By Spencer Cutright

Crowds are packing amusements parks this summer as they look to let out their inner adrenaline junkie. With more than 400 amusement parks and 786 roller coasters in the U.S., there are plenty of rides to choose from. Mr. Electric® presents our favorite list of the top five roller coasters with gut-wrenching drops, jaw-dropping loops and stomach turning speeds that are sure to give surge to your summer.

This menacing roller coaster in Jackson, New Jersey at Six Flags Great Adventure, is not only the world’s tallest roller coaster, but also the world’s second fastest. Riders are launched at 128 miles per hour and reach a height of 456 feet before plunging back down to ground level.

Featuring the world’s largest loop, this Six Flags Magic Mountain coaster in Valenica, California catapults riders at 66 miles per hour before being sent into a massive 160-foot loop.

This high adrenaline coaster is packed with twist, turns and loops. Located at Sig Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Texas, riders reach top speeds of 70 miles per hour and must endure a 145-foot loop, a cobra roll, two corkscrews and even a zero gravity roll.

The first roller coaster to ever use floorless trains, this Busch Gardens Williamsburg coaster features two Immelmann loops, two vertical drops and a splashdown. The coaster also reaches a top height of 2,005 feet and a top speed of 71 miles per hour.

Located at the world famous Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, this coaster sends riders on a terrifying 300 foot drop, two tunnels, three overbanked turns and reaches speeds up to 93 miles per hour.

We hope you have an electrifying time and enjoy these rides as much as we do. As always, remember to call on your friendly neighborhood Mr. Electric for any summer electrical needs.

If you’re considering the purchase of an electric car, good for you! You're doing your part to reduce the nation's reliance on oil and cut down on fossil fuel emissions, and you get to drive around in style to boot. But with many newer models, you’ll need to set up a charging station in your own home garage. Public charging stations are not widely available, and nothing beats the convenience of having a power source right outside your door. With an electrician's help, you can install a charging station on your property and get your car up to speed quickly. Read on for some tips on how to get started.

Expand Your Range

New, affordable electric cars (those that cost around $30,000) top out at ranges between 60 and 90 miles before they need to be recharged. That doesn't do you much good for a cross-country road trip, but it should be more than enough for the average daily commute. If you can plug it in overnight, you should be good to go the next day.

Technically speaking, the charger for an electric vehicle is found in the car itself, and the box you install to provide the electricity is called the Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE). The EVSE puts out 240-volt alternating current, and the charger in the car converts it to direct current to replenish the battery. Note that you can plug into a standard 110 volt outlet for some cars, but it will take 18 hours or more to fully charge them, making it impractical for daily use.

Pick Your Charging Spot

An EVSE can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more, depending on what model you need, plus installation fees. More expensive models have higher amp ratings and can charge the car faster, generally speaking – some can get you ready to go in as little as three hours. The box needs to be placed within 15-25 feet of where you park your car so you can reach it with the charging cable.

Before you start the installation process, have an electrician evaluate the state of your wiring and circuit box – some older homes may not be able to handle charging a car without a significant electrical system upgrade. If everything checks out, the electrician can hardwire the EVSE or, alternatively, install a 240 volt outlet, similar to what you use for an electric oven or clothes dryer. The second option gives you more flexibility to move your charging station in the future, although outdoor installations usually require hardwiring.

The Code of an Electrician

To read up on the specific rules about how the EVSE needs to be installed, check out National Electrical Code Article 625 – your local building code likely has the same or similar regulations. For more help evaluating the suitability of your home for an electric car charging station, contact a local electrician today.

Most burn injuries are preventable. That’s why in honor of National Burn Awareness Week, February 1-7, 2015, organizations across the U.S. are coming together to kick-off a yearlong campaign aimed at preventing burns in our communities. Do you have the fire safety information you need to protect your family from necessary burns and your home from electrical fire?

Note: Children are at an increased risk for electrical burns due to their ignorance and curiosity. 

Fire safety starts with you! Spread the word and get the information you need to keep your family and your home safe from electrical fire risks with help from Mr. Electric. Ensure safety by scheduling your free electrical home inspection today.

Early in the month, American Airlines Flight 1420 crashed near Little Rock, AK. This crash, along with a few others that took place soon before and after, inspired research into the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation on pilot safety.

3) A Whole, Whole Lot of Drug Money

In June 1999, George Bush announced his candidacy for the office of President of the United States of America. So much was about to change in our culture during the next 8 years.

5) Lord Stanley’s Cup

via www.moviesonline.ca6

In June 1999, Stephen King got hit by a car and was flung 14 feet while walking on the shoulder of a road in Maine. What’s the name of that Stephen King book about the car? Oh yeah, Christine. Any connection? You never know. But I’m sure King was thankful Kathy Bates didn’t find him after the accident.

7) The Weird Looking Predecessor of the MacBook Is Born

That mildly annoying yet overall charming goofball Austin Powers (Mike Myers’s colorful character) graced the cover of Rolling Stone in June 1999, exuberantly celebrating the sequel to the original Austin Powers blockbuster smash hit. Smashing, baby!

9) Adam Sandler Tones It Down a Little

The universe’s hippest couple, who, of course played in a rock band together, hit the popular scene with their debut album in June 1999. Then, they became insanely famous. And then, thirteen thousand two-piece rock bands, featuring only guitar and drums, were born. I think now, 15 years later, we are finally beginning to see the decline in that questionable trend. Bass matters, people.

11) That Kid from Walking Dead Was Born

Venus and Serena Williams, two twin females from a socioeconomically disadvantaged place, won the Grand Slam female doubles event for the first time. They were the second sister team to win a Grand Slam event since 1890. This is the kind of thing that just makes you smile. These are some of the best ever to play the sport.

13) MORE TENNIS!