A Guide to Surge Protectors

Wiring Outlets and Switches: What Homeowners Should Know Wiring an outlet or a light switch might seem like a simple DIY project, but as any seasoned electrician will tell you, the details matter—and so does your safety. At A & M Electrical Services, we’ve seen it all. Let’s walk through some of the challenges and tips you should know before tackling these projects. Safety First: Electricity Isn’t Forgiving Before you even loosen a single screw, remember this: electricity doesn’t give second chances. Turn off the power at the breaker box, and don’t just trust the switch—always use a voltage tester to confirm the circuit is truly dead. Wear protective gear like insulated gloves and safety glasses. Know your limits. If you’re unsure about what you’re doing, call a professional. Sometimes the smartest DIY move is dialing an expert. The Challenge of Old Wiring Many homes in our area were built decades ago, and their wiring shows it. Common issues include: Two-wire systems without ground. This limits modern safety and can complicate outlet replacements. Brittle insulation. Older cloth-covered wire can crumble when handled, creating a real hazard. Mixed upgrades. Sometimes one outlet in a room has been updated, while others are still running on 1960s wiring. Pro tip: If your wiring looks frayed, outdated, or confusing, it may be time for a full inspection and possible rewiring. Outlets: More Than Meets the Eye Standard 120-volt outlets are usually straightforward, but even these can present challenges: Backstabbed wires. Many older outlets use the “push-in” method instead of screw terminals—these tend to loosen over time and cause failures. Loose connections. A wobbly outlet isn’t just annoying; it can lead to arcing and fires. GFCI protection.** In kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor spaces, and more, code requires Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets for safety. Switches: From Simple to Strange Most single-pole switches (the ones that turn a light on/off from one location) are relatively easy. But then you meet their cousins: Three-way switches. These let you control a light from two locations (like at the top and bottom of a staircase). Wiring them wrong can cause endless frustration—lights turning on in one spot but not the other. Four-way switches. Add a third or fourth control point, and suddenly you’re in wiring spaghetti territory. The “Weird” Ones: 220-Volt Outlets and Special Cases Some appliances—like dryers, ranges, and heavy tools—need 220-volt outlets. These require: Heavier gauge wire. Standard outlet wire won’t cut it. Dedicated breakers. You don’t share a 220 line with your living room outlets. Proper grounding. Older 220 outlets may lack a separate ground, which is a safety concern. These are definitely projects better left to licensed electricians. Final Thoughts Wiring outlets and switches is one of those tasks that looks easy on YouTube but can turn dangerous in real life. The risks—from fire hazards to shock—are real, especially in older homes or when dealing with complex setups like 220 outlets or 3-way switches. If you’re ready for safe, reliable electrical work done right the first time, call A & M Electrical Services today (940-390-7606). Whether it’s fixing a wobbly outlet, upgrading old wiring, or installing a tricky switch, we’ve got the experience (and patience) to handle it.

Labor Day: Honoring Hard Work and Keeping Your Home Safe As Labor Day approaches, we pause to celebrate the men and women who keep our country moving forward through their dedication and hard work. At A & M Electrical Services, we’re proud to serve our neighbors in Corsicana and the surrounding communities with the same commitment—keeping your homes and businesses safe, efficient, and powered for the future. Labor Day isn’t just about cookouts and a well-deserved long weekend. It’s also a reminder of the value of skilled trades. Just like the electricians, builders, and other essential workers who built this country, today’s electrical professionals ensure your lights turn on, your appliances run smoothly, and your family stays safe from hazards. Why Electrical Safety Matters This Holiday As you fire up the grill, set up the pool pump, or string up lights for a backyard gathering, it’s a good time to double-check your electrical setup. Here are a few quick safety tips: Use outdoor-rated extension cords for anything plugged in outside. Keep cords away from water and high-traffic areas where they can be damaged. Don’t overload outlets with too many appliances—spread the load across circuits. Test your GFCI outlets (the ones with the “reset” and “test” buttons) to make sure they’re working properly. Our Labor, Your Peace of Mind At A & M, we know that electrical work isn’t a DIY project—it’s labor that requires training, experience, and the right tools. Whether it’s a simple outlet repair, installing new lighting, or upgrading your panel, we take pride in doing the hard work so you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your own labor. This Labor Day, let us celebrate with you by making sure your home’s electrical systems are safe, efficient, and ready for the season ahead. Call A & M Electrical Services today at 940-390-7606 to schedule your service. After all, your peace of mind is worth celebrating.

Ladders and Electricity: A Recipe for Disaster 📊 The Numbers Don’t Lie Each year, more than 500,000 people in the U.S. are treated for ladder-related injuries. Roughly 300 deaths occur annually from ladder falls. Electrical work adds another layer of danger: contact with electricity is a leading cause of workplace fatalities for construction workers—and most of those involve ladders or overhead lines. That “quick job” can quickly turn into a life-changing accident. ⚠️ Common Safety Hazards When Mixing Ladders & Electricity Unstable Surfaces – Ladders tipping on uneven floors or slick driveways. Overreaching – Stretching too far to the side, which can topple the ladder. Metal Ladders – Aluminum conducts electricity. One slip near wiring can deliver a deadly shock. Improper Tools – Using household tools instead of insulated, professional-grade ones. Inexperience – Not knowing how circuits are wired or how to cut off power properly. 🛡️ How to Protect Yourself Choose the Right Ladder – Fiberglass ladders are safer for electrical work since they don’t conduct electricity. Turn Off the Power – Always shut off circuits at the breaker before starting work. Use Proper Footwear – Slip-resistant shoes can prevent falls. Stay Grounded – Never work alone; have someone nearby for safety. Know Your Limits – If the job requires rewiring, climbing high, or dealing with unknown electrical issues—call a licensed electrician. ✅ Why Hire A & M Electrical Services Your safety is worth more than saving a few bucks. At A & M, we: Use proper ladders and safety equipment. Are trained to handle live circuits safely. Guarantee work that’s code-compliant and hazard-free. Don’t risk a hospital bill—or worse. Trust A & M Electrical Services to do the job safely, so you can keep your feet firmly on the ground. 📞 Call us today at 940-390-7606 to schedule your service.

Back-to-School Means Busy Nights — Here’s How Good Lighting Keeps You Safe As the school year kicks off, families everywhere are adjusting to new routines. Between early mornings, homework sessions, after-school activities, and late-night games, your household is probably busier than ever. And while you’re focused on backpacks, schedules, and carpools, it’s easy to overlook something that impacts both your safety and your peace of mind — your home’s lighting. The Problem with Poor Lighting Coming home after sunset can mean navigating dark driveways, shadowy yards, and poorly lit walkways. Not only does this make it harder to carry in groceries or sports gear, but it also increases the risk of trips and falls. And let’s not forget — a dark property can also be an open invitation for unwanted visitors. Security and Flood Lighting to the Rescue Installing quality security or flood lighting can make all the difference. A well-lit driveway, yard, or entryway not only makes it easier to see where you’re going but also deters potential intruders. Today’s lighting options are energy-efficient, motion-activated, and designed to cover large areas without running up your electric bill. Many smart options are available, too, which allows you to control everything from your phone! Inside the Home Matters Too Lighting isn’t just about safety outside. Inside, proper lighting in homework areas and study spaces can improve focus and reduce eye strain — helping kids (and parents) stay productive in the evening hours. It may be as simple as adding outlets for a desk lamp, replacing dim bulbs with brighter LEDs, or installing recessed lighting for a clean, modern look. Why Call a Professional? While it might be tempting to tackle a lighting upgrade yourself, electrical work is best left to licensed professionals. At A & M Electrical Services, we can install, repair, and upgrade lighting systems that fit your home, your budget, and your schedule — so you can keep up with the busy school season without worrying about safety or functionality. This school year, don’t just plan for early mornings — prepare for late nights, too. Call A & M Electrical Services today and let us brighten your evenings, one light at a time. Talk to you soon! 940-390-7606

Electrical issues often start small—until they don’t. At A and M Electrical Services, we’ve seen it all, and we know the warning signs that many homeowners overlook. Here are the most common ones that could be putting your family and home at risk: 🔌 1. Flickering Lights It might just be a loose bulb, but if multiple lights flicker or it happens when appliances kick on, it may indicate overloaded circuits or loose wiring—both fire hazards. 🧯 2. Warm Outlets or Burning Smell No outlet should ever feel warm. And a burning smell? That’s a flashing neon sign to turn off the breaker and call us immediately. It could mean wiring is arcing or melting inside the walls. 🧨 3. Frequent Breaker Trips Breakers trip to protect you. If one keeps tripping, it could mean a short circuit, an overloaded panel, or faulty wiring. ⚠️ 4. Outdated Wiring or Panels Homes built before the 1980s may have aluminum wiring, fuse boxes, or 60-amp panels. These systems weren’t built for today’s power demands. If your panel is older than your favorite band, it's time to upgrade. 💡 5. Missing GFCI or AFCI Protection Modern codes require these outlets to protect against shocks and arc faults. If you don't have them in your bathrooms, kitchen, or bedrooms—you're behind the times and the safety curve. Current code requires almost every outlet in the house to be AFCI protected except the garage and bathrooms. GFCI protection is required in bathrooms and kitchens, but also laundry areas, garages, the exterior, and more. 🛠 Get it Checked Before It’s an Emergency Most electrical issues get worse with time—not better. Don’t ignore the signs. A quick inspection could prevent a fire, injury, or a major repair later on. Call A and M Electrical Services today to schedule a safety checkup. 📞 940-390-7606 📍 Serving Corsicana and surrounding areas

Is Your Home Ready for Summer Storms? Generator & Surge Tips” Summer storms in Texas can be unpredictable — and power outages are the last thing you want during the hottest months. If you’ve ever found yourself in the dark after a storm, you know how inconvenient and stressful it can be. But don’t worry, A&M Electrical Services is here with expert tips to help keep your home powered and safe during storm season. 🌩️ Surge Protection: The First Line of Defense Lightning strikes and power surges can cause serious damage to your electronics, appliances, and electrical system. A surge protector is an easy fix to prevent costly repairs or replacements. Here’s what we recommend: Whole-house surge protectors: Installed at your panel, these protect everything in your home from a sudden spike in power. Point-of-use protectors: These are smaller, plug-in devices for your most sensitive electronics, like computers and TVs. 🔋 Backup Generators: Your Lifesaver During an Outage Power outages can last for hours, or even days, especially during storms. A backup generator ensures that your lights stay on, your fridge stays cold, and your family stays comfortable. Here’s why you should consider installing one: Automatic transfer switch: The generator kicks in immediately when the power goes out, so you don’t have to worry about flipping switches or losing time. Essential appliances only: Most home generators are designed to power critical systems like your refrigerator, A/C, and lights. Fuel options: Whether you go with a propane or natural gas unit, we’ll help you choose the right generator for your needs. ⚡ Electrical Safety in Storms Even with surge protection and a generator, electrical safety is key. Make sure to: Unplug appliances when not in use, especially during storms, to avoid power surges. Test your GFCI outlets regularly to ensure they’re functioning correctly, especially after a storm or flood. Keep your power panel dry: If your breaker box gets wet, it can cause dangerous electrical issues. How A&M Electrical Services Can Help If you’re ready to stormproof your home, A&M Electrical Services offers: Surge protector installation Generator installations and maintenance Electrical safety inspections Don’t wait until the next storm hits! Contact us today to schedule your home’s electrical checkup and ensure you’re ready for whatever the weather brings. 📞 Schedule Your Inspection Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep your home powered with A&M Electrical Services. — The A&M Team ⚡

🌞 Easy Ways to Lower Your Summer Electric Bill in Texas Summer in Texas means fun in the sun, but it also means higher electric bills. With the temperatures soaring, your A/C is running non-stop, and your other appliances are working harder than ever. But don’t worry — there are simple ways to lower your energy costs and keep your home cool without breaking the bank. Here’s how to beat the heat and the bills: 🌬 1. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances When it’s time to replace appliances, choose energy-efficient models. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates a significant reduction in energy usage. LED light bulbs also use less power and last longer, making them a great first step in your energy-saving journey. 🔌 2. Install a Programmable Thermostat A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature when you're away or sleeping. Set it to a higher temperature during the day and cool down before you return home. It’s a smart and simple way to reduce your A/C’s workload. 🌞 3. Use Fans to Circulate Cool Air Fans are a cheaper alternative to A/C for staying cool. Ceiling fans or portable fans can help circulate air and make the room feel cooler, so you won’t have to turn the temperature down as low. ⚡ 4. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting Switch to LED lights, which use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can save you a significant amount on your monthly electric bill. Plus, those old incandescent lights produce a lot of heat--not something we need this summer! 🌿 5. Seal Leaks and Insulate Your Home Keep cool air in and hot air out by sealing any drafts around windows and doors. Insulating your attic and walls also prevents heat from entering your home, making it easier to keep things comfortable without overworking your A/C. 🧰 6. Consider Solar Power If you’re ready to make a bigger investment, solar panels can reduce your energy costs in the long run by harnessing the sun’s power. In Texas, with all that sunlight, it’s a smart investment! Need an Energy Audit? At A&M Electrical Services, we offer electrical inspections and energy audits to help you find the best ways to save on your electric bill. We can help you pinpoint areas of improvement and even handle the upgrades for you. 📞 Contact us today to schedule an inspection and start saving! Stay cool and save big this summer, Corsicana! — The A&M Team ⚡

The Texas sun isn’t just draining your energy — it’s draining your home’s, too. During the hottest months, your electrical system is working overtime. If your wiring, breaker panel, or outlets are outdated, it could lead to blown breakers, fried appliances, or worse — electrical fires. Here’s why summer is especially tough on your system: 🔥 1. A/C Demands Skyrocket Your air conditioner pulls more energy than almost anything else in your house. When it’s running non-stop, that strain shows up in your breaker panel. 💡 2. Multiple Appliances Running at Once You’re inside more, cooking more, and relying on fans, fridges, and electronics. The load adds up — especially in older homes. 🧰 3. Old Panels Can’t Handle It Many homes in Corsicana still have 100-amp panels or outdated fuse boxes. Today’s families need more power — safely delivered. ⚡ 4. Signs You’re Near the Limit Breakers trip frequently Lights flicker or dim when appliances start Outlets feel warm to the touch Buzzing sounds from your panel What You Can Do ✔️ Don’t run heavy appliances at the same time ✔️ Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting and appliances ✔️ Have a licensed electrician inspect your panel and wiring ✔️ Install a whole-home surge protector At A&M Electrical Services, we’re helping Corsicana homeowners stay cool — and safe — with professional inspections, upgrades, and repairs. 📞 Don’t wait for the next outage. Schedule a summer power check today. 940-390-7606 Stay cool, stay safe, — Your local team at A&M Electrical Services ⚡

Most people wait until the lights flicker or the breakers trip to think about their home’s wiring. We say — get ahead of the sparks. A mid-year electrical inspection isn’t just about safety; it’s about peace of mind. Here’s how to tell it might be time to call in the pros: 🔥 1. You Smell Something… Off Burning smells (like melted plastic) near outlets or switches can be a serious warning sign. Unplug any nearby appliances and turn off the power to that area. Then call a professional to see where the problem is--it could even be behind the wall. 💡 2. Lights Flicker or Dim When Appliances Run If your lights go disco every time the microwave turns on, your system may be overloaded. This might go on without problem for a while, but it could cause the wires to melt and ignite a fire. ⚠️ 3. You Use More Extension Cords Than Outlets Relying heavily on power strips can mean your home wasn’t wired for today’s demand. It’s time to upgrade! Older homes are especially prone to too few circuits. 🕰 4. Your Breaker Box Looks Like a Time Capsule Older breaker panels may not handle the load from modern appliances — especially during a Texas summer. A few of the older ones are even known to catch fire and could ignite the entire home. 🔌 5. You’re Planning a Remodel or Adding Appliances Don’t wait for trouble. Make sure your wiring can handle the upgrade. Do not just connect new wires to old wires and hope everything works our. Just because there is power, doesn't mean there are not some problems lurking in the future. A&M Electrical Services offers quick, affordable home inspections — so you can spend your summer enjoying popsicles, not power outages. 🧰 Call us today at 940-390-7606 and let’s make sure everything’s wired right. Stay safe out there, Corsicana! — The A&M Team ⚡