While replacing all of the siding on the front of their house, this Marietta client began thinking about the best layout for new front porch lighting. The front door area originally had no lights at all. On first thought, the client thought about installing one single large Led light on the front porch. After contacting us for a quote to install the front porch lighting, and after we looked over the area, we talked about how two smaller lights would better distribute the light over the porch instead of having a single "spot light" effect from one light. We installed two Halo 4-inch color changing LED Wafer Lights. What are Some Advantages Of Installing Outdoor Lighting at Your Home? Outdoor lighting adds curb appeal. Installing outdoor lighting improves the look around your home: Aesthetic Beauty: Lighting makes your home look more inviting and warm, so that it's more attractive to potential buyers if you ever thinking about selling. Security: In our post, Concerned About Your Front of Home Lighting and Security? we talked about how outdoor lighting makes your home safer. Versatility And Creativity: Great lighting creates a specific mood in your home. It highlights features of your home, and can create interesting effects that are not visible during the daytime. Increased Functionality: helps you see better in your backyard, around your home, and when walking to and from your car. What to Think About When Purchasing Outdoor Lighting Are you getting best quality for your money? Is it a dependable brand name? Is it approved? Does it have a warranty? Are you looking for both style and durability? Want to read another story where we added exterior lighting?

Today I noticed an existing Federal Pacific electrical panel while working on a client's project in Roswell. These electrical panels are instantly noticeable by their red breaker style design. It needed to be replaced. These panels are instantly noticeable by their red breaker style design. If you have one of these panels still in your home, contact me today. What's the Big Deal? Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels have gained notoriety over the years for several safety concerns and issues, which is why they are often considered "bad" and have been the subject of numerous recalls, investigations, and legal actions. The company that made them was shut down in the 1990's due to a class action lawsuit. Here's why: Faulty Circuit Breakers: The primary concern with FPE panels is that their circuit breakers may not reliably trip when there is an overcurrent or short circuit, which is their fundamental safety function. This means that in the event of an electrical fault, the circuit may not disconnect, potentially leading to electrical fires and other hazards. Deficient Testing and Certification: In the 1980s, investigations revealed that FPE conducted fraudulent testing of their circuit breakers, claiming they met safety standards when they did not. This raised significant doubts about the reliability of their products. High Failure Rates: Numerous independent tests and studies conducted over the years have shown that FPE circuit breakers had a much higher failure rate than other brands. This unreliability poses a significant safety risk. Aging and Deterioration: FPE panels installed in homes are often quite old today. As electrical components age, they can become more prone to problems and failures, compounding the inherent safety issues. Lack of Replacement Parts: Finding replacement circuit breakers for FPE panels can be challenging because FPE is no longer in business, and their products are not readily available. This can lead to homeowners resorting to used or refurbished breakers, which may not be reliable. Fire Hazards: There have been documented cases of electrical fires linked to FPE panels and breakers. These fires can be devastating and life-threatening. Failure to Meet Current Safety Standards: FPE panels and breakers do not meet current electrical safety standards, which have evolved and become more stringent over the years. This makes them incompatible with modern electrical systems and safety expectations. How Can a New Electrical Panel Benefit you? Increased Electrical Capacity: One of the primary reasons for upgrading an electrical panel is to increase its capacity. Modern households often have more electrical appliances and devices than older systems can handle. An upgraded panel allows for the safe use of additional appliances without overloading the system. Improved Safety: Older electrical panels may have outdated technology and may not meet current safety standards. Upgrading to a newer panel can reduce the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and other safety hazards. Energy Efficiency: Our Leviton smart capable electrical panels are designed to improve energy efficiency. You can monitor exactly how much electricity each circuit is using at what time, and learn to lower the amount of electricity you use. Over time this will lead to lower energy bills as the system operates more efficiently. Home Value: An upgraded electrical panel can increase the value of your home. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for a home with a modern electrical system that doesn't require immediate upgrades or repairs. Need help with your home or business electrical needs? Contact your knight, Ryan Smith with Knightly Electrical Services at 770-243-5706!

Have you ever had a breaker trip on your electrical panel? One Johns Creek client contacted us with a breaker that needed diagnosing. After performing several different electrical tests (including ohming out the circuit and MEGH testing the wires), I replaced the tripping breaker that day. How to self-diagnose breakers? Did you know that you can have self-diagnosing breakers now? New breakers known as Arc Fault Breakers come with computer chips inside the breaker that tell you exactly what's going on when they trip. A Cumming client contacted us about an Arc Fault breaker that had been repeatedly tripping on him for over a year. When I arrived and reset the breaker, the little red light on it blinked 6 times. That told me the breaker self-diagnosed its self and had gone bad. A simple breaker swap and I had his kitchen outlets back up and running again! Need help with your home or business electrical needs? Contact your knight, Ryan Smith with Knightly Electrical Services at 770-243-5706!

So how did we end up replacing this home’s ground wire in Cumming? (Check out our service area.) Originally, this client contacted us about replacing the electrical panel. We always do an inspection during the initial phase of quoting a project. During this inspection we found this client’s ground wire system for his home was not up to date. Code requires two 8ft ground rods saved 6 ft apart. This client’s home needed an additional rod and additional wire. Having an up-to-date ground wire system provides safety by helping to disperse lightning strikes, and quickly disperse high voltage events that might occur in your home. This helps guard against damage to your TV, computers, and other devices or appliances that depend on electricity. Why Update Your Ground Wire? When you don’t have proper grounding with your electrical system, overloads can fry circuits on your electronics, start a fire, or shock you. Grounding your electrical system is an important part to having a safe home. Correctly installed grounding wire can prevent electrical shocks or fires in your home or office. A need to have more electronics. Cell phones, tablets, internet, in home offices mean many homes 30 or more years old need updates to the electrical system and potentially a new or upgraded ground wire system. How Can You Know If Your House Has Faulty Ground Wiring? Here are few common ways to diagnose whether your electrical ground wire is faulty: Strobing lines on your TV or desktop computer monitor. Humming or buzzing in your home stereo or TV audio system. Unexpected shocks when you touch metal appliances, trim, or pipes. What does it cost to update the ground wire for an entire house? Costs range from adding a second grounding rod for around $699.  If your house is in need of a whole new grounding system this can cost in the neighborhood of $2500. We are more than happy to offer a free onsite estimate. Is installing ground wire necessary in residential wiring? Electrical systems need grounding wire to prevent short circuits. During a short circuit, a ground wire connection provides current with a safe, low-resistance path, usually through a conductive material such as metal pipe, to prevent harmful discharges.

Smoke detectors need replacing every 10 years, and this new Cumming client contacted us when they had reached the end of line with their smoke detectors.  With the new Kidde smoke detectors I installed, they won't even have to replace smoke detector batteries for the next 10 years! Where Should Smoke Alarms Be Installed? Installing smoke alarms is a critical first step for the early detection of a fire in your home and is the leading lifesaving device in home fire safety. Fires happen in a variety of ways and could start in any room of your house. But no matter where or how, installing a smoke alarm is a first key step toward keeping your family safe. How Often Do You Test Smoke Detectors? Test smoke detectors monthly and batteries for regular ones need to be replaced at least yearly. About 90 percent of homes in the United States have smoke detectors. However, 20% of smoke detectors installed in those homes do not work because of dead or missing batteries. How Do Smoke Alarms Work? Smoke alarms detect fires by sensing small particles in the air using a couple of different kinds of technologies. Once they detect those particles above a certain level, they signal the alarm to sound so that you and your family can get to safety and call 911. Safety Tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) First, install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Make sure you install alarms on every level of the home including the basement. It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Imagine sipping your morning coffee or hosting a dinner party on your deck, surrounded by the crisp winter air but comfortably warm under the gentle glow of electric heaters. I recently had the pleasure of completing a project that brought warmth and comfort to a valued customer’s back yard deck. This Alpharetta (our service area) client contacted me to add two infrared electric heaters to their back yard deck. I hardwired the heaters with on/off switches, as well as smart switches which allows you to turn the heaters on and off from your cell phone. I also upgraded their electrical panel to help with the added electricity needed for the outdoor heaters. I installed two 6000 watt Infratech heaters. I use these because they are made from high quality stainless steel and will last a long time. Two major considerations I use when I assess adding outdoor heating: First, I determine: does the electrical system that’s already in place have the capacity to handle the load of additional heating? If not, the electrical system will need to be upgraded to make sure everything is safe. Second, I always consider the client. I know heaters can cost a lot of electricity to run.  So, I usually provide a couple different options including dimmer switches for the heaters, and automatic shut off timers so when the football game is over, and the client goes inside, the heaters don't stay on all night long, adding unnecessary costs next electrical bill. Adding outdoor heaters opens up a world of possibilities, including being able to enjoy the beauty of your outdoor space during chilly winter days. So don’t let the weather dictate your outdoor plans, choose Knightly Electrical Services and experience outdoor comfort like never before! With my years of experience, I can assess your outdoor space, recommend the perfect heating solution, and handle the installation with precision and safety in mind.

This Peachtree Corners client contacted us to install a home car charger outlet for his electric vehicle as well as a whole home surge protector. We installed a Charge Point EV home charger and a whole home surge protector. What Needs to be Taken into Consideration when Installing a Home Car Charger? In addition to the charging outlet, you'll need a whole house surge protector. The National Electrical Code requires all homes since 2020 to have whole home surge protectors installed. Local ordinances are also starting to require GFCI protected car charger outlets. Why Did This Client Call Knightly Services? He had already asked another electrician to do this job, however there are several reasons this client called us. The other electrician he had used for years: kept changing his schedule wasn't showing up when he said he would. made the client order his own parts for the project waited so long to install it, that the $80 surge protector the client had ordered was unable to be returned when it wasn't compatible with his electrical panel We send automated text message reminders of arrival times, and call the client 30 minutes ahead of arrival. We also carry all of the materials necessary for the job on the truck. This customer left a 5-star review for this service "Ryan installed a level 2 EV charger for us and whole house surge. Great experience as he communicates well, is organized and on time. Highly recommended!" - Mike D Am I Eligible for a Rebate with the Power Company? If you qualify, we will help you set up a $250 rebate from Georgia Power for your car charger installation. Call today for your electrical needs: 770-243-5706! Our friendly staff is here for you!

Check out Ryan Smith, local Atlanta/Alpharetta electrician with Knightly Electrical Services, installing a new kitchen pantry outlet in a pantry to prepare for over cabinet lighting. Ever thought about adding extra lighting for your storage closet or pantry? This Milton/Roswell client contacted us because they're redoing a whole closet. Looks like they are going to have all sorts of cabinets and shelving going into the space. We're adding an outlet to the closet so that they can add new lighting. The outlet will be controlled by a new light switch we'll be putting in. The new lights would turn on and off with the new light switch. This gives the client better closet lighting alongside the one original light in the middle of the ceiling. What are the Steps to Adding the Extra Outlet? First, I take off the switch plate for the original lighting off. Then I check the breaker to make sure that the power is shut off. I go to the circuit board and find that breaker. Next, I remove the original switch and electrical box from the wall outside the closet, so I can have access to the wires inside the wall. Once I remove the switch and box from the wall, I make the original light switch hole a little bit larger, because I will replace it with a double switch – one to control the original light, the other to control the outlet the client will add the additional lighting to. Next, I drill a hole into the wall to run my new wire over to where the new outlet will be installed in the closet. Since the client will be adding finished carpentry shelving in the closet, they are not worried about the amount of cutting in the drywall I will need to do to install the outlet since it will be covered by wooden shelves. Once I have the drywall prepped, I add an outlet horizontally (so that it’s not visible once the cabinets are installed) above where cabinetry will be. Once the lighting is installed and plugged in, it will provide lighting coming out of the top into their cabinets. Next, I switch out the new double switch for the single one outside of the closet to control both the new outlets and the original light fixture. Then I put away all my tools and clean up. I vacuum and mop with to take care of any drywall dust. This installation took about an hour and a half. Lastly, I run through my end of installation checklist. I do this with every client to make sure I’ve done everything I need to do. this allows me to do is allows me to create a consistent and accurate way of making sure that every customer receives the exact same service. When I leave their home, such as making sure no breakers are off, lights are on, and most importantly, just praying. I'm a Christian owned company, so I pray for each one, every one of my customers, and the jobs that I do at the end of each project to make sure that I'm blessing them and their family for years to come. Thinking about adding extra lighting for your storage closet or pantry? Contact us.

An elderly Alpharetta woman, contacted us because of a beeping Smoke detector in her home. When I got there, I noticed she was bed ridden and had a full time nurse to take care of her. I also noticed that she had one smoke detector for her smaller home. When replacing a smoke detector for an elderly client, we remember that code requires a smoke/carbon monoxide combo detector now in a home's main area. As we install it, we know that the unit has to be hardwired into the electrical system. We also know that the detector is not allowed to be turned on or off by a security company. Which Combo Detector Did We Install? Taking everything into consideration, we decided to replace the smoke detector she had with a brand new 10-year life battery Kiddie smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector.  Since she's bedridden, it means that she doesn’t have to worry about the smoke detector beeping and causing a nuisance for the next 10 years. Smoke detectors are a must-have for anyone but especially for older adults who want to safely age at home. They are truly one of the most important tools that can save lives in the event of an emergency. As people age, they are more likely to have medical conditions that make them especially vulnerable to smoke and fire hazards. Some of these medical conditions may include dementia, arthritis, or Parkinson’s disease. General vision and hearing issues can impact one’s safety as well. This is why it is important to have a working smoke detector(s) in the home. Why Use A Combo Smoke Detector? Because safety codes require it Combination detectors can save you on installation - one device takes less time to install Having fewer devices provides a more streamlined look to your home You only have to maintain or replace one unit

This Alpharetta family bought a new home, and needed their Tesla charger moved from their current home to their new one. So they asked me for a quote to install it. Tesla chargers are unique as they have a dial that can chose the amount of amperage they pull. So, you really need someone with electrical experience. That person would be able to calculate the proper load to the setting you’re applying. For the install, I chose a Hubbell 14-50 Receptacle. I use them because they are the only 240v receptacle that can really hold up to car chargers long term. I needed to run a new wire from the electrical panel to the car charger. Then I re-wired the charger to a plug and play set up. This allows this family, if they need to move again, to be able to unplug the car charger from their current home, then take it with them to their new one, and plug it in. All they would need is would be a 240v plug in the garage. This will keep them from having to call an electrician again. Key Points to Keep in Mind When You Install a Tesla Charging Station Choose the right charging equipment, such as the Tesla Wall Connector or a Level 2 charging station, based on your preferences and needs. Consider professional installation, especially if you're unfamiliar with electrical work or want to prioritize compliance and safety. Understand your home's electrical capacity and potential need for panel upgrades to support the charging station. Optimize charging efficiency by minimizing circuit length and voltage drop. Explore smart charging features to enhance convenience and reduce energy costs. Where Does the Charger Go in Your Garage? Install the charger on the same side of the vehicle's charge port and as close as possible. Place the charger within 15 to 20 feet of the vehicle's charge port. Charging cords can be as long as 25 feet, with 18 to 20 feet being the norm. The charger and the 240v outlet should be within about 3 to 4 feet of each other. The charger should be at least 18 inches off of the garage floor, preferably between 42 and 48 inches high.

When this Dunwoody client contacted us, she needed more electrical outlets in her shop where she could plug in her wood working equipment. She had a tight budget, and didn’t know if she could afford all of the outlets she wanted immediately. She asked if I could give her an estimate. I looked over the situation. Then, I suggested that instead of installing 6 or electrical outlets around the outside walls of her shop (which she was originally thinking she would need), we could more cost effectively install two pull down power cord reels. We could mount the two reels to the rafters of the open ceiling in her shop. With the two pull down power cord reels installed, she can operate her wood working equipment by plugging in two pieces of equipment she’s using at the same time. I also suggested an upgrade to her electrical panel. She needed the upgrade to handle her future electrical needs. As a result, we installed a dedicated sub panel to her wood working shop electrical panel.

On an installation at an Alpharetta client's home for recessed lighting, I did my routine maintenance check on their entire electrical system and found a Sycom surge protector installed in their two electrical panels. Sycom surge protectors had a recall about 5 years ago because they were melting and catching home owner’s electrical panels on fire. Normally, I have recommended to people to call the company and have them send a new surge protector to replace the recalled one. However, with all those recalls, this company went out of business. This customer hired me to install new Square D Surge protectors in their two electrical panels. I like using the Square D surge protectors because of their reliability and 5-year warranty that includes $75,000 equipment protection. Why Do You Need a Whole Home Surge Protector? In 2020 the National Electrical Code Council found the need for whole home surge protectors to be a necessity, where before it was optional. With the addition of computer chips in almost everything in your home from vacuum cleaners to refrigerators, the need for whole home surge protection is a necessity. What is a power surge? A surge protector keeps power surges  that cause sudden and unwanted increases in voltage from damaging, degrading, or destroying your electronic equipment. Surges can happen when large appliances such as air conditioners turn on and off. Surges can also originate from electric utilities or lightning. Levels of Surge Protection: Good: Point-of-Use Surge Protection: Easy to use – just plug in Only protects electronics plugged into the device You'll need to replace them over time or after a major surge event Best: Whole Home Surge Protection Must be installed by a qualified electrician Provides protection for your entire electrical system at home including large appliances, outlets, and light switches Protects against larger surges and provide longer lasting surge protection than point-of-use devices No surge protection can handle a direct lightning strike. Disconnect sensitive electronics if you suspect a surge is coming. Need to add or change your whole home surge protection? Contact us