Published by Franco Bros. Electric | 2025 Why This Article Matters Lithium-ion batteries power nearly everything we use — from smartphones and tools to scooters and e-bikes. But as these devices become more powerful and affordable, the number of battery-related fires has sharply increased across the U.S. in 2025. Understanding how and why these incidents happen can prevent serious injuries, property damage, or even loss of life. By learning proper charging habits and recogn

Learn how to identify the one problem alarm, reset a hardwired system after an outage, and recognize when a ten-year-old detector needs replacement.

Learn when a quiet dimmer hum is a compatibility issue—and when heat, crackling, or odor signals a connection that needs immediate attention.

A loose plug is more than a daily annoyance. Learn what causes it, why worn contacts can overheat, and when the outlet should be replaced. A plug that keeps falling out usually means the metal contacts inside the outlet have lost their grip. Those contacts cannot be tightened or repaired—the receptacle needs replacement. Do not bend plug prongs, add tape, or wedge anything into the outlet. If it is warm, discolored, buzzing, or sparking, stop using it and call an electrician

A tiny blue blink can be normal. A large, repeated spark with sound, heat, or odor is a warning. Here is how to tell the difference—and what to do next. A small, brief blue spark at the instant a plug makes contact is usually normal. A spark that is large, yellow or white, repeated, or accompanied by buzzing, heat, scorch marks, or a burning smell is not normal. Stop using the outlet and have it inspected. You plug in the vacuum, see a flash, and freeze. Is the outlet sparkin

Most flickers have a simple cause. Others point to a loose connection, overloaded circuit, panel problem, or unstable neutral. The pattern tells you how seriously to take it. Flickering lights usually come from a loose bulb, an incompatible LED dimmer, or a worn switch. A quick, slight dip when the air conditioner starts can be normal. Whole-house flickering—or lights that become unusually bright and then dim—can signal a loose neutral or service problem that needs prompt pro

A 100-amp panel may be enough. The real answer comes from your electrical load, charger size, and future plans, not the number printed on the main breaker. You do not always need a 200-amp panel for an EV charger in Riverside. Many 100-amp homes can run a 24 to 32-amp Level 2 charger, and load management can make tighter panels work. The real answer comes from a load calculation. Riverside Public Utilities also offers rebates on qualifying permitted installations. You got an

A very strong El Niño raises the odds of heavy rain, flooding, debris flows, and power outages. Prepare your home’s electrical system before the first major storm arrives. © LA Times Forecasters expect one of the strongest El Niño events on record this winter, which raises the odds of heavy rain, flooding, and power outages across the Inland Empire. It is not a guarantee, but it is a good reason to prepare now. Check your panel, add surge protection, plan for outages, and nev