Brownell Electrical FAQ

There can be a number of reasons for your lights to be flickering. How can you investigate, and how do you know when it’s time to call the professionals?

The first thing to check is to make sure that the bulb is not loose. Turn the fixture off, and very gently try to tighten it in the fixture. Turn the fixture back on and see if the bulb works.

A faulty switch or wiring can often be the cause, and is more serious. (Loose wiring is the most concerning reason for flickering lights, and is a main factor in causing house fires.) Check the switch by gently jiggling it: if the light flickers it means there’s a bad connection somewhere. Do the same with your plug to make sure it fits snugly into the outlet.

If your lights flicker on and off or go dim when you’re using an appliance, don’t take chances. It’s time to call an electrician. Call us at (518) 747-4715 and one of our technicians will come out to evaluate the safety of your home’s electrical wiring.

An intermittent chirping sound from your smoke detector can indicate a number of things including a battery That needs to be changed, a malfunction in the detector, environmental factors interfering with the signal, an electrical problem, or may even indicate the alarm itself is at the end of its life.

In 2015 Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill That went into effect January 1, 2017.  This bill prevents the sale of smoke-detecting devices powered by removable, replaceable batteries. Instead, retailers are only allowed to sell smoke-detecting devices with a power source that isn’t removable and lasts at least a decade.

Our skilled technicians can remove and replace your outdated fire alarm with an alarm that is compliant with the new regulations, providing you and your family with a longer coverage lifetime. Call (518) 747-4715 today and schedule your appointment.

You should inspect your outlets regularly to make sure that they are well-maintained. Worn out, loose or faulty outlets can be dangerous. Some safety tips to check your outlets:

• Do your electrical covers encase all the wiring?
• Is it fastened securely to the wall?
• Are the socket covers chipped or broken?
• Do the plugs stay securely in the sockets?
• Are outlets placed at a height that keeps appliances safely from water sources?
• Do you have three-pronged grounded electrical outlets appropriate for electrical appliances?

Our team of electricians are trained and licensed to identify problems and ensure that you are system is up to code. We are family owned and operated for more than 20 years. Our goal is to ensure your safety and the safety of your family.

We would love to discuss your upcoming project with you! Please drop us a note to get things started and we’ll contact you as soon as possible to discuss full details. For immediate service, please call us at (518)-747-5001

Snow, wind, or ice storms in our area can – and do – cause interruptions in electrical service for anything from a few minutes to a few days or longer. Frozen pipes, spoiled food, and being forced to close your business up can be a serious hardship. There are all types of standby and portable generators that will keep your appliances running, your lights on, your house warm and your hot tub running in the event of an interruption.

Give us a call and learn more about how a generator can give you peace of mind. Brownell Electric is a leader in generator sales, installation and service in Glens Falls, Queensbury, Lake George, Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park NY.