Dual Function Circuit Breakers vs. Combination Arc-Fault Circuit Breakers

Without a circuit breaker box with the right electric components and breakers, you are leaving your dwelling or business in danger. A high amount of heat can potentially cause an electrical overload that may trigger sparks, fires, or electrocution. Understanding the difference between a dual-function circuit breaker and a combination arc-fault circuit breaker will give you an idea of how you can make your home or business safer than ever.

The most widely used electrical circuit breakers are miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), mounded case circuit breakers (MCCB), and residual currency circuit breakers (RRCB). These types may not always be able to mitigate electrical problems by interrupting the flow of current to the outlets. Hence, replacing the standard breakers with either combination AFCI or dual function circuit breaker provides bigger benefits.

One thing we would like to point out before moving on is that working on a circuit panel or doing almost any kind of electrical work is extremely dangerous and must be done by licensed electricians. Consider contacting a professional electrician in Arvada, CO before installing or replacing a circuit breaker.

What is an AFCI or combination AFCI breaker?

The AFCI is a type of circuit breaker that finds problems in the system. For example, if you are putting up a shelf and drive the nail right through the electrical wire, the conventional breaker may not trip or automatically de-energize to prevent causing a fire. On the other hand, an AFCI breaker will shut the whole circuit down. Generally, it operates to look for the arc.

A combination AFCI circuit breaker is designed to remove the unintentional electrical arcs also known as arc faults that may fire up combustible materials in residential homes or commercial buildings. The AFCI follows a series of arc detection that can spot lower-level arcing in power supply cords and branch circuits.

What it does is it senses two kinds of arcs including:

Series ARC

This is a low current type of arc since it is dependent on the load, which is the reason why it is more difficult to detect compared to parallel arc. An example is if you knick or split a wire, or if an appliance is pushed up against the back of a plug, causing current to be limited by load and supplied by the faulty electrical wiring. As the load increases, the current will also increase.

Parallel ARC

Unlike the series ARC, this is not dependent on the load, instead, it is caused by a resistive short between the neutral and live conductors. Basically, it is arcing across itself and may or may not increase the current high enough to pull the circuit breaker. Often happening due to physical damage to cables or when exposed to conductive objects or liquid.

Normally, a current flows in a smooth wave pattern that goes from high to low, but during arcing, the waveform is disrupted and forms an arc. What the AFCI technology is doing is monitoring the waveform and then effectively suppressing an arc fault by tripping the power.

What is a dual function breaker?

The National Electric Code 2014 now requires AFCI protection on kitchen and laundry room circuits where only GCFIs are usually installed. To provide the best protection, professional electricians would recommend upgrading to a dual function breaker instead of installing a separate GFCI breaker and AFCI receptacle.

A dual-function breaker combines two technologies into one device. It has both GFCI protection and AFCI technology. A GFCI technology measures the current that is going in and out and makes sure that the flow of current is balanced. Whenever it detects even a small difference in the current, that is when it will cut the power. So the dual function breaker provides defense from effects of both arc and ground faults.

Depending on the brand, dual-function breakers usually feature LED indicators, self-test, and lockout. With the self-testing feature, the breaker will test itself and if it finds any faults or if the electronics have been compromised, it will automatically trip.

In a nutshell, a dual function breaker can save you money on repair and will protect you and your family, as well as the person installing the breaker, from electrocution.

You do not have to be a professional electrician to learn the basic functions of a circuit breaker and the whole electrical system in order to reset it yourself. However, having knowledge of the basic functions of a circuit breaker will come in handy especially when ordering repair or replacement from an Arvada electrician.

Looking for a professional electrician in Arvada, CO?

Upgrading the circuit breaker panel is not a simple task. Circuit box repairs, maintenance, or upgrades demand the expertise of a seasoned local electrician or an electrical service company. Each switch corresponds to a specific room or outlet, and incorrect electrical work might result in electrical device malfunctions, or worse, fire and electrocution.

Searching for an electrician nearby? We have qualified contractors and expert electricians. ElectriCall offers home electric repairs, electrical testing, electrical inspection, home rewiring jobs, and electrical panel upgrades.

Call us today and receive a free electrical project estimate!

Is Knob And Tube Wiring Safe For Your Home?

When it comes to residential homes, the type of electrical wiring is one of the crucial parts you should know. Is knob and tube wiring safe to use for your home? Are you required to replace this wiring with other types of electrical wiring? Keep reading and become more informed!

What is knob and tube wiring?

Knob and tube wirings are often found in heritage homes or houses that were constructed prior to 1950. It consists of copper wiring held by a knob and protected by a tube to keep it from fraying. The knob and tube wiring was commonly installed inside crawl spaces, attics, and behind walls.

What are the possible dangers of using knob and tube wiring?

Although the knob and tube wiring is cost-effective, many professional electricians and home electric inspectors do not recommend it. Some of the big issues surrounding the knob and tube electrical wiring can be found in its design.

The outer covering of the knob and tube wire can easily fritter away due to the continuous flow of electricity. For this reason, the National Electrical Code mandated this wiring to be removed from the hollow spaces, ceilings, behind the walls, and attics to prevent fire hazards.

Other possible dangers and issues of using this wiring:

It is not grounded, making it dangerous. Electrical safety standards demand all residential and commercial buildings to have grounded outlets.
Unfortunately, this type of wiring has been unprofessionally modified to fit electrical boxes or to repair exposed wirings.
Knob and tube wiring typically fails to handle the energy demand of average homes. Because it is an outdated model, it is more fragile and will easily wear down.
Obtaining home insurance with this kind of electrical wiring can be quite difficult since it is an outdated wiring system that might become a fire hazard.
Unlike modern wiring with plastic insulation, knob and tube wiring uses rubber insulation that will deteriorate and crumble over time. This is one reason insurance companies want them to be replaced.
Homeowners might be forced to pay more and have their home’s electrical wiring inspected, repaired, and replaced by a licensed Arvada, CO electrician.

Because the electrical wiring is burdened with delivering power to the property, guaranteeing that your home is being powered by the right wires utilized in construction.

Since knob and tube wiring is common to older houses, you should not have to worry about your home having worn and stretched electrical wiring. But if you suspect this type of wiring lingers in your house, call a local residential electrician right away and have your home checked.

Should you replace the knob and tube wiring?

Not necessarily. After getting a home inspection and being clear on the quality of the wiring system, replacing it might not be needed. The only time you would want to hire a professional electrician in Arvada, CO to perform home rewiring work, is when the wires are old and frayed, or when your insurance company refuses to insure or renew policies.

When it comes to insurance, the state and quality of the knob and tube wiring usually do not matter. Most insurance companies will not insure homes unless their wiring system is updated.

Cost to replace knob and tube wiring

The cost for electrical work often always depends on the size of the property, the location, and the complexity of the electrical project. On average, most projects would fall between $3,000 to $16,000.

Yes, there are laws that limit the use of knob and tube wiring, but there is no code that orders for its complete removal. Hiring the best electrical repair service in Arvada, CO will help make the whole maintenance or replacement less stressful.

If you need home electrical repair service, electrical inspection, or are seeking qualified contractors that can deliver superb home rewiring jobs, call us. ElectriCall is an electrical service company in Arvada, CO.

Let us work together!

Any type of home electric repair can be dangerous, especially if you do not have the right set of skills and tools to perform the work. Hiring an electrician nearby has so many benefits you may not want to miss out on.

Here is what ElectriCall can offer you:

Electrical testing.
Electrical inspection.
Closely examine and replace electrical wirings.
Get at the hard-to-access areas or even narrow spaces of the structure like attics and crawl spaces.
In-depth understanding of the various types of electrical wirings used in construction.
If something goes haywire, our trained electricians know how to safely control the situation.
Our team of qualified electricians is determined to complete the job using the most effective options.

Hiring our team will increase your chance of:

Preventing electrical fires.
Securing your physical and health safety.
Avoiding shorting your priced appliances and power tools.
Fixing your messy, outdated, and problematic electrical wiring system.

Contact our licensed electricians today! Let us discuss what you need and the electrical rewiring services ElectriCall can provide.

Expert Tips And Tricks For Using Hand And Power Tools

Expert Tips And Tricks For Using Hand And Power Tools

Mechanical hand and power tools are essential when doing electrical work. They not only make tasks easier to accomplish but allow us the opportunity to customize. Here are electricians’ expert tips and tricks for using hand and power tools. Take notes; you could use these handy tips in your next project!

What Electrical Works Demands Hand And Power Tools?

A local residential electrician, or electrician in general, is the spine that assists home and business owners. As a seasoned electrical services company in Arvada, CO, the team that makes up ElectriCall is trained to operate electrical testing devices, hand, and power tools.

Our qualified contractors use hand and power tools for planning, laying out, installing, testing, and repairing the wiring of motors, electrical fixtures, and appliances. Our knowledge and skills in handling mechanical hand and power tools enable us to safely perform our home electrical repair service or conduct electrical inspections.

Some electrical works that require hand and power tools:

Assembling and installing electrical conduit.
Installing cable and duct banks.
Testing and starting up systems.
Ensuring continuity of circuits.
Setting up control and distribution apparatus.
Making terminations.
Guaranteeing electrical safety and compatibility of components.
Identifying electrical hazards and carrying out the necessary adjustments, replacement, or relocation.
Disassembling and fixing defective electrical systems.
Executing effective troubleshooting and preventive maintenance tasks.
Examining all electrical systems and subsystems which normally include dismantling, cleaning, changing, or repairing parts.

Tips for Using Hand Tools

Screwdrivers

One of the basic hand tools that should be in your bag is the screwdriver. Electricians use this hand tool all the time for removing and installing devices, switches, and/or outlets.

There are more than a dozen types of screwdrivers, but the ideal sets that most electricians use are:

Precision screwdriver kit.
Multi-tool screwdriver.
Cordless screwdriver kit
Insulated professional screwdriver.
Twist-a-nut multi-bit screwdriver.

When choosing a screwdriver it is important to pick a brand that is grip-oriented, comfortable, and long-lasting.

Allen wrench

When doing an electrical panel upgrade or installing fixtures, you might come across bolts and screws that have hexagonal heads. That is when an Allen wrench or hex keys come into the picture.

Folding metric hex keys.
T-handle wrench set.
Hex bit socket set.
Drive long hex bit socket set.
Ball end double wrench set.

Bolts and screws that do not lock in place will create electrical issues. To avoid disasters from happening ensure that your hand tools are doing their job. Only pick electrical hand tools that are built with sturdy material, convenient for usage, and have a comfortable grip.

The T-handle Allen wrenches are popular with electricians, technicians, and mechanics since they are the most convenient to use when loosening or fastening bolts. Before using an Allen wrench, check if the size of the bolt matches your Allen key.

Electrical pliers

As an Arvada electrician, we have completed home electric repairs, home rewiring jobs, and basement renovation electrical wiring. We can say that we have used wire tie pliers at least a thousand times.

Crimping pliers.
Vise-grip pliers.
Linesman pliers.
Long-nose electric pliers.

Pliers come in various sizes and lengths depending on their usage. Most electrical pliers, especially those that are built for heavy-duty or commercial purposes range from 6 to 9 inches.

When using a plier to cut wires, remember to point away the jaw to avoid accidentally injuring yourself from flying cuttings. Proper positioning is key. Pliers are made for wire twisting and should not be used for bolt turning work.

Tips for Using Power Tools

Heat gun

Although it is similar in appearance to a hairdryer, electric heat guns have a different function. Electricians use a heat gun to shrink, solder, dry, or weld parts. It softens plastic molds or shrinking tubes.

Extreme caution is necessary when operating with a heat gun because it can produce intense heat. It should never be used near flammable materials.

Industrial drill

An electric drill is another power tool that electricians bring to sites. Power drills are used for burrowing into concrete walls. When using an industrial drill for a residential or commercial project, follow these tips:

Use the appropriate bit size.
Unplug the electric drill before putting or replacing bits.
Ensure the bit is locked into the drill.
Make sure that you are using the right bit for concrete, wood, and metal.

Hole Hawg

The hole hawg is a powerful tool that can speed up electrical work. But it is a dangerous one and must be operated by professional electricians. Without the skill and knowledge to use a hole hawg, serious consequences might occur.

A hole hawg can get stuck and kick. It is heavy, has no clutch, and has a high torque. This means there is nothing stopping it from recoiling and blowing you off a ladder. When using a hole hawg, always run it at low speed.

Professional Electrician in Arvada, CO

If you want to make the most out of your hand or power tool, it is fundamental to understand how to properly use them. However, electrical work can take a lot of time. So when you need an electrician nearby, think about contacting ElectriCall.

Our expert electricians can perform a variety of electrical tasks for both residential and commercial projects. Consult with ElectriCall today!

3 Ways To Power Up Your Home: Clean, Green, or Renewable?

3 Ways To Power Up Your Home: Clean, Green, or Renewable?

You have probably heard of the terms clean, green, and renewable energy. These are types of energy sources that communities around the world are encouraged to gear into. However, did you know that these three have their own distinct features? In this article learn what these names mean and what is the best fitting for your home.

Why Is It Critical To Explore Options On How To Power Up Your Home?

Picking the best energy source for your house is a wonderful way to help keep your family safe, as well as contribute to the reduction of environmental hazards. Ensure your residential property is keeping up with your electricity and heating needs while lowering your energy expenses.

Cleansing your home from bad energy will help make you feel more comfortable, relaxed, and overall, at peace! The bad energy sources will alter every aspect of your daily life from putting your health and safety at risk, blowing up your utility bills, imparting to massive waste disposal problems, and enormously distracting the environment.

If you just moved into an old house or are erecting a new one, you should seriously examine your options for powering up your home.

What is Clean Energy?

This type of energy source means that there are zero gas emissions. However, it is not necessarily renewable. Some examples of this include:

Wind turbine

Wind produced energy or an energy that is caused by the movement of wind and then turned into a source of energy for humans everyday use.

Solar panels

The energy created by the sun is another form of clean energy. Solar power installation services can offer the most popular alternative sources of energy that have been growing in popularity for both commercial and residential properties.

How much clean energy do you need for your home appliances?

Some of the home appliances that eat up more energy than others include the refrigerator, washer, dryer, television, and HVAC system. These different appliances require varying wattage to function.

To learn how many solar panels you need to power up your appliances and devices, divide the power of appliances by the total wattage of the solar panel. If you want to discover more about clean energy, solar panels, or have panels you would like to install in your home, do not hesitate to leave ElectriCall a message or call our office. We have local residential electricians that will be able to assist your electrical needs.

What is Green Energy?

Green power is a kind of energy source that is being recommended by local executives, organizations, and commissions. It is another solution that can help make a positive impact on our environment, especially since it carries environmental benefits like vastly enhancing the quality of water we drink and the air we breathe.

Although green and renewable energy are often used interchangeably, the two terms actually hold specific meanings. Green energy is a subcategory of renewable energy that also utilizes water, heat, wind, and sunlight. Examples of this include:

Biomass

This power is generated from organic matter such as decomposing plants, forest products like grasses, wood, and animal waste. This is frequently advocated by health groups since there will be less air pollution made by the burning of wastes and also less garbage will be buried in landfills.

Hydrogen

This energy comes from a natural gas that is liquefied and contained in a large vessel and mixed with electrolyte fluids. Batteries are the most common product developed employing hydrogen technologies.

These are just two types of green energy that are so much better than fossil fuels. Some types of green energy are less expensive to produce which subsequently can lower the cost of electricity in houses. But that is not always the case. Hydrogen, for example, is still not cost-friendly for mass use.

Though these two green energy options work on a bigger scale, some ways you can still easily generate green energy at home is by using hybrid wind and solar systems. This type combines solar panels and wind turbines that are perfect for the home.

If you want to tap into this kind of power source for your own home, and need an electrician nearby, our professional electricians in Arvada, CO might be able to assist you.

ElectriCall is an electrical service company based in Colorado. We provide home electrical repair service and electrical inspection to customers in the area. We are experienced in home rewiring jobs, building,installing and maintaining electrical components.

As reputable and top-rated Arvada electricians, we are trained to handle home electric repairs, basement renovation electrical wiring, electrical panel upgrades, solar panel installation, and even connecting hybrid solar and wind renewable systems. If you need an electrician nearby that can provide the appropriate approach to your electrical needs, call us!

What is Renewable Energy?

The last kind of energy source on this list is renewable energy which refers to an unlimited source of power. As its name suggests, renewable energy can either never run out or replenish itself quickly. And just like green energy, this type exploits sunlight, heat, water, and air.

Hydropower

One source of renewable energy is hydrogen power or power that is dependent on the continuous rapid flow of water. Like irrigations and flour mills.

Geothermal

Although this is still being researched, geothermal power is another promising source of energy. The power that it creates is rooted in the heat below the ground.

Unlike solar panels; these two types of renewable energy cannot be installed individually on homes. Communities have to come together and agree on this type of energy to power their homes and businesses. Some states that have made the switch to renewable energy include: Rock Port MO, Burlington VT, Greensburg , Kodiak Island and Aspen CO.

Moving Towards A Better Future

Although these three different types of energy sources have distinctions, they represent the same thing — gearing towards a more sustainable form of power for big and small communities. Ultimately, these will help make a positive impact on our daily life and on the environment.

Why are hardwired smoke alarms considered over battery-operated smoke alarms?

Everyone is aware that a working smoke alarm can save lives by providing the few seconds needed to escape the blazing fire. You can think of smoke alarms as insurance for your family. The smoke alarms/detectors are among the most important installations in our home that ensure our safety. It is recommended that a smoke alarm is installed in or outside every room to prevent damage and life-threatening repercussions when a fire occurs. Also, keep in mind that installing only one smoke alarm might not be enough as it will fail to activate if the fire is outside its range. This is why multiple smoke alarms are required to cover the area of your house.

Generally, there are two different types of smoke alarms that you can set up at your home or have installed. These are:

Hard Wired Smoke Alarm
Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm

Let us discuss these two smoke alarms and compare them.

Installation and Maintenance

A hard-wired smoke alarm requires effort in the installation. Comparatively, battery-powered smoke detectors can be installed easily. They are installed within minutes and can be purchased at any hardware store. Relying on a battery-powered alarm provides you with a false sense of security. You have to regularly check your smoke detector to see if they are functioning correctly. By simply replacing the batteries, they will be operational again.

On the other hand, the hardwired smoke alarms are connected to our home’s main power supply. It requires an expert electrician for the successful installation of hardwired smoke alarms. The primary benefit of the hardwired alarm system is that you never have to test them. Though it takes more effort to install, the smoke alarms are interconnected. It is done so that when one smoke detector is activated, it engages all other alarms in your home. All alarm systems activate when one is triggered, which is why the hardwired smoke alarm is considered ideal.

Coming to the battery-powered smoke alarms system, the maintenance is only focused on battery replacement. You have to do this on a regular basis to stop power drain and alarms from malfunctioning. Before doing maintenance work for a hardwired smoke alarm, you must make sure that the master switch on the electrical panel is turned off. This must be done by an expert electrician only.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, a smoke alarm must be replaced after every 10 years.

Interconnection

Where the battery-powered smoke detectors are discrete appliances, the hardwired smoke alarms are connected together. In case one goes off, all smoke alarms will get triggered. It is the most important and valuable trait of the hardwired smoke system. The interconnection will save valuable time when the detector will sound the alarm simultaneously on all other smoke alarms to alert the people.

Which is more dependable?

Which is more reliable? Undoubtedly, the hardwired smoke detector is reputable. They are connected to the main power supply, so they will continue to sound until they are manually turned off. The hardwired alarms have battery backups to remain working in case there is a power supply cut. Contrary to that, the battery-operated smoke detectors depend only on their battery. As long as batteries have charge, they will work fine. Otherwise, weak batteries will affect the condition of the alarm. The sounds of the alarm solely depend on the amount of battery left.

A hardwired smoke system is a reliable option as you don’t have to worry about installing it. Though it requires more effort in the installation, it is a clear choice to go for hardwired smoke alarms when considering your home’s safety.

With hardwired smoke alarms, you will certainly never need to test them or take the chance of failing to remember to examine them. Whereas a battery-powered smoke detector requires a routine check of the batteries, which is quite a hassle. If you are looking to upgrade or find a new smoke detector installation service, get in touch with ElectriCall. We have the best electricians in Arvada, Colorado, who will install the smoke detectors that fit your requirements.

The installation of the hardwired smoke alarm is a complicated procedure that entails tricky wiring work and advanced tools. It is best to hire a professional to install or replace hardwired smoke detectors.

Collaborating with electricity is no joke, so it is best to have a licensed electrical contractor. In many areas, the government has also mandated installing hardwired smoke alarms as part of the major remodeling or as a new construction job. Some people fear that if one smoke detector fails, all interconnected ones will stop working. However, this is not the case when they were not installed at the same time. All said and done, the hardwired smoke alarms are a better choice over the battery-operated smoke detectors as they provide the maximum protection available.