Gerke Electric Inc

Did you know smoke detectors only last 10 years? They appear to be working but lose sensitivity over time. That's why code requires them to be replaced every 10 years.

Cheap light bulbs cause problems. Recommend buying only high quality LED bulbs... Sylvania , Phillips , or FEIT brand are the most reliable I have found. Store brand generic, along with famous name brand light bulbs have more problems. If you experience flickering, bulbs that don't seem to last very long, or other problems with light fixtures... replace your light bulbs before you call an electrician.

Instantly brighten your garage or utility room with super bright LED paddle light. Simply remove existing light bulb and screw this new fixture into the socket. Can be 5 to 10 times brighter than what you're used to depending on which model you buy. Typically cost $10 to $20 or less.

Replace your smoke detectors every 10 years. They become ineffective and turn yellow with age. If your existing ones are no longer bright white or you can't remember when you replaced them, now is the time. It's a small price to pay to keep your family and pets safe.

Leroy Gerke second generation president, founder Lewis Gerke middle, unknown third person.

Primary service area

GFCI receptacles need to be tested monthly. This ensures they are protecting you from being shocked or electrocuted. Simply push the test button and hear a click. That plug should turn off. If it stays on when you push the test button, have an electrician replace the GFCI promptly for your safety.

If you are in the market for new computers for your office, you should consider Macs. They traditionally use less energy to operate than PCs. They are more expensive to purchase initially, but may save you money in the long run.

In 1929, the first small scale circuit breakers were made available for residential installations. Designed to prevent overloading and fuse tampering, the breakers were initially slow to catch on but are now integral to every home wiring installation.

Commercial structures that will be functioning all day, every day and that need continuous, uninterrupted power must meet electrical code requirements that are more stringent than those for buildings that are operating only part of the time.

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin did not discover electricity? That feat is attributed to Thomas Browne in the late 17th century. Benjamin Franklin’s contribution in this area was proving that lightning is electricity.

There are several different types of electric systems that can be installed in your commercial building, depending on your individual needs. This includes everything from security and alarm systems to remote keypads, access control systems, lighting systems, and automation systems.

You should inspect your circuit breaker box periodically for signs of corrosion. Sometimes water and moisture can invade it, creating rust and other problems that need to addressed by a certified and licensed electrician.

In times of budget restrictions, many companies put off maintenance on building systems in order to save or redirect money. However, delaying maintenance on electrical systems speeds up deterioration and increases the likelihood of an electricity-related disaster.

We realize that it’s not always easy to determine whether your electrical system will be up to code when you don’t have experience with wiring. Remember, calling upon an experienced electrician for help is the best way to avoid fines and closures.

Low voltage, energy efficient LED systems make exterior lighting affordable now and cost-effective for the long run. New LED systems turn on instantly, emit no heat, are unaffected by cold and moisture, and the bulbs will last up to 20 years.

Did you know that, according to the National Fire Prevention Association, faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires? It’s important to note that the older your house is, the greater the chances are that your wiring is outdated and even unsafe.

What is a breaker? A breaker is the switch-like device found in your electrical panel. These are safety devices that are designed to protect your wiring. Each breaker regulates the electrical current that passes through to each circuit.

Did you know that electricity travels at the speed of light? That's more than 186,000 miles per second.

Several steps go into the original design of a commercial electrical system. These include determining the service voltages available from the local utility company and identifying ideal location for electrical closets and vaults, as well as panel boards and switchboards.

As an electrical charge builds up on the surface of an object, it creates static electricity, and one spark can measure as much as 3,000 volts. In contrast, an electric eel can create a shock of only 500 volts, but a bolt of lightning can measure as much as 3,000,000 volts.

As population and personal energy-consumption grow, the transmission grid must expand to ensure there is enough capacity. That’s where we come in, building and maintaining outstanding systems to avoid overload and the potential decrease in the amount of power.

Interruptions with electrical supply due to faulty wiring or other problems can cause at the minimum inconvenience and possibly even disaster for your business. Regular professional inspections and prompt repair can help to eliminate production disruptions.

As you know, the building codes in an area can change at any time, meaning that older homes may not have wiring that’s necessarily able to handle all your family’s power needs. Before you move into an older home, be sure to have an electrician make any necessary electrical system upgrades.

Did you know that there are specific safety requirements designated for underground cables? Basically, the area directly above the cables must be kept clear of buildings, structures, trees, and the like.

An electrical contractor is your best friend as you begin the building process, because they are trained in and aware of all the codes that must be met to ensure that your home will be safely wired and ready for you when it’s done.

The power and electrical requirements of office buildings go far beyond a large number of outlets. Power is needed for server farms, large banks of lights, elevators, HVAC systems, and more. Commercial electricians will set up a variety of different systems to fit all of these power requirements.

The circuit breakers in your home are designed to trip if too much current is passing through the wires. However, corrosion or water damage can cause the system to malfunction, causing it to potentially overheat and subsequently creating a fire hazard.

We realize that owning a building that loses power can disrupt not just your business, but that of your tenants as well. Rest assured that we’re always available to help you determine what’s causing your electricity issues and how to fix it.

One of the best ways to save energy is to simply leave the lights off. If you leave a room, turn out the light, and turn it out if you're going to be gone longer than five minutes. If you have a light you always forget to turn off, post a reminder next to it.