Signs your AC

Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

July 8, 2026 | ElectricalUncategorized

Power outages are part of life in the Puget Sound region. Windstorms, falling trees, flooding, and winter weather A change in performance is one of the first signs something is wrong with your AC.  The airflow may get weaker. The system may start making noises it never made before. The house may feel warmer even though the thermostat […]

electrician working on a home generator

What to Expect During a Home Generator Installation

July 6, 2026 | ElectricalUncategorized

Power outages are part of life in the Puget Sound region. Windstorms, falling trees, flooding, and winter weather can leave homes without electricity for hours or even days.  If you’re considering a new generator, understanding the installation process can help you prepare for the project and know what to expect once work begins.  A professional home generator installation involves planning, permitting, electrical […]

Seattle All-Star Classic Logo

Sponsoring the 5th Annual Celebrity Softball Game

July 1, 2026 | ElectricalUncategorized

Black Hills is proud to be a sponsor of the upcoming 5th Annual Celebrity Softball Game on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The event will take place at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma.   The team at Black Hills is proud to be a part of this community event. The softball game will be a mix of sports, culture and our amazing community.   Join […]

electrician repairing standby Generac generator

What Is a Standby Generator and How Does It Work?

June 9, 2026 | ElectricalUncategorized

Dust does not just collect on shelves and floors. It also builds up inside duct systems where air moves through Power outages around the Puget Sound do not always last long, but even short interruptions can create big problems. Refrigerators shut off, sump pumps stop running, medical equipment loses power, and homes relying on well water suddenly […]

burning electrical cords with what does an electrical smell like

What Does an Electrical Fire Smell Like?

September 8, 2025 | 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. […]

Generac Generator in front of house

How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Home

April 23, 2025 | Electrical

We’re ready to save your day! Power outages can strike when you least expect them—during a storm, extreme heat, or simply because the grid is overwhelmed. Regardless of the cause, losing power shouldn’t mean losing peace of mind. That’s where a home standby generator comes in. With the right system in place, your lights stay […]

charging an ev in the rain

Can You Charge an EV in the Rain or Snow?

January 9, 2025 | Electrical

Many new EV owners worry about charging their vehicles in wet weather. After all, we’ve always been told that electricity and water don’t mix. However, charging an electric car in the rain is completely safe thanks to sophisticated safety features and a weatherproof design.  Understanding EV Charging When It’s Raining Modern EV charging equipment undergoes […]

someone turning on a light switch

How Do Wireless Light Switches Work?

December 12, 2024 | Electrical

Light switches have come a long way from the hard-wired switches of the past. Regular light switches need wires to work, but wireless switches use radio signals instead. Let’s look at how these new switches work so you can decide if they’re right for your home. How does a wireless light switch work?  Wireless switches […]

Steps to 20 Amp 250-Volt Receptable Wiring

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 […]

electrical cord with the words can you plug 220V cord into 250V

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.  Why Would I Need a 250V Plug? Some air conditioners, water heaters, stoves, air compressors, and […]