Do The Basics - More Than Electrical Work

In Allen, Texas, my customer's dishwasher and garbage disposal worked intermittently. Another electrician had searched, but had not found the problem. During the investigation, I found something alarming in the main panel: the neutral wire for the circuit had never been tightened down.
At all.
The white insulation on the copper wire was completely missing for the first inch or so. It had melted away from the arcing caused by the loose connection. Further, the insulation was charred and bubbled. The appliances would work when the wire happened to be touching the buss, but quit when it moved.

The basic task in this case was: turn the screw until tight on the neutral wire. I checked the other neutral wires in the panel. Only this one had never been tightened.

Neglecting the basics creates problems: intermittent performance, heat, damage - to name a few. If you are experiencing 'heat' in your life, whether in business, family, or school, it may be a result of neglecting the basics.

At ABR Electric in Allen, Texas, we pursue the basics: do the work right, make a positive customer memory, and have fun.

The Power is in Your Hands - Sometimes!

Picture this: I am ushered to a main hallway by the lady of the house. She is frustrated to the point of talking through her clenched teeth.
"I told him 'Just get an electrician. You're going to burn the house down!' Would he listen to me?"
I am guessing he didn't based on the colorful arrangement of wires escaping from the switch box, with a few scattered burn marks on the wall near the wires.
"Well, are we going to die?"
"No ma'am"
"Too bad. It'd serve him right...". She begins to wander down the hallway, muttering about the plumbing. Suddenly she turns and demands "You can fix it, right?"
"Yes, ma'am".
Many times have I witnessed this scene played out. A plethora of multi-colored wires crazily protruding from an electrical box, arc marks on the wall and husbands with band-aids on their fingers. Usually a wife near by, muttering and shaking her head.

Here's the secret: If someone utters the phrase "It can't be that hard. I'm an engineer/architect/lawyer/mechanic/accountant, I can figure it out", distract them with a football game and hide their tools.

Electrons do not respect a degree. Or good intentions. They flow where and when they can at the speed of light.

Call ABR Electric for anything electrical in your home to be fixed right, for you to have a great experience and to have some fun (without the burns).

We are located in the great City of Allen, and can be reached at 214-690-1941 or at www.abrelectrician.com

Have a great day!