Don’t overload circuits.
Connecting too many electrical plugs into a single outlet can be very hazardous. Too many desktop computers, TVs, lights, and fans connected to a single circuit can easily overpower the electrical supply as well. Splitting outlets (using power strips, surge protectors, and UPS devices), of course, does nothing but multiply the power demands placed upon the circuit to
which those outlets are connected.

Placing excessive demands upon a circuit can result in intermittent power failures, wide variations in available electricity, and even fire hazards as overworked circuits exceed safe operating ranges. As home and office power requirements have increased, your wiring has stayed the same. Wiring deteriorates over time and becomes less able to handle modern loads. Carefully research your home or office’s power requirements to make sure the site’s electricity requirements are sufficient.

Several resources are available for helping estimate appropriate power levels, but we recommend contacting South hills Electric, LLC at (412)537-0687 or by email at patcray@southhillselectric.com for an evaluation of your electrical service and the wiring in your home or business.

Confirm that supply circuits are grounded properly. Surge protectors and UPS devices can’t properly safeguard the sensitive hardware they’re designed to protect if the electrical outlets they’re plugged in to aren’t properly grounded. Ground wiring is responsible for diverting most power surges. When ground wiring is compromised, surges don’t have an effective suppression path. Heating systems, air-conditioning systems, personal computers, plasma televisions, and stereo equipment can subsequently suffer significant damage.

Qualified electricians are trained to install wiring according to the National Electrical Code which specifies all circuits must be properly grounded. Many UPS and surge protector models will light a warning lamp if the outlet into which they’re plugged into isn’t properly grounded. Most do-it-yourself and hardware stores also sell inexpensive circuit testers that are simply plugged in to outlets to confirm that circuits are grounded properly. Call South Hills Electric, LLC at (412)537-0687 to test your circuits for proper wiring and grounding.

Whenever deploying new equipment, be sure to first test the circuit. When using surge protectors or UPS devices that feature improper-grounding alarms, also verify that the alarm light isn’t lit. Once again call South Hills Electric, LLC at (412)537-0687 for all your electrical needs.