Blog - Electricall

Do You Need An Electrical Update When Remodeling?

One of the first questions people ask an electrical company is whether they need an electrical update when remodeling. Whether it is a bathroom or a kitchen remodeling, contractors including the builders, architects, and electricians have to work together to ensure the integrity of the structure is maintained.

Any comprehensive remodeling requires planning and design concepts approved by local housing regulations. That means the new electrical routing and systems must be approved as well. For electrical wiring or any home rewiring jobs, hit ElectriCall with a message. Or call us! We can offer home electrical repair services in Arvada, CO.

Home remodeling and updating electrical systems

As a homeowner, you have probably thought about remodeling a portion of your house. Maybe you want to extend your kitchen or make your bathroom bigger. However, before you can even knock out a wall, you first have to consider the electrical routing of your home.

It is tempting to get on with the physical work, but planning for a large-scale rerouting of electrical systems is highly recommended to ensure the safety of the workers and residents. Here we have reasons why we advise our clients to upgrade their electrical systems during remodeling:

Added convenience before and after remodeling

One problem with residential properties is that some of them have been standing for over 30 years. Older homes tend to have fewer electrical outlets and poor placement. When you opt to upgrade your electrical system, you would not have to worry about the lack or poor placement of these power outlets.

Demand for electrical power

Depending on your use of electrical power, you should consider upgrading the electrical system of your home to more amps to fit your lifestyle and needs. If your property has an older electrical box or is using a fuse box, you definitely would want to talk with a professional electrical company.

Old power boxes often can not handle electrical fluctuations. They overload and cause fire hazards. ElectriCall consists of seasoned electricians. We are a trusted electrician nearby that will be at your location to assist right away.

Protect your family from dangers of electrical overload and electrocution

One of the best reasons you must hire an Electrician in Arvada, CO, is to make sure your family can sleep at night without worrying about the house catching fire. This should be one of your top priorities when doing a home improvement.

Remodeling does only pose health risks and safety issues from chemicals like sealants, paint materials, and adhesives. Safety concerns also come from incorrect wiring of electrical outlets or the use of substandard electrical components.

Typically, you want the remodeling to be inexpensive. However, you should not sacrifice health and safety for a cheap and fast home improvement. At ElectriCall, you can rest assured that your electrical rewiring is completely taken care of.

We are a team of local residential electricians who have been servicing the communities of Arvada, Colorado. Our electrical company offers home electrical repair services which include:

Electrical inspection
Wiring an electric panel
Rewiring a house

Our team takes pride in our excellent customer service, whether handling small or big projects. To protect your family from the potential dangers of electrical overload and electrocution, we will focus on:

Looking at any symptom that might indicate the need for an electrical upgrade
Accommodating your needs when it comes to the number of electrical outlets you need and their proper placement and distribution
Finding the right, top-quality electrical components that will bring more value to your life
Replacing any existing electrical wires that cannot handle more power, or have gone obsolete and are very dangerous
Giving you the peace of mind you so deserve

Do not wait for the sparks, remodel and upgrade now

Choosing to upgrade your electrical system sooner rather than later could be a lifesaver. That change could give you so much comfort in your home.

It is always exciting to remodel a house, and keeping your mind open to electrical upgrades like adding extra electrical outlets and receptacles, installing a thermostat, changing light switches, and rewiring and rerouting will save you a ton of trouble in the future. You do not really want to knock off walls and detach cabinets to make the necessary adjustments.

There is nobody better at giving advice and recommendations on electrical upgrades than ElectriCall. If you are looking to hire not just an electrician nearby, but a trusted Electrician in Arvada, CO, please give us a call.

Voltage Types: Low Voltage vs Line Voltage: What’s The Difference?

Before choosing the best lighting for commercial or residential infrastructure, you have to first consider the voltage type the building has. There are two kinds of voltages and knowing both will be useful when exploring your options. It will also help you when hiring an electrician in Arvada, CO to perform electrical works or home rewiring jobs on your property.

What does line voltage mean?

Line voltage refers to the standard voltage which is 120 volts that can be found on commercial and residential properties. It is common in most residential houses in the United States.

Since this is the standard voltage for most electrical outlets, line voltage fixtures commonly do not need a transformer to function. It works just about anywhere a low voltage fixture can be set up. Most often, it is integral to the infrastructure.

What does low voltage mean?

When talking about low voltage, unlike line voltage, this type requires a transformer for the lighting system to work properly. Generally, low voltage lighting systems only range from 12 to 24 volts. However, you will also notice that a low voltage fixture has a transformer installed relatively close to it.

Some examples of low voltage lighting include display lighting or anywhere it is difficult to have a standard voltage electrical wiring like landscape application.

What are the other differences between a lighting system that has line voltage or low voltage?

The electrical current enabling light fixtures, devices, and equipment to work play a significant role in our day-to-day life. Not having sufficient voltage in your home or office may result in electrical issues that could hinder your routine or work. That said, we encourage you to hire a professional electrician nearby to perform an electrical inspection on your property at least once every six months.

Other differences between line voltage and low voltage include:

Lifespan

Although most people will say that low voltage has a longer lifespan compared to line voltage, you have to remember that it cannot work without a transformer. Depending on the type of transformer and its operational intensity, in most cases, transformers would require constant maintenance and repair. So in reality, both actually have almost the same lifespan.

Quality of light

Line voltage allows the use of different types of light bulbs such as fluorescent, incandescent, sodium or orange street lights, and metal halide. These bulbs range from 60 to 250 watts, which is perfect for either indoor use or outdoor application. And since this type has high voltage, it produces a warmer and more diffused light.

Low voltage is considered an energy-efficient and low-cost alternative. Because low voltage bulbs are connected to a power pack, they typically have lower wattage that makes them efficient and last long. What that means is that low voltage fixtures can provide more consistent illumination. The low voltage lighting system also looks more natural and sharp than the line voltage lightings that tend to be more diffused.

Size and style

Low voltage fixtures are usually smaller compared to line voltage lighting systems. That is thanks to its smaller filaments and the use of a transformer. On the contrary, line voltage fixtures are so much bigger in size and style because they have to be able to handle colossal amounts of electric current.

Understanding the differences between voltages will allow you to make informed decisions about the lighting systems you should use. But, it is always the best option to have a skilled and seasoned Arvada electrician assist you.

Movability

The low voltage lighting system is usually not permanent, unlike the standard line voltage. That said, it is quite easy to set up or re-arrange when needed. And you can add more fixtures to the system as long as the transformer can handle it.

Safety

The current that flows through the transformer is less powerful than the line voltage. This feature makes the low voltage more attractive to use, especially for outdoor and landscape applications.

To learn more about what makes low voltage different from line voltage, or if you have any electrical issues that need immediate troubleshooting, contact us. ElectriCall offers a variety of home electrical repair services to homeowners in Arvada, CO.

The Difference Between Residential vs Commercial Wiring

Residential and commercial electrical work requires different procedures and materials. They differ in load demands, equipment used, and energy needs. Know the difference between residential vs commercial wiring before you conduct electrical work.

Although on the outside residential and commercial electrical wiring might look the same, there are a number of crucial differences that are specific to each.

Power Supply

Residential properties do not require a massive supply of power, which is why local residential electricians often only utilize single-phase and single sets of electrical wiring. In terms of power, residential houses normally use alternating currents. That means the electricity travels long distances, reverses direction, and changes magnitude.

Without the right power supply to a commercial building, the risk of losing power or causing a fire is high. Commercial properties use three-phase power which has higher output, better efficiency, can handle high-powered motors and equipment, and is typically used for industrial applications.

Wire material

Another notable difference between commercial and residential electrical is the wiring material they use. At a residential property, the wiring is commonly placed either in the crawl space or the attic. That is why it is important that the wire is encapsulated in a PVC and a plastic sheath or insulation to protect residents from electrical shock.

In a commercial building, Arvada electricians use a different material. The electrical wiring is held in protective tubes and more visible for easy access. Generally, the electrical wiring for commercial buildings has more thermoplastic insulation to protect it from high-heat and corrosive environments.

The entire network of cabling and electrical wiring is the most crucial part of any real estate property since they deliver power, data, and security for the entire infrastructure. The six most common type of wires and cables used in building residential and commercial buildings are:

Armored cables. The primary goal of this cable is to make the transfer of data fast and easy.
Low voltage cables. This type of cable is common in both residential properties and commercial buildings.
Non-metallic sheathed cables. This comes with insulated wires that make the flow of electric current safer.
Instrumentation cables. This is used for allowing communication between operators and instruments within a site, hence it is only commonly used only at the industrial level.
Communication cables. The sole purpose of this kind of cable is to transmit signals such as high-frequency broadcast transmission.

All these types of wiring and cables are being used when building residential or commercial infrastructure. Each electrical wiring should be insulated and labeled properly to avoid costly problems. Hiring a seasoned electrician nearby who knows the standard materials, as well as, the proper electrical wiring methods will save you money and effort in the long run.

Have an electrical issue you need to get fixed? Get in touch with ElectriCall today!

Type of outlet

In some commercial buildings, the need to install high-grade outlets is important to allow colossal power to pass through. Commercial buildings usually use devices that are bigger and require more power compared to regular household appliances. For example, hospitals use heavy-duty medical equipment in order to provide the right service to the people. Installing the wrong electrical outlets could damage such devices and cause hazards to the patients.

The takeaway

These are the major differences between residential and commercial wiring. With basic knowledge of these differences, you should be able to make a simple electrical assessment in your home or office. However, due to the several factors that must be considered when doing electrical work or when rewiring a house, it is always best to ask for the assistance of a professional electrician in Arvada, CO.

Are you looking for a seasoned electrical expert to perform an electrical inspection on your commercial property? Or are you searching for a residential electrician that can provide high-quality home electrical repair service? We are the right partner for you!

ElectriCall consists of expert electricians that can help you with technical and electrical troubles. We are just a phone call away if you need professional residential or commercial electrical services. Let our skilled team help you fix any issues you have with your electrical wiring system.

When & How to Fix Loose Outlets

It is so easy to ignore broken electrical outlets because we often forget how dangerous they are. They hold high-voltage electrical power, which is why it is essential to fix loose outlets right away. But how do you know when & how to fix loose outlets?

When should you fix loose outlets?

Several indications will tell when it is time to repair or replace electrical outlets.

Receptacles are difficult to plug into

First of all, check what type of receptacles you have. Some outlets are tamper-resistant, which makes them more difficult to plug. This safety feature is designed to block foreign objects from being inserted.

Electrical receptacles come in different types. There are the Standard Receptacles that you usually see around your home. These are: the Range Receptacles, which are designed only for the electric range cooker, the Dryer Receptacle with three or four pins, and the GFCI receptacles that have narrow slots and semi-circle hole.

The outlets are ungrounded and outdated.

If the electrical outlet only has two holes instead of three, it is ungrounded, hence will not give off enough electricity for high-powered devices. In other words, this kind of outlet could severely damage your devices.

Discoloration and scorch marks from the plastic covering are signs that the outlet is outdated. Cracks are also an indication of old outlets. For instance, debris and dust trapped inside might have significant damage to the entire outlet.

Fix these problems immediately. You could be putting your life at risk leaving these problems untreated. Have you heard about GFCI devices? Here is a short article we wrote about GFCI benefits. Installing GFCIs in your home will help eliminate your problem of ungrounded and outdated outlets.

The outlet works 50/50

Does the outlet you are worried about works one day and then not again? Does it work for one device and not the other? These are signs of loose outlets.

The complication could be from the electrical wiring. Never attempt to open, rewire or replace it on your own. Hire a professional that will look into the problem.

Plugs won’t stay put in the outlet.

The receptacles or prongs might be the reason why plugs keep falling from an outlet. Be sure to try out other devices to ensure the outlet is loose.

Contact points get damaged over time. Bad wiring that causes heat and sparks could damage the whole outlet. That is why it is essential to contact a local electrician nearby to conduct an electrical inspection.

Ask an electrician to rewire your outlet. Trained professionals can conduct home electrical repair services and know the correct electrical kits to use.

The outlet feels hot when you touch it.

Outlets should not feel hot when you touch them. So if they are, that could indicate that the connections insides are loose or too close to each other. This electrical issue poses serious consequences when not dealt with right away. Call an electrician nearby to fix it.

Young children are curious beings, so if you have kids at home, it is crucial to make your home childproof. We listed the top 9 tips for electrical outlet safety to help parents create a safer environment for their children.

How to fix loose outlets

First, the primary tools you will need to fix loose outlets include safety gloves, wire cutter, screwdriver, replacement outlet, and a multi-tester.

To start, turn off the circuit breaker of your home. Make sure it is flipped off the whole time you are working.
Next, use a multimeter to check whether electricity is still flowing in the outlet. Make sure there is no power.
After double-checking there is no electric current, you can now unscrew the plastic housing of the outlet.
Next, unscrew and detach the receptacle from the housing.
Removing screws should also allow you to separate the wires that are connected to it.
If you see any torn or burnt wirings, stop and reach out to an electrician nearby. ElectriCall is an expert when it comes to repairing and replacing loose outlets. We do all kinds of home electrical repair service!
If electrical wires just became loose, use a wire cutter to strip the cable. Expose only just enough wire to go around the terminal screws. Do not overexpose the cables.
The most crucial part is wiring the cables to the screws. To save you from any accidents, call our hotline. ElectriCall will help you fix loose outlets spick-and-span!
Once all the wirings are in place, you can now reattach the receptacle and the plastic covering.
Flip on the electrical box to test the outlet. Use the tester to check if the correct voltage is passing through.
Lastly, check if the devices will connect and work when plugged in.

For non-electricians, it may be difficult to track the cause of loose electrical outlets. To prevent any further damage and problems, ask for the assistance of professionals. ElectriCall has years of experience serving the community. We are just one phone call away!

Safety Tips In Rewiring A House

Any type of electrical work is dangerous, especially if you have little to no experience in performing the correct electrical inspection. Whether you are restoring an old property or simply making sure your family is safe while at home, you definitely have to check these rewiring safety tips for a house first, even if in the end you opt to hire a professional local residential electrician to do the job.

You should take electrical wiring seriously. Ensure that these safety tips in rewiring a house are being followed to prevent serious problems of fire and electrocution.

How long does electrical wiring last?

Just like every other product, electrical wirings have a limited lifespan.

Aluminum wiring is useful for approximately 25 to 30 years. Despite its prominence between the 60s and 70s, aluminum wiring also comes with a lot of problems. We have an article about mitigating aluminum wiring that you should read in order to learn why aluminum may not be the best type of conductor for your home.

Copper wiring lasts up to 100 years. It is often preferred compared to aluminum because it is an excellent conductor and less likely to break easily. If you are interested in knowing more about the benefits of copper wiring, we have an article dedicated to copper wiring.

When should wiring be rewired?

If the property is more than 30 years old, have a professional electrician nearby perform an electrical inspection and replacement. Also, if the circuit keeps tripping, it could be a sign that the house has old electrical wirings.

Plan and Inspect

This electrical rewiring tip is a basic tip that is often neglected by most DIY house wiring enthusiasts. But it is important to remember that what you will be working on are electrical materials that could potentially put your life at risk.

If you are doing DIY electrical work, it is best if you create a plan for rewiring beforehand. It is also highly encouraged to conduct an electrical inspection. Here is what you can do when preparing for house rewire:

Identify wiring methods in use.
Check methods for framing, spacing, and protection from screws and nails.
Check electrical boxes for adequate depth for the cables that will be installed within them.
Verify electrical conductors are grouped together.
Check insulations and enclosures.
Make sure all boxes are easily accessible.
Verify weatherproof enclosures in areas of the house that are likely to get wet.
Check for proper ratings of outlets, conductors, and other components.

Power Off

Before doing any electrical work in your house, flip the breaker off to ensure that there is no electricity passing through the wires while you are working them. You can use a non-contact tester to confirm there is no power on any of the cables in the electrical boxes.

It is also better to leave a note on the side of the breaker saying you are working on the wirings to prevent anyone from turning it back on.

Test Outlet Wirings

Use an instrument like a voltage tester or multimeter to test the electrical wiring of your house. Such a device can check whether the wiring is supplying the correct voltage or not. Voltage should be between 110 to 120.

Do not Overstuff Electrical Boxes

Electrical boxes often consist of multiple cables that connect to switches, ground wires, and neutral wires. Keeping these wires neatly organized inside the box will allow you to easily identify which is which when doing inspection or repair. And it will also prevent electrical issues from happening.

Prevent Faulty Electrical Wiring

What this means is doing electrical work that does not comply with the local building codes. It is a major and unfortunately, a common cause of electric shocks, house fires, and short circuits damaging appliances and devices. Faulty wiring not only goes against the standards but could jeopardize your safety.

Keep Equipment Grounded

Grounding equipment is essential for preventing any electrical hazards. There are several grounding kits in stores that are engineered to keep workers protected from electric shocks. They will also avoid other equipment from getting damaged.

Tighten Outlets and Switches

Loose switches and outlets can move around and cause wires to detach from the terminals. That could cause overheating and eventually, fire hazards. Use outlet spacers if necessary. They are easy to flush right through the outlet and draw tight with a screw.

Hire a Pro!

Numerous aspects of rewiring a house must be checked and verified. Electrical materials, components, and installation of wiring should comply with the electrical code standards and requirements. Never access or alter your home’s electrical wiring unless you are qualified to do so.

Safety tips in rewiring a house need to be followed. Electrical works have dangerous consequences. It is necessary to have a professional local residential electrician, or a home electrical repair service, who has the right tools and skills, do the work.

ElectriCall is just a phone call away. We can carry out home rewiring jobs without causing damage to your house.