Three Prong vs. Two Prong Electrical Outlet We’ve all noticed the obvious difference between a two prong electrical outlet and a three prong electrical outlet. But many have never stopped to consider why they’re different and what the difference might mean for your home. The answer is quite a bit. The main difference between a two prong electrical outlet and a three prong electrical outlet is that a three prong outlet has a ground wire, while a two prong outlet...

Electricity: is everywhere and nowhere all at once. How much do you know about electrical trivia and the invisible energy that lights up the world? (answers below) Question #1: Which American company consumes the highest percentage of the world’s energy? General Motors ExxonMobil Google Dow Question #2: Halogen lamps should always be kept away from? Curtains Clothing Combustible materials All of the above Question #3: Which state consumes the most amount of electricity per household? California New York Wyoming Louisiana...

October means Halloween, football and beautiful foliage. It’s also National Fire Safety Month. On average, fires cause 3000 deaths and 15000 injuries in the US each year. According to the CDC, children four and under are particularly susceptible to fire-related injuries and deaths. You can help your children understand the importance of fire safety through drills, talks and safety tips. Here at Mister Spark, we want to remind you of the best ways to keep your home safe so that...

Football season is here. Whether your passions are with your high school, college, NFL, or fantasy team (or even if you’re just along for the ride for the sake of a good tailgate party), a lack of safety precaution can make your game watching experience miserable. At Home Keep electrical appliances away from the sink- This is one bit of advice that we all learned in childhood, but it’s so easy to forget when you’re trying to watch the game,...

Labor Day is in the rearview and autumn is almost upon us. You know what that means: Halloween decorations, pumpkin spice everything, and some blessedly cooler weather. As much as you might love the lower temperatures and turning leaves, if you aren’t careful, the season can do a number on your energy bills. Buttoning up your home for the cold months will mean a lot of energy saving opportunities, and more ways to cut back on wasted energy that won’t...

Many homeowners like to go DIY when it comes to smaller projects around their homes. But when you’re not using a professional, it’s easy to overlook little mistakes. And with electricity, little mistakes can be dangerous, even deadly. We’ve listed five of the most common home electrical mistakes and how to avoid them. Making Connections Outside Electrical Boxes This is the first DIY mistake, you always want to avoid connecting wires outside of electrical boxes. Junction boxes protect the connections...

Today we launch the first in a new series designed to help you prevent common electrical catastrophes, with tips and advice to better protect you and your family from a house fire. In the first of the series, we look at the best ways to avoid the worst of electrical disasters: the house fire.   The Overloaded Outlet Electrical outlets are a necessity in our everyday lives, and it is not uncommon to plug multiple appliances into one along our...

July in Texas means burgers on the grill, fireworks at night, and flip-flops at the pool. But it also means sky-high electric bills. The good news is it doesn’t have too. With a few simple, convenient household changes, you can see big savings on your monthly energy bills. Open Every Vent Some homeowners believe that closing vents can reduce energy consumption by preventing the need to cool or heat a particular room. This is a myth. Closing vents will actually...

If you are having electrical issues in your home, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is "How do I find an electrician near me?" Choosing an electrician might not be such a complicated task after all, once you know what to look for when making your choice. Read on to learn about some of the most important factors you should consider when choosing an electrician. Price Many people in need of an electrician are on a budget....

It is time to think about replacing old electrical wiring in the home if your house is 40 or more years old. Even though your appliances and devices seem to work without any apparent issues, exposed wires or frayed insulation materials warrant an immanent inspection. The certified electricians at Mister Sparky Electrician Houston will check to make sure your wiring meets or exceeds current local and/or national codes. Mister Sparky Electrician’s perform a safety inspection with every electrical service call....