Category: Electricians

Electrical Panel Upgrades

Why Upgrade?

Modern electrical panels are properly designed and safe, however homes with electrical panels (also known as circuit boxes) installed as recently as the 1980s may contain components that have deteriorated, because of the components that were in use at that time. Your electrical panel may have become unsafe with age and may pose safety issues for you and your family. Old electrical panels have limitations on available space to add circuits or they may have fuses. Some home insurance policies will not insure a property that has fuses.

However, this is not the only reason why your electrical panel may need to be upgraded if you are:

Renovating of your home, particularly the kitchen, which is appliance-heavy.

You are adding a home addition.

The addition of a major appliance, such as central heating and air, stoves, spas, garage power equipment, and more.

You need/are adding outlets to your home.

To meet homeowners insurance requirements.

You’re in need of a 240 volt circuit.

You need to add a sub panel

Electrical Panel Upgrades

Updating the electrical panel in your home can greatly improve the safety and effectiveness of the entire electrical system. Power originating from the utility company travels to your home directly to the electrical panel. From there, the current travels throughout your home, providing power wherever you need it. At Dalcon Electric, our San Jose electricians can repair or upgrade your electrical panel unit for you in a timely fashion

Consider upgrading your panel if you:

Cannot properly run appliances within your home

Notice that your circuit breaker frequently malfunctions

Notice that your lights randomly dim or do not work properly

Surefire Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel is hub of your home’s electrical system. It receives the electricity coming in through your meter and distributes it to the outlets, appliances and light fixtures in your home. It also monitors the amount of electricity going to each place, giving more to higher energy users and less to lights and appliances not in use. It’s even able to detect when a circuit has too much electric current being pulled from it and kill the power to that circuit.

In other words, it’s one of the most important fire safety mechanisms in your home. So it’s vital that you make sure it’s up to code and working safely. An old or insufficient electrical panel won’t be able to effectively power your home or protect it against electrical fires. Be sure that your panel is safe by checking that it doesn’t show these five signs of needing an upgrade.

Your Home Has A Fuse Box

Fuse boxes and fuses aren’t necessarily an immediate fire hazard, but they are quite outdated. Homes haven’t been built with fuse boxes since the 1950s, and if your home is still using one its electrical infrastructure likely isn’t able to properly meet the electrical demands of a 2010s family. Because of this, many insurance companies won’t cover homes with fuse boxes. If your home uses fuses and a fuse box, Doug’s can help you upgrade to circuit breakers and an electrical panel.

You’re Doing a Major Renovation

Changing your floorplan—from adding rooms to simply rearranging the existing layout—means making significant changes to your electrical system. Whether you’re keeping it small by installing additional outlets or building on a whole new wing, your existing electrical panel may not have the ability to accommodate the additional electrical output. Upgrading to a newer, expanded panel will allow your home to function better with all the electricity it needs

You Use Tons of Extension Cords

Extension cords are useful for giving your vacuum cleaner the range to do a whole floor rather than a room at a time, but you shouldn’t use them in place of properly-wired outlets. If your home doesn’t have enough outlets, it’s probably because you have an outdated electrical panel without the ability to support more outlets. Rather than risk causing a fire with a daisy chain of extension cords, call Doug’s to upgrade your electrical panel.

Electrical Panel Upgrades

An increasing number of our commercial clients have been told by their insurance agent that they cannot switch to a more affordable insurance policy because of their current electrical panel. And an even larger number of insurance companies will not write a homeowners insurance policy based on an outdated electrical panel.

It is a possibility that you don’t have a panel with circuit breakers, but instead have an outdated fuse box. In some cases, it is even worse: an electrical panel that has lost its UL approval because it has been found to cause fires.

Circuit breakers are designed to shut off in a fraction of a second if there is ever a problem. They keep you and your family from becoming victims of electric shock and house fires. Many older breakers will not trip under a test load for at least one minute, and some won’t even trip at all.

If you need an upgrade to your electrical panel for your home, call Best Electric Service today. One of our licensed and experienced electricians will gladly come to your home and give you a complete evaluation

Get peace of mind that you’re getting the most out of your home’s electrical system and help avoid electrical hazards by having a new panel or load-center installed in your home. Your loved one’s safety is so important.

Wenatchee Electrical Services

Electricity is probably the utility that adds the most convenience to our lives, but it is also one of the most dangerous if it is not given the proper respect. When homeowners in Wenatchee, WA have power outages or other issues with their electrical system, it’s important to have access to a qualified Wenatchee electrician to find a solution.

you can expect safe and timely electrical repair service and installation, plus stellar customer service with every call. When you work with us, there is never a need to worry about hidden costs added to your bill because we feature flat-rate pricing on all services

Signs You Need Electrical Repair Service

Electrical repairs can come in a variety of shapes and sizes; some are minor and don’t really affect any part of your home while others affect the entire house. Some of the signs that indicate you may need the help of residential electrical contractors include broken or damaged wall sockets, flickering lights, a scorched smell near sockets, inconsistent performance, short circuits, sparks, and if you have older wiring in your home that hasn’t been updated in a long time. When you call us for electrical wiring repair, you can expect a quick and safe solution.

Do I Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade?

The electrical panel for your home is typically in your basement or garage, containing circuit breakers or fuses that work to keep all your electrical outlets supplied with power. If your electrical panel is older and has been experiencing tripped circuits or blown fuses on a consistent basis, then it may be time for an electrical panel upgrade or electrical panel replacement. You may also need an upgrade if you need surge protection, or if you find that your electrical appliances outnumber the available outlets in the house.

Risks of DIY Electrical Repairs

Just because you may be handy around the house, doesn’t mean you should try your hand at electrical troubleshooting and repair. In fact, one mistake during the process could cost you your life, or start a fire that destroys your home and endangers your family. You could also run into legal problems if your electrical repair service hasn’t been properly inspected. At the least, your insurance claims will be denied, and you’ll be on the hook for medical expenses and property damage. Do yourself a favor and call a professional Wenatchee electrician right from the start.

How To Choose The Best Outdoor Lighting For Your Home

Security and Safety

The first and most important goal of outdoor lighting is for safety and security. This is achieved by illuminating your front entrance, pathways, and stairs, as well as the darkest corners of your property. All of these areas should be considered when designing an effective lighting plan, as well as making sure your plan can be built upon as time, budget, and exterior space allow.

Choosing Your Style

Once the dream plan is done, the usual starting point would be the outdoor lanterns and path lighting to greet your guests. Choosing a look which complements the style of your home’s façade and your existing door hardware is the most creative part of choosing your outdoor fixtures. Personally, I like to mix it up and have fun with my styles and colors, and make my own rules. For example, a stainless steel finish with an ornate design is unusual, and definitely sets apart your style from your neighbor’s.  It is easy to choose a style that suits you with the many outdoor lighting options and many combinations of colors and textures in stone and siding materials these days. If you like to keep it simple, many lights come in collections, where different types of fixtures all come with the same design and finish.

When selecting the lanterns for your exterior lighting there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration, to assure that the fixtures will meet your needs. Scale, mounting, and bulb types are all very important in the selection process. One of the biggest issues that gets overlooked is the placement of the junction box on the wall, which often interferes with the direction the fixture will hang. If hung incorrectly the fixture will not illuminate the surrounding area correctly and may even shine back into your windows

Type Of Light

I am often asked which bulb is the correct type to use in exterior fixtures. I do not have the perfect answer for that question. The bulb type is usually dictated by the fixture itself, but my preferences are LED (light-emitting diode), CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) and incandescent bulbs. LED lamps seem to be the direction that all manufacturers are leaning, and that it exciting because of the sleek designs and the energy savings that they offer.

About the Author

We have been active in the Design and Construction Industry since 1982 in the Portland metro area. The broad experience that she brings to Chown is used every day in helping her clients reach their dreams of the perfect room or project. In her spare time, uses her creative talents to make one of a kind jewelry pieces using materials that she collects or are given to her by the team of treasure hunters in her life. Other favorite pastimes are working in her flower beds which she refers to as “dirt therapy” and cooking up pretty amazing meals for family and friends.

Outdoor Lighting Tips for Beginners

If you want to focus on the architecture of your home instead of your landscape, you can choose from a wide variety of lighting styles. The subtle scheme in this photo will create a moonlight effect after the sun goes down resulting in soft, inviting highlights as if moonbeams were lighting the property.

Creating an outdoor lighting design for your house and yard might not be at the top of your home improvement “to do” list but there are practical and aesthetic reasons for doing it, from increasing the security and safety of your property to providing additional curb appeal at night.

Getting Started

The first thing you need to consider is your current setup for exterior lighting. Do you have lighting fixtures already installed or the necessary outlets and/or connections for the job at hand? Many newly constructed homes in residential areas are often equipped with outdoor lighting sources on the left and right corners of the house. If you don’t have a basic setup like this, you should hire an electrician to do it. If you have a home with a less conventional facade and architectural features that  extend or recede from a standard straight line layout across the front, you might consider installing additional light sources to highlight these areas.

Picking Your Subject

Regardless of whether you are lighting your front or backyard, you need to decide what you want to highlight in your design. Is it your landscape, specific trees or shrubs, a fountain or maybe a courtyard area? In most cases, exterior lighting sources are as high as the eaves of houses or higher with the light shining down, but there are always exceptions to this. For example, Burks says, “If it’s a newly installed landscape project and it’s not a very mature landscape, you’re probably only going to be able to go from the ground up. The problem with trying to light landscape for the first time is our brains are used to having the light shine down from the sun and the moon.” If you are only interested in lighting something specific like a walkway, you may find that you can accomplish that effectively with ground lighting or a combination of high and low lights for the best results

Choices of Light

Your choices for exterior lighting are primarily going to be flood lights, spotlights or path lights and you might want to consider a combination of all three depending on how elaborate you want your lighting schema to be. Flood lights will cast a wide beam suitable for illuminating a large area but spot lights will disperse a narrower beam of light, usually less than 45 degrees wide. Path lights, of course, are most effective for lighting walkways and paths.

TIPS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPES OF OUTDOOR LIGHTING

A garden without outdoor lighting can never be used to the fullest extent, depriving you of great pleasure. Outdoor lighting has many benefits like improved security, enhanced aesthetics, and it adds to the curb appeal of your property. Outdoor lighting fixtures are available in a variety of styles and finishes, and these add to the style quotient of your home. Fixtures with quality waterproofing do not require shelter and can rough it out in any season. However, lights with minimal waterproofing can be used in semi-outdoor areas like covered patios and decks, etc.

Practical Aspects to Keep In View

You need to pay attention to certain aspects while choosing outdoor lights such as the IP rating, which is always mentioned on the packaging. This factor is vital because when you fit any lights outdoors, they need to be durable and waterproof. Let us see what IP (Ingress Protection) rating indicates. Look at the first and second digit. These digits tell you the levels of sealing effectiveness of the lights from intrusion – the first digit related to foreign bodies like dust, tools, etc. and the second digit to moisture.

Entrance Light Fittings

Entrance lights are the face of your house because they brighten the path to the front door of your home. The illumination they provide makes it easy for you to welcome visitors and identify callers at your door. Use 60W porch lights that complement the styling of your front door and exterior architecture.

Patio and Deck light fixtures

Do you use your outdoor area for dining and entertaining friends often? Then patio lights can make the place more usable. You can choose from a variety of light fittings to suit your style preferences. Install wall-mounted decorative lights, recessed spotlights for the ceiling area, or pendant glass lamps to create the perfect mood. Ensure that the lighting theme beautifies your furniture, and illuminates the outdoor area correctly, allowing you to use these spaces optimally.

Decorative Lights

Decorative lights bring your outdoors to life, add charm to the place, and create a warm and pleasant environment. Colourful or white lights, string lights, accent lights, and light curtains swaying in the breeze induce a cheerful and ethereal atmosphere. There is an amazing variety of outdoor lights to choose from so you can turn your yard into a comfortable and beautiful place. Illuminate particular features like trees, a fountain in the garden, or the path by using accent lights or uplighters.

Buying guide: How to choose the right outdoor Christmas lights

One of the best things about Christmas is lighting up your house. It creates a warm, glowing welcome when you arrive home. And festive light displays always put people in a good mood! Outdoor Christmas lights can be confusing because there are so many types to choose from. So I’ve put together a handy buying guide to explain the different styles, bulbs and power options.

POWER SUPPLY AND BULBS

Make sure you buy lights that are marked for outdoor or external use. Indoor lights are not designed for outdoor use and could easily blow a fuse. Most modern outdoor lights use LED bulbs, which stands for light-emitting diode. They are very efficient and use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them cheaper to power. They are also low-voltage and don’t overheat, so they are safer for children.

There are two power options available: mains supply and battery-powered.

Mains supply lights plug into your electricity supply. If you choose this option, please make sure everything is safe! You will need to check that all sockets, cables and connections are fully waterproofed. The slightest bit of moisture in an electrical circuit can be extremely dangerous. Make sure to buy and fit proper socket covers.

STRING LIGHTS

String lights and fairy lights are one the most popular types of Christmas lights. They can be used in all sorts of ways. Hang them from your eaves, window frames and conservatory roof. Trail them along fences and paths or wrap them around tree trunks and other structures. You can also use short battery-powered versions to decorate wreaths and pile into jars and storm lanterns to decorate steps.

NOVELTY LIGHTS

The other type of Christmas lights come in novelty shapes and silhouettes. It’s a great way to create a warm welcome to your home. Try one feature or a whole collection for a festive scene. Novelty lights can be freestanding or hanging. There are loads of possibilities, from simple shapes like trees, stars and baubles to characters like Santa and reindeer. They can have wire frames and there’s even a trend for inflatables lit up from inside.

Select Outdoor Yard Lights for Security and Energy Savings

Many rural residences and farmsteads use yard lights to provide night security and to illuminate driveways and buildings after dark. Selecting the right light will produce the results you want while saving energy.

How much light?

Light intensity is measured in foot candles. One lumen of light energy falling on one square foot creates one foot candle. For general yard security and movement, a light intensity of one half to two foot candles is recommended. This light intensity can be created by 100 to 175 watts of lamp size mounted 25 feet above ground and serving no more than 8,000 square feet.

What type of light fixture?

Unshielded lamps send light in all directions. Even standard downward-facing fixtures can lose one third of their light to the sides. A full parabolic reflector fixture will direct the most light to the ground in your target area and allow desired light intensity with a smaller lamp.

What type of lamp?

Lamp efficiency is one factor to consider and is measured in lumens of light per watt of electric consumption, vary widely. Some lamps are slow to start or to reach full intensity. 

Standard incandescent and halogen lamps produce only 15 to 20 lumens per watt, but come on almost instantly. These lamps are fairly short-lived, but do not suffer from frequent on-off cycles. They are best where use time is short and the lamp is easy to access to change bulbs.

How to Choose the right electrical wire?

Whenever you shop for electrical wire, you will see that there are numbers of types and sizes from which you have to choose from. So different types of wire are made for different uses, but with any of these wire types knowing the right wire sizes or gauge, is key to making the right choices. Wire gauge refers to the physical size of the wire, rated with numerical designation that runs opposite to the diameter of the conductors . In other words, the smaller the wire gauge number, the larger the wire diameter.

Stranded vs. Solid Wire

One more thing to keep in mind is to select the style of wire that best fits your needs. Some wire is stranded, while other wire consists of a solid copper conductor. In installations using metal conduit, the solid wire doesn’t always pull as easily if the conduit has a large number of bends. But solid wire is usually easier to secure under screw terminals, such as those found on standard switches and receptacles.

Why wire gauge is important?

Incase of overloading wire and overheating them, circuit breakers or fuses gives good protection but they are not much reliable and not  a foolproof protection. Both circuit breakers and fuse are designed to sense current loads to “trip” or “blow” before the wires can overheat up to the danger point.

There is the potential for danger anytime a device or appliance tries to draw more power on a circuit than the wire gauge is rated for. For example, plugging a heater rated for 22 amps into a 16-amp circuit wired with 1.50 sq. mm wire poses a distinct danger.

Differently it will be very safe by plugging appliances with moderate electric load into circuit with heavier gauge and a higher amperage rating. So, for example, running a laptop computer with a very small amperage demand on a 22-amp circuit wired with 2.50 sq. mm wire is perfectly fine.

How to Find The Suitable Size of Cable & Wire for Electrical Wiring Installation?

Whenever current flows through a conductor, a voltage drop occurs in that conductor. Generally, voltage drop may neglect for small length of conductors but in case of a lower diameter and long length conductors, we have to take into account the considerable voltage drops for proper wiring installation and future load managment.

In electrical wiring circuits, voltage drops also occur from the distribution board to the different sub circuit and final sub circuits, but for sub circuits and final sub circuits, the value of voltage drop should be half of that allowable voltage drops (i.e. 2.75V of 5.5V as calculated above)

we will follow both methods and system for finding voltage drops (in meter and 100 feet) in our solved example for whole electrical installation wiring).

How to Determine the Proper Cable & Wire Size for Given Load?

Below are solved examples showing how to find the proper Cable Size for Given Load. For a given load, cable size may be found with the help of different tables but we should keep in mind and follow the rules about voltage drop.

Solved Examples of Proper Wire & Cable Size

Following are the examples of determining the proper Size of cables for electrical wiring installation which will make it easy to understand the method of “how to determine the proper size of cable for a given load”.

Wire Types and Sizing

When wiring a house, there are many types wire to choose from, some copper, others aluminum, some rated for outdoors, others indoors.  In general however, there are only a couple varieties used for wiring a residential home.

Romex Cables

Romex (shown in yellow above) is the trade name for a type of electrical conductor with non-metallic sheathing that is commonly used as residential branch wiring. In fact, Romex will be the most common cable you’ll use in wiring a house.

The following are a few basic facts about Romex wiring:

Romex ™ is a common type of residential wiring that is categorized by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as underground feeder (UF) or non-metallic sheathed cable (NM and NMC).

NM and NMC conductors are composed of two or more insulated conductors contained in a non-metallic sheath. The coating on NMC cable is non-conducting, flame-resistant and moisture-resistant. Unlike other cables commonly found in homes, they are permitted in damp environments, such as basements.

Underground feeder conductors appear similar to NM and NMC cables except that UF cables contain a solid plastic core and cannot be “rolled” between fingers.

The following NEC regulations apply to Romex conductors:

They must be protected, secured and clamped to device boxes, junction boxes and fixtures.

Support devices that may damage the cables, such as bent nails and overdriven staples, are not permitted.

NM and NMC cables should be secured at intervals that do not exceed 4½ feet, and they should be secured within 12 inches of junction boxes and panels to which they are attached. Cables that do not comply with this rule can sag and are vulnerable to damage.

They are intended as permanent wiring in homes and should not be used as a substitute for appliance wiring or extension cords.

Romex is used for most lighting and outlet circuits in your home.  Romex will be labeled with “12-2” or “12-3”.  The first number indicates the gauge of the wire.  You choices are typically 10, 12, or 14 gauge.  The second number indicates the number of conductors. A 12-2 Romex will have a black(hot) and a white(neutral) wire as well as an unsheathed copper wire for ground.  A 12-3 Romex will have a black(hot), red(hot), white(neutral), and bare copper.  The red on a 12-3 is used for three-way light switches which are covered later.

Tips for electrical wiring

Power Tests

Always check & test wires and devices for power inside the box you are working in to prevent electric shock before working on them. Sometimes, even if you shut off power, some wiring may be connected to another circuit & hence may still pose a threat of electric shock.

Uncoil Cable

The best way to easily instal cables is to straighten them out first. Pull the cable from the centre of the coil & lift a handful of coils. Next step is to toss them across the floor as if you’re throwing a coiled rope. Once untangled, it helps in easier handling & neater storage

Amperage Rating

Amperage Rating or Amp needs to be checked for all electrical wiring & devices. Before installing or changing wiring, one must have the appropriate amp rating for all circuits. For example, a 30-amp circuit must have a right-gauge wiring to prevent fire hazard.

Grounding Wires

Grounding provides a safe path for extra electric current to pass in case of a fault or any other issue. Follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagrams & understand grounding systems.

Boxes & Clamps

You need to ensure enclosing all wiring connections in appropriate electrical boxes or clamps. Enclosures protect the connection as well as the people from accidental contacts with those connections.

QUICK TIPS FOR SELECTING THE RIGHT ELECTRICAL WIRE & CABLE | TPC

Can you think of at least one area where you’re replacing electrical wires and cables often? What happens when this cable fails? Unplanned downtime? You’re too busy for that. Why is it failing? Is there a lot of flexing or tension on this particular wire? Is the area known to occasional, or frequent impact? Does your cable come into contact with chemicals or exposure to extreme temperatures?

When choosing the right cable for your problem area, you must first ask yourself why the cable is failing and how often it disrupts production? If your answer is often, it’s time to look for a longer-lasting product. As experts in the industry, we can help you find the right solution for your failing cable

tips to consider when choosing the right electrical wires and cables with the most life and reliability for your needs:

If the area you have in mind is experiencing frequent flexing or tension, you’ll want a cable that is finely stranded and has a high durometer like our Trex-Onics C-Flex product.

If you’re looking for a cable that might need to be protected from impact, like getting hit or run over, you’ll want to consider a cable with a thick, reinforced jacket. Our Super-Trex portable cord is lined with 100% fabric serve. Don’t like yellow? They come in black, too.

Do you have harsh chemicals in your plant? You’ll likely want to explore our Chem-Gard 200 TC Rated cable, solution with a specially compounded fluoropolymer jacket and conductor insulation.

If you have extreme temperatures — hot or cold, you’ll want to visit our Thermo-Trex 850, a high-temperature electrical wire for your environment.

Tips for Choosing the Best Electrical Contractor for Your Business

Whether you need to retrofit an area of your business or remodel your entire building, choosing the right electrical contractor is one of the most important decisions you make to determine the success of the project. Commercial electric work requires an electrician with experience and skill working on large scale projects at businesses such as yours.

Gather Recommendations from your Network

Work your network to get good recommendations from family, friends and other business owners. Specifically, ask about the scope of their projects and whether they were satisfied with the finished job. You can also consult with local hardware and electrical supply stores, which often have a short list of professionals they recommend to their customers.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

Going with the lowest bid on your project might save some money in the short term, but you need to make sure that the commercial electrician you choose has the appropriate licensing and insurance for the work you need completed. A licensed electrician by law must carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance for accidents and injuries that might occur at your business. Hiring someone that only carries the minimum is opening yourself to risk, so never be afraid to ask a company for a copy of their insurance certificates. This is very common and they should have this information readily available. Note that bonded electricians have insurance that covers you if your electrician abandons the project and disappears.

Assess Credentials and Training

When you interview each electrician, you should evaluate their experience and capability, based on their past work. You should also find out if each electrician has the proper license. The highest license in Florida is the Unlimited Electrical Contractor license, which means the company is qualified to do anything electrical. There are various other licenses for specialties like fire alarm, low voltage, etc. Besides the company being state licensed, individual electricians can be licensed as either Master or Journeyman electrician by their local county. If they are a “card-carrying” electrician, they will at least have passed a basic test on code requirements.

Check Reviews and References

References still mean something in an increasingly digital world. So, find out as much as you can about the kind of jobs the commercial electrician has done. Then, ask for and call prior clients to assess their satisfaction with the work done. If you can, ask the electrical contractor to provide the contact information of recent clients for the same work being done on your home. Though it’s time-consuming to do this for each company you evaluate, make sure to follow through on the top three to five picks.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIAN

If you’re a commercial property owner in Saugus, Massachusetts or surrounding areas, you probably don’t spend too much time thinking about electricians. Most days, your lights turn on the way they should, you and your tenants are satisfied with internal and external lighting, and you go about your day thinking about more important things.

There’s an ice storm and your entire building loses power. Or a pesky tenant plugs in a piece of new equipment and blows the circuit for the entire building. Or maybe your air conditioning unit goes out in the middle of summer and you’re at risk for losing all of your perishable inventory

WHY YOUR COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIAN MATTERS

Sure, you could conduct a quick Google search for “electrical services in New Haven” or even pick up the good, old fashioned phone book and call the first commercial electrician you see. But that’s rarely the best way to find an emergency electrician you trust.

CAN THEY MEET YOUR COMMERCIAL DEMANDS?

Let us be perfectly clear, not every electrician in Saugus is cut out to be a commercial electrician, especially if you have a particularly large company. The equipment, skills, and team size of a residential electrician are vastly different than a commercial electrician. Commercial and residential electrical work are completely different in terms of energy needs, load demands, and equipment setup. Hiring the wrong one can mean a delay in repairs, which translates to lost revenue for your company.

DO THEY HAVE PROPER LICENSING & INSURANCE?

Even if a commercial electrician has the skills, it’s not worth hiring them unless they also have the proper licensing and insurance to work in your state. Hiring an electrician who’s not properly licensed and insured could be a financial disaster for your Saugus business if something goes wrong during the repairs.

How to Choose a Contractor for Your Business

If your business is eyeing new construction, renovating existing space or updating infrastructure to improve energy efficiency, security or networking, you’re faced with the task of sifting through a lengthy list of commercial electrical contractors to find the one that’s right for your project. You’ll need to do your homework to find the provider who can deliver the best in safety, service and results.

Define Your Project

Start by identifying the scope of your project. Is it new construction or renovation? Will you need a contractor with experience in all aspects of the general contracting process, from initial design and scheduling to final inspection and ongoing maintenance? Do you need an assessment of existing systems to identify specific areas for improved energy efficiency and performance? Will your project involve specialized services such as fire alarm, voice and data or security systems? Does it include outdoor space, such as landscape lighting, parking lot lighting or perimeter security?

Consider Experience and Expertise

Once you know what services you’ll need, look for commercial electrical contractors who can demonstrate experience and capability in delivering them. Find out how long they have been in business. An established company is likely to have a record and reputation based on projects that it has completed over the years. Look for a contractor with a professional portfolio that includes the types of work that you need done.

Commercial construction, renovation or build-out can be demanding and complex. Consider whether the contractor has the skills and experience to handle all facets of the work without the need for additional or specialty sub-contractors. An electrical contractor with a broad range of services can realize substantial cost savings over one who needs to budget the outsourcing of project components

Verify Licenses, Insurance and Certifications

One of the most important ways to protect your business from potential liability during construction or renovation is to confirm that a contractor is licensed and insured in the project location. Secure a copy of the contractor’s license and insurance indemnification. Ensure that any subcontractors are also licensed and insured. If a contractor claims specialized certification, research the requirements for attaining it and the meaning of the certification within the industry. Make sure that the proposal specifies that all work will comply with the National Electrical Code and National Electrical Installation Standards as well as any additional specific requirements of state or local jurisdictions

ELECTRICAL REMODELING FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Have you been planning on carrying out electrical remodeling in your home or office but you can’t find a suitable contractor? It is very important that you choose a licensed and professional specialist who will consider all your needs and complete the job exactly as you planned. Prolectric Electrical Services is ready to relieve you from stress and overwhelming challenges. We do both new electrical installation and remodeling.

Our highly-trained technicians will ensure you have a safe electrical system which is up to code and adequate for modern needs. When we carry out your electrical remodeling, we’ll upgrade the wiring and breaker boxes. We can also add new lighting fixtures, power outlets or ceiling fans.

Whether you want electrical remodeling services for your commercial or residential building,  we’re here to help you. Choosing the right electrician is important if you want the job done correctly and in a timely manner. We’ll listen to your requests and ask the right questions so we can give you the results you want and help you stay within budget.

Bathrooms – As you know, water and electricity make for a potentially deadly combination. We take great care in placing Ground Control Fault Interrupters so you and your family are protected from shock

Kitchens – Whether you need under-the-sink lights or a complete commercial kitchen renovation, we’re the right company for the job.

How to Find Electricians: Find the Best Electrician for You

Expert Tips and Quotes on Finding, Evaluating, and Working with Professional Electricians

Finding yourself in need of the services of a professional electrician is not an everyday occurrence for homeowners or business owners, so many find themselves unsure where to look to find qualified local electricians, how to determine the best electrician for the job, and what certifications and qualifications a professional electrician should have.

Experts help demystify the process of finding local electricians, along with evaluating and comparing their qualifications. Plus, experts provide insights into determining the professional best-suited for any project. As a result

local, professional electrician capable of handling your complex electrical projects without leaving you in a lurch when things don’t go as planned or you find that the work is not performing adequately after the project is complete.

Don’t attempt electrical work yourself if you’re inexperienced.

“A faulty wiring system in a home is a fire that is waiting to happen. For this reason, it is important that you hire a highly qualified and experienced electrician. Wiring is a vast and interdependent network and needs to be done with precision. Even circuits that appear safe, but poorly designed cause damage to electric equipment and appliance motors. This is due to the fact that they can deliver the wrong amount of amperage. These electrical problems may sometimes affect your lighting in your home. The decision to hire a qualified and experienced electrician can possibly save you from these problems while avoiding safety hazards as well.”

Most electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician.

“Anything beyond changing out a light fixture, light switch or electrical outlet should be done by a licensed electrician. If you are dealing with new construction and want to save a few dollars on labor costs, you can attach outlet, switch, and light boxes to the framing but leave all wiring to the electrician. These electrical boxes should be attached firmly to the framing and you should consult an electrician as to the positioning and location of the boxes.”

Electrical Inspection: Why It Is Important Before Buying a Home

A proper home inspection is incomplete without having the electrical inspected thoroughly. That’s because an electrical inspection not only clearly reports the health of your electrical system, but it also makes sure that the home is up to safety standards, as required by the National Electrical Code. Therefore, you should never ignore the importance of getting an electrical inspection done when purchasing a home.

What is involved in an electrical inspection?

The comprehensive electrical inspection for a house involves looking for uncovered or exposed wires, outdated wiring, and electrical equipment, testing safety switches, power box, smoke alarm testing, and determining any electrical hazard. These are some standard electrical inspection checklist components that should be taken into account.

Why You May Need a Home Electrical Inspection?

There are many reasons for getting an electrical inspection. Old wirings cannot withstand modern-day living needs, so electrical inspection services aid you in your decision to buy an older home. Besides, when purchasing a resale home, you should always have a comprehensive electrical inspection. Owners renovate, add equipment that is often unlicensed and not up to today’s standards.

You should even consider electrical inspection before starting a major renovation of your house. This will provide you an idea of whether your current electrical system will withstand the latest equipment that you are planning to install in the new construction.

Helps You Identify Common Electrical Mistakes

An electrical inspection should be included in the overall home inspection report. Before hiring your home inspector make sure that they will thoroughly inspect the electrical of the house, so ensure any dangerous electrical situations are found. These can be very expensive to repair once the property has been purchased. The inspector should identify any common electrical mistakes that were made by contractors and previous DIY homeowners. The inspector should also check for electrical wiring and components that may have degraded over time

How to Choose a Home Inspector

What Really Matters in a Home Inspection

Home inspections can help prevent stress and wasted time for both buyers and sellers. However for those receiving a home inspection, you will be absorbing a lot of information in a short amount of time. This will likely include a written report, checklist, photos, environmental reports, and what the inspector communicates with you. Choosing the right home inspector is a very important first step.

As a home buyer, it is important to remember that no home is absolutely perfect. Even an inspection on a newly constructed home will likely include some noted defects on the inspection report. Most of your inspection will be related to maintenance details and minor imperfections with the property. However, an inspection can help bring attention to possible areas that should be addressed with the seller before you buy the home.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Inspection

On the day of the inspection, the inspector performs an initial site evaluation. If you are on-site for the inspection, the inspector should take you on a tour. The inspector should point out the assets as well as any potential problems. Pay attention, ask plenty of questions and learn. A thorough inspection can find problems related to water entry, roof leaks, unsafe wiring, failed septic systems, poor plumbing, and safety hazards

How to Choose a Home Inspector

So how can an inspector have expertise in so many different things? The simple answer is: Some don’t. That’s why it’s important to check an inspector’s background and references.

Most home inspections are thorough, but even the best inspectors might not catch everything. “The inspector is performing a visual inspection on the condition of the home on that day,” says Micah Stephens of SafeShield Inspections. “He or she cannot visualize what is behind walls or concrete. But my goal is always to provide a top-quality inspection and information to help my clients make an informed decision.”

Common Electrical Problems Found During Home Inspections

Whenever a home is being sold, it’s a common (and smart) practice for a prospective buyer to hire a qualified home inspector. Home inspectors can not only help assess a home or buildings condition but identify potential problems that may be factored into the terms of a sale or purchase price. In some cases buyers also engage the services of a licensed electrician to check and identify any electrical problems that a regular home inspector might miss

Extension Cords in Permanent Use

Extension cords are to be used on a temporary basis for an external or remote power supply. If somebody is using extension cords on an everyday basis, that can only mean one thing: There aren’t enough outlets to handle all of the electrical devices the home or building uses today. This is more common in older homes, but it is a safety concern and it should always be corrected prior to a sale.

Improperly Wired Switches

This is a common problem electricians find when doing an inspection. People who try to do their own wiring or hire somebody who has only rudimentary electrical skills will often use reverse polarity when wiring a switch or an outlet. This happens when hot and neutral wires get “flipped” around, and doing this creates a shock hazard.

Missing or Faulty GFI Outlets

Faulty GFIs are a major issue even in newer homes in the Las Vegas / Henderson area due to the common use of cheap > lower quality materials. GFI (short for ground fault interrupter) outlets are what’s required wherever an electrical outlet is close to a source of water (like in a bathroom). The indicator of GFI failure is when they prematurely or frequently ‘trip’ resulting in the loss of power to localized electrical components (lights or other power supplies on the same circuit). GFI replacement is a relatively quick fix for a licensed electrician, and with higher quality components will result in several years of reliable use. It’s essential that GFIs are kept in good working order as their function is to protect you from the possibility of electrocution

Double-Tapped / Lugged Breakers

This is when multiple wires are attached to a single breaker – a dangerous practice. As most circuit breakers are designed for single wires, this can cause loose connections, arcing, and potentially a fire. This is typically corrected by either the addition of additional breakers or in some cases where there are not load concerns, by wire nutting the connections together prior to the breaker panel.

Tips to picking your home inspector

Blundy Home Inspections is a locally owned and family operated home inspection company located in Portland, Michigan. We have been providing clients in the Mid-Michigan area with reliable home inspection services for over 5 years. We can help you determine if your future investment is going to be a good one. Before you make your final decision on a home, you should know what needs to be repaired upfront. It is important to learn about undisclosed structural or functional issues before you buy a home instead of after – that’s what we’re here for. During an inspection, we look at the roof, electrical, HVAC system, plumbing, insulation, foundation, well and septic, Radon and Carbon Monoxide, pests, and much more.

Know the Value of Your Potential Property

When you have your future home inspected, you will get a detailed report including pictures of anything that is wrong with it. This will help you to know what you are getting into beforehand so that you do not end up spending more money on repairs than you intended. Many properties that look like good investments have hidden problems that only professionals know how to find. We will look in specific places and use a technological analysis from products such as Home Gauge Software. Our clients will appreciate receiving an extensive inspection that will let them know if their potential home is going to be of good value or not worth the price being asked.

Get Answers to Your Questions

You can have confidence when Blundy Home Inspections goes over your home and provides a detailed analysis. Working with a trusted and experienced home inspector is critical to better understand the state of your potential investment. Home buyers and sellers are sometimes caught off guard at the last minute when they find an inspector missed a critical item causing delays in the buying or selling process. We can’t express enough how important it is to work with an inspector that can provide an accurate and reliable analysis. Blundy Home Inspections guarantees to answer all your questions and our goal is to provide you with peace of mind during the inspection process.

How to Get the Most From a Home Inspection

Your bid just got accepted on the home you want, and suddenly there’s so much to think about—the mortgage, the homeowners insurance, your move.

As the clock ticks toward closing, your real estate agent hurries you along. In such a high-stakes rush, braking for a slo-mo walk through your future home as an inspector peers over rooftops, pokes at basement walls, and peeks into crawl spaces may seem like a luxury you can ill afford.

But of all the things you need to get done, a home inspection should be at the top of the list. It’s your one opportunity to have a trained professional diagnose the health of a home’s mechanicals, structure, plumbing, roof, and all sorts of other components.

It’s a chance to get to know the house a little better before you fully commit. And the report the inspector produces gives you leverage to negotiate a lower price, especially if costly issues turn up.