• SC License M118633 (Master Electrical)
  • Office Mon to Fri, 9 to 5
  • Based in Mount Pleasant, SC

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Electrical Tips for Lowcountry Homeowners

Advice on panels, surge protection, EV chargers and home safety from a family-owned electrician in Mount Pleasant, SC.

About the blog

What does the Gloudeman Electric blog cover?

The Gloudeman Electric blog explains home electrical work in plain terms: panels and breakers, surge protection, EV charging, generator hookups, lighting, safety, inspections and hiring an electrician.

Andrew Gloudeman and the team write the posts for homeowners in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties, the area Gloudeman Electric has served from Mount Pleasant since 2017. Andrew is the company's founder and a Master Electrician.

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Showing all 58 posts

Blog cover: a yellow level, tape measure and folding ruler on concrete, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo

Featured · Hiring an electrician

How to Check If Your Electrician Is Licensed in South Carolina
Most homeowners in the Charleston area do the same thing when they need an electrician: search Google, call a few numbers, and hire whoever calls back first or gives the lowest price.
June 3, 2026
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4 min read
Read the post
Blog cover: a yellow level, tape measure and folding ruler on concrete, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Hiring an electrician
How to Check If Your Electrician Is Licensed in South Carolina
Most homeowners in the Charleston area do the same thing when they need an electrician: search Google, call a few numbers, and hire whoever calls back first or gives the lowest price.
June 3, 2026
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4 min read
Blog cover: a blurred white electric car at a charging station, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
EV charging
EV Charger Installation Guide for Charleston Homeowners
If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle, or you’ve already brought one home, congratulations. EV ownership is growing fast here in the Charleston area, and we’ve installed a lot of …
February 18, 2026
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3 min read
Blog cover: a round gold starburst light fixture, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
Why the Electrical Box Matters When Installing Light Fixtures
When homeowners shop for new light fixtures, most of the focus is on style. Size, finish, brightness, and how it will look in the space. What almost no one thinks about is what is actually …
January 16, 2026
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3 min read
Blog cover: orange flames, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Panels & breakers
Why Arc Fault Breakers and AFCI Protection Matters
If you live in a newer home, you may have heard your electrician mention arc fault breakers, also called AFCIs. You may also have heard frustration about them tripping or even suggestions …
January 12, 2026
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2 min read
Blog cover: a close-up of a white GFCI outlet, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
Why Electricians Recommend GFCI Outlets in Older Homes
If an electrician ever tells you that you need a GFCI outlet, especially in an older home, you might wonder: Why is this necessary? Everything seems to work fine.
January 7, 2026
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3 min read
Blog cover: the inside of a dryer drum with white towels, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
New Dryer, Old Outlet? What’s Really Required to Upgrade to a 4-Prong Plug
Lately, we have been getting a lot of calls from homeowners who just purchased a new dryer and were told they need a 4-prong outlet instead of their existing 3-prong dryer outlet. This …
December 16, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: a hand holding a clipboard and pen outside a house, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Inspections & maintenance
Understanding Electrical Inspection Reports: Common Terms Explained by a Licensed Electrician
If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, you’ve probably stared at an inspection report and thought, What does any of this mean? The electrical section in particular can read like another …
October 8, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: water drops on blue-green glass, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
Why GFCI Outlets Are Essential for Your Home’s Safety
When it comes to keeping your family safe, there’s one small device in your home that makes a huge difference: the ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI. You’ve probably seen these …
September 25, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: a modern house with a pool at dusk, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
DIY Smart Home: Easy Automation Without an Electrician
Smart home technology sounds complicated—hubs, wiring, ethernet cords—but the truth is, you can automate parts of your home without ever picking up the phone to call an electrician. With …
September 8, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: a blue craftsman house with a lawn and stone path, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
Quick Electrical Fixes Every Homeowner Should Know
Electrical problems in your home aren’t always as complicated as they seem. In fact, some of the most common issues have simple solutions you can check before calling an electrician. At …
September 3, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: a white kitchen with recessed lights and bar stools, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
Can Lighting Installation: What to Look for in Your Home
Thinking about adding can lights to your home? Proper can lighting installation makes a big difference in how your space feels and functions. At Gloudeman Electric, we’ve seen the good, the …
August 20, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: a charging connector at an electric car, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
EV charging
What to Know About EV Charging at Home
Thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV)? Or maybe you already own one and are exploring home charging options? At Gloudeman Electric, we get this question all the time, and for good …
August 5, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: lightning in a purple night sky, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Surge protection
Do I Really Need a Surge Protector in My Home?
The short answer is no, you don’t need one to keep your home running. But surge protection is one of those upgrades that pays for itself many times over by protecting your home’s electrical …
July 18, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: yellow caution tape, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Hiring an electrician
Top 5 Handyman Electrical Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
When it comes to home projects, handymen can be great for small repairs and general fixes. But when the job involves your electrical system, cutting corners can create serious safety …
June 19, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: a business handshake, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Hiring an electrician
Why Choosing a Non-Commission-Based Electrician Matters for Your Home
When you invite a contractor into your home—whether it’s an electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician—you’re trusting them not just with your property, but with your peace of mind. One …
May 12, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: stripped copper wire ends, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Hiring an electrician
How to Tell If Someone Is Qualified to Do Electrical Work in Your Home
At Gloudeman Electric, we’re big on safety, transparency, and doing things by the book. One of the most common questions we get is :“How do I know if someone is actually qualified to do …
May 8, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: a white outlet on a textured wall, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
3 Common Electrical Issues You Can Safely Handle Without an Electrician
At Gloudeman Electric, we’re always happy to help — but sometimes, you might not need us at all. In fact, there are a few common electrical problems you can safely troubleshoot on your own …
April 18, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: a kitchen with smart home icons for a camera, a lock and power, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
Smart Home Security Systems: Wired vs. Wireless – What’s Best for You?
As technology continues to advance, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to enhance their home security. One of the biggest decisions when installing a smart home security system is …
February 25, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: yellow caution tape, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Hiring an electrician
Why Hiring the Right Electrician Matters
At Gloudeman Electric, we take pride in delivering safe, reliable electrical services to homeowners and businesses in Mount Pleasant and the greater Charleston area. Unfortunately, not …
February 4, 2025
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2 min read
Blog cover: a softly lit modern living room, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
Upgrade Your Home with Caseta Smart Lighting: Affordable Home Automation
For homeowners in the Charleston and Mount Pleasant areas, upgrading to smart home features doesn’t have to mean a full automation overhaul. Caseta smart lighting systems offer an …
December 31, 2024
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2 min read
Blog cover: a bright kitchen with white cabinets and a faucet, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
Unlocking Energy Savings and Convenience: The Benefits of Motion Switches in Your Home
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 …
November 8, 2024
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2 min read
Blog cover: a hand plugging a cord into an outlet, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
Bootleg Grounds: A Hidden Electrical Hazard
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 …
October 15, 2024
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3 min read
Blog cover: lightning in a purple sky, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Surge protection
Protect Your Neighborhood: Group Discounts on Surge Protection
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 …
October 7, 2024
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3 min read
Blog cover: a modern kitchen with black pendants and recessed lights, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
Revitalize Your Home with LED Trim Replacements: A Simple Upgrade with Big Benefits
Are you looking for a way to refresh your home’s look without the need for a major renovation? Swapping out your old recessed can trims (the part that you see, not the metal shell) for new …
October 2, 2024
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2 min read
Blog cover: a house and trees wrapped in white holiday lights at night, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
Preparing Your Home's Electrical System for the Holidays
We can't believe it either, but the holidays are approaching! Many of us in the Charleston, Mount Pleasant and surrounding Lowcountry areas are beginning to think about getting our homes …
September 23, 2024
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3 min read
Blog cover: flames on blue, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
5 Common Electrical Issues in Older Homes and What to Do
Owning an older home in Mount Pleasant or the Charleston, SC area comes with unique charm and character. However, many homes built several decades ago are often not up to modern electrical …
September 17, 2024
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3 min read
Blog cover: heavy rain pouring past trees, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Generators & storms
Preparing for Hurricane Season: The Benefits of Generator Inlets for Portable Generators
As we approach hurricane season here in the Lowcountry, the need for reliable power solutions becomes increasingly urgent. Power outages are a common consequence of severe weather, and …
July 22, 2024
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2 min read
Blog cover: a man in a blue shirt reading a printed document outside a house, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Hiring an electrician
Electrical Quote Comparison: How to Understand Different Quotes and Choose the Right Electrician
Getting multiple quotes for electrical work is a wise move, but it can be perplexing when the numbers vary widely. You might wonder why one electrician is charging significantly more or …
July 3, 2024
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5 min read
Blog cover: a yellow notepad reading "Maintenance" with a screwdriver on blue, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Inspections & maintenance
Spotlight on Our Preventative Electrical Maintenance Package
As spring draws to a close, bringing with it the customary flurry of spring cleaning and household upkeep, we're excited to spotlight our Preventative Maintenance Package. Now in its second …
May 12, 2024
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3 min read
Blog cover: sunlight through misty trees, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
Elevate Your Home's Electrical System: 8 Worthwhile Upgrades to Consider
In the realm of home improvements, upgrading your electrical system might not always be the flashiest or most glamorous project, but it's undoubtedly one of the most impactful. From …
May 6, 2024
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3 min read
Blog cover: hand tools on wood boards, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Panels & breakers
Prioritizing Safety: The Dangers of DIY Electrical Panel Work Revealed
At Gloudeman Electric, we prioritize safety above all else. One of the most hazardous areas for DIY enthusiasts to tinker with is the electrical panel. While it might seem tempting to save …
April 30, 2024
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3 min read
Blog cover: water spray on blue, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Panels & breakers
Is an Instahot Water Heater Right for You? What You Need to Know Before Installing
Instahot water heaters, also known as tankless water heaters, have become a popular solution for many homeowners seeking instant hot water on demand. While the benefits of these systems are …
April 16, 2024
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2 min read
Blog cover: a white electric car plugged in to charge, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
EV charging
Navigating Electric Vehicle Charger Quotes: Why Price Isn't Everything
As the world moves towards sustainability and eco-friendly solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) have surged in popularity. With this rise, the need for reliable and efficient electric vehicle …
March 27, 2024
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4 min read
Blog cover: copper and white wires under terminal screws, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Inspections & maintenance
Double Tapped Neutrals & What To Do About Them
You may have heard the term "double tapped neutrals" before, especially if you have had an inspection done in the selling or purchasing process of your home. But what does that term mean …
January 29, 2024
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2 min read
Blog cover: a gray two-story house with a stone base, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Panels & breakers
Don't Ignore Your Electrical Panel: The Importance of Proper Maintenance and Risks of Neglect
Panel maintenance isn’t something a homeowner often thinks of as a priority--or even thinks about at all. The metal box sits in our homes where it seemingly magically delivers electricity …
December 17, 2023
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3 min read
Blog cover: an open gray breaker panel, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Panels & breakers
When to Replace Your Electrical Panel
The electrical panel (or "breaker box") is something most homeowners probably avoid. It's good to have some healthy fear regarding electrical panels, although as long as you aren't doing …
August 10, 2023
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3 min read
Blog cover: white smoke on black, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
Why You Should Replace Your Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years and Hire an Electrician to Do It
Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices in your home. They can alert you and your family to a fire before it spreads and becomes life-threatening. However, smoke alarms …
May 28, 2023
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3 min read
Blog cover: lightning in a purple sky, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Surge protection
Summer Reminder: Surge Protection
With the approach of summer storms, today we're talking about what a surge protector is and how it helps protect your home, electrical system, and everything plugged into it.
May 14, 2023
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2 min read
Blog cover: a kitchen counter crowded with appliances, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
Electrical Overloads & How to Prevent Them
Most of us plug in our appliances and lamps, switch on our lights, and use our electrical system without a second thought. We act as if there is an unlimited tap of electricity at our …
March 27, 2023
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3 min read
Blog cover: a bright living room with a crystal chandelier, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
Electrical Connection Points: Protect Your Home
Using our appliances, lights, and electric cars is everyday minutiae to us. Most of this stuff comes robotically without more than a glancing thought. But what exactly happens when the …
February 12, 2023
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3 min read
Blog cover: a white kitchen with rattan stools, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
DYI Ways to Prevent Home Electrical Hazards & Improve Your System
As an electrical company, we're all about hiring a licensed and insured electrician for your electrical needs. That said, we're also homeowner advocates and want to empower you to take on …
January 10, 2023
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5 min read
Blog cover: storm clouds over palms and a bay, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Generators & storms
Generators: What Not To Do
We hope you made it through Hurricane Ian safely—and that your home did, too. The recent storm, the first major one to hit the Charleston area in several years, reminded us of an important …
October 1, 2022
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2 min read
Blog cover: glowing bulbs in gold wire pendants, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
LED Bulbs: What & Why
LED bulbs have come quite a long way since their first iteration--in fact, some of the first LED bulbs were invented in the 60s and cost a whopping 200 dollars per bulb!! Read on for what …
September 25, 2022
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2 min read
Blog cover: yellow and black hazard stripes, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Panels & breakers
Hazardous Panel Alert: Challenger Panels
Challenger Breaker Panels were installed in thousands of homes in the 1980s and 1990s. Most of the issues in these panels were actually caused by their breakers. Issues from these breakers …
July 2, 2022
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2 min read
Blog cover: a bright entry hall with wood floors, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Inspections & maintenance
Electrical Items on an Inspection Report - What's Important?
What’s that on your inspection sheet, and is it really that important to fix? Great question. An inspector's job when looking at your electrical system (or the system of a home you're …
May 26, 2022
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3 min read
Blog cover: hands switching a breaker in an open panel, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
Tips for Tripping Breakers
A tripping breaker is a nuisance! We’ve all been there. You get up to use a light switch, go to plug your favorite blender in, or open the fridge--only to see that the power is off. Keep …
February 23, 2022
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2 min read
Blog cover: a house icon held in two hands on pale yellow, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Panels & breakers
The How & Why of House Fires & Why to Consider Arc Fault Breakers
Electricity is often something we take for granted in our day-to-day lives. Our lights turn on at the flick of a switch and our food is toasting at the push of a button. Since electricity …
January 18, 2022
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2 min read
Blog cover: a "HOME" doormat with a heart and a pair of boots on pink, with the post title under "Gloudeman Electric presents"
Inspections & maintenance
Homeowner Maintenance & Safety Tips
Although we're always happy to come to your home for electrical installations, upgrades, troubleshooting and maintenance, there are some simple tasks that you as a homeowner can complete …
June 1, 2021
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3 min read
Blog cover: uplit palms at a two-story house at dusk, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
Landscape Lighting
The service we're highlighting on today's blog is our landscape lighting service. Outdoor landscape lighting, or "uplighting" is a fantastic way to illuminate your home both for aesthetic …
November 29, 2020
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1 min read
Blog cover: a white kitchen with wood stools and orange shapes, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Safety & troubleshooting
Prevent Electrical Fires in Your Home
The dangers of electricity are sometimes easy to forget. We are accustomed to it silently flowing through our homes. It is conveniently located at the flip of a light switch, the plug of …
October 29, 2020
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2 min read
Blog cover: a person in a face mask working in an open breaker panel, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Panels & breakers
Electrical Panels: Why You Shouldn't Touch Them & Why We Should
Your electrical panel is the heart of your electrical system. Electrical panels go by many names: breaker panels, load centers, service panels or breaker boxes. It’s the steel box that …
October 4, 2020
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2 min read
Blog cover: lightning over a dark horizon, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Surge protection
Your Ground Rod: The Piece of Metal Between You & 1 Billion Volts of Electricity
Although ground rods are simple, they are crucial to protecting your electric equipment and appliances, and therefore must not be neglected. Read on!
August 24, 2020
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3 min read
Blog cover: dark green leaves with water drops, with "Surge Protection Package" and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Surge protection
2020 Surge Protection Package
If you're a customer of ours, you've probably heard us shouting from the mountaintops about how important surge protection is. For a general rundown on surge protection, check out our …
June 3, 2020
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2 min read
Blog cover: blue double doors with sidelights and a three-item checklist under the post title, with the Gloudeman Electric logo
Lighting & smart home
Spring 2020 Services
Hey, y’all! Andrew here. I'm wishing you all well during these times of uncertainty and hoping that this time has brought some rest and extra time with family (I've had a little more time …
May 5, 2020
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2 min read
Hand holding a short piece of wire with melted, charred insulation
Safety & troubleshooting
Electrical Safety & The Danger of Heat
The client called Andrew because their lights would be on, and then would stay off for a few days, and then they would come back on. The client was also smelling a burning smell, which as a …
January 20, 2020
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1 min read
Blog cover: glowing vintage bulbs, with the post title and the Gloudeman Electric logo
Inspections & maintenance
Home Safety Test Package
Hi, everyone! Today we're talking about a new package Gloudeman Electric offers called the Home
December 22, 2019
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1 min read
Blog cover: a glass jar of coins, with "Cheapest is rarely best" over the post title
Hiring an electrician
Why You Should Hire A Licensed Electrician
We understand that home ownership is expensive, so when it comes to fixing your electrical system, you want the most economic fix as possible. Though this is okay in some home repairs, your …
October 7, 2019
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3 min read
Blog cover: a green house with white porch rails, with "What and why: Surge Protection, by Gloudeman Electric"
Surge protection
Surge Protection
A surge protector is a device designed to protect your electrical devices (TVs, computers, laptops, microwaves, stoves, refrigerators, and many other appliances) from voltage spikes. A …
May 20, 2019
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1 min read

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