I have the good fortune to know a professional electrician, Bud. He's been willing to answer more than one question about the electrical system of this ranch. His unassuming calm demeanor belies the vast range of experience and skill he possesses. I think what makes him good at his craft is that ability to quietly focus at the task at hand. He was generously willing to take the time to answer my questions.

What is the most common electrical problem in a house?
Over loaded circuits. Running more amps through a fuse or circuit than what it's rated to handle.

What is the most easily avoided problem?
Overloading circuits. Add a new circuit or more breakers.

What can a homeowner do to prevent an electrical fire?
Check the drier vent to be sure it's clear of lint buildup. Don't use a 30 amp fuse or breaker where there should only be a 15 amp one. Overloading a circuit causes wires in the wall or ceiling to heat up as it draws more electricity than it was designed to handle. Using appliances or lamps with worn cords causing shorts and fires. Always be sure to use the correct wattage bulb a light fixture is rated to handle. Some ceiling fixtures can trap a lot of heat especially when using a bulb that has high wattage.

What repairs can be safely done by the homeowner?
Checking the voltage of an outlet with a multimeter to make sure it's putting out the proper voltage. Replacing worn wall switches and recepticles. Installing ceiling fans.

What tools should every homeowner have on hand for electrical projects and repairs?
A multimeter or voltmeter. Electrical tape and wire nuts. Needle nosed pliers, wire stripper and diagonal wire cutter. Safety glasses.

What are the not so obvious signs of a future problem a potential buyer can look for?
Blackened recepticles or wall switches. An insufficent number of recepticles available in a room. Go into the attic or basement to see the wiring of the branch circuits. Make sure the electrical service entrance has the properly rated breakers or fuses for each branch circuit. Visual checks. Has the breaker box been added onto? Are there enough circuits for the number of devices or recepticles?

What makes a good electrician?
Knowing the electrical codes and then following them. Someone who is honest about the real need for repair or upgrade. An electrician who doesn't skimp on materials i.e. uses the proper sized wire and charges only for the materials used.

What specific terms can be used by the customer to help for clear communicaton when calling in an electrician?
Know the difference between a fuse block and a circuit breaker. Use the term recepticle when referring to that place you plug in a lamp or device and wall switch for that thing that turns on the lights.

Have you ever had a potentially fatal event on the job?
Several. Usually due to unforeseen circumstances. Once I had turned off a power switch not realizing that the handle moved to the off position but the switch inside had welded into the on position. This was for a pump shut off switch and the voltage was for a 500 horsepower motor. I didn't even get a chance to feed the wire into the box, just getting close caused it to arc in my face. Fortunately I had glasses on. The lens were embedded with copper filings.

Are there any safety issues to keep in mind when approaching a project?
Make sure you turn the power off to the circuit. Double check it with a voltmeter. Uses safety goggles, fiberglass or wooden ladders, and don't work in a wet environment.

What's the worst job you've ever had to face?
Anytime I've had to work in a tight space, with no room to move or good air to breath. Working in a tight, hot space like an attic during the summer.

Is there anything you would want customers to know about your profession?
Electricians are highly trained and have knowledge of codes that change approximately every two years. Just keeping up with those changes requires a lot of work. Also, there's a fine line between what a homeowner should do and what an electrician should be called in to do.