Safety & Hazards
Electrical warning signs, how GFCI and AFCI protection work, and California smoke and carbon monoxide alarm basics, in plain English.
Keeping you and your family safe matters more to us than anything else. These guides cover warning signs to watch for, how GFCI and AFCI protection work, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm basics. If something ever feels wrong, please don't wait to call.
Guides in this section 3
Electrical warning signs you should never ignore
Warm outlets, burning smells, buzzing, scorch marks, flickering and tingles: which electrical warning signs are emergencies and what to do right now.
Read guide Safety & HazardsGFCI vs AFCI: what they do and how to test them
The difference between GFCI and AFCI protection, where California code generally requires each, dual-function breakers, and how to test a GFCI.
Read guide Safety & HazardsSmoke and carbon monoxide alarms in California homes
Where smoke and carbon monoxide alarms go, California rules on 10-year sealed batteries and CO alarms, hardwired interconnected alarms, and testing.
Read guideHelpful tools
More sections
- Panels & Service Upgrades
- EV Chargers
- Generators & Battery Backup
- Solar
- Older Homes & Old Wiring
- Troubleshooting
- Wiring Basics
- Permits & Inspections
- Lighting & Outlets
- Calculators & Tools
General information for California homes. Local rules and inspectors can vary. Not a substitute for an on-site inspection.