People only use 10% of their brains, bats are blind, and lightning never strikes the same place twice. You’ve probably heard these common myths somewhere. But did you know there are also many electrical myths? Here are seven common electrical myths you need to ignore.
1. Turned Off Devices Don’t Consume Electricity
While turning off devices can conserve electricity, it won’t stop devices from consuming energy. Even when turned off, devices like televisions, cellphone chargers, microwaves, electric kettles, and coffee makers still consume electricity. This is a phenomenon called standby, ghost, phantom, or vampire consumption. So, if you want to prevent unused appliances from using electricity, unplug them after every use.
2. Electricians Will Wreck Your Home
In many movies and TV shows, electrical work is often portrayed as a significant task that will cause considerable damage to your home. However, often, this isn’t the case. Professional electricians will work efficiently and safely without tearing apart your home or office. So, if you’re concerned about electrical work causing damage, hire a reputable electrician to protect your property.
3. Power Lines Are Insulated
Nearly 90% of power lines are uninsulated. That means you shouldn’t touch them to avoid getting electrocuted. Birds don’t get electrocuted when they sit on power lines because the electricity has no direct path from them to the ground.
4. Wood Doesn’t Conduct Electricity
Contrary to popular belief, wood can conduct electricity; it’s just a poor conductor. However, high voltage electricity can easily move through wood, and wet wood is a fairly good conductor. Be wary when using wooden ladders next to power lines. They could be energized.
5. Rubber Gloves and Shoes Offer Insulation
Rubber gloves and shoes can only protect you from electricity if they’re 100% rubber. Unfortunately, conventional rubber gloves and shoes are rarely made of pure rubber. They are usually made of rubber and other materials that can conduct electricity. So, don’t rely on them to provide you with total protection from electrocution.
6. Keeping Lights on Conserves Energy
Turning your lights on and off doesn’t consume more electricity than leaving them on. In fact, turning off lights when you aren’t in a room can save energy. So, if you were worried about the “start-up penalty” increasing your energy costs, don’t worry. You’ll consume far less electricity by turning off appliances and lights that aren’t in use.
7. Lowering the Thermostat Temperature Can Cool a Room Faster
El Paso, TX can get pretty hot during the summer. Average high temperatures in June through August are in the 90s. When it’s that hot, you’ll try anything to get cool. But will lowering the temperature on your thermostat cool your home faster during hot summer months? Unfortunately, it won’t. When you lower your thermostat setting, you’ll force your AC to run for longer to reach the desired temperature, raising your energy costs.
So, to avoid increasing your utility costs, avoid setting your thermostat above or below the recommended temperature. According to Energy Star, as a rule of thumb, you should keep the thermostat set between 70 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice that your home or business facility takes a long time to cool, consider scheduling routine maintenance. This can help to improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your energy costs.
At Secure Electrical Contractors, we provide residential and commercial electrical services in El Paso, TX and the surrounding areas. No matter your issue, no job is too small or big for our skilled and dedicated team. Get in touch with us today to schedule your electrical service.