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Author: Dunman Electric LLC
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FOOTBALL SEASON SPECIALS: Score Big With These Game Day Plays
Football season kicks off NEXT WEEK, and the countdown is on! Make sure your home entertainment setup is championship-ready before the big kick-off. Whether you’re hosting the big watch party or enjoying the games with family, Dunman Electric has the electrical solutions to transform your viewing experience so that you can cheer on your team (Even if it’s the Dallas Cowboys.)
Game Day Ready Services:
- TV Mounting & Setup: Get that perfect viewing angle with our professional TV mounting service! We’ll securely install your TV and hide those unsightly cables for a clean, professional look.
- New Outlet Installation: Need power where your TV or entertainment center sits? We’ll install new outlets exactly where you need them – no more dangerous extension cords stretching across the room!
- WiFi Booster Installation: Don’t miss a crucial play due to buffering! We’ll install and set up WiFi boosters to eliminate dead zones and ensure strong signals throughout your home.
- Ethernet Cable Installation: For serious streamers and gamers, nothing beats a hardwired connection. We’ll run ethernet cables to your entertainment devices for the fastest, most reliable connection possible.
- Surge Protection: Protect your valuable electronics from power surges with whole-home surge protection systems.
🏈 FOOTBALL SEASON SPECIAL! 🏈
Schedule ANY electrical service during the ENTIRE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER and get a flat $50 off TV mounting!
Plus, mention “KICKOFF” when you call to receive a FREE in-home assessment of your entertainment setup.
Don’t Miss a Single Game!
With the season starting next week, our schedule is filling up fast. Contact us TODAY to ensure your home is ready for every touchdown, field goal, and heart-stopping play!
(512) 280-8847 . becky@dunmanelectric.com . contact us
Dunman Electric is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We serve Austin, Buda, Dripping Springs, Bastrop, Round Rock and surrounding areas.
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Make Your Fan Work Harder (So Your AC Doesn’t)
We’re big fans of helping you beat the Texas heat. All month long, get $50 off any ceiling fan installation + with any service call in August, we’ll balance and check the direction of your existing fans for free!
It’s August in Texas, and the AC is doing most of the heavy lifting to keep your home livable. A ceiling fan can make the difference between feeling comfortable and sweating through the night, but only if it’s set up and running the right way.
1. Blade Direction Is Critical
In summer, ceiling fan blades should spin counterclockwise when viewed from below. This pushes air downward, creating a wind chill effect that makes you feel cooler, even though the actual room temperature hasn’t changed.
Quick check: stand under the fan. If you can feel a steady breeze hitting you, it’s turning the right way for summer. No breeze? Flip the direction switch on the motor housing.2. Balance Protects the Motor and Your Comfort
A wobbling fan isn’t just noisy. It is slowly shaking itself apart. That vibration puts extra strain on the motor bearings, loosens blade screws, and can even cause wiring fatigue over time.
Common causes of imbalance include
• Dust buildup on one or more blades
• Loose blade or mounting screws
• Blade pitch slightly off between bladesBalancing the fan keeps it running smoothly, moves air more efficiently, and helps the motor last longer.
3. Excess Heat Is a Motor Killer
A fan motor should feel warm, not dangerously hot or give off a burnt smell. If it’s running hotter than normal, one or more of these may be happening:
• Overload: Worn bearings or unbalanced blades make the motor work harder, drawing more amps and generating more heat
• Poor ventilation: Dust inside the motor housing traps heat
• Voltage drop: Low voltage on an overloaded circuit forces the motor to work harder to maintain speed
• Insulation breakdown: For every ~18 °F the motor runs above its rated temperature, insulation life is roughly cut in halfIf the motor housing is too hot to touch comfortably or you detect an electrical odor, that’s a sign of developing failure. Addressing it early can mean a quick fix instead of a full replacement.
4. Fans Don’t Cool the Room They Cool You
Ceiling fans don’t reduce the ambient temperature of the air in a room. Instead, moving air speeds evaporation of sweat and increases heat loss from your skin, so you feel cooler.
That effect means you can raise your thermostat by around 4 °F while staying comfortable, which can reduce AC use by up to 30% during the cooling season. If nobody’s in the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy because it won’t have any cooling effect without someone there to feel it.5. When It’s Time to Replace
If your fan is more than 10 to 12 years old, still wobbles after balancing, or has a grinding motor noise, it’s often more cost effective to replace it than repair it. Newer fans often have better blade pitch, improved motor efficiency, and quieter operation.
Bottom line: In peak summer heat, a properly installed, balanced, and correctly set ceiling fan keeps you more comfortable, reduces strain on your AC, and prevents unnecessary wear on your equipment.
August Special
All through August:
• $50 off any ceiling fan installation
• Free balancing and blade direction check add on with any service call!Whether you need a brand new fan installed or just want to make sure the ones you have are working at their best, we will make sure you’re set up for maximum comfort before the month is over.
Offer ends August 31. Book now to lock in your savings.
(512)280-8847 . becky@dunmanelectric.com . contact us
To stay up to date with our latest offers, check out our website at www.dunmanelectric.com
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Splash Into Summer with Safety
Code Compliance in Texas Pools and Spas
by Craig Dunman, Master Electrician
If your property includes a pool or spa, then by definition, it includes an electrical system. That system doesn’t just power the equipment—it supports safety, reliability, and performance. And while much of it is out of sight, it’s critical that it’s done right.
This isn’t optional work. It’s foundational.
Grounding vs Bonding: Know the Difference
These are two separate functions—and both are required for a compliant system.
Grounding
Grounding directs stray electrical current safely into the earth. It’s a passive protection system that keeps components stable and helps faults clear properly.
- Protects motors, pumps, lights, and other equipment
- Assists in tripping breakers during a fault
- Prevents voltage buildup in unexpected areas
Bonding
Bonding connects all conductive components—metal ladders, pool railings, rebar, pump housings, even nearby fences—so they remain at the same electrical potential.
- Equalizes voltage between components
- Helps eliminate shock potential between surfaces
- Includes non-electrical metal near water
Without grounding, your system may fail to shut down during a fault.
Without bonding, minor differences in electrical potential can become noticeable at the user level—especially in and around water.
Pool & Spa Lighting: Halogen vs LED
Halogen
- Higher energy draw
- Shorter lifespan
- Generates heat
- Fixtures are often outdated and discontinued
LED
- Energy-efficient
- Long lifespan
- Lower heat output
- Offers dimming, color-changing, and smart features
- Some flicker or strobing is normal and doesn’t always indicate a problem
⚠️ Note: These are not interchangeable. LED systems require compatible fixtures, transformers, and housings. Retrofitting without checking compatibility is a common source of system issues.
Code Compliance Isn’t Optional
Electrical code is what keeps everything operating safely—not just for now, but long-term. A code-compliant system ensures performance, protection, and peace of mind.
Here’s what every pool and spa setup should include:
- GFCI Protection
Required for pumps, lights, heaters, and outdoor outlets. It disconnects power immediately when a current leak is detected. - Proper Subpanel Setup
Must be installed at a code-compliant distance from the water, and include proper grounding and bonding. - Wet-Niche Lighting
Underwater lighting must be designed for submersion with sealed conduit and junction points. - Bonded Components
All metal within proximity to water must be properly bonded—even if it’s not part of the electrical system. - Timers and Transformers
These must be outdoor-rated and correctly installed. We handle programming, troubleshooting, and replacement as needed.
Our Services
We provide full-service electrical support for pools and spas, including:
- Grounding and bonding assessments
- Dedicated circuit installation
- GFCI and subpanel upgrades
- LED lighting upgrades and fixture retrofits
- Timer setup and transformer calibration
- Full electrical inspections for performance and code compliance
Pools and spas run on more than water and pumps—they run on solid electrical infrastructure. If it hasn’t been checked in a while, we recommend a full inspection. Most performance or safety issues originate in areas that aren’t visible but are fully correctable.
We’re here to make sure your setup runs right—quietly, safely, and up to code. To schedule with us today, reach out through our contact form or give us a call.
- Protects motors, pumps, lights, and other equipment
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GFCI vs AFCI: What They Do and How to Test Them
by Craig Dunman, Master Electrician
Most people don’t think twice about their electrical system until something stops working—or worse, someone gets shocked or a fire starts. As a master electrician with decades of experience in the field, I can tell you this: the small safety devices in your home matter. And if you don’t understand how GFCIs and AFCIs work—or why they’re different, you’re not alone. Most homeowners don’t. That’s why I’m laying it out plainly. Here’s what you need to know to keep your home and, most importantly, your family safe.
What Is a GFCI?
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It’s a safety device designed to protect people from electric shock due to unintended current paths—specifically when electricity flows somewhere it shouldn’t, like through a conductive surface or a person.
Here’s what that means in practice:
The GFCI constantly monitors the flow of electrical current. Under normal conditions, the current flowing out through the hot (live) wire and back through the neutral wire should be equal. If there’s even a small difference—say, 5 milliamps—the GFCI cuts power in a fraction of a second. This prevents harm by stopping electricity from traveling through an unintended path, like through a wet countertop, a tool casing, or a person touching a grounded surface.Where You’ll Find Them:
- Bathroom outlets
- Kitchen counters (within 6 feet of the sink)
- Garages
- Outdoor outlets
- Laundry rooms
Modern code requires these in all wet or damp locations because moisture increases the risk of ground faults.
What Is an AFCI?
AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. This device is designed to prevent electrical fires caused by arcing—tiny, high-temperature sparks that can occur when wires are damaged, pinched, deteriorated, or loosely connected.
Arcs can form between two points of wiring that are not supposed to be touching, and they can happen behind walls, in cords, or anywhere connections are degraded. These arcs often generate intense heat without drawing enough current to trip a standard breaker. That’s why AFCIs were created.
The AFCI monitors the waveform of the current and detects irregularities characteristic of arc faults. When it senses this pattern, it cuts the power to stop the arc before it ignites surrounding materials like insulation or wood framing.
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Hallways
- Any general lighting or outlet circuit in newer homes
Some homes now use combination devices that offer both GFCI and AFCI protection—particularly in areas like laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens where both moisture and arcing risks exist.
The Difference Between GFCI and AFCI
Function GFCI AFCI Main Purpose Protects people from shock Prevents electrical fires Detects Ground faults (current leaking to ground) Arc faults (damaged or sparking wires) Typical Location Near water (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors) In the breaker panel protecting bedroom/living area circuits Visual Clue Test and Reset buttons on outlet Test button on breaker (in panel only) To keep it simple: GFCI protects people. AFCI protects buildings. You need both.
How to Test a GFCI (And What the Results Mean)
You should test every GFCI outlet in your home once a month. It takes less than 30 seconds, and it could save your life.
Here’s how:
- Plug in a lamp or nightlight.
- Turn it on so the light is visible.
- Press the TEST button on the GFCI outlet.
- The light should turn off.
- That means the GFCI tripped correctly.
- Press the RESET button.
- The light should come back on.
If it doesn’t work:
- If the light stays on after pressing TEST, the GFCI isn’t working and needs replacement.
- If the RESET button won’t stay in, your outlet may not have power or there may be a wiring issue.
GFCIs can wear out over time. Just because the outlet still gives power doesn’t mean the safety function is still active. Test it to be sure.
How to Test an AFCI Breaker
This one requires a trip to your electrical panel. Here’s how to check it:
- Locate your breaker panel.
- Find any breaker labeled AFCI or Combination AFCI.
- Press the small TEST button on the breaker.
- The breaker should immediately trip.
- Flip it fully to OFF, then back to ON to reset it.
If it doesn’t trip:
- The AFCI breaker may be defective and needs replacing.
- A breaker that won’t reset may be responding to a real fault in the circuit—it’s doing its job.
Some AFCI breakers run their own internal self-tests regularly. You might see the breaker flash or blink—this is normal. But if the breaker trips on its own during one of those checks, that means it detected a problem. Don’t just reset it. If an AFCI trips, especially more than once, it’s not a fluke—it’s catching something. You need a licensed electrician to evaluate the circuit.
Never ignore a breaker that won’t stay on. It’s trying to tell you something.
Common Misconceptions (That Can Get You Hurt)
- “The outlet still works, so it’s fine.” Wrong. The safety mechanism can fail silently.
- “I pressed the test button once years ago.” Not good enough. Test monthly.
- “I have AFCIs, so I don’t need GFCIs.” Wrong again. They serve different functions.
When to Call an Electrician
You don’t need us for every little thing, but here’s when you should pick up the phone:
- GFCIs or AFCIs that won’t reset
- Outlets that feel warm to the touch
- Frequent tripping of the same breaker
- You’re not sure which outlets are protected (or none are labeled)
- You’re remodeling or adding new appliances
A licensed electrician can run a quick test on your system and verify your protection. It’s fast, it’s not expensive, and it’s one of the best ways to reduce your risk of shock or fire.
GFCIs and AFCIs aren’t optional—they’re code for a reason. These devices have saved thousands of lives and prevented countless fires. But only if they’re working.
If you’re not sure about your protection, we’re here to help. Give us a call or click here for our contact form, and we can come out and do an electrical inspection for you!
(512)280-8847 . becky@dunmanelectric.com . contact us
For more articles like this, check out our toolbox.
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Meet Craig Dunman, Master Electrician
TEME #33973 | TECL #23045 | Licensed & Insured
Craig Dunman was 22 when he first stepped into the electrical trade—and he’s never looked back. What started as a steady paycheck quickly became a lifelong passion. By 28, he had earned his master electrician license and knew he’d found his calling. “I’ve never worked another day since,” he says. “Electrical is play. It’s like therapy.”
In 1997, Craig and his wife Becky opened Dunman Electric with a simple mission: do good work, be fair, and treat people right. Nearly three decades later, they’re still at the helm—Craig in the field, Becky in the office—running the business the way they always have: hands-on, grounded, and rooted in trust.
But Craig isn’t defined by the job. He’s a lifelong doer who stays in motion. He plays ice hockey year-round, snowboards in the mountains any chance he gets, and scuba dives for fun. On land, he spends time trail riding with his horse, Nitro, or bass fishing from his Dunman Electric-branded bass boat.
He’s outdoors whenever possible, usually doing something active, physical, and off the beaten path.
Craig’s the kind of person who gets up early, keeps his gear in order, and knows how to use his hands—whether it’s fixing a wiring issue or tightening the cinch on a saddle. He doesn’t sit still well, doesn’t talk himself up, and doesn’t take shortcuts. What he builds—on the job or off—is meant to last.
He and Becky have been married since 1994 and raised three kids together: Lo, Cody, and Abbie. Their life has always been full of tools, laughter, projects, and movement. Craig isn’t just the guy behind the name—he’s the real thing. A master electrician, yes—but also a rider, a dad, a teammate, and someone who genuinely loves the work he does.
To find out more about our team members, click here. To see what services we offer, click here. To schedule with us, give us a call at (512)280-8847 or go to our contact us page. We look forward to hearing from you, and hope you have a happy weekend!
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Let Freedom Ring
To celebrate Independence Day, we’re offering a limited-time promotion:
Book your electrical service between July 1st and 4th and we’ll install your smart doorbell with no additional labor costs.This means you can book your job now—even if the work is scheduled for later—and still claim the free install. As long as it’s booked between July 1st and 4th, the offer applies.
We install Ring, Eufy, Nest, and other major smart doorbell brands. Already have a device sitting in a box? We’ll get it installed the right way. Still shopping? We’ll help you choose the best fit for your setup.
Smart Doorbells Aren’t All the Same
At first glance, most video doorbells promise the same things—motion alerts, remote access, two-way audio. But the differences between brands really matter when it comes to privacy, compatibility, and cost over time.
Here’s what to know about the most common options:
🔔 RING (Amazon)
Best for: Alexa households, or anyone who wants simplicity and a polished app
- Video Quality: 1080p (standard), 1536p on the Ring Pro 2
- Storage: Cloud-only (subscription required for any saved footage)
- Features: Motion zones, two-way audio, solid mobile notifications
- Integrations: Deep Alexa integration; full voice control and live feed on Echo Show devices
- Install Types: Wired, battery, PoE available
What to watch out for:
- Subscription is required for anything beyond live viewing
- No local storage option
- Compression may reduce clarity in fast motion
🔐 EUFY (Anker)
Best for: Households that value privacy and want to avoid subscriptions
- Video Quality: 2K (2560×1920) with HDR—noticeably clearer detail
- Storage: Local-only by default (stored on the device or a HomeBase)
- Features: Smart AI that distinguishes humans from vehicles or animals
- Integrations:
- Alexa: Limited but functional
- Google Home: Poor support—no live feed on Nest Hubs, limited commands
- Power: Wired, battery, and dual models available
What to watch out for:
- No Nest Hub video support
- AI detection is solid but not perfect in complex lighting
- Past privacy concerns (now addressed with clearer terms)
🏠 GOOGLE NEST
Best for: Users already using Google Home or Nest devices
- Video Quality: 960p–1600p depending on model
- Storage: 3-hour free history; Nest Aware subscription needed for more
- Features: AI-driven alerts (face recognition, package detection), smooth app UI
- Integrations: Seamless with Google Assistant, Nest Hub, and Google Home routines
- Power: Wired and battery versions available
What to watch out for:
- Most features locked behind subscription
- Lower resolution than Eufy
- Google-only ecosystem (no Alexa support)
Why Pro Installation Matters
Even the best doorbell won’t do its job if it’s poorly installed. We’ve corrected installs with:
- Weak Wi-Fi causing dropouts
- Low voltage from outdated transformers
- Crooked mounts from rushed DIY jobs
- Exposed or unsafe wiring
When we install it, we:
- Mount it cleanly (with correct angles and spacers if needed)
- Connect it securely to power and your network
- Walk you through app setup and testing
- Ensure it works every time—not just on Day 1
Schedule by July 4th to Lock In the Deal
Here’s the key:
As long as you schedule an appointment for one of our standard services between July 1st and 4th, the labor for smart doorbell installation is free. Your service date can be later—what matters is that it’s on the books by July 4th at 11:59 p.m. Be sure to mention this deal!📞 Call, email, or book online now to lock it in.
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Meet Wes S., Journeyman
TEJE#477529
Wes S. grew up in Arlington, Tennessee, and now lives in the Austin area with his wife, their young daughter, and two rescue dogs, Katie and Raya. He brings a laid-back attitude and easygoing presence to everything he does, with family life at the center of it all.
Outside of work, Wes is usually chasing adventure or laughter. He’s a longtime snowboarder and an enthusiastic indoor rock climber—always up for a challenge if it means having fun along the way. His humor, curiosity, and steady energy make him a welcome presence wherever he goes.
Wes and his wife are active members of their church, Glad Tidings Church in Leander, and work as part of the sound and media team there. Whether he’s serving behind the scenes, playing with his daughter, or connecting with coworkers, Wes brings kindness, enthusiasm, and a genuine sense of connection to the people around him.
Wesley with his wife, Heidi, and their daughter. Loved your service with Wes? Leave us a Google review and mention Wes by name—technicians with standout reviews are eligible for bonuses!
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Texas P³: Surge Protection & Generators
⚡ POWER + PROTECT PROMO — Through July 2025⚡
The Texas power grid isn’t just unreliable — it’s become a liability. Anyone who lived through the 2021 Winter Storm Uri, the rolling blackouts of February 2022, or last year’s June ERCOT emergency notices knows this firsthand. The infrastructure simply can’t handle demand spikes or severe weather. That means high winds, lightning, power surges, and unexpected outages — year after year.
So let’s talk about what actually keeps your home running when the grid gives out:
Automatic transfer, manual transfer, and portable generators — and the one thing nearly everyone forgets: whole-home surge protection.
Manual Transfer Generators
What they are:
A hardwired backup generator that requires you to start it manually and flip a transfer switch to power certain parts of your home.How it works:
These run on propane, diesel, gasoline (in very specific installs), or natural gas and are installed outside the home. When the utility power fails, you physically start the generator and activate the manual transfer switch, which reroutes power to a secondary panel. Only the circuits wired to that panel will come online — usually essentials like lights, fridge, freezer, and maybe a few outlets or your HVAC (if it’s sized right).Best for:
Homeowners who want dependable backup without the higher cost of an automatic system, and who don’t mind going outside when the weather gets bad.
Automatic Standby Generators
What they are:
A fully automated backup system that detects outages and powers your home within seconds — even if you’re not there.How it works:
The generator is connected to your natural gas or propane line and wired into your main service panel. When the grid fails, the automatic transfer switch (ATS) kicks in and reroutes your entire home’s power through the generator. When power is restored, it flips back to the utility feed, all without you lifting a finger.Best for:
Homeowners who want uninterrupted power during storms or blackouts — especially those with freezers, medical equipment, sensitive electronics, or small children. These are also ideal for work-from-home setups where downtime costs money.
Portable Generators with Quick-Connect Kits
What they are:
Small gas-powered generators that you can roll out and connect to your home with a properly installed inlet box and interlock kit.How it works:
You manually start the generator and plug it into a designated outdoor inlet. From there, you flip specific breakers to transfer power to essential circuits. It’s not a whole-home solution, but it’s enough to run the basics if properly installed.⚠️ Critical Safety Warning:⚠️
A generator should only be connected through a dedicated outdoor inlet box, with a panel interlock or manual transfer switch installed by a licensed, bonded, and insured electrical contractor. This ensures your main breaker is disabled while the generator is live, preventing dangerous backfeed into the grid. Installing any generator power source without an appropriate interlock kit is illegal, violates the National Electrical Code, and can energize utility lines, potentially killing linemen working to restore power.
Best for:
Budget-conscious households that still want to avoid being completely in the dark during a storm.
Why Surge Protection Matters More Than You Think
Backup power is only half the equation. What most people don’t realize is that power restoration events, lightning strikes, and utility grid fluctuations can fry electronics long before the lights go out.
What it is:
A whole-home surge protector is a panel-mounted device that intercepts high-voltage spikes before they hit your circuits. These surges can be caused by lightning, utility switching, or damaged transmission lines.What it protects:
Everything downstream — including your refrigerator, HVAC, smart TVs, computers, EV chargers, solar inverters, pool equipment, and security systems. If it’s plugged in, it’s at risk.Fact:
Surge damage is not covered by most warranties. And those $15 power strips? They don’t cut it. You need layered defense:- Whole-home surge protection at the panel
- Secondary protection at the outlet (plug-in strips)
If you’ve ever:
- Replaced an AC board after a storm
- Lost a smart TV or modem randomly
- Had to reset half your house after a flicker
…you probably needed this yesterday.
How to Decide
We install manual, automatic, and portable quick-connect generator systems. We also retrofit homes for surge protection, check panels for age and load issues, and walk homeowners through real risk scenarios — not hypotheticals.
If you want:
- No effort, full home power → Go automatic + surge
- More control, lower cost → Manual + surge
- Bare-minimum prep → Portable + proper connect + surge
⚡ POWER + PROTECT PROMO — Through July 2025⚡
Right now, we’re offering a bundled, Texas-sized storm special:
- $75–$500 off generator installation, depending on the type of system you choose (manual, automatic, or portable quick-connect)
plus- Whole-home surge protection installation for just $222 (normally $349)
That’s full protection — backup power + surge defense — in one package, installed by licensed professionals who do it right the first time.
Questions? Ready for a site walk?
We’re licensed, local, and don’t push what you don’t need. We’ll tell you if your panel’s fine, if your wiring is outdated, or if there are any code-compliance updates you need to know about! No guesswork. No scare tactics. Just real answers.Call (512)280-8847 or reach out to us through our Contact Us page to schedule today and receive your free estimate and POWER + PROTECT Texas Storm Bundle!
Vocabulary Glossary
Term Definition Generator A machine that converts fuel into electrical power. Manual Transfer Switch A switch you operate by hand to shift power from the grid to your generator. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) A smart switch that detects outages and switches power automatically. Portable Generator A movable, gas-powered generator used for temporary backup power. Quick-Connect Kit A code-compliant inlet and breaker system to safely connect a portable generator. Whole-Home Surge Protector A panel-mounted device that blocks dangerous voltage spikes before they reach appliances. Voltage Surge A spike in electrical voltage that can damage or destroy electronics. Backfeeding When power flows the improper way, upstream, to the power company as opposed to downstream to your home. Grid The larger system of power lines and generation plants that provide your electricity.
- Whole-home surge protection at the panel
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