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Can You Charge an EV in the Rain or Snow?
January 9, 2025 | Electrical
Many new EV owners worry about charging their vehicles in wet weather. After all, we’ve always been told that electricity and water don’t mix. However, charging an electric vehicle in the rain is completely safe thanks to sophisticated safety features and weatherproof design. Understanding EV Charging When It’s Raining Modern EV charging equipment undergoes rigorous […]
How Do Wireless Light Switches Work?
December 12, 2024 | Electrical
Light switches have come a long way from the hard-wired switches of the past. Regular light switches need wires to work, but wireless switches use radio signals instead. Let’s look at how these new switches work so you can decide if they’re right for your home. How does a wireless light switch work? Wireless switches […]
Steps to 20-Amp 250-Volt Receptacle Wiring
March 24, 2023 | Electrical
An air conditioner, washer, dryer, range, electric water heater, or other large appliance often requires a 250-volt plug. It must be inserted into a matching receptacle. If you don’t have a 20-amp 250-volt outlet, you’ll need to install the appropriate circuit and wiring before using the appliance. A standard 120-volt outlet cannot be converted directly […]
Can You Plug a 220V Cord into a 250V Outlet?
November 25, 2022 | Electrical
A standard plug in the United States is a 120-volt (V). In most U.S. homes, 220V outlets are the most powerful. 220V or 240V outlets are the voltages that you might plug your dryer and other large appliances into. Some air conditioners, water heaters, stoves, air compressors, and other high-power devices may require up to […]
What Does an Electrical Fire Smell Like?
September 8, 2022 | Electrical
A strange odor is a telltale sign of an electrical fire in your home. At Black Hills Home Services, our electricians are often asked, “What does an electrical fire smell like?” A strange smell that doesn’t go away should never be ignored. Recognizing it can mean the difference between disaster and averting major safety hazards. […]
How to Test a Light Socket
August 26, 2022 | Electrical
If you replaced a burnt-out bulb, but the new bulb doesn’t work either, is it a bad new bulb, or is the socket faulty? To test for light socket problems, you’ll need to determine if there’s a complete circuit allowing the socket to receive electricity. Electrons must flow in an uninterrupted path from the power […]
What Do I Need a 250 Volt Outlet For?
August 9, 2022 | Electrical
As you walk through your home, most electrical outlets will be the standard ones you are used to. These are typically three-prong 120-volt, 15-amp outlets. One prong is the hot wire, another the neutral wire, and the third is the grounding wire. You might see an occasional outlet that isn’t the same as the others. […]
7 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Commercial Electrician
June 21, 2022 | Electrical
When it comes to electrical work for commercial properties, hiring a professional, experienced commercial electrical contractor is crucial. Whether you need electrical installations, repairs, or maintenance, it’s important to choose the right electrician who can handle the specific requirements of commercial wiring. Hiring an inexperienced contractor creates the risk of significant mistakes, which can cause […]
6 Need-to-Know Facts About the Air Duct Cleaning Process
March 17, 2022 | Air ConditioningAir QualityElectrical
Air duct cleaning is an important HVAC service. Homeowners can see greater A/C efficiency, better air quality, and reduced allergy symptoms when ducts, grills, registers, fans, and HVAC components are professionally cleaned. You may notice dustier conditions and higher utility bills if your ductwork and system aren’t sanitary, but the professionals can help improve conditions […]
Programmable Thermostat vs. Smart Thermostat: Which Should I Buy?
March 14, 2022 | Air ConditioningElectrical
In today’s technologically advanced world, homeowners have more options than ever when it comes to controlling their home’s temperature. Newer, hi-tech models provide precise temperature control and send and receive more data to your HVAC system. These models can save money by reducing energy usage. Two popular choices are programmable thermostats and smart thermostats. Both […]
