Why Not to DIY...

DIY projects are a great idea if you are, let's say, painting a room, or building a birdhouse, but when it comes to actual remodeling, especially electrically, DIY is unsafe and can be extremely costly.  Continue reading to learn more. 

Outdated Electrical Panels

Is your electrical panel 20 or more years old?  Do you have a panel that has been removed from the market due to safety issues or one that is outdated?  Chances are, our probably don't know.  Continue reading to learn more.

Winter and Electrical Fire Dangers

Did you know that the winter months are the most dangerous months for electrical fires?    Fire deaths are higher in these months, because the winter calls for more indoor activities.  Continue reading to learn how to avoid an electrical fire in your home.

The Nest Thermostat

Did you know that by cutting your heat by just 1 degree you can save up to 5% on energy use?  With heating costs on the rise and the colder temperatures settling in, this hits home more than ever.  Sure you can always just blast the heat when you’re awake and turn it down when you’re asleep or leave the house, but what happens when you forget?  Well now there is an even better option.  Introducing the Nest Thermostat; an automatic, self contained, smart device that learns your lifestyle and adjusts the heat in your home accordingly.  Continue reading to learn how this device can save you money on your home heating bill.

How to Check Your Smoke Alarms

Do you have an HD television or the newest and greatest high tech gaming system in your home?  Would you be able to go a day without them if they were not working?  I am guessing the answer is, probably NO.  You would take the time to fix them right away, because these are a source of daily enjoyment.  Even if it took you hours, you would make sure they were working, because we all simply cannot live a day without these luxuries.  My question to you then is this: Why would you not take a few seconds to check on something that could ultimately save your life?

We've Moved!

Do you ever wish that you had someone handy right in your neighborhood?  Are you looking for a great local electrician but don't know where to find one?  Well guess what, now you do!  Our offices have moved... from Taunton to Mansfield.  We are now available to help you out with any of your electrical needs, and we are just right around the corner!  Come check us out at the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce.  Stop in and say hello or book an appointment for service as well.  

We may have moved, but we still offer the same great services, to all the same communities.  If you are looking for a local electrician who provides fast, reliable service at an affordable rate then call "The Area's Dependable Electrical Professionals!"  Consultations are always FREE!  You can also receive quotes through our website by clicking here!

Corrao Electric is a residential and commercial electrical contractor in MA servicing all of Southeastern MA, specifically Bristol County and the towns of Attleboro,  Bridgewater, Easton, Foxboro, Mansfield, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Sharon, Taunton, and Wrentham.  Our licensed electricians specialize in electrical service panel changes, generator installations and electrical work for remodeling projects.  Consultations are always free.  Give us a call today, 508.884.3003.

Emergency Electrical Service Work

After the Holidays are over and people begin receiving those credit card statements from all the gifts they purchased for their loved ones, the sticker shock settles in.  It's becomes time to hunker down, stick to bare essentials only, and pay down the debt.  Many contractors also take time off during this time of year, as it is a slower than normal season for the trades.  The last thing people want to spend their money on right after the holidays is extra lighting and appliances or updating their electrical service, but there are times that one might run into an electrical emergency and leave them with no choice.  

At Corrao Electric, we don't close our doors this time of year, in fact, we will work harder and longer this time of year because we know that when our customers have an emergency, they need us to be there!  When you call us, your favorite local electrician, you don't have to worry about spending a small fortune, because we will never sell you something you don't need and initial consultations are always FREE!If you or someone you know finds themselves in a situation where they need an electrician ASAP, give us a call at (508) 884-3003, we are always happy to help, and we are there when you need us!  That's why we are known as "The Area's Dependable Electrical Professionals!"

Remember:  Cheap electrical work causes FIRES!  Always hire a licensed electrician!

Corrao Electric is a residential and commercial electrical contractor in MA servicing all of Southeastern MA, specifically Bristol County and the towns of Attleboro,  Bridgewater, Easton, Foxboro, Mansfield, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Sharon, Taunton, and Wrentham.  Our licensed electricians specialize in electrical service panel changes, generator installations and electrical work for remodeling projects.  Consultations are always free.  If you are looking for an experienced local electrician, give us a call today, 508.884.3003!

Generator Service & Maintenance

Do you have a generator at your home that requires service?  Does the vendor who installed it nor provide service, or do you not know who the installer was?  Have no fear, your favorite local electrician can handle all your generator needs, from soup to nuts.  Servicing your generator at certain points throughout the year is critical to ensure proper functioning of the unit when you need it.  Continue reading to learn more...

USB Outlets

Have you ever wished that there was another way to hook up your USB powered devices, without having to use your computer as the power source?  Well now there is!  There is a new product on the market called U-sockets or USB outlets.  Continue reading to find our more information on this new piece of technology...

Outdoor Lighting for the Winter

The time of year is among us, when the days are shorter, and it begins to get dark much earlier.  Most of us arrive home after a long day of work to a dark driveway entryway, leaving little to no visibility of where we are walking.  This, combined with winter weather (snow, ice, freezing temperatures) can cause dangerous walking conditions, which can lead to injury.  If you find yourself in this situation and want answers, continue reading to see how this can easily be fixed.

Electrical Tips for the Holidays

Stay safe and save a few dollars this holiday season, while still enjoying all the beauty that holiday lighting has to offer.  Read on to see a few tips on how to do just that.

Keeping kids safe around electrical outlets

Electrical outlets are what some might say a necessary evil.  We need them to give utilize our precious electronics and appliances, but when you have little ones around, they become a source of panic, rather than power.  Read more below on what you can do to keep your kids safe around electrical outlets.

Finding a good electrician

Finding a good electrical contractor or a contractor in general, can be tricky.  Many people assume that they can google search for local electricians in their area and find their perfect match.  This is far from the case.  Read more to find out exactly what to look for when searching for an electrician.  

Having a generator is now a NEED!

The recent weather in New England has made a generator no longer a want, but a NEED.  From tornadoes to hurricanes, to random blizzards in the fall; all of these natural disasters threaten to leave us without power and not only in the dark, but with winter approaching, in the cold.  Read this NY Times article below about a family in CT who dealt with it first hand.  If you are one of the thousands of people who had to be without power for days or even weeks due to our recent weather events, please give us a call.  There are many options available to the average homeowner now for having a generator, that not only make it a attainable, but affordable too!  Don't be left in the dark and in the cold this winter.  Give us a call today for a FREE generator consultation to learn what is available to you!  

Having a generator has now become an affordable luxury to the average homeowner.  With weather in NE taking it's toll on the masses late summer and earlier this fall, it's no wonder people are flying to the big box stores to see if they can pick one of these generators up.  The question people then find themselves asking themselves is "what do I do with this thing now that I have it?"  What people don't realize is that while you can buy a generator from your local big chain hardware store, however you cannot install the proper hook-ups necessary to allow the machine to run when you are going to need it.  So, what do you do?  Here are some options...

How to get a Generator

If you already went to Home Depot, Lowe's or Grainger and picked yourself up a generator, give us a call.  We will be able to install the transfer switch needed to hook the machine up to your house, which will feed power into the home in the event of an outage.  We can also tell you what circuits you should and should not be using when the generator is in use and answer your questions about avoiding damaging appliances and circuits by overloading the generator.

Your best option is the call us before you purchase anything.  We are a certified installer for 2 of the most trusted names in generators; GE and Briggs & Stratton.  With these 2 manufacturers, we are able to provide our customers with a large selection of the best generators on the market, from stand-by to automatic, with many sizing options between the two types.  By talking with our customers, we will be able to determine exactly which type of generator fits not only you, but also your circumstances.  There are many components to selecting the generator that suits your needs best, which is why it is always best to deal with a professional.  

If you or someone you know is looking to have a generator installed, please refer them to Corrao Electric.  Our consultations are always free and our knowledge is second to none.  We are the area's expert in generator installations.  

Don't become a prisoner to nature or your power company this winter, give us a call today!

Special Offers on Generators:

We are now offering consumer financing on generators to make getting a generator easier than ever.  If you have been wanting to have a generator installed, but were afraid of the cost, now is the time to act!  Not only will you get the best generator that the industry has to offer, all at a great price, but you will also have peace of mind in knowing that you are also getting the best service.

Give us a call today for more questions, and make having a generator in your future!  Tel# 508.884.3003 or reach us via our Contact Us page.

Electrical Safety During Hurricanes

With the entire Northeast Coast bracing for the impact of Hurricane Irene, here are some electrical tips to stay safe during the storm.  If you run into problems, lose power, have issues with your electrical service, before or after the storm, call Corrao Electric at 508.884.3003.  Be safe!

Preparing for the Hurricane:

• Make sure flashlights, battery powered lanterns and other sources of light are readily available.
• Make sure flashlights and radio batteries are fresh.
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of medicine, first aid supplies, and baby items.
• Keep at least two weeks supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, batteries and firewood on hand.
• Make sure if prescriptions are essential to get them refilled in case of an extended power outage or extensive damage to the area.
• Make sure to have identification and documentation on hand such as social security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, and insurance information for your home, car, and life.
• Have an evacuation plan for yourself and your family in case of an extended power outage.
• Listen to weather forecasts and predictions for possible hurricanes – hurricane season is typically in the late summer and early fall.

During the Hurricane:

• Make sure to get inside a building and stay away from the windows.
• Don’t leave candles unattended and keep them away from the furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.  Make sure to keep children away from open flames.
• Don’t open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary.
• Listen to local radio stations for news about power outages.
• Turn off your heating and air conditioning systems as well as electric range.
• Unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as TVs, DVD's, microwave ovens and computers – this will protect your appliances against power fluctuations that can occur when power is restored.
• After power is restored, be sure to wait five to ten minutes before turning on appliances and heating systems.

After the Hurricane:

• If power lines and poles are down in your yard or in the street, always treat them as if they are energized and dangerous.  Never touch them and stay away.  Make sure to call your local utility company. 
• Post-storm debris can hide power lines that have fallen.  Fallen trees that contain energized power lines can electrocute any item it comes in contact with, such as a metal fence, a pond or standing water.  Even the ground can be energized near fallen power lines.
• If your electricity is out make sure to check with neighbors to see if they have power.  If they do have power, you may have only a blown fuse or a tripped breaker.  Never replace a fuse or reset a circuit breaker with wet hands or while standing on a wet (or damp) surface.
• If you’re without electricity and want to use a portable generator, make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area. 
• Avoid using candles if possible.  If you must, never leave a burning candle unattended.
• If power remains out following a storm and you must cook with Sterno or charcoal, make sure to do so outside to avoid the build-up of deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
• Replenish your supplies of batteries, bottle water, non-perishable food items and firewood for future hurricanes.

Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce 2011 Home & Garden Show

The Tri-Town Chamber Home & Garden Show was a great success.  It was a beautiful day, lots of people came through and there were great vendors available for information on all sorts of home renovations for the spring.

Electrical Safety Tips

• If your power goes out a lot or the lights in your home flicker, smell bad or make noise, have an electrician come to inspect your wiring.
• An electrical outlet in the Bathroom, as well as in the Kitchen should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). This is a tool that protects you from a dangerous shock when water and electricity come together. An electrician can install a GFCI for you.

Federal Pacific Electrical Panel Hazard

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels have been deemed a fire waiting to happen due to faulty breakers not tripping during periods of excessive load. After many incidents, testing on these units indicated a failure rate on average as high as 65% of the time. Because of the safety related defect, federal pacific lost it's UL rating and the panels have since been recalled and taken out of distribution.

Happy New Year! Be Prepared in 2011!

To Our Loyal, Customers & Readers,

Happy New Year from your friends at Corrao Electric! We are excited to begin another year in business, and are looking forward to the many new & exciting ventures we are tackling over the next few months!