Planting with Prudence: Safeguarding Trees and Shrubs Near Electrical Lines and Boxes

The allure of greenery, from tall, magnificent trees to lush, spreading shrubs, is undeniable. Many of our customers in the Riverview and Lithia communities take this time to really focus on making their yards beautiful! Yet, as homeowners or landscape enthusiasts, we must balance our aesthetic pursuits with safety, especially when our chosen spots for planting are close to electrical lines and boxes.

1. Understand the Growth Pattern Before even picking up a shovel, research your chosen plant’s growth patterns. Trees and shrubs have varying mature heights and spread. Always select species that, even at their full growth, will remain a safe distance from overhead lines or nearby electrical boxes.

2. Safe Planting Distance For overhead power lines:

• Small trees (up to 20 ft. in height at maturity): Plant at least 20 feet away.
• Medium trees (20-40 ft. at maturity): Maintain a distance of at least 30 feet.
• Large trees (over 40 ft. at maturity): Plant 50 feet away or more.

For ground-level electrical boxes, always ensure a buffer zone of at least 10 feet to allow utility workers access when needed.

3. Look Down Before You Dig Just as there are electrical lines above, there might be underground cables too. Before any digging commences, reach out to local utility companies or use ‘Call Before You Dig’ services. They will mark out any underground utilities, helping you avoid dangerous mistakes.

4. Regular Pruning Even with the best planning, trees and shrubs can sometimes grow unpredictably. Regularly check and prune any branches that grow too close to electrical lines. Always hire professionals for trimming near power lines.

5. Educate and Engage If you live with family or have neighbors close by, it’s a good idea to discuss your planting plans. Collective vigilance can help spot potential problems before they escalate.

In conclusion, while nature adds charm and beauty to our surroundings, it’s vital to ensure that our green endeavors harmonize with the man-made elements around us. A touch of forethought and regular care can ensure our landscapes are both breathtaking and safe.

Why Should You Choose Certified Electrician in Brandon?

Are you in need of Brandon Electrical Repair? If so, you should consider choosing a certified electrician. Certified electricians receive specialized training and are knowledgeable in all aspects of electrical work.

They are required to pass rigorous examinations and demonstrate that they are capable of performing electrical work safely and efficiently. Plus, they must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses and staying up-to-date on the latest safety laws and regulations.

Benefits of Choosing a Certified Electrician?

When you choose a certified electrician in Brandon, you can be assured that the electrician has the knowledge and experience to handle any electrical repair or installation. Certified electricians also have the right tools and equipment to get the job done properly.

They use the latest technology to diagnose and repair electrical problems quickly and accurately. Plus, they are equipped with the proper safety gear to protect themselves and their clients from potential electrical hazards.

Certified electricians in Brandon also have access to the latest electrical codes, standards, and regulations. This ensures that all electrical work is done to the highest safety standards. They are also required to follow all safety protocols and procedures to ensure that no one is put at risk due to a faulty electrical system.

In addition to their technical knowledge and expertise, certified electricians in Brandon are committed to providing quality customer service. They are friendly and knowledgeable and are willing to answer questions and provide assistance throughout the entire process. They will ensure that the job is done correctly, including proper clean up and disposal of materials.

Final Take – 24/7 Electrical Repair in Brandon

Choosing a certified electrician in Brandon is the right choice if you need electrical repair or installation. They are skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable, and they will provide you with the highest quality service. Plus, they are dedicated to customer satisfaction, so you can be sure that you will receive top-notch service. So, if you are in need of Brandon Electrical Repair, make sure to choose a certified electrician.

Tip-Tuesday surge protectors

Surge protectors are installed directly into your main panel in most cases. When we think about surge protectors we generally think about the strips that go behind our computers and electronics.

Home surge protectors go directly into your panel actually protects most items in your home including appliances and everything that is hard wired. Items that are hard wired include your GFI’s, your outlets, fixtures, fans, all the things we don’t typically think about as requiring protection.  You can also opt for flush mount installation in most cases.

Why do I need a Generator Bypass System for my portable generator?

In Florida, having a generator is a must.  When you decide to purchase a generator, it’s extremely important to call your local electrician to discuss the installation of a generator bypass system.

So what is a generator bypass system and why is important that you have one?  A breakdown of the system includes:

1. The inlet

This is the opposite of an outlet and is where you actually hook up your generator.

2. The interlock kit (the actual bypass system)

This important feature does not allow your main breaker to be on at the same time as the breaker for the generator.

Why is this important?

Quite frankly, running a generator incorrectly can kill someone.  Particularly after a storm, expect workers to be working on power lines to get the power back up and running.  Without a generator bypass system, you run the risk of back feeding power, sending live power back out to the power lines, posing a very serious risk to others.  Be sure you either invest in this system or spend the time to learn as much as possible about portable generator safety to protect everyone!

We sat down with Bryan to discuss the dangers of back feeding your generator (and it could be lethal)

Bryan: “Hooking up your generator to the panel, it does work, it does get the electricity out there. The problem is, if you hook it up wrong, you’re going to kill somebody. We got a lot of these TECO and FPL guys working on these lines right now. If you don’t have the proper switches and safety switches installed in your panel, what happens is right now with your main breaker on, you got power feeding in.

When I say you plug in your generator and you’re technically back feeding your breakers, if you don’t have this switch in and you don’t shut the main breaker off, what happens is the power comes into your breaker, feeds back into your main breaker, which then feeds back into your TECO lines, which then go out to your street. If we got a guy working on these lines right now, that means they now have live wires coming from you.

Which you could potentially shock or kill someone. So you want to make sure that you always use the proper equipment in here so that way like this little tiny piece of metal, which is just an inner lock kit, which doesn’t allow your main breaker to be on when your generator is on.  So this one little switch here makes you have to switch your switch off in order to turn your generator breaker on.

That way you don’t forget, which that can always happen. “Oh, don’t worry, I’ll remember to turn my main breaker off.” But if you forget to turn off that main breaker, you can accidentally harm someone. So, you want to make sure that you get the proper inner lock switch for the proper main brand panel you have in your home. Not every inner lock switch inters changes with every panel. You have to get the named brand. So that was just a quick tip. Be careful out there, electricity can be dangerous. It can hurt somebody. Even if it comes from a generator.

What are Tamper Resistant Outlets, why are they important, and how the heck do I use them? 

Remember the days of being terrified that your toddler would try to ram objects into outlets?  You may be surprised to find that tamper resistant outlets have been around for quite a while and are required per National Electrical Codes.  They are a game changer in helping reduce the possibility of electrocution. Tamper resistant outlets are a more adept way for childproofing and keep your family safe at home. Unfortunately, they can be tricky to plug into if you don’t understand how they work.

Tamper Resistant Outlets have shutters inside, and they will not open if only one side is being pushed on. So, in order for them to open to allow a plug in, both sides have to be pushed in simultaneously. Expect to feel a little resistance, but if you push in both prongs in correctly, you will quickly get the hang of it.

If you’re feeling a lot of resistance and it’s not going in, it’s probably not the outlet, probably because the prongs are bent or an issue with the plug, so it’s time to call 813-672-4084 the Bryan Hindman Electric for Tamper Outlet installation in Tampa Bay.

Certified Electricians in Ruskin, Tampa Bay, Florida

‍Electricians are an important part of our day-to-day lives. They are responsible for the wiring and electrical systems in any building. If you’re about to start a new construction project or are looking for electricians to help with your current project, you’ll want to find the right professionals for the job.

Our professionals have the education, certification, and experience necessary. We have compiled a list of what to look for in an Electric Repair in Tampa.

What to Look for in a Tampa Electrical Repair? 

Experience – The more experience an electrician has, the more likely they are to complete your project successfully. Be sure to ask how long an electrician has been in business and how many projects they’ve worked on in the past. Experience is a major key in certified electricians.

Licenses and Certifications – Licenses and certifications show that an electrician has the knowledge and experience necessary to do their job well. You’ll want to make sure your Ruskin, Tampa Bay, Florida certified electricians have the proper licensing and certifications for your project.

Reputation – Make sure to check out an electrician’s online reviews to see what past customers have to say. If an electrician has bad reviews, it might be a sign that they’re not the best fit for your project.

Finding the Right Ruskin, Tampa Bay, Florida Electrician–

Once you’ve found a couple of electricians in the Ruskin and Tampa Bay, Florida area that appear to be a good fit for your project, it’s time to get them on the job. The best way to find the right electrician for your project is to interview a few. Here are a few questions to ask during your interview:

What is your general construction process on a project like mine?

What is your general schedule for completing projects like mine?

What are the terms of payment for your services?

What is your availability?