top of page
Search

In today’s world, where energy efficiency and convenience are paramount, homeowners are continually seeking innovative ways to optimize their living spaces. One such innovation that stands out is the installation of motion switches, particularly in areas like bathrooms, hallways, and garages. At Gloudeman Electric, we believe that understanding the benefits of motion switches can help you create a more efficient and user-friendly home. Let’s explore the advantages of adding these smart devices to your residential spaces.


Bathroom with LED strip lights, red rug and dark blue wallpaper


1. Energy Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of motion switches is their ability to save energy. Traditional light switches require manual operation, often leading to lights being left on longer than necessary. Motion switches, on the other hand, automatically turn lights on when someone enters a room and off when the room is unoccupied. This feature not only reduces energy consumption but also lowers your electricity bills over time. In spaces like bathrooms, where lights may be left on for extended periods, the savings can add up.


2. Convenience and Ease of Use

Imagine walking into a dark bathroom and having the lights turn on automatically as you enter. Motion switches eliminate the hassle of fumbling for a light switch with your hands full or when your vision is impaired by the darkness. This convenience is particularly beneficial for families with children or elderly members who may have difficulty reaching traditional switches. With motion switches, everyone can enjoy a well-lit space without the extra effort.


Lutron occupancy sensor

3. Enhanced Safety

Safety is a top priority in any home. Motion switches can enhance safety by ensuring that areas like stairways, hallways, and bathrooms are well-lit when needed. This reduces the risk of trips and falls, especially in high-traffic areas.


4. Smart Home Integration

As technology continues to advance, many motion switches can now be integrated into smart home systems. This means you can control them remotely through your smartphone or tablet, allowing for even greater flexibility and energy management. You can program them to activate at specific times or adjust their sensitivity based on your preferences, creating a customized experience that fits your lifestyle.


5. Environmental Benefits

By reducing energy consumption, motion switches contribute to a more sustainable home. The less energy you use, the smaller your carbon footprint becomes. This environmentally friendly approach aligns with many homeowners' goals to create a greener living space while saving money.


Lights underneath bathroom cabinet. Occupancy sensor on wall, with white rug on floor

6. Seamless Installation

At Gloudeman Electric, we understand that home improvements can sometimes feel daunting. Fortunately, installing motion switches is a straightforward process that can often be completed in just a few hours. Our skilled electricians can help you choose the right type of motion switch for your needs and ensure that it is installed safely and correctly.


Conclusion

Incorporating motion switches into your home offers numerous advantages, from energy savings and enhanced convenience to increased safety and environmental benefits. Whether you’re looking to modernize your bathroom, brighten up your hallways, or improve safety in your garage, motion switches are an excellent solution.


If you’re interested in exploring the installation of motion switches or other electrical upgrades in your home, contact Gloudeman Electric today. Our experienced team is here to help you create a more efficient, convenient, and safe living environment. Let’s illuminate your home together!

14 views0 comments

When it comes to home electrical safety, one issue that often goes unnoticed is the bootleg ground. This improper electrical modification can be dangerous, especially in older homes. If you’re a homeowner in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and nearby, understanding what bootleg grounds are—and why they pose a hazard—can help you prevent serious accidents.

What is a Bootleg Ground?

A bootleg ground occurs when the neutral wire is improperly connected to the ground terminal at an electrical outlet. This often happens when homeowners try to convert two-prong outlets (which lack a ground wire) into three-prong outlets without upgrading the wiring properly.


Example of outlet with bootleg ground wire
Example of a bootleg ground (you can see a wire on the green ground screw that isn't actually attached to anything else)

While it may fool a plug tester into showing the outlet as grounded, this "shortcut" creates serious electrical risks.


Why are Bootleg Grounds Dangerous?

  1. Electric Shock Hazard If the neutral wire carries current, it can energize the metal casing of appliances connected to the outlet. This creates a risk of electric shock for anyone who touches the device or outlet.

  2. Circuit Overload and Fires A bootleg ground circumvents proper grounding, which helps safely discharge excess electricity. Overloaded circuits may increase the chance of an electrical fire.

  3. Equipment Damage Sensitive devices plugged into these outlets can be exposed to irregular currents, causing malfunctions or permanent damage.

  4. False Sense of Safety Homeowners may believe their outlets are properly grounded when they are not, leaving them unaware of the hidden danger.


How to Detect a Bootleg Ground

Identifying a bootleg ground can be tricky because regular plug-in testers might show the outlet as correctly grounded. However, licensed electricians use advanced tools and troubleshooting to confirm whether an outlet has a legitimate ground.


If you live in an older home or notice three-prong outlets on circuits that you suspect don't have a ground wire, it's worth having a professional inspection.


How to Resolve Bootleg Grounds

Here’s what to do if bootleg grounds are found. The good news is you have a few options for remediation of this issue:

  1. First, Hire a Licensed Electrician Only a qualified electrician should handle electrical repairs. At Gloudeman Electric, we ensure the wiring is updated according to the latest safety standards.

  2. Update Electrical Wiring One option is running new ground wires. This can be an extensive process depending on how many circuits are impacted and where your electrical panel is located. With this option, we would run new ground wires from your panel to your affected outlets and circuits.

  3. Install GFCI breakers If there are many circuits affected, oftentimes it's more cost effective to replace standard breakers with GFCI breakers. This gives protection to the entire circuits. There are pros and cons to this which we can discuss with you.

  4. Install GFCI Outlets as a Temporary Measure While not a long-term fix, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets can provide some protection by cutting power when a fault is detected in the areas where ground fault protection is most important (like bathrooms and kitchens).


Stay Safe with Gloudeman Electric

If you suspect your home might have improper wiring, don’t wait for an electrical mishap to confirm your fears. At Gloudeman Electric, we specialize in inspecting, troubleshooting, and upgrading electrical systems to keep your home safe. Our licensed electricians can detect bootleg grounds and recommend code-compliant solutions.


Stay proactive—schedule an inspection today and avoid unnecessary risks lurking behind your outlets.


Serving Mount Pleasant and the Charleston area, Gloudeman Electric is here to help with all your electrical needs, from inspections to rewiring projects. Let's make your home safer, one outlet at a time!

28 views0 comments

If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of losing expensive appliances and electronics due to power surges, you know how important surge protection can be. At Gloudeman Electric, we offer a solution not just for individual households, but for entire neighborhoods. This means you and your neighbors can collectively shield your homes from damaging power surges, while taking advantage of some great group discounts.


What is Surge Protection and Why Is It Important?

Power surges can be incredibly harmful to your home's electrical system. These surges can come from lightning strikes, sudden changes in electricity use, or even power returning after an outage. When this sudden spike in voltage occurs, it can damage or destroy sensitive electronics and appliances in your home.


A surge protector acts as a safeguard, diverting excess voltage to the ground and preventing it from flowing into your electrical devices. Whether it’s your kitchen appliances, entertainment systems, or smart devices, having surge protection installed helps ensure they are shielded from these unpredictable spikes. Investing in surge protection is like taking out an insurance policy on the valuable electronics that keep your home running smoothly.


At Gloudeman Electric, we specialize in neighborhood surge protection, and we’re offering a special opportunity for neighborhoods to come together and save on this crucial service.


Neighborhood Discount for Group Surge Protection Installations

When multiple homes in the same neighborhood decide to install surge protection with Gloudeman Electric, everyone benefits from discounted pricing. We know that protecting your home is essential, and this collective approach allows us to offer savings to neighbors who choose to join forces for added protection.


Here’s How It Works:

  • The more neighbors who decide to install surge protection, the greater the discount each participating home will receive.

  • The group discount is designed to encourage participation within a neighborhood, making it easy to create a community of homes safeguarded from electrical surges.


Spread the Word and Earn Extra Discounts!

To make this even better, we're offering additional discounts to the neighborhood member who helps spread the word. If you’re the person who takes the lead and encourages your neighbors to participate, you'll earn a special discount on your own surge protection installation as a thank-you from us.


This makes it not only beneficial to protect your home and your neighbors' homes, but it also rewards you for helping to make your entire community safer.


Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection

  • Comprehensive Protection: Whole-home surge protectors are installed at your electrical panel and are designed to redirect surges before they enter your home.

  • Extend the Lifespan of Your Electronics: By protecting appliances, HVAC units, entertainment systems, and other valuable electronics from power surges, you extend their lifespan and avoid unexpected repair or replacement costs.

  • Peace of Mind: Whether it's during a stormy Charleston night or due to a sudden power fluctuation, having surge protection means you can rest easy knowing your electrical system is better protected.


Get Started Today!

Neighborhood surge protection is an investment that pays off with peace of mind and longer-lasting electronics and appliances. If you’d like to learn more about surge protection, the group discounts, or to get pricing information, we encourage you to reach out to us. Simply call us at 909-801-4009 or email us at info@thegloudemanelectric.com, and we’ll be happy to provide all the details you need.

5 views0 comments
bottom of page