electrical safety Archives

How To Install A Dryer Outlet

Posted on August 3, 2019 | by K Hopkins

dryers We all know the sweet feeling of pulling out a clean, fresh, and dry clothing item from the electric dryer. At that moment when all that freshness and dryness touches your skin, you enjoy this often unrecognized pleasure of life.

The only thing that can stand in the way of experiencing this each day is a faulty dryer outlet.

An electric dryer is a tough machine, and it often demands much power. Hence, the ideal outlet to provide enough power for this equipment must be a 240V and 110V outlet. The 240V supplies enough electrical power to heat the dryer and get it working at full capacity. Then the 110V supplies electricity to control the timers in the dryer. So, you see a good 240V and 110V dryer outlet ensures your safety while providing power to the dryer.

Can a dryer outlet be fixed?
Sure! But a replacement is much cheaper and safer than trying to fix a faulty outlet. Here is how you can install a dryer outlet.

Take precautions
Before beginning any electrical work (no matter how small you think it is) you should turn off the power. Electrical hazards and accidents can be avoided by doing this. If you don’t know which circuit services that area or outlet, you can switch off power to the entire house instead.
Unscrew the receptacle
The receptacle is largely represented by the white faceplate. Remove the faulty receptacle from the wall by unscrewing any screw you find on the faceplate. There are usually two on opposite sides of the faceplate. When the screws are taken out, you can easily pull the receptacle from the wall but you should do this with care and little force because the receptacle will remain connected to the wires in the wall. Set the screws aside for later use.
Next, unscrew the terminals with a right-sized screwdriver. A small screwdriver should work best for this. When the terminals have been unscrewed the entire outlet can be pulled from the wall easily.
Replacing the outlet
It is advisable to purchase an outlet in a similar size and shape to the one you need to remove. This makes it easier to install the new dryer outlet without having to change the size of the hole.
Feed the cable through the cable grip in the wall, then tighten the gripping screws to hold it in place. Don’t clamp the bare metal of the cable. Ensure you clamp only the insulated part.
Wiring
Strip the wire using a razor knife or a cutting tool. Connect the grounding wire to the green screw and the neutral white wire to the terminal. Connect the red and black wires to the other terminals. Now that this is done. Look at the setup to ensure that the wires are tucked nicely and neatly. Push the wires into the box and screw the receptacle back in with the faceplate.

Test the new dryer outlet. If you encounter any problems or cannot do this yourself, don’t hesitate to call an electrician.

5 Signs Your House is Ready for New Wiring

Posted on June 3, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Home wiring is something many homeowners often forget to consider with other home maintenance issues. This is not strange because home electrical wiring is usually tucked away behind the walls. Hence, as long as your outlets work and the lights come on, you won’t be thinking about the wiring behind it all.

Contrary to this, it is vital that homeowners place more importance on the status of their electrical wiring. The reasons why doing this is vital are:

Home wiring provides electricity to the home, and a fault could mean an inefficient or unreliable electrical system.
Faulty wiring is the most common cause of home electrical fires, which can lead to the loss and destruction of lives and property.

Thankfully, you can avoid being a victim of either of these situations. Electrical problems in the home can easily be detected and fixed before they can do any damage. This means you must learn what to look out for and when it is time to call a professional electrician.
Warning Signs You Need New Wiring

Dimming or flickering lights
If you have ever experienced this, then you know how frustrating it can be. Dimming and flickering lights occur when the lights are receiving too little voltage or power to function. Now, this might happen occasionally when you plug in a power demanding appliances like a washing machine or blow dryer, but the lights should normalize soon after.
However, when dimming and flickering lights become frequent, even in the absence of a power demanding appliance, it is a clear warning sign that something is wrong with the home wiring.
Tripping breaker
Breakers are designed to switch off automatically when they sense an excessive demand for power that is more than they can provide. This is a safety feature aimed at protecting your home. But when it occurs regularly, it is advisable to call an electrical technician immediately.
Humming outlets or burn marks
Outlets undergo rough and hard treatment in the home. Most people yank at them, jam electrical plugs in, and even try to poke the outlet with different objects. This overuse usually makes an outlet the starting point of an electrical fire. If you observe discoloration, burns, arcs, or a humming/sparking sound from any outlet in the home, call an electrician immediately. This is a very serious sign and must be handled in a timely manner.
A burning smell
The burning smell of an electrical wire is hard to miss. It is sharp and tricky because you may be unable to pinpoint its source. It is a sign of faulty wiring and a looming electrical fire.
Electrical shock
Sometimes when the wiring is damaged, you can experience electrical shocks from outlets. If you receive electrical shocks while plugging or unplugging an electrical device, call for professional help immediately.

Other telltale signs include age of the home and increasing demands for power in the home. All signs of an electrical wiring problem require that you reach out to professionals at The Electric Connection for a new and updated wiring system.

Why Should I Replace a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel?

Posted on May 28, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Electrical panels service homes and buildings by providing and controlling power. It is vital that such an important electrical appliance is safe and dependable. When this is not the case, homes and buildings can run into several electrical based problems that range from inefficient electricity supply to fires, electric shocks, and more.

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels (FPE) were highly popular electrical panels sold and installed in millions of homes throughout the Pacific Northwest from the 1950s to the 1980s. After a few years, people discovered that all FPE panels were problematic. They began to overheat easily and even cause electrical fires. Some electricians advise homeowners to maintain or constantly evaluate FPE panels. This is unsafe. It is much wiser to replace these panels if you have them in your home.

The reason why a replacement is ideal is mostly because of their problems and danger to lives and property. When these panels were tested by the Customer Safety Product Commission, they found that they had a shockingly high rate of failure which made them a safety hazard. At the time these panels were first introduced, homes did not have most of the electrical appliances and needs of recent times. Hence, these issues were partly hidden.

With more accidents caused by FPE occurring in homes, further investigations were made which revealed that FPE falsified their UL testing making their UL listing invalid. Virtually every panel installed contained defective breakers and the implications of this are unavoidable house fires.

What if I turned off the breaker occasionally?
Some electricians believe that if you turn the breakers on and off, then it is possible to use FPE panels without problems. This has never been shown to stop any issues with FPE breakers rather it only gets worse. If you opt for evaluating each breaker, that would cost much more than a replacement.

How much does it cost to replace my FPE panel?
The costs vary depending on the electrician you hire, any damages the panel has already caused, number of panels, size of panels, location, business or home building, and much more. You can expect the replacement to be quite an investment but affordable rates are still possible with the right electrical contractors.

How to check if my electrical panel is an FPE panel.
This is easy for homeowners and business owners to do. First, consider if your home or building existed within the years FPE were majorly sold. If your home is not that old, then there is nothing to worry about. These panels are common in much older homes and buildings. If your home falls within the age range, go to the panel and open it. Check thoroughly for the words ‘Stab-Lok’ or ‘Federal Pacific Electrical’ printed anywhere. If you find nothing, check the switches. A red strip across the switches shows it is an FPE panel. If you find none of these, then there is no problem.

You can always contact us at The Electric Connection to do this check for you and proceed with a replacement.

What is involved in a House Rewire?

Posted on May 20, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Rewiring is one of the most difficult, messy, and disruptive maintenance projects you can perform in the home. It is equally time-consuming and costly but very necessary. The lifespan of the electrical installation in a home is usually 25 years. However, this duration can vary depending on use. The electrical system will have to be inspected every 10 years if it is in a privately owned property or every 5 years for a rented property. This inspection guarantees electrical safety.

There are several reasons a homeowner or property investor might consider rewiring a house:

You may want to sell an old home and decide a full house rewire is a great way to add value to the property.
You may have hired an electrician for a routine inspection and discovered that your electrical system is less than ideal.
You may buy an older home and want to be sure of safe and dependable electricity.
You may be experiencing tell-tale signs such as flickering lights, warm outlets, mild electrical shocks, dimming lights, tripping switches, blown fuses, and more.
You may be carrying out a renovation project.

Whatever your reasons for a house rewire, it is important to know what it involves and what to do or expect.

The Cost
The truth is, a full house rewire doesn’t come cheap. If you consider only the costs first and opt for lower quality service, you may place lives and property in danger. A house rewire must be carried out the right way.

The Process
Usually, this rewiring project may take up to four or five days to complete. The size of your home and the number of electricians working may also influence the time it takes to be completed. The first step for all electricians is to inspect and prepare the property. The wiring in your home is set in the ceiling, behind the walls, and within the floorboards. All of these need to be assessed and exposed to work on. You will also be asked to specify any preferences for outlets. Anything that stands between your wiring and the electricians will be taken down to gain access. This is what makes rewiring disruptive and messy.

The first work stage of the house rewiring process is called the first fix. It involves installing new wiring, cabling, back boxes, and circuits. The lighting and socket positions are labeled to make the second fix stage easier. The second fix stage commences after the first fix and it involves the installation of light fittings, socket fronts, light switches, and isolation switches. Next, the consumer unit is set up and connected to the new wiring system. After this step, your new electrical system will be live but a professional electrician won’t leave just yet. They will proceed to test everything and ensure it meets with electrical standards.

At The Electric Connection we follow this procedure thoroughly and work to make things easier for you. We are quick and professional. We guarantee a safe electrical system that adds value and convenience to your home.

What Do Electrical Contractors Do?

Posted on April 24, 2019 | by K Hopkins

The words ‘electrical contractor and electrician’ are often used interchangeably. Many people do not know the difference between both but assume they mean the same thing. In this article, we will discuss what an electrical contractor does and how they are different from an electrician.

An electrical contractor is a business person or company that performs specialized tasks or construction work in relation to the installation, maintenance, and design of an electrical system. In simpler terms, an electrical contractor can be either a firm or a person who performs electrical tasks. An electrician is a personal tradesman. Electricians are employed by electrical contractors.

Job Duties and Description
The duties of an electrical contractor include the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. These are performed on building wiring, breaker box, switches, light fixtures, and so on. Electrical contractors work on residential, commercial, and industrial setting. Their work hours depend on the task at hand. Electrical contractors work within or outside a home or building, they are not restricted like electricians. For example, they may work on power stations while a regular electrician can’t. There are different types of electrical contractors and this makes their services specialized. Some electrical contractors are skilled in almost all areas.

Line Electrical Contractors
Line or outside contractors work on electrical installations or maintenance which are located outside buildings. This primarily includes working on high-voltage power transmission and distribution lines. They ensure the power plant is functional and distributes power as needed into homes and buildings.
Inside Electrical Contractors
These group of contractors work within the boundaries of a property. They provide cabling, installation, maintenance, rewiring, and repair services within residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
Voice/Data/Video Electrical Contractors
Also known as Integrated Building System Electrical Contractors, this type of electrical contractors work with low-voltage installations to ensure they are efficient, functional, and energy saving. These include power controls, backup power, wireless networks, energy-efficient lighting, fiber optics, telecommunications, and security systems.
Becoming an electrical contractor requires an apprenticeship program of 4 years. Electrical contractors learn everything from math, electrical theory, blueprints, work safety, and National electrical codes.

Benefits of Using Electrical Contractors
As a business person or firm, an electrical contractor employs other professional electricians. Hence, work is faster, efficient, and most times affordable. You can also reach out to an electrical contractor for consultation, inspection, and other informational services before hiring to complete the job. They can advise you on the best installations necessary or suitable for your home or building. They can provide energy-saving alternatives and help you establish an overall dependable electrical system. Electrical contractors are experts in troubleshooting services and respond promptly to your needs. With electrical contractors, you are assured of experience, reliability, and professionalism. Unlike an electrician who is an individual tradesman, you can depend on an electrical contractor of a firm. They have integrity and access to all the equipment required for a project. An electrical contractor takes safety seriously. Contact us at The Electric Connection for your outstanding electrical services.

How Much Does it Cost to Rewire a House

Posted on March 22, 2019 | by K Hopkins

A large number of house fires are attributed to faulty wiring. Rewiring your home is the best way to ensure your electrical components are up to date and suitable to carry a modern-day house needs. Many homeowners worry about the costs and the stress of rewiring. Yes, you have to dig deep into your pockets to undertake this project. However, no matter the cost, a reliable electrical system that guarantees safety and efficiency is worth it. The question some homeowners like to ask before they proceed with this project is, how much does it cost to rewire a house. We will discuss all the factors involved with this.

When is rewiring important?
Generally, house rewiring is a necessity in old homes. This is because older homes use less powerful panels that may be unsuitable for the needs of contemporary homes. Also, the electrical components of an old home may be worn out and outdated. They can emit radiations and heat which increases the risk of a house fire.

When circuit breakers trip frequently or fuse blow up in the home, it is a sign of faulty wiring.

If the outlets in the home are warm or hot to touch, emanating burning smell and crackling sounds, or causing electrical shocks, then you need to call a professional electrician immediately.

How do you confirm?

Every homeowner would want to know that they are safe in their home. Regardless of if you experience any of the warning signs above, it is still important to always confirm electrical safety. Routine inspections from a licensed electrician are all you need to determine if you need rewiring or not. When you live in your own home, you can have electrical inspections every ten years. This is different when you are a landlord with a rented property or the tenant. An electrician should inspect such homes at intervals of five years.

Factors that make up the final cost of rewiring

An electrician wouldn’t just give you any quote. There are factors involved which is why an inspection is also necessary before pricing. Here are the things that will be considered for your house rewiring quote

The size of your home
A bigger home will typically cost more to rewire as it would take up more materials and time.
Demolition required
In some homes, it is necessary to tear down existing structures. This labor will be reflected in the cost.
Materials cost
The electrical technicians will cost the types of materials used and include this in the final price.
Empty house or occupied house
Some electricians have a fee to represent this because working in an empty home is faster.
Ease or difficulty of the project
If the previous electrical contractor did a terrible job or if your wiring is extremely damaged, it can impact the ease with which the electrician would work. This will be accounted for as well.

Get a house rewire quote

A small home with basic needs may cost around $1500 to $3000, while larger homes with varying needs can range from $4000 to $10, 000+. In order to get an accurate quote, you will need to consult with an electrician.

Fortunately, The Electric Connection has made it easy to get a house rewire quote. Simply visit this page and answer a few questions and a house rewire quote will be emailed to you!

Are Panel Upgrades Necessary?

Posted on March 20, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Panel upgrades are large projects. They require the expertise of a professional electrician and a good investment in funds. The electrical panels of a home contribute to its overall efficiency. In this modern age, we all rely so much on power to complete day-to-day activities. This power is distributed by the electrical panel of a home or building.

Like all electrical components, the electrical panel can require upgrade or changes. It is subject to fault, wear and tear. Some homeowners try to avoid upgrading the panel and keep using repairs as a shortcut. This is dangerous to lives and property. If you are not convinced about the need for panel upgrades, read on to learn why it is really necessary.

Safety
Unlike cars, bicycles, and other material objects you cannot use an electrical panel to its breaking point. An old or faulty panel is dangerous and difficult to operate. It becomes problematic and prone to electrical issues like heating or sparking. They also increase the risks of house fires and damaged appliances. To avoid home accidents, it is necessary to upgrade old or malfunctioning panels.
Convenience
There are times when you need to make changes to the appliances you use in the home or your lighting preferences. Without a functional panel, it is impossible to enjoy such convenience. Your current panel might not have the capacity to power your home with the new requirements for power. This will lead to frequent tripping which is always frustrating.
Value for your home
An upgraded electrical panel adds value to your home. It makes it attractive to investors and home buyers in the future. No one will be interested in a home with an old panel or a faulty one.
Eliminate electrical problems
Flickering lights, tripping breakers, smoking outlets, warm outlets, and so on are frustrating and worrying electrical problems. An upgraded panel can eliminate these issues. The panel helps to ensure the safe supply of electricity and no electrical hazards in the home.
Saves you money during remodeling
An upgraded panel saves homeowners money, during a remodeling project. There will be no need to upgrade the panel after carrying out a remodeling project in the home if this is already done. This will save homeowners from investing so much on a single project.

How to upgrade the electrical panel

An upgrade is only necessary when you experience signs of a fault in the electrical wiring. It is also carried out when you need to move from a 60-100 amp to a 200amp capacity panel. Ensure that you hire an electrical technician to inspect the house and carry out the upgrade. The project usually costs a substantial sum but takes less than a day to be completed.

What Are The Alternatives to Rewiring a House

Posted on February 19, 2019 | by K Hopkins

House rewiring is something most homeowners don’t want to hear. It involves replacing and upgrading the home’s current wiring for several reasons. House rewiring can be pricey and messy for a lived-in home. The electricians have to access what is in place and change them.

Although it is not every homeowner’s favorite project, it is sometimes inevitable. Before we discuss further, it is important to know why rewiring is necessary.

If you are taking on a remodeling project. This can include extending or converting rooms in a home. This will alter the existing structure and require electrical rewiring to conform to electrical safety rules. If new appliances are fitted in the rooms, the house rewiring will be carried out to accommodate them.
If the home has not been rewired in the last 20 to 30 years. This is common in old homes. Many people choose old homes for a reason. Some want to feel connected to history or enjoy the homeliness that just oozes from such old houses. The downside to all of this is old electrical wiring. A professional electrician should inspect the electrical system of an old home to determine if it needs to be replaced.
If you want to improve convenience. Rewiring is usually required when the current house wiring seems unsafe. However, you can also do this for convenience. Adding new switches, outlets, appliances, and installations may require a house rewiring to accommodate them.

Are there any alternatives?

House rewiring is a big project. It costs money and creates a mess. Of course, there would be less to fix and clean up after if you haven’t moved into the house. The complexity of the project discourages some homeowners.

You might wonder if there are any alternatives to a complete house rewiring. The best option is to call for a survey. An electrical technician can survey your electrical system and tell you the status. If there are faulty outlets in your home, they would equally inform you if fixing them would cut down cost and solve the problem.

This remedial work should not be carried out without the opinion of a licensed electrician. The survey might cost a small fee but what is important is finding a good and honest electrician.

Ensure that after the survey, the remedial work is carried out by a professional electrician. Take personal measures such as creating dedicated sockets for larger appliances. You can also install fire alarms for increased safety.

Remember, that the ideal option for a faulty system is a full rewiring. You can only use a remedial process if the system is salvageable with a few fixes. This is meant to save cost and stress but make sure you weigh all options before making a choice.

The Electric Connection
You need trusted electricians to provide electrical services. At The Electric Connection we provide surveys, consultation, installation, and other services you may need. We can inform you of affordable ways to have a safe electrical system.

What is the Importance of House Rewiring?

Posted on January 28, 2019 | by K Hopkins

House rewiring or electrical rewiring is the process of replacing old, inefficient, hazardous, or unreliable electrical system. House rewiring provides an improvement to the performance of the electrical system and ensures electrical safety. There are several factors that determine when you need a house rewire. Ideally, a properly installed electrical system can last as long as 20 years but the use if the electrical system and type of wiring can affect its lifespan.

Old homes usually require electrical rewiring because most installations have been worn out or are outdated. House rewiring is a major task in many ways. It is costly and requires time and expertise of a professional electrician.

The importance of undertaking a house rewiring project is much more than electrical safety and reliability. Here are some of the major benefits and importance.

Increase in value of the home
Having a home rewired increases its value in the event of a sale. It is a big plus to know that the home’s electrical system is fully modified and safe. A house should be seen as an investment especially when you are a property manager. Electrical rewiring makes the home appealing to buyers, tenants, investors, and so on.
Change what you want
An electrical rewiring project gives you the best opportunity to make your home technology friendly. You can change old and worn out parts to be replaced with modern, up to standard parts. You can also determine the ideal spots you want sockets or outlets to be placed.
An electrically optimized home
An electrically optimized home offers maximum comfort, convenience, and safety. It provides dedicated circuits to most appliances, more control, and energy saving options for the home.
Safety
Safety is the primary reason for a house rewire. Old or faulty wiring can develop to larger problems that put life and property at risk. Electrical safety is crucial in every home. Hence it is advisable to call an electrician from The Electric Connection to inspect or provide rewiring services.
To accommodate new appliances
Some appliances can demand more power than your house is wired to offer. If you have one or more of such new appliances, then it is important to hire an electrical technician for a rewiring service. This will prevent any strain or damage to the present system.
Electrical codes and standard
An old house wiring may not be updated with the latest electrical codes and standard. Rewiring the home presents the opportunity to install systems that keep these standards. An experienced electrician will be able to rewire your home with knowledge on the current codes and standards.

A lot of people take the electrical system for granted despite its importance. To avoid accidents or dysfunction in the home, it is best to take the necessary precautions. A house rewire is a worthy investment but it can only maintain its value when provided by a licensed electrician. At The Electric Connection we are professional, licensed, and experienced electrical technicians. Contact us for your home’s electrical rewiring. We ensure that everything is optimized and organized the first time.

Where to Find Lighting Installations in My Area

Posted on January 25, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Lighting is the use of light for aesthetic or practical effects. There’s the need for adequate lighting all around us. Lighting can be from natural or artificial light sources. However, during most hours of the day, daylight is used to illuminate buildings.

Lighting installation primary refers to the use of artificial light such as lamps, light fixtures, and so on. It requires the expertise of an electrician to be placed or installed properly in the home. Lighting installation can most times require an established process. This consists of:

Auditing
The electrical technician would carry out an inspection or survey on the home or property to determine its complete lighting needs. This includes the exterior and interior lighting requirements, energy saving needs, aesthetic needs, practical lighting requirements, security lighting, and much more.

Consultation
After carrying out a survey on the property, the electrician would inform you on what is best for your lighting installations. From the audit, the electrical technician can determine what works best for your home and give you enough details to make informed decisions.

Lighting Installation
Following the consultation and your decisions, the lighting installation project will begin. A professional electrician would acquire the needed tools and materials to complete the installation process in a suitable time. Regardless of if your home is small or large, the procedure remains the same from auditing to installation. However, every home or buildings has its unique and specific lighting needs. Which is why an initial audit is necessary.

Importance of good lighting

Lighting is valuable to buildings, homes, workplaces, and so on. Its benefits can only be experienced when lighting installation is carried out by a licensed electrician.

Here are some benefits and the importance of good lighting.

Enhances productivity
Studies have shown that light can affect people in several ways. The most common effect is an increase in productivity. Workers can be greatly inspired, motivated, and encouraged by a well-designed lighting system in the workplace.

Adds value
A properly installed lighting system adds value to a home or building. It makes it appealing to potential investors and even regular home visitors. Lighting facilitates organization and beauty in any space. Well-lighted businesses experience more traffic than others because light increases desirability.

Security
Lighting plays a major role in the security and safety of any building. A well-lighted environment helps to deter intruders and give you a clear view of your surroundings. It can also contribute to alarm systems and other safety mechanisms in the home.

Energy Saving
With the right electrical technician, lighting installation can help to save energy cost rather than increase it. Lighting can be customized or installed to increase efficiency in the home or workplace while saving you from more bills.

You can get a complete and proper lighting installation service from a reputable electrical company or professional electrician. At The Electric Connection we can provide lighting installation services for any building. Contact us to get started and give you satisfaction.