1. What are the voltage requirements for BGE?
2. Why do circuit breakers trip?
3. How can I run more appliances without tripping the circuit breaker?
4. Do all appliances need to be grounded?
5. Who is responsible for the electrical system grounds at my house?
6. How do I protect my electronics and other electric equipment during a storm?
7. What are the most common causes of outages and how can I protect myself?
8. What's the best way to use a portable generator for my home?
9. My refrigerator does not cool enough; is this, a power problem?
10. If part of my house is without electricity, is the problem mine or BGE's?
11. Why do lights flicker? Is this OK?
12. Why do I have static on my TV?
13. Why is the TV picture getting smaller certain times of the day?
14. How can I protect my computers and other valuable electronics in my home?
15. How can I best protect my computer from lost data?
16. Why do PC monitors flicker?
17. What is EMF (Electric and Magnetic Fields)?
18. What is the EMF effect on humans?
19. Does EMF affect electronics?

What are the voltage requirements for BGE?

BGE supplies a variety of voltages, as described below. The voltages are defined in The Maryland State agency regulations and compiled in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), under Title 20 “Public Service Commission”, section 20.50.07.02.

Voltage Limits:

Secondary Voltages
The voltage at the utility's service terminals, as installed for each customer, shall be maintained within the limits specified in the table below. If a utility adopts any standard voltage not included in the table, it shall advise the Commission in order that the Commission may establish appropriate voltage limits. When 3-phase service is provided, the utility shall exercise reasonable care to assure that the phase voltages are balanced.

1. Industrial Customers
   For service rendered principally for industrial or power purposes, the voltage may not exceed 71/2 percent above or 71/2 percent below the standard nominal voltages as filed in the utility's rules.
2. Sales For Resale
   For service rendered to public utilities and others for resale, the nominal voltage shall be as mutually agreed upon by the parties concerned. The allowable voltage may not exceed 71/2 percent above or 71/2 percent below the agreed upon nominal voltage without the express approval of the Commission.
3. Special Contract Exceptions
   The limitations in §§B(1) and B(2), above, do not apply to special contracts in which the customer specifically agrees to accept service with unregulated voltage.

Exceptions to Voltage Requirements
It will not be considered a violation when voltages outside of the prescribed limits are caused by any of the following:

1. Action of the elements
2. Service interruptions
3. Temporary separation of parts of the system from the main system
4. Infrequent fluctuations not exceeding 5 minutes' duration
5. Other causes beyond the control of the utility

Why do circuit breakers trip?

The main reason for circuit breakers tripping is 'overloading', which is a power draw increase above their nominal rating. Most common causes are overloaded outlets (too many things plugged in and operating at the same time, such as hair dryers and portable heaters) or a short circuit. It is quite rare for a circuit breaker to be defective.

How can I run more appliances without tripping the circuit breaker?

A typical residential 15 Amp breaker can carry 1800 Watts of load (at 100% rating) and it will not trip. Adding up the 'watts' of your appliances (see the 'Watts' numbers on the labels) should not exceed breaker rating.

Do all appliances need to be grounded?

The main reason for grounding is safety. Not all appliances need to be grounded. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendation. Never remove the grounding wire or pin, or replace a grounded plug with an ungrounded type.

Who is responsible for the electrical system grounds at my house?

The electrical system in your house is the owner's responsibility. It must be grounded in accordance to national and local codes. Consult a licensed electrician if you have questions.

How do I protect my electronics and other electric equipment during a storm?

While surge suppressors and battery backups are recommended for use at all times, there is no effective protection against a direct or close by lightning strike. The best protection is to unplug the electronic equipment during thunderstorms.

What are the most common causes of outages and how can I protect myself?

Outages are most often caused by trees (especially during storms, high winds and ice storms), cars hitting utility poles, wildlife touching high voltage wires or problems with utility equipment. It is recommended that you keep handy flashlights, BGE phone numbers, and a 'classic phone' (that is not a portable or electronic) or a cell phone. You may consider a small portable generator.

What's the best way to use a portable generator for my home?

Read the user's manual and follow the directions. There are important safety issues relating to disconnecting the utility power and the safe operation of the generator. Make sure you know what loads you want to power during the outage (some lights, refrigerator, sump pump, and gas furnace). Create a written detailed procedure on how to connect, disconnect and operate the generator. At no time should your generator be connected to the Utility lines.

My refrigerator does not cool enough; is this, a power problem?

This is not a power problem. We recommend checking it's settings, vacuum under and the back coils, and make sure the door seals are tight. Opening the doors too often will result in poor cooling too. Call the appliance dealer or a repair center.

If part of my house is without electricity, is the problem mine or BGE's?

First check for tripped breakers in your own electrical panel and reset them. If the electricity is not back, call BGE at 410-685-0123. The problem is most likely related to the wires serving your house.

Why do lights flicker? Is this OK?

Lights flicker when there is a sudden change in the power level supplied to your home. It is quite infrequent, but it can happen a lot during a strong storm, especially if your home is powered by overhead wires (on poles). In some instances, lights flicker quite often when a large load such as air conditioner or portable heater kicks on. If that is the case, it is advisable to contact a licensed electrician to check the circuits and rewire if necessary.

Why do I have static on my TV?

Static may show up on your TV when certain equipment such as vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, and drills are on in your house or even in the neighbor's home. If the static appears not to be related to such equipment, check your connections to the TV antenna inputs and/or contact the cable company to check the signal.

Why is the TV picture getting smaller certain times of the day?

The TV picture may shrink during a sudden change in the power level supplied to your home. You may also notice lights flicker at the same time. This is quite infrequent, but it can happen a lot during a strong storm. In some instances, the TV screen shrinks quite often when a large load such as air conditioner or portable heater kicks on. If that is the case, it is advisable to contact a licensed electrician to check the circuits and rewire if necessary.

How can I protect my computers and other valuable electronics in my home?

The first step is to assure that you have separate electrical circuits and breakers for the critical equipment, and they have a proper ground. The next step is to purchase a high quality surge suppressor (manufactured by a well known and reputable company, backed up by strong damage protection warranties) and even a small battery backup for your main PC. See Selecting Home Protection Products.

How can I best protect my computer from lost data?

Save your work frequently while doing it. Back up your data on external media such as zip disc or CD-R.

Why do PC monitors flicker?

PC monitors rarely show flicker. If you observe flicker, first try to correct the problem by changing the 'Refresh frequency' in the display settings according to the user's manual. Next, eliminate any close-by appliances such as fans or coffee makers. Lastly, try moving the monitor away from any electrical cables (extension cords) or walls that may contain electrical circuits.

What is EMF (Electric and Magnetic Fields)?

Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) are produced by power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical equipment. EMFs are invisible lines of force that surround any electrical device. Electric fields are produced by voltage and increase in strength as the voltage increases. They are present even when the equipment is switched off, as long as it remains connected to the source of electric power. Magnetic fields result from the flow of current through wires or electrical devices and increase in strength as the current increases. Both electric and magnetic fields decrease as the distance from the source increases.

What is the EMF effect on humans?

Even though both electric and magnetic fields are present around all electrical equipment and power lines, most recent research has focused on potential health effects of magnetic fields. Epidemiologists have been able to identify important risk factors for cancer, including cigarette smoke and benzene. However, in the case of EMF exposure, the evidence for an association with disease has been inconsistent. Some scientists who have studied the issue say that if a relationship exists at all between EMFs and certain cancers, the risks is very small. When the risk is small, or if there is no risk, epidemiological studies can be difficult to interpret. For more information see the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences web site.

Does EMF affect electronics?

Normal EMF rarely affects electronics. Occasionally, strong magnetic fields may create PC monitors to flicker.