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Owning a relaxing hot tub is one of the American dreams.  Today that dream is easier to obtain than ever with falling prices and easy to install technology.  But before you enjoy that warm soak you need to make sure you have all power that you will need to make it work.

First you must determine whether your tub runs on 110V or 220V electricity.  You can usually find out which in the user information guide that came with the tub or you can examine the heater control box under the tub.  Simply remove the access panel in the skirting and look at the unit: it should be clearly marked which voltage it requires.  Some control boxes are able to switch between 110V and 220V and some are not.  Make sure you know which one you have.

Arlene Mason, the author of How to Install a Hot Tub, has the following recommendations;

“If your tub is 110V and it comes with a standard electrical plug, you will want to place the tub as close as possible to the outdoor electrical outlet. Be sure this outlet is Ground Fault Interrupted (GFI) and waterproof. If your tub is 220V you will want to take a slightly different avenue. You may want to “hard wire” your tub into your home electrical system.

To begin with, look at your circuit breaker box. Locate the 220V circuits (they are the ones with the double breakers) and verify that there is room in your box for one more. Either have an electrician install one or you can add an additional 60amp 220V circuit to your box. Attach an electrical disconnector on the outside wall near the hot tub. Make sure the disconnector has a 40amp fuse and is water tight. This will prevent an overload of the circuit during normal operation as well as provide an additional amount of safety.”

No matter what you do or what kind or hot tub you use make sure they electrical wiring is done properly! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that electrical hazards in and around swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, have been responsible for 60 deaths and nearly 50 serious electrical shocks in the last 13 years.  That is why it is important to have a trained professional take care of your electrical needs.  For a free estimate on what it would cost to have Triangle Electricians install your electrical outlets visit our contact page.

Chances are good that at some point in your life you will need to consult a professional electrician or electrical contractor.  It is good to know some questions to ask a potential electrical service provider to lean whether the individuals you are considering are fully qualified to do the work right.  The following is a list of questions that the website Copper.org suggests that you ask before you hire an electrician.

1. Are you licensed in this municipality? Not all states, counties or towns regulate or require licenses for electricians, but it’s prudent to check first with your local building department. Also ask if electrical work in your municipality must adhere to standards established by the National Electrical Code.
2. Will my electrical panel need replacement? The current National Electrical Code recommends a minimum 100-amp incoming electrical service. If your service panel provides less, it should be upgraded to this level or better to meet today’s home requirements. Most new homes are wired with 200-amp service.
3. Will I have to apply for a permit? If a permit is required, the electrician often will make the application for the homeowner. Some municipalities allow homeowners to do minor electrical repairs and installations if they first secure a permit and have the work inspected when complete.
4. Is my home’s electrical system adequately grounded? Ground-wiring protects a home and its occupants in case of an electrical fault, such as a short-circuit.  But grounding also protects expensive electronic equipment like computers and many appliances. An electrician can quickly check and add grounding capacity if needed.
5. Are there any hidden costs for the work? The electrician should do a thorough preliminary inspection and provide you with a firm, accurate estimate of the work involved, along with the cost of fixtures or wiring that will be installed. If additional work is necessary, it can be negotiated and billed separately.
6. If my service needs upgrading, will the entire house have to be rewired? Unless you live in a very old home with antiquated wiring, you probably won’t have to replace your existing electrical lines. However, if you require more electrical capacity in certain rooms, new wiring runs and additional outlets are likely to be needed.

It is always good to ask a lot of questions.  If your electrician doesn’t want to take the time to answer them then you need to find another professional quickly.  These questions are a good start but it is always good to think of any others you might have.  Write them down before your appointment so that you won’t forget to get all the information you will need to make a qualified decision.  Triangle Electrician’s staff is happy to answer any and all questions their clients have.  To find out more about how you can get a free estimate from Triangle Electricians visit their contact page and fill our the form to have a qualified electrician contact you.

Today, the average home owner is encouraged to have a do-it-yourself attitude when it comes to home repairs or improvements.  Most jobs around the home can be done by anyone who sets their mind to it but some jobs require a professional at all times, like electrical work.  Electricity is a very dangerous element that can easily become deadly if you don’t know how to handle it properly.  According to an article on the website copper.org, a site dedicated to educating the public on the copper industry; if you are experiencing some of the following electrical problems you should call a licensed electrician.

• Circuit breakers in the home trip often or fuses keep blowing – A home electrical system has build-in safeguards to prevent electrical overload.  When a circuit shuts down repeatedly it is a warning sign that you should not ignore.
• Needing extension cords to reach the outlets in any of the rooms – Extension cords create too much demand on too few outlets making them a safety hazard.  They also are dangerous because they are often run under rugs and furniture making them a fire and tripping hazard too.
• Rust on the main electrical service panel- All fixtures wear out or suffer the effects of time.  When rust appears on the metal service panel it often indicates a moisture problem or that deterioration has reached an advanced stage.  Do not wait to address this problem as it can have serious consequences.
• Lights that dim when appliances are turned on- The dimming of lights are a sign that the power being provided to that area of the home is not enough to run everything.  High-demand appliances such as air conditioners, clothes dryers, refrigerators and furnaces need extra power when they start up. This temporary current draw can be more than just a nuisance; it can damage sensitive equipment.
• Electrical switches or outlets that feel warm or tingly to the touch- Loose or deteriorating electrical connections, such as the wiring junctions in switches and outlets, impede current flow and create resistance. This may create a dangerous condition that can result in shock or fire.  This is not something to ignore, have a professional check the safety of your wiring as soon as possible to prevent serious harm or damage to your home or property.
• Needing accessory plug-strips to power up one room with too few outlets- Too many things plugged in at one location can create more current demand than a single outlet or electrical line can safely handle. Adding multiple plug-in strips won’t solve the problem. What you need are additional outlets, and possibly new wiring runs to service them.
• Outlet doesn’t accept three-prong plugs- The third, or grounding, prong on a typical appliance plug provides an extra measure of safety against electrical shock. Older two-prong receptacle outlets, installed in homes before this innovation, may not be adequately grounded and should be upgraded.
• Never have upgraded your electrical service- If your home is over 25 years old, you could have an inadequate and possibly hazardous electrical system—and not even know it. To be safe, call in an electrician for a thorough inspection, and if necessary bring your home up to today’s electrical code standards.

On the site Linkroll.com, there is an article posted on The Importance of Hiring an Electrician that supports the need to use electricians by stating that: “When you loose your electricity someone has to come and fix it. Electricians know exactly what they are doing and are very good at their work. If you have an electrical problem in your home, unless you really know what you are doing contact an electrician to do the work for you. Many people try and do their own work and this is when accidents can occur.”  Electricity is not something to be taken lightly.  Get a professional, like the ones at Triangle Electricians, to inspect your electrical system and provide you with a free estimate for the work you need done right.