Let Marbec Enterprises help you get back on your feet.

Thunderstorms pose a safety hazard in several ways. Lightning is the most dangerous part of a thunderstorm, and it kills more people than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Thunderstorms produce heavy rain, which can cause flash flooding. The strong winds from a thunderstorm can also cause widespread damage. Each of these components requires specific precautions to minimize their danger.

A thunderstorm typically has a diameter of 15 miles and lasts for 30 minutes, which is much smaller than a hurricane or winter storm. The National Weather Service places specific criteria on a severe thunderstorm. These include thunderstorms that produce hail with a diameter of at least ¾ inch, wind gusts of at least 58 mph or a tornado. Severe thunderstorms comprise about 10 percent of all thunderstorms. And we know how quickly Central Florida weather can become dangerous.

Lightning
Lightning from a thunderstorm can strike as far as 10 miles away in from any rain. This generally means that you are at risk from lightning. Lightning travels much faster than sound, which allows you to estimate your distance from the lightning. You can do this by measuring the number of seconds between the lightning and thunder. Divide this result by five to obtain the distance to the lightning in miles.

The NWS recommends that you stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder when you hear thunder less than 30 seconds after the lightning. This rule is known as the 30/30 lightning safety rule.

Emergency Shelter
You may need to take emergency shelter in a thunderstorm if you don’t have time to get back to your main residence before the thunderstorm hits. A shelter should generally be a sturdy structure that is closed on the top. It should also have some type of wiring or plumbing through the structure to ground it from the lightning. A vehicle with a hard top is better than no shelter at all.

Avoid taking emergency shelter in structures that are vulnerable to high winds, such as a mobile home. Outdoors shelters such as sheds, pavilions and golf’s typically will not protect you from flying debris and lightning. Avoid and report downed power lines. Bring pets under shelter to protect them during hailstorms.

Indoor Precautions
You must also take additional precautions once you are safely indoors. Unplug any electrical appliances that you don’t need immediately, since lightning can severely damage electrical appliances when they are plugged in. Refrain from activities that involve running water, such as taking a bath or shower. Running water can provide a conduit for lightning. Draw the blinds to protect yourself from broken windows.

Once the storm clears and you're safe it is time to take account of the any damage that might be done. Let Marbec Enterprises help you get back on your feet.

Sanford, FL | (386) 956-1594 | marbecelectric.com | twitter.com/MarbecElectric | marbecelectric.tumblr.com | plus.google.com/102338195995648896384/posts?hl=en

Don't Let the Hot Water Heater Become Dangerous

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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Our electricians are licensed and equipped.

As its name implies, an Arc fault Circuit Interrupter is designed to detect electrical arcing, and turn off the current to wiring or appliances where arcing is occurring. An electrical arc occurs anytime an electric current jumps through a gap or airspace between two conductors. This typically produces a visible spark, or sparks. We’re all familiar with small sparks which can be seen inside electric tools and motors, and tiny sparks which may occur when we plug an electrical device into a wall outlet. Small levels of arcing are normal and benign in these places, but dangerous arcing is a different matter. Dangerous levels of arcing can involve damaged insulation, worn or broken conductors, many other electrical problems. This type of arcing is the single greatest cause for electrical fires across our continent, and has resulted in hundreds of human fatalities, hundreds of thousands of fires, and billions of dollars in property damages. AFCI’s are designed to detect dangerous levels of arcing while ignoring benign occurrences. When dangerous arcing occurs, an AFCI will immediately detect this and turn off the electrical current for the affected circuit. If someone tries to reset the AFCI, and it trips again rapidly, this is typically an indicator of a larger problem.

While a GFCI is designed to detect electricity which has become shorted to ground, an AFCI is designed to detect arcing within wiring or electrical devices or appliances. AFCI units look a lot like circuit breakers, and are typically located inside breaker boxes, rather than outlets. However, they are able to detect dangerous arcing conditions a breaker cannot detect. In addition, AFCIs are manufactured for circuits carrying up to 100 amps, so they can protect buildings from arcing in large equipment like stoves and central air units.

AFCIs have been developed and mandated by law to protect lives and property from electrical fires caused by arcing. However, many older homes and buildings have not been retrofitted with these devices and remain unprotected. To make matters worse, older buildings are more likely to have outdated wiring and appliances, and insulation problems and other conditions which cause arcing problems. If you are concerned about your wiring and would like to schedule a safety inspection, call Marbec Enterprises. Our electricians are licensed and equipped to inspect electrical systems, and can determine if your home or building is sufficiently protected by AFCI protective devices.

Sanford, FL | (386) 956-1594 | marbecelectric.com | twitter.com/MarbecElectric | marbecelectric.tumblr.com | plus.google.com/102338195995648896384/posts?hl=en

GFIs

One of the most important safety devices used in modern wiring is the GFCI, also known as an RCD (residual current device), but perhaps most commonly known as a GFI (ground fault interrupter). Typically, these are built into electrical outlets, and are most commonly located in bed-rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms where most electrical shocks occur. It’s also a good idea to locate these in outdoor porch and patio outlets, and in workshops and garages. The safest possible use of GFCIs involves installing one for every circuit in a building. Then, a GFCI will provide protection for ground shorts occurring anywhere in that building. GFCIs are also built into the cords of hairdryers, and other electrical appliances and tools which are used near water. Before GFCI installation became law for new homes and new hairdryers, scores of deaths occurred in the U.S. after hairdryers were dropped into sinks or tubs full of water, and people reached in to retrieve them. These deaths still occur, because many older homes have not been updated with GFCIs, and many older model hairdryers are still in use. However, newer hair-dryers have been saving lives, and GFCIs located in outlets are saving lives when accidents occur with older hairdryers.

Although most of us are familiar with GFCIs and their identifying buttons, it’s a good idea to understand how these work. Let’s use the hairdryer accident as an example. First of all, without a GFCI, when an older style hairdryer is dropped into a sink full of water, the electrical current becomes shorted to ground from the live wires inside the dryer. When this happens, high voltage electricity is flowing out of the hair dryer and through the water to ground, typically through a metal drain. Next, imagine that someone with wet feet standing on a wet floor, or in a bathtub full of water reaches down and grabs the hairdryer. The electricity now begins flowing through that person’s body to the floor, which acts as a ground. Technically, the electricity flows from ground to the hot electrical contacts in the hairdryer, but it’s helpful to think of the hairdryer as the source. An electrical shock from household current can cause death when a victim’s heart is stopped by this shock. Although it may seem foolish to grab a wet hairdryer from a sink, this usually happens as a quick reflexive action, before anyone can imagine the consequences.

Now, let’s see what happens with the same hairdryer accident when a GFCI exists in the hair-dryer’s cord, or in the electrical outlet. As soon as water enters the hairdryer and the electricity is shorted to ground, the GFCI detects the short, and turns off (interrupts) the electrical current. This happens extremely fast, usually in about 25 thousandths of a second (25 ms). So, long be-fore anyone’s hand can touch the water, the flow of electricity has been stopped.
Of course, a wet hairdryer is only one of many possible ways in which dangerous electrical shorts can occur. Frayed or cut electrical cords, old and cracked insulation, worn out switches and outlets, and a host of other conditions can cause shorts resulting in electrical fires and accidental electrocutions. In fact, over 40,000 electrical fires occur in the United States every year. In addition, many unnecessary deaths occur from these fires and electrical shocks. This is why in-stalling GFIs in every circuit is so important. If you are unsure if the wiring in your home or business has sufficient GFI protection, call a qualified electrician at Marbec Enterprises and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Sanford, FL | (386) 956-1594 | marbecelectric.com | twitter.com/MarbecElectric | marbecelectric.tumblr.com | plus.google.com/102338195995648896384/posts?hl=en

Marbec’s list of electrical repair services

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.

Sanford, FL | (386) 956-1594 | marbecelectric.com | twitter.com/MarbecElectric | marbecelectric.tumblr.com | plus.google.com/102338195995648896384/posts?hl=en

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.

Sanford, FL | (386) 956-1594 | marbecelectric.com | twitter.com/MarbecElectric | marbecelectric.tumblr.com | plus.google.com/102338195995648896384/posts?hl=en

At Marbec Electric, our word is our bond.

Sometimes, an electrical emergency can’t wait; sometimes, you need a 24-hour electrician to stop in as soon as possible. Here’s a look at some electrical emergencies that require immediate attention.

Air Conditioning/Heating Stops Working
On sweltering Florida summer afternoons or chilly winter nights, you just can’t wait for regular service hours to have your malfunctioning HVAC system examined. If the air conditioning or heating stops working, it could be an electrical problem, not an A/C or furnace problem.
Before you call a certified electrician, check to see if the breaker is tripped. If the breaker is tripped, go to the thermostat and turn off the heating and cooling unit. After you have turned off the thermostat, go back to the breaker and turn the breaker all the way off before resetting it to the ‘on’ position. If the breaker trips again, call a 24-hour electrician. If it doesn’t trip, turn the thermostat back on. If the breaker trips once the AC is on, you will need to contact an AC repairman.

Power Outage
If the power goes out in your home, the problem could be on your side or with the power provider. A good 24-hour electrician can discuss with you which one is the case. If your entire block loses power, it’s undoubtedly a problem with the provider. If power goes out only in your home, there’s a greater possibility that the problem is on your end. This is where a certified electrician can discuss which specific parts of your home are out and determine if you need an electrician or if you need to call your power provider.

Sparks and Flames
No matter the fire’s cause, your first call should be to the fire department. If an electrical malfunction caused the fire, your second call should be to a 24-hour electrician.

Marbec to the Rescue
You know you can count on Marbec as your certified electrician of choice. We’re always on call 24/7 to help solve electrical problems.

At Marbec Electric, our word is our bond.

Sanford, FL | (386) 956-1594 | marbecelectric.com | twitter.com/MarbecElectric | marbecelectric.tumblr.com | plus.google.com/102338195995648896384/posts?hl=en

Marbec's Purpose and Core Values

Purpose:

Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) exists to provide opportunities for each employee to maximize their personal and professional potential and to allow us to collectively making significant cultural and economic contributions to the communities in which we live and work.

Core Values:

Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) upholds a commitment to EXCELLENCE in every endeavor; a commitment built on painstaking attention to detail and persistent communication and reflected in our superior quality of work and unparalleled customer service.

Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) strives to provide a TEAM-ORIENTED atmosphere; one that promotes a positive attitude and encourages humble leadership and one that values each employee as an integral part of the Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) family.

Doyle Electric embraces absolute INTEGRITY with employees, customers, end-users, consultants and every individual with whom we encounter; we are morally and ethically bound to do the right thing even when the right thing is not the easy, convenient, or profitable thing.

Marbec Enterprises (MarbecElectric.com) maintains a MERITOCRACY; an environment that seeks to reward continual personal and professional self-improvement and requires unfiltered honesty with ourselves and with each other.

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

We are experienced in all types of fast-track design build projects.

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

Sanford, FL | (386) 956-1594 | marbecelectric.com | twitter.com/MarbecElectric | marbecelectric.tumblr.com | plus.google.com/102338195995648896384/posts?hl=en

Marbec Enterprises - Circuit breaker repair

When you must consider circuit breaker repair

Circuit breaker repair becomes necessary when you’re looking to install security systems to keep intruders at bay. Even the addition of recessed lighting, task lighting, accent lighting, wall scones, mood lighting, track or other specialty lighting fixtures may require circuit breaker repair. The installation of landscape lighting, saunas, pools, steam rooms, sprinkler systems, steam rooms, will also require a look at your circuit breaker. During natural calamities such as ice storms, hurricanes, blizzards, or even ordinary blackouts, your circuit breaker may get damaged, requiring you to call a professional electrician from Marbec Enterprises.

Other reasons calling for circuit breaker repair

Installation of new wiring for home theaters, television sets, surround sound speakers and DVD players will require changes to your circuit breaker. The use of excessive power strips, outlet plugs and extension cords can cause circuit damage. If you want to increase the electrical capacity of your Sanford home, a circuit breaker upgrade post repairs is highly recommended. Circuit repairs can also become a necessity when adding satellite or cable connections to the other rooms in your house. If you’re annoyed with unplugging and re-plugging devices every now and again so that lawn equipment or power tools can be used to good effect, circuit breaker repair is crucial. Getting your circuit breaker repaired by a professional from Marbec Enterprises will help you achieve efficiency while ensuring that there are no blackouts. Professional services with 24/7 operations like Marbec Enterprises can prove handy in the most extreme of circumstances.

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

After the storm is over, contact Marbec Enterprises

Thunderstorms pose a safety hazard in several ways. Lightning is the most dangerous part of a thunderstorm, and it kills more people than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Thunderstorms produce heavy rain, which can cause flash flooding. The strong winds from a thunderstorm can also cause widespread damage. Each of these components requires specific precautions to minimize their danger.

A thunderstorm typically has a diameter of 15 miles and lasts for 30 minutes, which is much smaller than a hurricane or winter storm. The National Weather Service places specific criteria on a severe thunderstorm. These include thunderstorms that produce hail with a diameter of at least ¾ inch, wind gusts of at least 58 mph or a tornado. Severe thunderstorms comprise about 10 percent of all thunderstorms. And we know how quickly Central Florida weather can become dangerous.

Lightning
Lightning from a thunderstorm can strike as far as 10 miles away in from any rain. This generally means that you are at risk from lightning. Lightning travels much faster than sound, which allows you to estimate your distance from the lightning. You can do this by measuring the number of seconds between the lightning and thunder. Divide this result by five to obtain the distance to the lightning in miles. The NWS recommends that you stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder when you hear thunder less than 30 seconds after the lightning. This rule is known as the 30/30 lightning safety rule.

Emergency Shelter
You may need to take emergency shelter in a thunderstorm if you don’t have time to get back to your main residence before the thunderstorm hits. A shelter should generally be a sturdy structure that is closed on the top. It should also have some type of wiring or plumbing through the structure to ground it from the lightning. A vehicle with a hard top is better than no shelter at all.
Avoid taking emergency shelter in structures that are vulnerable to high winds, such as a mobile home. Outdoors shelters such as sheds, pavilions and golf’s typically will not protect you from flying debris and lightning. Avoid and report downed power lines. Bring pets under shelter to protect them during hailstorms.

Indoor Precautions
You must also take additional precautions once you are safely indoors. Unplug any electrical appliances that you don’t need immediately, since lightning can severely damage electrical appliances when they are plugged in. Refrain from activities that involve running water, such as taking a bath or shower. Running water can provide a conduit for lightning. Draw the blinds to protect yourself from broken windows.

Once the storm clears and you're safe it is time to take account of the any damage that might be done. Let Marbec Enterprises help you get back on your feet.

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

If you need wiring done, contact Marbec Electrical Enterprises

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.

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

Choose a licensed electrician: Marbec Enterprises

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.

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

Broken electrical outlet? Call Marbec Enterprises

When a light switch or electrical outlet doesn’t function correctly, a professional electrician from Marbec Enterprises can trace this back to a variety of causes. First, it’s possible this non-functioning device was never connected to the wiring in your building. Secondly, the circuit affected by a switch or outlet may not be completed because of another component. For example: A switch may control an outlet which is unoccupied by a lamp or any other electrical device. Also, an outlet may be connected to a switch which is in the off position. A third cause might be related to a defective breaker, or a breaker which was tripped or turned off, but never switched back on. However, a fourth possibility may relate to a much larger problem.

Sometimes, a switch or outlet fails when it is damaged by arcing. If the arcing was caused by a connection to aluminum wiring, great potential hazards exist. If your home or building was constructed or renovated before 1972, or during the late sixties, it may contain aluminum wiring. Aluminum wiring was used legally during those years, but outlawed for installation in new homes, commercial buildings, remodels and renovations after it was identified with conditions which could lead to electrical fires.

Although aluminum wiring itself is generally no more hazardous than copper, its splices and connections with other metals present a real hazard because they can become corroded and begin arcing. Because arcing in these connections can lead to fire within surrounding materials, aluminum wire was discontinued. However, many homes still contain aluminum wiring, and research conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals that buildings with aluminum wiring pose a fire risk which is 55 times greater than the risks with similar structures wired with copper. So, if you discover an electrical outlet or switch which doesn’t appear to be functioning correctly, it’s possible this outlet or switch was damaged by a connection with aluminum wiring. If you have safety questions about this type of problem, or any electrical concerns regarding your residence or commercial building, please contact an electrician at Marbec Enterprises. Our licensed electricians are trained and equipped, and they can repair any type of electrical problem

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

LEDs - Marbec Electrical Enterprises

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 designed for visible spectrum illumination 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, including CFLs (compact 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. So, as prices for LEDs continue to drop, we should all hope to see solid state lighting replace all forms of environmentally hazardous fluorescent lighting. If you are interested in a mercury free home or workspace, please contact Marbec Enterprises.

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter - Marbec Electrical

As its name implies, an Arc fault Circuit Interrupter is designed to detect electrical arcing, and turn off the current to wiring or appliances where arcing is occurring. An electrical arc occurs anytime an electric current jumps through a gap or airspace between two conductors. This typically produces a visible spark, or sparks. We’re all familiar with small sparks which can be seen inside electric tools and motors, and tiny sparks which may occur when we plug an electrical device into a wall outlet. Small levels of arcing are normal and benign in these places, but dangerous arcing is a different matter. Dangerous levels of arcing can involve damaged insulation, worn or broken conductors, many other electrical problems. This type of arcing is the single greatest cause for electrical fires across our continent, and has resulted in hundreds of human fatalities, hundreds of thousands of fires, and billions of dollars in property damages. AFCI’s are designed to detect dangerous levels of arcing while ignoring benign occurrences. When dangerous arcing occurs, an AFCI will immediately detect this and turn off the electrical current for the affected circuit. If someone tries to reset the AFCI, and it trips again rapidly, this is typically an indicator of a larger problem.
While a GFCI is designed to detect electricity which has become shorted to ground, an AFCI is designed to detect arcing within wiring or electrical devices or appliances. AFCI units look a lot like circuit breakers, and are typically located inside breaker boxes, rather than outlets. However, they are able to detect dangerous arcing conditions a breaker cannot detect. In addition, AFCIs are manufactured for circuits carrying up to 100 amps, so they can protect buildings from arcing in large equipment like stoves and central air units.
AFCIs have been developed and mandated by law to protect lives and property from electrical fires caused by arcing. However, many older homes and buildings have not been retrofitted with these devices and remain unprotected. To make matters worse, older buildings are more likely to have outdated wiring and appliances, and insulation problems and other conditions which cause arcing problems. If you are concerned about your wiring and would like to schedule a safety inspection, call Marbec Enterprises. Our electricians are licensed and equipped to inspect electrical systems, and can determine if your home or building is sufficiently protected by AFCI protective devices.

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

GFIs - Marbec Electrical

One of the most important safety devices used in modern wiring is the GFCI, also known as an RCD (residual current device), but perhaps most commonly known as a GFI (ground fault interrupter). Typically, these are built into electrical outlets, and are most commonly located in bed-rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms where most electrical shocks occur. It’s also a good idea to locate these in outdoor porch and patio outlets, and in workshops and garages. The safest possible use of GFCIs involves installing one for every circuit in a building. Then, a GFCI will provide protection for ground shorts occurring anywhere in that building. GFCIs are also built into the cords of hairdryers, and other electrical appliances and tools which are used near water. Before GFCI installation became law for new homes and new hairdryers, scores of deaths occurred in the U.S. after hairdryers were dropped into sinks or tubs full of water, and people reached in to retrieve them. These deaths still occur, because many older homes have not been updated with GFCIs, and many older model hairdryers are still in use. However, newer hair-dryers have been saving lives, and GFCIs located in outlets are saving lives when accidents occur with older hairdryers.
Although most of us are familiar with GFCIs and their identifying buttons, it’s a good idea to understand how these work. Let’s use the hairdryer accident as an example. First of all, without a GFCI, when an older style hairdryer is dropped into a sink full of water, the electrical current becomes shorted to ground from the live wires inside the dryer. When this happens, high voltage electricity is flowing out of the hair dryer and through the water to ground, typically through a metal drain. Next, imagine that someone with wet feet standing on a wet floor, or in a bathtub full of water reaches down and grabs the hairdryer. The electricity now begins flowing through that person’s body to the floor, which acts as a ground. Technically, the electricity flows from ground to the hot electrical contacts in the hairdryer, but it’s helpful to think of the hairdryer as the source. An electrical shock from household current can cause death when a victim’s heart is stopped by this shock. Although it may seem foolish to grab a wet hairdryer from a sink, this usually happens as a quick reflexive action, before anyone can imagine the consequences.
Now, let’s see what happens with the same hairdryer accident when a GFCI exists in the hair-dryer’s cord, or in the electrical outlet. As soon as water enters the hairdryer and the electricity is shorted to ground, the GFCI detects the short, and turns off (interrupts) the electrical current. This happens extremely fast, usually in about 25 thousandths of a second (25 ms). So, long be-fore anyone’s hand can touch the water, the flow of electricity has been stopped.
Of course, a wet hairdryer is only one of many possible ways in which dangerous electrical shorts can occur. Frayed or cut electrical cords, old and cracked insulation, worn out switches and outlets, and a host of other conditions can cause shorts resulting in electrical fires and accidental electrocutions. In fact, over 40,000 electrical fires occur in the United States every year. In addition, many unnecessary deaths occur from these fires and electrical shocks. This is why in-stalling GFIs in every circuit is so important. If you are unsure if the wiring in your home or business has sufficient GFI protection, call a qualified electrician at Marbec Enterprises and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

Circuit Breakers - Marbec Electrical

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.

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

Smoke Detectors - Marbec Electrical

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!

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com

Marbec Electric - Savings tips

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!

Sanford, FL
(386) 956-1594
http://marbecelectric.com