DeGraaf Electrical Service

10/08/2026

FUN FACT ⚡
A circuit breaker doesn’t necessarily protect your electronics from a power surge.
Standard circuit breakers are designed primarily to protect wiring from excessive current caused by things like overloads and short circuits. A brief voltage surge can damage sensitive electronics without creating the type of sustained overcurrent needed to trip the breaker.
And those sensitive electronics aren't limited to TVs and computers. As we showed in Tuesday's blog, they can be built right into modern LED light fixtures.
We recently replaced seven integrated LED fixtures, along with multiple light bulbs, after a storm and likely surge event. Some of the damage was dramatic enough to leave soot, melted plastic and damaged wiring inside the fixtures.
If you missed Tuesday's blog, take a look at what we found inside one of those lights. 👀

10/06/2026

Can a power surge damage LED light fixtures? After a recent storm, we replaced seven damaged LED fixtures in one home. See what we found inside and learn why modern lighting is more vulnerable to electrical surges than many homeowners realize.

Can a power surge damage LED lights? See what we found inside seven failed LED fixtures after a storm and how surge protection can help.

10/01/2026

Then & Now: Circuit Breakers ⚡
Traditional circuit breakers have been protecting electrical systems for a long time. Their primary job is to protect the wiring from overloads and short circuits by shutting off power when current exceeds safe levels.
Modern electrical systems can add another layer of protection.
AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is designed to detect certain types of dangerous electrical arcing that a standard breaker may not recognize as an overcurrent condition.
GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection monitors for current traveling somewhere it shouldn't and quickly shuts off power when a ground fault is detected, helping protect people from electric shock.
The dual-function breaker in our photo combines AFCI and GFCI protection in a single breaker, while still providing the overcurrent protection of a standard circuit breaker.
Over the years, the National Electrical Code has expanded where AFCI and GFCI protection is required, so these breakers have become much more common in newer homes and during certain electrical upgrades.
Standard breakers haven't disappeared, and a dual-function breaker isn't simply a “newer version” that can or should replace every standard breaker. Which type of protection is appropriate depends on the circuit, its location, the equipment being supplied, and the electrical code requirements that apply.
Same basic job of protecting the electrical system—but considerably more protection packed into the panel than there used to be. ⚡

09/29/2026

A recent service replacement and upgrade for one of our customers! ⚡
The existing service equipment on this pole had deteriorated over time and had several issues with the equipment and wiring coming from it that needed to be corrected.
We replaced the old service equipment, installed a new main breaker disconnect and surge protection to bring the service up to current requirements, and reworked the existing conduit for a cleaner, code-compliant installation.
We also set the customer up for portable generator power with a 50-amp generator inlet and interlock kit, allowing the generator to safely supply selected circuits through the panel while preventing the generator and utility power from being connected at the same time.
Once the work was complete, the installation passed county inspection and the customer was left with a much cleaner, safer and more functional setup—including a convenient way to connect a portable generator when it's needed.
And apparently we accidentally parked the van in exactly the right place for the photo. 😂

09/24/2026

It’s Gina’s birthday! 🥳🐾

Our favorite office dog is another year older and remains a valued member of the DeGraaf team—despite contributing very little to daily operations outside of providing emotional support. 😂

Help us wish Gina a very happy birthday! 🎂

09/22/2026

There’s a lot more behind skilled work than what you see on the job.
For National Tradesmen Day, we're taking a look at the years of training, knowledge and experience behind the work tradespeople do every day. ⚡
Check out today's blog!

For National Tradesmen Day, we're looking at the training, knowledge and experience behind the skilled trades and the work they do every day.

09/17/2026

Happy 4-year work anniversary to Seth! 🎉 Over the last four years, he's become someone we can always count on. He's hardworking, knowledgeable, dependable, and an important part of our crew. We appreciate everything he does and are glad to have him on the team!

09/15/2026

Help us wish Mr. DeGraaf a very happy birthday! 🎉 We hope he has a great day and a wonderful year ahead!

09/10/2026

We seem to have acquired a new apprentice. 😂

This guy climbed into the van while our crew was working and apparently has also been following them into the attic. We're not entirely sure what his qualifications are, but he seems very committed to learning the trade. 🐈⚡

09/08/2026

The problem isn’t always where you think it is. We’re talking electrical troubleshooting in today’s blog! ⚡

Dead outlets, tripping breakers or flickering lights? Learn how electrical troubleshooting finds the cause behind common electrical problems.