Steps to 20-Amp 250-Volt Receptacle Wiring

March 24, 2023 | Electrical

An air conditioner, washer, dryer, range, electric water heater, or other large appliance often requires a 250-volt plug. It must be inserted into a matching receptacle. If you don’t have a 20-amp 250-volt outlet, you’ll need to install the appropriate circuit and wiring before using the appliance. A standard 120-volt outlet cannot be converted directly […]

Tips for Finding the Best Home Services Electrician

December 9, 2022 | Electrical

If you’re looking for an experienced Olympia, WA, electrician, Black Hills Home Services is certified, licensed, and bonded, so you can expect top-quality service. But we are one of many electricians to choose from in the region. Making a phone call or online request for service is the easy part. How do you know the […]

Can You Plug a 220V Cord into a 250V Outlet?

November 25, 2022 | Electrical

A standard plug in the United States is a 120-volt (V). In most U.S. homes, 220V outlets are the most powerful. 220V or 240V outlets are the voltages that you might plug your dryer and other large appliances into.  Some air conditioners, water heaters, stoves, air compressors, and other high-power devices may require up to […]

What Does an Electrical Fire Smell Like?

September 8, 2022 | Electrical

A strange odor is a telltale sign of an electrical fire in your home. At Black Hills Home Services, our electricians are often asked, “What does an electrical fire smell like?” A strange smell that doesn’t go away should never be ignored. Recognizing it can mean the difference between disaster and averting major safety hazards. […]

How to Test a Light Socket

August 26, 2022 | Electrical

If you replaced a burnt-out bulb, but the new bulb doesn’t work either, is it a bad new bulb, or is the socket faulty? To test for light socket problems, you’ll need to determine if there’s a complete circuit allowing the socket to receive electricity. Electrons must flow in an uninterrupted path from the power […]

What Do I Need a 250 Volt Outlet For?

August 9, 2022 | Electrical

As you walk through your home, most electrical outlets will be the standard ones you are used to. These are typically three-prong 120-volt, 15-amp outlets. One prong is the hot wire, another the neutral wire, and the third is the grounding wire.  You might see an occasional outlet that isn’t the same as the others. […]

7 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Commercial Electrician

June 21, 2022 | Electrical

When it comes to electrical work for commercial properties, hiring a professional, experienced commercial electrical contractor is crucial. Whether you need electrical installations, repairs, or maintenance, it’s important to choose the right electrician who can handle the specific requirements of commercial wiring. Hiring an inexperienced contractor creates the risk of significant mistakes, which can cause […]

Black Hills’ Easy Guide to Electrical Panel Labels

May 10, 2022 | Electrical

As a homeowner or renter, it’s important to be able to read your electrical panel. If you can’t tell what some circuit breakers are for, your safety may be at risk. The electrical panel distributes electricity that enters from the utility grid to all the circuits in your home. Electrical panel labels are needed for […]

6 Need-to-Know Facts About the Air Duct Cleaning Process

March 17, 2022 | Air ConditioningAir QualityElectrical

Air duct cleaning is an important HVAC service. Homeowners can see greater A/C efficiency, better air quality, and reduced allergy symptoms when ducts, grills, registers, fans, and HVAC components are professionally cleaned. You may notice dustier conditions and higher utility bills if your ductwork and system aren’t sanitary, but the professionals can help improve conditions […]

Programmable Thermostat vs. Smart Thermostat: Which Should I Buy?

March 14, 2022 | Air ConditioningElectrical

In today’s technologically advanced world, homeowners have more options than ever when it comes to controlling their home’s temperature. Newer, hi-tech models provide precise temperature control and send and receive more data to your HVAC system. These models can save money by reducing energy usage.  Two popular choices are programmable thermostats and smart thermostats. Both […]