way into our homes can collect on sensors and contaminate the circuitry inside your smoke detector, causing it to be less effective at sensing smoke. This is one of the most forgotten factors simply because many homeowners aren’t aware of the effects that dirt and dust can have on a smoke detector. Think about how dirty the blades of your ceiling fan would get if you never cleaned them. The same dust that accumulates on your fan blades will accumulate inside your smoke detector. At least twice a year, use your vacuum cleaner wand attachment to carefully remove dust and other contaminants from the inside and outside of your smoke detector.

Smoke Detector Types: Ionization, Photoelectric, or Both
There are two commonly used types of smoke detectors, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Ionization style smoke detectors are more responsive to quick moving, high flaming fires, while photoelectric smoke detectors are more responsive to smoldering fires that produce more smoke. You can never know what type of fire will happen in your home, so a great option to ensure the best protection is to choose smoke detector units that provide both ionization and photoelectric detection of smoke and fire.

Smoke Detector Location: Key guidelines for safe placement
Smoke detector placement is highly important in order for them to work properly. When installing smoke detectors in your home, it is ideal to have a smoke detector in each room, but at the very least, you should install smoke detectors on every level of your home, and in hallways near each bedroom to increase the likelihood that your family will be able to hear them even while sleeping. Smoke detectors should be placed 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling, and you should avoid installing them near vents, fireplaces, or kitchen appliances to reduce the accumulation of dust, soot, and oily residues from cooking.

Interlinked Smoke Detectors: Whole house warning
Modern smoke detector systems are more than simply individual detectors. It is recommended to install a system that allows all of the smoke detectors in your home to communicate with each other causing all of the detectors to alert of the fire if any single detector senses one. These systems can be wired directly into your homes electrical system, or allow wireless communication between each smoke detector. This has been a major advancement in smoke detector technology, allowing more time for residents to escape if a fire begins in any area of the home. These systems are especially valuable in late-model homes where the master bedroom is often on the opposite side of the house from children’s rooms.

Smoke Detector Testing: At least twice a year
We often take for granted that a smoke detector will simply work as designed once it is installed, but as you can see from this list, there are a lot of factors that go into a reliable smoke detection system. At the very least, make sure that you test your smoke detectors twice a year using the test button that is located on the smoke detector unit itself. When testing interlinked smoke detector systems, be sure to verify that all of the other detectors in your home alert when you test each unit individually. Even if a unit alerts when you test it, if it does not cause the other units in the home to alert, that means that there is an issue with communication between the units, and it should be inspected by a licensed Marbec Electrician.

If you have any concerns about your smoke detector system, or any other electrical projects in your home, the electricians at Marbec Enterprises. will be happy to help. Reach out to us by phone or through the “Contact Us” page on our website, and let our professional electrical technicians ensure your family’s safety by guaranteeing that the job is done right!

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There are two types of timers for home systems:

In the current economic climate, in which everyone is trying to save money, you might not know that a Marbec electrician can help! Sometimes, saving money is as simple as finding a simple idea that makes your life run more efficiently. When it comes to electricity, one of the best and least utilized ways to save money and energy is by putting your lights on a timer.
As any Marbec electrician can tell you, timers are extremely useful! You can use them to turn lights on and off, whether or not you are at home. This makes it easy for you to appear as though you are home when you are on vacation, or control your Christmas lights, but those are not the only instances in which timers are a good idea. For instance, you can set a timer to make your lights turn off after you go to bed, and come back on in the morning. This makes a great backup alarm clock, and also ensures that you don’t accidentally leave lights on all night. You can also set them to turn off lights when you are at work, in case you forget.
There are two types of timers for home systems: mechanical and digital. Digital timers look good and are very useful, with several automated features. Even though they can be installed by someone who is not an electrician, homeowners may feel more secure hiring a professional, because digital timers have sensitive electronics inside that require a neutral wire that switches do not. A Marbec electrician will be able to choose the right digital timer for your needs, competently install it, and even change out the switch plates if necessary.
Mechanical timers are less common than digital, but are very useful. They are often used to control swimming pool equipment and outdoor lighting. In addition to controlling lights, they can be attached to a water heater to keep it from running when you don’t need hot water. This can make a huge difference in your electric bill!
The main difference between mechanical and digital timers is that mechanical timers are typically larger and sturdier, and can handle a larger electrical load. Digital timers are more aesthetically pleasing, and will fit better into your home’s décor. A competent Marbec Enterprises electrician will advise you as to which timer best suits your needs.
Whether you have an electrical problem, or are just looking for ways to save money on your electric bill, Marbec Enterprises can help!  Visit our website or if you would prefer, you can always call us to schedule an appointment today!

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Marbec Enterprises' emergency crew is available 24/7

Power overloads and Troubleshooting
Power overloads are one of the many scenarios an emergency electrician can help a homeowner address and prevent. In the event of an electrical emergency like a power overload, which can be the result of faulty wiring, only a qualified emergency electrician will be thorough enough to find the problem, repair it and help you avoid it in the future.

Overloads, though seemingly minor issues, are, in fact,  one of the most overlooked and dangerous problems you can have with your electrical system. An overload can cause everything from electrical shorts to fires. What’s more, a power overload is one of the most avoidable electrical problems—you don’t have to let it get to the point of electrical emergency.

What is an Overload and What are the Causes?
During a power overload, the circuit gets overwhelmed and shuts itself off. It’s a common occurrence in many homes. For instance, you could have the microwave, a rice cooker and a stove running off the same circuit in your kitchen when you suddenly notice that your power goes out in the kitchen while it stays on in the rest of the house. Then you check the breakers and realize that the breaker wasn’t tripped.

Because they see things like this all the time, licensed electricians can easily identify the source of the trouble. There are generally three main causes of power overloads.
Melting wires. An overloading a circuit—meaning too many appliances are running on one power circuit at a time—can cause wires to melt and become damaged and shorted. This common problem can be very dangerous, which is why many electricians recommend that, particularly in your kitchen and living room areas, circuits should run individually from separate power sources in order to prevent overloading.

Changing weather. The use of window A/C units and space heaters, which use massive amounts of power, can wreak havoc on your circuits and overload them. In fact, A/C units require so much power to function that even the units by themselves can overload a circuit. As with other sources of overloads, running these units on a separate circuit and with their own source of power can help prevent a bigger problem.

Old wiring. An emergency electrician is often called to address power overloads in older homes that have antiquated wiring. This is where it pays off to have an experienced licensed electrician troubleshooting your electrical system, because this kind of overload is tough to diagnose without an emergency electrician who is familiar with the way older homes are wired. Today’s homes are built to prevent problems like bathroom circuit overloads, where using hair dryers that require a lot of power wattage to function can easily blow a circuit. In fact, new homes often include separate circuits for heavy-power usage rooms like the bathrooms, kitchen and family room areas. If you have an older home, it may be worth it to have an experienced electrician take a look at the home’s wiring.

Power overloads are preventable with a little thought and planning. When ignored, however, they can result in very costly repairs—or worse.

Marbec Enterprises: Emergency Electrician to the Rescue
Are you experiencing a power overload or another issue that requires an electrical troubleshoot? Marbec Enterprises' emergency electrician crew is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your electrical emergency. Give us a call today to learn more about our emergency electrician services.

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Storm Season Tips

Storm Season Tips

With the weather in Florida being so unpredictable, how can you be sure that you are prepared to tackle what Mother Nature dishes out? Follow these simple tips to protect your home, your electrical system and your family from dangerous and frightening conditions.

#1 Have your electrical system checked regularly. With this storm season upon us, it is extremely important that you get in touch with your Marbec electrician and have him look over your circuit breakers, wiring and outlets as part of his regular maintenance. Flaws in your electrical system, be it with breakers, wiring or any other aspect, combined with unpredictable weather, is the recipe for a very, very bad situation.

#2 Use power surge protectors on all your appliances. Did you know that, even a lightning strike that hits miles from storm-season-tipsyour home can affect your appliances? Power surge protectors show up often in storm season tips everywhere, and there’s a reason why. Power surges can be deadly for your appliances and anything else hooked up directly into the outlet, particularly during lightning storms.

#3 Install a built-in surge protector on your circuit panel. This will protect everything hooked to the circuit panel from potentially damaging surges. Even when the power is restored after an outage, it often still does not come on right away; instead, it flickers, which shoots and cuts off electricity randomly to your appliances, ultimately causing damage.

#4 Always keep a weather radio handy. Weather alert radios are an invaluable addition to your home’s severe weather storm-season-tipkit. In case of an emergency, an outage, lightning strike or blackout, you will have access to weather updates, evacuation information (if necessary), and instructions on how to keep your family and home safe in the event of bad weather.

#5 Invest in an indoor generator. Indoor generators are a great way to take a little pressure off of the overloaded power grid during a power surge or blackout. When there’s a blackout, the indoor generator kicks in, keeping a steady flow of electricity going to your home and keeping your appliances from getting damaged. Some generators are solar-powered, which can save you energy, time and money.

Marbec: Helping You Prepare

Severe stormy weather doesn’t have to be scary, inconvenient, dangerous or costly. Following these simple storm season tips can ensure that you and your family are spared the expenses and headaches that come with unpredictable weather in Florida. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you prepare for a stormy season.

Do you need a chandelier installed in your home or office?

Chandelier Installation
Chandeliers look beautiful when installed in your home, but the process of properly installing them should be left to a qualified, experienced electrician West Volusia homeowners can trust. Proper installation of a complex electrical fixture like a chandelier is best left to a licensed residential electrician who understands the intricacies of adding a chandelier to your home and who can make sure that the process is carried out safely and efficiently so that your fixture has a long life with little need for repairs.

Instead of finding an electrician homeowners sometimes opt to do a chandelier installation themselves. What they don’t realize is that chandelier installations are very difficult and complex, and as a result it’s always best to contact local electricians who are experienced to do the job. installation chandelier that is installed incorrectly can mean many costly and dangerous complications in the future. Follow these important electrical tips to ensure your chandelier is properly installed in your home.

1. Hire an electrician who is experienced with this type of installation and its wiring, as it is very different from many of the other fixtures in your home. Homeowners are often unfamiliar with the proper wiring for a chandelier; as a result, they end up damaging the fixture when doing the installation themselves. Experienced electricians know that the side of the wiring with the ridges and bumps is the “power out” side and the smooth wiring side is the “power in.” Getting those mixed up can cause serious damage to your wiring and your equipment.
2. Make sure that your electrician follows the manufacturer’s order of instructions for fixture installation. Steps missed or skipped can cause serious problems and result in wasted money and time, as well as risky complications. For example, it’s important for your electrician to remember that, when installing a crystal chandelier, the fixture must be installed before hanging the crystal. Otherwise, the fixture will be too heavy and fragile to install.
3. Be mindful of weight limits when it comes to chandeliers and your ceiling. If the chandelier weighs over 100 pounds, chances are you’ll need an additional complex support installation in your ceiling to ensure that there’s enough support to hold the weight. Not being aware of these weight limitations can cause major problems with the installation.
4. The residential electrician you hire needs to make sure that the canopy cover is properly installed and adjusted to the correct depth before hooking up the chandelier’s wiring. Placing the canopy cover flush to the ceiling may result in twisted wiring and a bad connection.
5. Your electrician should know that chandeliers are hung from their chains, not the wiring itself. Hanging the chandelier from the wires can stretch them, causing a fire hazard. Chandeliers, in any case, are not designed to hang from anything other than the chains they come with.

Marbec Enterprises offers quality emergency and routine electrical repairs for residential and commercial clients. Whether you need a chandelier installed or you have an electrical emergency of any sort, Marbec can send a licensed and experienced electrician homeowners can count on. Call us today and connect with us online.

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Do you need help installing a dimmer switch?

Marbec works with everything from large home electrical installations to installations as simple as switches. One popular install is dimmer switches, which are a favorite in many homes, both for their energy-friendly operation and their style.

Dimmer Switches: Why Install Them
Dimmer switches are an inexpensive item that many homeowners love to add to their electrical setup at home for many reasons.
Dimmers save power, decreasing energy usage significantly and resulting in a lower power bill.
They set the mood and a unique ambiance to a home, whether it’s in the kitchen or the bedroom.
They’re easy to install, even for homeowners.

Dimmer Switch Installation Tips
Even an easy installation can turn tricky, which is why you should call your local electrician at Marbec to ensure that your dimmer switch install is done correctly. Still, if you feel comfortable doing the installation yourself, here are some tips for a smooth and pain-free dimmer switch installation.

Check the wattage limits on switches to prevent overheating and overloading of the circuits. Dimmers can handle anywhere from 600 to, in some cases, 2,000 watts of power. The key is to not run too many lights on the switch and risk overheating or overloading it, which can be dangerous. You will know if there is something wrong with one of those scenarios if, when you touch the dimmer after installing it and running it, it’s hot to the touch. Warm is normal; hot is not. This is one of the reasons why you should consider calling the best Dallas electrician to help oversee your installation.

Make sure that there are no other dimmers connected to the same circuit. Much like having too many appliances in the same circuit can be a danger, too many dimmers can cause overloading that results in dangerous circumstances and costly repairs.
Never use fluorescent bulbs with dimmer switches. Fluorescent bulbs will not work with dimmer switches. If you really want to use fluorescent lights, you can find some for a pretty hefty price that will run on dimmers.

Ordinary dimmer switches cannot run devices that rely on a motor, like ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are set to run at a specific, predetermined wattage and therefore they are not compatible with dimmer switches, which gradually adjust wattage.

Older styles of dimmers can sometimes interfere with audio equipment, creating a humming or whining noise. A Marbec electrician can quickly recognize this as a sign that the dimmers are too old. To resolve this issue, you must either install a new dimmer or install a noise filter.

To learn more about our services, visit our website. And if you ever have any questions, please feel free to call us or use the Contact form on our website!

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If you have an electrical emergency call Marbec today!

Whether you have a scheduled lighting project or an emergency on your hands, there are plenty of situations when it’s appropriate to call in a local electrician. For your safety and sanity use a certified electrician that can provide quality work and can be counted on for years to come.

Installing Tamper-Resistant Outlets
For peace of mind and family safety, have tamper-resistant outlets installed. These have shutters over all openings that must be pressed at the same time to open, such as when inserting a plug. Having this type of devices installed where your children has access to them can prevent a shocking experience —without having to deal with annoying plastic inserts. To ensure correct installation, count on a local electrician for the job.

Local-Electrician
Learn what lighting projects around the house call for the skill and experience of a local electrician.
Repairing a Wire Damaged from Drilling a Hole in the Wall
Whether you’re hanging pictures, shelves or a TV mounting bracket—or any other reason you might be drilling into a wall—there’s always the possibility that you’ll hit and damage a wire. This is definitely a fix you want to leave in the capable hands of a certified electrician.

To prevent the problem from happening again, use a stud finder and aim for the center of the stud. Before drilling, use a small tipped screw driver to verify you are hitting the stud and not the side. Once you have verified, feel free to drill away.

Upgrading a Ceiling Fan
Many homeowners aren’t familiar with the specific requirements involved in hanging a ceiling fan. First you must have a ceiling fan rated brace and box. You need to also make sure the weighted blades are properly installed to the motor. The motor has specific wiring leads that must be connect to the proper power leads. If there is any question, it’s best to leave this project to a local electrician who has the experience from thousands of installs. The last thing you want, after spending hours on the project, is to have the fan wobble or come crashing to the floor, all electricians will agree, fans looks better on the ceiling.

Re-Doing the Kitchen Lights
Some popular kitchen light upgrades include adding recessed lighting and pendant lights controlled by dimmer switches. Under-cabinet lighting and above cabinet lighting is also an excellent way to indirectly light your kitchen. Your interior lighting project is guaranteed to go smoothly when you trust your home to a licensed local electrician. The upgraded lights add a whole new dimension to your kitchen for everyone to enjoy.

To work with a licensed qualified professional for your next electrical project, please contact a certified electrician at Marbec today. Marbec is a trusted, local electrician.

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Our customers enjoy a sense of comfort and reassurance

Electrical Services Commercial:

We tackle every project with a team-based approach to deliver projects ahead of schedule and under budget for the owner. The electrical scope of a project is often the largest, most complex component of a project and the efficiency of the electrical installation often determines the success of a project for all stakeholders.

Many of our key employees have been with Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) for years, providing continuity, professionalism and a commitment to quality that cannot be matched in Central Florida’s electrical construction industry. We also have long-standing relationships with many architects, engineers, inspectors and project managers and superintendents for general contractors throughout Central Florida. This recipe for success positions us to efficiently perform our work and helps ensure the project’s success for everyone involved.

Tenant Improvements:

Our expert and dedicated hands-on management and attention to detail allow these projects to be installed with minimal disruption to the customer’s normal business operations. Our employees provide a level of professionalism and customer service that is not often found in the construction industry.

Design / Build:

Strong relationships with area engineers give us an avenue to provide cost-effective design and allows our clients to review carefully prepared options prior to making critical decisions.

Service Department:

We worry about your electrical systems so you don’t! Our customers enjoy a sense of comfort and reassurance knowing that our experienced service technicians are just a phone call away. We offer 24/7 repair service and also provide preventative maintenance services for commercial and light industrial customers.

Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com)

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If you need a commercial electrician call Marbec today!

Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) is a leading electrical contracting company serving Central Florida. Specializing in commercial, light industrial, tenant improvement and design / build projects, we have built our reputation by providing our clients with unmatched workmanship and customer service and by taking on unique, complex projects that provide cultural and economic significance to the areas in which we live, work, and play.

Our employees, many of whom have been with us for 20+ years, serve as the foundation for our company and provide for a family-type atmosphere that is rare in today’s marketplace. It is our employees that allow Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) to be one of the top electrical contractors in Central Florida and they are the key to our future.

Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) continues to achieve success by delivering on all projects with quality, value and service, ensuring that your projects are completed on-time and on-budget. Our "Commitment to Excellence" begins as soon as we introduce our services to a client and continues long after the project is completed.

As we continue to evolve and adapt at Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com), we remain rooted in our dedication to client and employee satisfaction and know that this commitment will position Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) as one of Central Florida’s premier electrical contractors for many years to come.

If you require a commercial electrical contractor for your new construction or renovation project, call Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) today.

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Leading the industry in quality work at a fair price!

Our Commitment

Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) is a Florida owned and operated electrical contractor with years of commercial, industrial and residential knowledge in the electrical.

Our Pledge to You!

You are the most important people to us. We will respond quickly and graciously to your needs.

Without you, we wouldn’t exist. You can depend on us because we depend on you.
You are the purpose of our work. Sure, we’re in business to make a profit, but we only earn it by doing our best work for you.

You’re not just another project. We believe in personal relationships, and making you comfortable with every decision about your electrical service needs.
You do us a favor when you do business with us. In return, we owe it to you to give you our very best every time, and to make sure that you are completely satisfied with our work and our attitude.

We know that you can take your business to our competitors. That’s why we strive to give you our best work for a fair price—every time.

Leading the industry in quality work at a fair price
Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com)

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We offer timely and accurate quotes on your bids!

Central Florida and surrounding areas are experiencing a period of strong new growth and with this new growth comes greater demands on you, the builder. Your customers are requiring more exacting time frames and are comparing costs more closely than ever before. Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) would like to help you meet your customers’ demands. 

Because we manage our inventory by purchasing standard items in large quantities, we are able to offer you some of the most competitive prices in the Central Florida area. This initiative allows us to offer you better prices while taking advantage of lower bid pricing on larger jobs.

We have been wiring homes and businesses in the region for years and look forward to many more years of meeting the building industry’s electrical needs. Please call Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) when your job requires fast, affordable and professional electricians.

Marbec Enterprises' (MarbecElectric.com) residential crews can design, wire and install all types of new construction residential projects.

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We meet all types of construction demands & deadlines.

At Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com), we pride ourselves in knowing the capability we have of meeting all types of construction demands and deadlines.

We understand the importance of all field and project management coordination to bring all our construction projects on time and on budget. Our field and office staff continues to bring a personal commitment to providing our customers with solutions, answers, and support for all electrical concerns.

Our background has been in multi-family housing, commercial office space, research and development, clean rooms, high tech fabrications, student housing, restaurants, and all types of tenant improvements, shells and cores, hospital and health care facilities, building renovations, high rise buildings, hotels, government buildings, fire alarm and security system, and tele/data installations.

***Design-Build, Engineering Analysis, and Budget Pricing***

During our partnering of design build projects, we have established strong loyal relationships with the area’s top general contractors, owners, and construction managers and provide complete assistance during the design/development phase of the project. Marbec Electric can assist with project budgeting, value engineering options and constructability recommendations.

We are experienced in all types of fast-track design build projects including tenant improvement, shells, site work, and clean rooms.

Our coordination with construction and project management teams, field staff, utility companies, and estimators solves all the construction requirements for our clients. Learn more at: marbecelectric.com

Learn more at: marbecelectric.com

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