How To Protect Your Home Electricals From Colorado’s Erratic Weather All Year Round

How to protect your home electrical system from Colorado’s erratic weather – ElectriCall Denver electricians ensuring electrical safety all year round.

Your home’s electrical system, whether connected to the grid or not, is susceptible to the effects of weather change. Depending on the weather, the damage can either be sudden or occur through attrition. Now, add in the fact that Colorado’s weather can change on a dime, and you have pretty good reason to weatherize your home’s electrical system or have an electrical contractor do it for you.

Although Colorado isn’t particularly vulnerable to major natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, sudden weather changes, harsh winters, and scorching summers can still bring costly damages.

So, here are some ways you can get ahead of these problems in your home and avoid power disruptions and costly repairs.

Summer

With over 300 summer days, Denver, Colorado residents enjoy more hours of sunshine annually than people in Miami or San Diego. However, the heat can sometimes reach levels well over 100 degrees. Summer heat usually strains power plants, increasing the prospects of rolling blackouts. As any Arvada licensed electrician will tell you, temperatures hot enough to strain industrial power plants can damage electrical systems.

Here are some ways the summer heat can affect your electrical system:

Heat waves increase the demand for electricity as the need for air conditioning increases in homes and commercial buildings.
Power lines, cables, and switches tend to heat up and expand when there is greater demand for electricity and hot temperatures. The expansion of these components can cause connection problems and short circuits.
The expansion of cables can cause lines to violate minimum clearance requirements between the line and any obstacles. Denver’s sudden temperature changes can exacerbate this problem and lead to permanent changes in cable length, a phenomenon called the “creep effect.”

You can mitigate the effects of hot weather on your electrical system by having it regularly maintained and inspected by a licensed Denver electrician. You can also insulate your home or work building to reduce the strain on your air conditioning, electrical system, and energy costs.

In case you missed it: 5 Tips to Save on Your Summer Electric Bill

Winter

Unlike the summer, Denver winters are short and surprisingly warm and sunny, with snow falling once or twice a week. However, like the summer, winter temperatures and weather changes can happen fast. A clear day can turn snowy, and while it doesn’t snow a lot when it does, it often settles several inches high. Heavy snow can also turn into snowstorms and blizzards, which can wreak havoc on electrical grids and systems.

It’s no secret that winter storms can lead to prolonged power outages, as powerful winds and the weight of snow can cause trees to fall on power poles and wires, and excessive use of electricity for heating in winter can also cause power outages as electrical systems are overloaded.

When a home’s electrical system remains under constant stress for a long time, it can result in tripping breakers. Additionally, low temperatures can cause wiring and electrical components to contract, potentially leading to cracks and damage. If moisture from rain, snow, or ice seeps into these cracks, it can lead to short circuits.

One of the best ways to prevent or minimize electrical issues in your home or work building during winter is by minimizing electrical strain on your system. You do this by:

Investing in energy-efficient bulbs.
Unplugging unused appliances.
Turning down the thermostat.
Replacing old and outdated appliances and equipment.

Remember to trim trees near your home’s power lines or electrical components. Investing in a backup generator is essential in reducing the effects of power outages in winter. To better prepare your electrical system for the Denver winter, you can get a residential electrician to inspect your home before the snow falls.

Recommended for you: 8 Must-Know Electrical Tips For Winter

Fall and Spring

Denver spring and fall are even shorter than winter but are subject to rapidly changeable weather patterns. Spring brings lots of sunshine, but residents expect a day or two of heavy snow or rain. Mid- and late spring can also bring strong hail and winds, which can cause significant damage to electrical systems and components.

Since Colorado’s hailstorms rank among the most active in the country, it’s important to take safety measures to protect your system. If you have a solar power system, the best way to protect it from hail is to add a protective cover.

You can also ask your Arvada electrician which hail-resistant panel best fits your building. This will help avoid expensive unforeseen repairs in the future.

Stay Ahead Of Weather-related Electrical Issues With A Trusted Denver Electrician

Although we cannot control the weather, we can control how and to what extent it affects our lives. Hopefully, this article will help you prepare your electrical system for the changing seasons and erratic Denver weather.

Trusted electricians in Denver, CO, are ready to help ensure your safety and comfort all year round through routine maintenance and inspection of your electrical system. Find electrical contractors near you today.

Empowering Building Occupants: The Importance of Electrical Safety Training

Electrical safety training for building occupants – Denver electrician from ElectriCall promoting safety awareness and proper electrical handling.

Electricity powers our daily lives, and an Arvada electrician can help ensure that a building’s electrical systems are safe. Electrical systems are available everywhere in modern buildings like residential complexes and commercial high-rises.

So, the conveniences that comes with electricity may pose some potential hazards necessitating the need for electrical safety training to benefit building occupants:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical injuries accounted for 5,486 fatal workplace injuries in 2022 alone. Building occupants need proper training and awareness to prevent such incidents.

Components of Electrical Safety Training

Electrical safety training offers occupants the skills to identify and respond effectively to potential electrical dangers. Here are the components that electricians in Denver, CO, can teach to help you keep secure against electrical risks:

Understanding Electrical Hazards

You may encounter various dangers, such as electric shock, arc flashes, fires, and explosions, that may arise from electrical hazards. These hazards can cause long-term health issues or even death if not addressed. A licensed electrician can educate individuals about these hazards and how to prevent them. In this case, electrical safety may involve lessons on voltage, current, and resistance as well as the dangers of exposed wires, damaged insulation, overloaded circuits, and faulty equipment. It’s important that they also learn how to take appropriate precautions and follow safety protocols to reduce these risks.

Safe Equipment Usage

Individuals need to learn how to handle electrical equipment safely such as cords and plugs and understand why they should not overload circuits. Participants should also learn the importance of inspecting equipment for defects and proper storage and maintenance.

As well as basic maintenance, homeowners can benefit from learning how to use ground fault circuit interrupters. This will help them understand the dangers of using faulty equipment, including electric shocks, fires, and equipment failures. In particular, it is best to have a Denver electrician offer practical exercises to help people learn how to operate the GFCI RESET button to re-establish a connection.

Emergency Procedures

Participants must recognize danger signs like smoke, unusual odors, or sparking outlets and be able to safely shut off power sources, use a fire extinguisher, and administer first aid to victims of electric shock.

Confidence and preparedness during emergencies also help minimize the risk of injuries or property damage.

Electrical Maintenance

An electrical contractor can teach building occupants how to identify and fix issues that lead to electrical failures or accidents. These may include loose connections, corroded wires, and worn insulation.

Individuals may undergo training to help them understand why preventive maintenance, such as routine checks, testing procedures, and timely repairs, is paramount. They also learn why qualified professionals conduct specialized maintenance tasks, such as equipment calibration, electrical system upgrades, and compliance with regulatory standards. Prioritizing electrical maintenance during safety training helps building occupants manage risks that may arise due to faulty electrical systems.

Creating a Safety Culture

Creating a culture of safety among building occupants gives them a sense of responsibility to prioritize safety in all their activities. Participants can learn why they should communicate and collaborate in promoting a safe working or living environment. They can also learn to report safety hazards promptly and step in when they discover unsafe practices.

Safety culture training also helps one to take on a leadership role when setting the tone for safety within a building. The training promotes an open dialogue and support between building occupants where they address their issues without fear of reprisal.

Benefits of Electrical Safety Training

Electrical safety training teaches individuals to identify potential electrical dangers and take measures to mitigate risks. In case you live in the Denver metro and are wondering, “Are there electrical contractors near me who train in electrical safety?” there are. Here are the myriad benefits you can get after being trained by a qualified electrician in Denver:

Risk Reduction

Through comprehensive training, participants learn about various electrical hazards and how to identify and control these risks. Practices like safe equipment usage, proper maintenance, and emergency procedures help individuals intervene before hazards escalate into dangerous situations.

Improved Response

Building occupants can develop the ability to remain calm under pressure by practicing simulated scenarios that help them learn to make decisions faster in critical situations. Electrical safety training also promotes effective collaboration among individuals during emergencies, such as being able to coordinate groups of people to achieve the most efficient and safe way to secure an electrical incident.

Cost Savings

Electrical safety training leads to cost savings for building owners and occupants by preventing accidents and property damage, thereby avoiding expensive repairs and replacements.

A residential electrician can help building occupants foster a culture of safety that emphasizes risk management. This would significantly reduce insurance premiums and regulatory fines, among other legal liabilities.

Electrical safety training for building occupants benefits both the building owner and occupants and is a legal obligation in some states. Proper education ensures that individuals can learn to protect themselves from any dangers of electricity, and learning safety measures at home or in public spaces helps everyone enjoy the benefits of modern technology without undue risk.

Appliances In Your Home Requiring A Dedicated Circuit

Home appliances requiring dedicated circuits – Denver residential electricians from ElectriCall ensure safe and reliable electrical wiring.

If you always reset a circuit breaker because of a circuit trip after connecting a major appliance, it’s time to reconnect the appliance to a dedicated circuit. While a standard residential electrical system is designed to handle high electrical capacities, some powerful home appliances may overload the system. In this situation, get a residential electrician to install a separate circuit for you.

How Does A Dedicated Circuit Work?

When an electrical contractor sets up a dedicated circuit, they add circuit breakers separate from the main shared circuit breakers in your electrical box. A dedicated circuit limits the amount of current running through your shared circuit, which helps avoid unsafe overheating, electrical overloads, and constant circuit breaker trips. With these electrical issues safely under control, your house will have a significantly reduced risk of electrical fire.

You can always contact a licensed electrician for help determining which home appliances need a dedicated circuit. This article, however, can still help you determine which appliances you may need to move to a dedicated circuit for a safer home.

Kitchen Appliances

On average, a kitchen uses the bulk of a home’s electricity. For this reason, the National Electrical Code requires that multiple circuits serve kitchens. The following are kitchen appliances that may require a dedicated circuit:

Refrigerator.
Electric Oven.
Electrical Stove or Range.
Dishwasher.
Garbage disposal.
Microwave oven.
Deep fryer or air fryer.
Countertop convection oven.
Standalone freezer.
Chest freezer.

Remember that different models use different wattages. However, not all appliances on the list need dedicated circuits. Therefore, in some cases, you can forego the need for a dedicated circuit by opting for a less energy-intensive model.

For older homes, we recommend you check your kitchen wiring system, as they tend to have systems that are not updated to handle modern appliances. Learn more about kitchen wiring from professional electricians in Denver, CO.

Laundry Room Appliances

The laundry room houses two of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home: your washing machine and dryer. Therefore, it is highly recommended that a dedicated circuit be installed for these appliances since they draw a lot of power. When in use, washing machines and dryers tend to stay on for a long time to complete their work.

These days, it’s common to have three different circuits supplying power to your laundry room. The three circuits perform the following purposes:

The 20-amp circuit supplies 120 volts to the washing machine.
30-amp circuit for the electric dryer.
A standard 15-amp circuit for lighting.

If you’re unsure if your laundry room has dedicated circuits, contact your nearest Denver electrician for an assessment.

Living Room And Bedroom Appliances

The living room circuit will depend on how electronic-laden you want the room to be and the wattage requirements of the devices you want to install. Most common living room appliances, such as flat-screen TVs, subwoofers, desktop computers, lamps, and fans, are low-demand electronics that can operate well with standard circuits. However, it is always a good idea to protect expensive living room appliances like TVs with surge-protected outlets.

Generally, you should consider living room and bedroom dedicated circuits if you connect your electrical system to any of the following appliances:

Electric fireplace.
Window air conditioners.
Heaters (Infrared, fans, and space heaters).

Since these appliances are usually heavy-duty, they may require 30-to-50-amp dedicated circuits to operate safely.

Garage, Basement, Utility Room, And Outdoors Appliances

Whether you’re a DIY and craft enthusiast or just a regular homeowner with extra energy-intensive appliances, you may need dedicated circuits to safeguard your property’s electrical system.

The following appliances may need a dedicated circuit installed.

Water heater pump.
Electric baseboard heating system.
Sump pump.
Large air compressor.
Heating and air conditioning units.
Hot tub or jacuzzis.
Spa.
Pools.
Power saw.
Heavy drill equipment.

Most of these appliances require 30- to 50-amp circuits, while others that are not significantly energy intensive will need 15- to 50-amp circuits. Find an electrical contractor near you to help you determine which of your home appliances require dedicated circuits.

Choose The Right Size Of Dedicated Circuit For Your Appliances

Once you know which appliances need dedicated circuits, you’ll need to choose the right-sized circuits for them. A small circuit can cause repeated breaker trips, which will eventually wear out the circuit and lead to overheating and electrical fires. A licensed electrician can analyze your appliances and suggest the right-sized circuits for your needs.

They can also help you meet electric codes and requirements as a property owner. The National Electrical Code (NEC) and local governments have several electric wiring requirements to ensure the safety of homes and commercial buildings. Following these codes and laws is helpful when setting up new appliances at home.

Contact a trusted Denver Arvada electrician today with any questions about dedicated circuits and appliances.

Strategies for Managing Electricity Demand for Buildings in Denver

Strategies for managing electricity demand in Denver buildings – ElectriCall electricians help reduce energy costs and optimize power efficiency.

Strategies for Managing Electricity Demand for Buildings in Denver

Denver’s growing population is one reason energy demands are skyrocketing, leading to increased electricity costs. As of 2024, the estimated cost of electric bills for a single household was about $130 per month.

Implementing effective strategies reduces electricity costs and contributes to a greener environment by reducing the strain on the local grid. While Denver’s electricity prices are among the highest in the United States, there are multiple strategies that can reduce the ultimate cost for customers.

Of course, construction and maintenance of power plants and other general infrastructure can be costly, but demand management can reduce these costs in the long run.

Load Shifting

Load shifting helps lower energy costs by relieving the stress on the electric grid at peak demand hours. Typically, it involves switching off energy-intensive machines at peak demand periods and switching them back on at off-peak hours if a machine was to run early in the morning or late in the evening when electricity demand is at its peak, load shifting means running it at off-peak periods.

With this strategy, the energy consumed changes little, but the demand is redistributed from peak to off-peak hours, meaning you’ll avoid the extra charges that your usage would surpass at peak demand hours.

Peak Shaving

Increased electricity demand on the grid sometimes causes blackouts and power outages because the electricity supplied does not match the growing demand. Peak shaving, therefore, involves reducing power usage during the high demand periods.

To achieve this, you switch off the power-using equipment, connect it to a different power-generating source, or use a battery storage system. In doing so, the secondary power system can only power specific energy-demanding equipment at peak hours.

Unlike load shifting, peak shaving allows energy-intensive equipment to run even during peak periods. Using other power generation methods lowers the high demand for grid power below the level where additional peak demand charges apply.

Peak Shaving vs. Load Shifting: Choosing The Right Strategy

The choice between peak shaving and load shifting depends on the specific production goals and the circumstances around electricity demand. The load flexibility and the variability of the electric prices with either strategy also matter.

However, while load shifting reduces consumption at peak demand, it does not reduce the overall energy used. This is because the consumption is moved to off-peak periods. Peak shaving, on the other hand, cuts off the excessive charges and energy used when demands are high.

Check on the following to ensure peak shaving:

Energy Storage System

Batteries are the most reliable tools for effective peak shaving. They can recharge when electricity demand is lower and give out power when demand is high. So, with appropriate battery capacities, any critical equipment can be run without additional prices or strain on the grid.

On-site Power Generation

If you can generate power with solar, wind turbines, or natural gas around the facility, it is easier to use this electricity at peak periods, lowering the stress on the grid. For more efficient results, incorporate battery storage for the generated power to reduce reliance on the grid even further.

Electricity Demand Challenges in Denver

Denver’s growing population and expanding city status directly affect the electrical grid. As a result, high electricity prices and environmental concerns are pushing Denver to find better solutions to effectively manage its electricity demand.

Balancing its environmental goals and growing electricity demand has proved challenging, as it is in many cities. However, in Denver, the strain is felt more on the grid because of the population growth and economic development. So many people are moving to the city and increasing the stress on the grid, leading to power blackouts and outages.

One of the many challenges is high electricity costs. Denver residents and businesses alike struggle with the burden of higher electricity prices in the US. This is partly a result of relying on natural gas to produce electricity.

In conclusion, managing electricity demand ensures residents don’t struggle with hefty energy bills. This also ensures a safe, sustainable environment for everyone at all costs. So whether integrating renewable energy or taking advantage of battery storage systems, strategic planning and management are important to ensure efficient energy supply. Contact ElectriCall for Professional Electrical Services.

Significance of Emergency Power Systems in a Building

Emergency power systems in buildings – ElectriCall Denver CO electricians ensure safety and reliability during power outages.

Significance of Emergency Power Systems in a Building

Power outages can have a significant impact in today’s era when almost every system in a smart building is dependent on electric power. This explains the importance of incorporating emergency power systems in buildings.

In commercial buildings, unplanned outages result in lost productivity and, hence, loss of income from the downtime coming from the inability to use machines or to get anything done. With the frequent power outages reported in Denver, Colorado resulting from the severe weather conditions in the region, installing emergency backup power systems is the best way to mitigate the effects of frequent thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lightning.

Read on to understand the role of emergency power systems in any building, especially in areas like Denver, where strong winds can disrupt power lines, leading to widespread outages.

Reduces Business Downtime

Power outages may sometimes take time to troubleshoot, depending on the intensity and causes. So, with an emergency power system, it is easier for basic operations such as lighting and heating to continue in any building. This means the building occupants will be comfortable throughout the repair process, reducing business downtime.

Safety and Security During Emergencies

Power blackouts may result from severe issues like electrical fires or dangerous weather conditions. The emergency backup systems ensure security lights will remain on and alarms will still be active.

This reduces the likelihood of individuals getting hurt during an evacuation, as security measures remain active during emergencies.

Data Protection

Commercial buildings hosting businesses that rely heavily on electronic data processing depend on emergency backup plans for data protection. These systems ensure uninterrupted power to a commercial building’s data centers, supply servers, and other IT infrastructure.

This is a huge relief for businesses in finance, healthcare, and e-commerce since backup systems guarantee the security of their most valuable asset: data.

Types of Backup Power Systems

As a commercial property owner, it is up to you to ensure employees remain highly productive by addressing common issues such as power outages. Even then, you need help from a licensed commercial Arvada electrician who will help you determine from either of these:

Backup Generators

Whether for home or business use, generators are inexpensive and provide 120 or 240-volt power, depending on your needs. You can also have portable power generators with a power range of 3000 to 6500W. These are simple and easy to install. Alternatively, permanent standby power generators are also a great option, especially for commercial buildings. These have automated starting processes, are more expensive than the portable options, and deliver 6500 -15000W.

Battery Backup Systems

Home battery backups are perfect for home use. These systems store energy from solar panels and other renewable sources. In a typical battery setup, the battery automatically supplies power to all devices. However, its capacity determines the exact duration the power lasts.

Commercial entities can use solar battery backup to ensure continued operations even when the grid fails. However, for utmost efficiency, businesses are better off with larger backup batteries to support their higher power demands and ensure uninterrupted operation of critical systems.

The cost of a backup battery may vary depending on the expected power capacity and the battery brand. A reliable backup battery guarantees an uninterrupted power supply during outages, providing convenience and assurance.

Choosing the Right Power Backup

Before settling for either option, whether the backup battery or generators, you need a better understanding of the operation of each option. This means contacting a licensed electrician in Denver to help you decide.

Backup batteries are better for moderate power needs and small-scale applications, while generators are good for high-power applications or buildings with larger power demands.

You must also evaluate and understand how much backup power you would need. Generators provide continuous power for extended periods, while batteries have limited capacity and may need recharging.

Think about the initial purchase and maintenance costs. Generators can be quite costly to acquire and maintain, and they are significantly larger units for commercial buildings. Batteries have lower purchase costs but may need maintenance and replacement over time.

FAQs

Do building codes require emergency power systems?

Building codes often require emergency power backup systems, especially in healthcare buildings and commercial facilities, in compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Which buildings benefit from emergency power systems?

Any building with a continuous power demand can benefit from emergency power systems. These include commercial and residential buildings, healthcare facilities, data centers, and industrial facilities.

What is the duration for which emergency systems can provide backup power?

The best power backup systems should provide power for hours to days, although it depends on usage.