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Rest Better with these Electrical Safety Tips

There are several benefits from acquiring the help of an electrician in Arvada, CO. To start with, you can guarantee that the electrical system of your home is updated and installed correctly. But, even if you are not an expert in electrical wirings, you can do preventive measures that will give you peace of mind. Rest better with these electrical safety tips we compiled for you.

  • Smoke alarms are commonly placed in the kitchen, but it is only right to install one on each floor of your house. That way, if a fire starts on the upper floor, you will get the alarm too. Check with your cities requirements for where to place smoke detectors. If you need help installing smoke alarms, give us a call. 
  • Take time to audit any potential electrical issues and hazards in your house. Spend some time to inspect the outlets, extension leads, and plugs inside and outside your home. If you find the outlets are already producing burnt smell, that means you need to replace them. When it comes to outdoor electrical sockets, make sure they have covers to prevent small debris from entering and blocking the outlet that could later cause a fire. Putting a watertight cover will also help avoid it from getting wet and eventually electrocuting someone.
  • If your electrical outlets are positioned near conductors like the water system, know that it presents hazards. To resolve the issue, expert electricians recommend the use of a ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet or commonly known as GFCI. This is basically a type of outlet that will automatically shut off your power once an electric fault is detected. Have a professional Arvada electrician to assist you in installing this product.
  • Do not be careless to leave your mobile devices charging on or under a pillow. These kinds of devices tend to overheat and once they do, they could start a fire. As much as possible, do not leave charging electronic devices unattended. It is also not a good idea to let any gadget charge overnight because it can bloat the battery and cause an explosion.
  • Although it provides convenience, avoid using multiple extension outlets. There are probably times when you will need extra outlets, but you have to be careful not to overload the sockets. Best to do is have a residential electrician have a look at your electrical system and make the necessary upgrade to accommodate your needs.
  • Electrical burns can happen when appliances are plugged into an outlet. As a result, you might experience flash or arc flash, flame that  could ignite other materials like your clothing, or electrocution. A faulty product can also create significant damage to the electrical wiring of the house and vice versa. So you might want to take note of any signs of malfunctions in your appliances and repair them right away. And when doing renovation or drilling holes in your wall, always be mindful of the electrical routing.
  • Keep away any flammable materials near sockets or plugs. For example, if you are using a portable heater or even an electric kettle, these things sometimes spark and create heat that could set hazardous materials in flames.
  • Find an electrician in Arvada, CO that will help you repair or rewire old electrical wirings. Outdated conductors like Aluminum wiring pose safety hazards. Copper wiring is the best to use in residential properties.  
  • Clear out your hallways. Leaving clothes or toys lying around the house has many disadvantages. First of all, if you have an emergency that requires you to immediately get out of the home, these things could potentially block your way. And if there was a fire they could contribute to the build up of flames and prevent you from exiting.
  • Overheated clothes could ignite and spread throughout the house. Hence It is also not advisable to dry clothes behind the fridge or portable heaters. There are also numerous cases of dryer fires so we urge you to not leave your clothes drying unattended. 
  • Regularly check your cables if they have become loose, have tear or damage, especially the cables you use for appliances and gadgets as they are often the most common to cause a house fire. Torn and frayed wires have significant risk issues, replacing cords that are worn out.
  • Electric blankets are another example of household items that often cause fire. Make sure that you are using it correctly and when storing, prevent it from getting tears that could damage the electrical components.
  • Curious kids tend to stick objects and even their fingers on electrical sockets. If possible, cover wall sockets to prevent children from getting injured, or worse accidentally setting the house on fire.
  • Installing or replacing an electrical component is not as simple as it sounds. Hiring a local electrician is the best route to choose. An Arvada electrician should be able to help you identify electrical problems and how to resolve them properly.

We hope these electrical safety tips can help you rest better. Follow these practices to best prevent small problems from getting bigger. Being mindful of the different household hazards and taking the appropriate actions will help keep you and your family safe. 

There could be a lot more serious electrical issues in your house that are not visible. We can help you keep your home more safe for you and your family.

If your home needs an electrical upgrade and if you need more electrical safety tips, our Arvada electrician can assist you. We provide electrical services in the community. Call us to schedule an appointment.

The Benefits of Copper Wiring

Did you know that copper plated wiring will change your home for good? The benefits of copper wiring are immense that you would not want any other kind of material for your own home’s electrical system.

When to replace your electrical wiring

  • If your home was built between 1965 and 1985 when aluminum wiring was predominantly being used as an electrical conductor for most commercial and residential buildings.
  • If your outlets show discoloration or stains, it means that it has been in use for quite a while and have endured enough power surges.
  • If your light fixtures are always flickering whenever you plug an appliance, that means the electrical wiring cannot handle the power load and needs to be updated immediately. Moreover, if the breaker is tripping every now and then, that shows the need for replacement as well.

Contact our qualified electricians right away if you are noticing signs of faulty electrical wirings.

The benefits of installing copper wiring in your home

Is copper wiring in a house safe? Yes, it is. Copper wiring is the ideal material to use for any electrical wiring system. It trumps other materials like Aluminum for these top three reasons:

  • It is non-corrosive, which means it will not rust or degrade even when placed in a rough environment. And because of that, this kind of copper wiring lasts for over 50 years. This is an important benefit considering houses tend to be exposed to excess humidity or moisture that could make other metal materials rust.
  • The primary copper wire properties are ductility and malleability which simply means it can be formed into very thin wires and bent without breaking. 
  • It is not only an excellent conductor, but it is also known to have an impressive coefficient of expansion. So even as more current flows through it, the copper wiring will not easily heat up, expand, and break.
  • It has an impressive melting point. Compared to other conductors, copper is unlikely to melt and start a fire, which is why professionals and qualified electricians choose this material.
  • It is easy to work with which makes the lives of Arvada electricians less stressful. Copper wiring can be stripped easily, bent into shape, and soldered with ease. For that reason, it is so much safer to handle.
  • It is durable, requires low maintenance, and resilient to changing temperatures.
  • It is compatible with other electrical components and materials installed in residential or commercial buildings. Copper works well with other metals without causing damage.

Why electrical copper wires are better than iron wires

First of all, there are different types of copper wires that are being used extensively in different industries like car manufacturing and commercial and residential construction. It has high electrical conductivity and the electricity passing through is not heating the wiring too much for it to break or spark and cause a house fire.

Many Arvada electrician experts would prefer to use copper when doing residential wiring repair. That is because they know that copper wire is durable which means it is capable of withstanding the changes in weather conditions. And because copper wires are braided with multiple threads, they are so much better connectors for electrical appliances and devices that need to be recharged like mobile phones and laptops.

Now, you are probably questioning what is wrong with aluminum and is aluminum wiring safe? 

Just like copper, aluminum is another common material used as an electrical conductor in both commercial and residential. However, unlike copper, aluminum is not as strong as an electrical wiring material.

Long before copper wire became the standard for circuit wirings, aluminum was the ideal option for its cheaper price and flexibility. Unfortunately, if your house is using aluminum wiring, you might find yourself in a constant aluminum wiring fiasco. Since this kind of material has high thermal expansion and contracts when cooled, it can easily become loose, break, and trigger fire hazards. Hence, you will be doing aluminum wiring repair constantly. 

Numerous factors could cause the failure of aluminum wiring connections. That includes its contact resistance against other materials, corrosion, and its Creep or the rate of change it undergoes over time. 

When it comes to aluminum wiring mitigation, you have few options. One method is to rewire the whole structure and install copper wiring and follow the local building code. This may not be the most affordable way, but it will completely remove the aluminum wiring from your home.

Another method is to install a thermal strip known as AlumiConn or COPALUM which is a sealed terminal. Either of these two can be attached to the old aluminum wire to avoid the extensive and costly process of rewiring the whole electrical system.

If you are unsure whether your home has aluminum wiring, checking the electrical panel on your own might not be the best idea. Have the professionals do the investigation for you. 

Our expert electricians can tell you more about the benefits of copper wiring, get in touch with us before you begin rewiring your home.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are one of the most commonly used cooling appliances throughout the world today. In the state of Colorado alone where there are days where the weather is scorching hot, a lot of homeowners and even business establishments turn to ceiling fans as an ultimate solution to beat the heat.

So why should you not think twice about using it? Take a look at the benefits below:

1. All-time Comfort.

While people invest more in a ceiling fan for a summertime convenience, it also comes in handy during winter as it facilitates warm air circulation in a closed, heated area.

But for your ceiling fan to work this way, you will have to do a little tweaking, i.e. reverse the blades’ in clockwise direction so that the warm air will be drawn down from the ceiling. Make sure to do this with proper caution. Plug it off first before you start the dismantling to avoid the risk of electrocution.

2. Energy Cost-Efficient

Unlike HVAC units that draw cooler air with lowered temperature, ceiling fans come with drafts that will rather make the surroundings feel cooler. Hence, using it as a circulator of the cool air from your HVAC unit will help you consume less energy as your HVAC unit will no longer have to work extra in achieving the temperature you set. That’s 30 to 40% savings on your electricity bill. Awesome investment, isn’t it?

3. They’re stylish!

Ceiling fans, aside from being functional, can also help define your room’s statement. You can even use it as a focal point in pulling off your desired look. Fortunately, nowadays, the market already has a plethora of ceiling fans available which vary in size and style.  It should be easy finding a ceiling fan that will go well aesthetically-wise with your home’s theme.

4. Fan and Lighting in one!

There are a lot of stylish ceiling fans you can find in the market today and they function even more than how they’re supposed to. They come with stylish lights with dimming features that are perfect to use at night, in bedroom, dining, and even in living room areas.

If you already have a working ceiling fan at home you may opt for an upgrade. A reliable electrical repair company that carries out quality ceiling fan installation in Denver, CO will easily take care of that.

5. Easy Installation

Unlike other appliances that are complex to install, ceiling fans are surprisingly easy to set up. Installing ceiling fans one occasion at a time should not stress you out. But if ever you decide to shop for more ceiling fans and have them installed in each of your rooms to maximize your electric bill savings, don’t fret; seasoned Denver ceiling fan professionals from ElectriCall are always a call away.

Maximizing Your Ceiling Fan Usage Benefits

Most ceiling fans can already offer the benefits they are known for but there is actually a way to maximize these benefits furthermore.

For instance, if you want to save up more on electricity, an Energy Star-rated brand and model should be your first priority. Of course, these types are heftier in terms of price but in the long run, with the potential savings awaiting, your investment will surely pay off.

On the other hand, if you want to preserve their aesthetic aspect so you won’t have to replace your fans from time to time, you might want to invest in ceiling fans with interchangeable blade sets and complementary aesthetic lighting instead.

Potential Ceiling Fan Issues That May Arise Along the Way

Ceiling fans can malfunction too but it does not mean you should replace them right away. Although there are certain ceiling fan issues that may arise along the way, simply call ElectriCall for your ceiling fan repair in Denver, CO to get your problems resolved.

These issues include:

1.       Flickering Ceiling Fan Lights 

If the light fixtures attached to your ceiling fan are already flickering, it could be an indication that the bulbs are already burning out and need appropriate replacements. Or, it could be because there are loose internal connections or voltage fluctuations.

If you have already changed the bulbs but the problem still persists, don’t let the matter stress you out. Call ElectriCall LLC right away for accurate diagnosis and quality solutions.

2.       Noisy Ceiling Fan

A noise-yielding ceiling fan could be an indication of a loose screw or connection in the box, fixture, or in the fan itself. It could be the loose parts clanking together as the blades rotate that created the noise. Or it could be because your fan’s ball bearings are dirty and insufficiently lubricated. Always remember; clean and well-oiled blades will help it function smoothly.

3.       Wobbly Ceiling Fan

If your ceiling fan wobbles, it could still be because of a bent or loose connection on the rod, blade brackets, or box screws. Old ceiling fans normally wobble as these connections tend to loosen over time.

4.       It won’t turn on

If your ceiling fan doesn’t turn on all of a sudden, most likely it is because it was not powered. In this case, it would pay to check your entire area and see if the power issue is isolated or if your circuit breaker is totally busted. You can check the panel on your own but for the sake of safety, it is best to have these checked by seasoned electricians from a reliable electric service company in Denver, Colorado.

Ceiling Fan Installation Cost in Denver, CO

Give us a call at ElectriCall and take advantage of our expertise at an affordable rate.

Our installation rate varies depending on a number of factors including the height of your ceiling, how accessible the installation area is, and the type of switch to be used (wall or pull string). Generally, the whole installation service fee ranges from $100 to $500.

Give us a call today! Let us discuss your options.

What To Do When Power Is Lost?

What To Do When Power Is Lost? | Certified Denver Electrician | ElectriCall

“No power in the house” – that is one sentiment was heard again and again from residents affected by the recent crisis in Texas.  Windmills and solar panels failing due to power overload and ice storms causing damages and leaving people vulnerable. 

Extreme weather conditions, especially during the winter season can knock the power out. A home power outage disrupts daily living. Even if it is only gone for several hours, there will be a major disruption in your routine. 

So what to do when power is lost? 

Weather can get so crazy and not being prepared can cripple you. In this article, we have provided some power outage tips on what you should do when power is suddenly lost.

Keep calm and grab a light

If the power outage happens at night, grab a flashlight or use your phone to light your way. Gather your family in one place and give everyone a flashlight just in case another emergency arises that will need you to evacuate the house. 

Check if the street lights are on and if your neighbors have power. And call your power company to know what happened and when the electricity will be back again.

Another thing you should consider doing is reserving water. During power outages, water supply and purification systems could go out as well. So it is a smart idea to gather all your buckets and have a backup water supply. Do not forget to fill up your tub with water.

Since the HVAC system will also be out during the power outage, it is also worth remembering to keep the doors and windows closed to prevent freezing air from outside. And keep the fridge closed, especially if there are medications inside that need to remain cool. 

You might also want to check in with other relatives and friends. They might have access to the news or the internet and provide you crucial information about what is happening and the possible causes of the power outage in your neighborhood.

If your house has a generator installed, get it up and running.

Look for the source

Interruption in electrical service could be caused by numerous reasons – a storm knocking off the power lines, overconsumption, and equipment failure among others. Ask your neighbors if they have a power outage too, or it is just your house. With a flashlight, inspect your electrical panel and breakers. If the switches are flipped on and you have no power, report the power outage and request immediate assistance from a Denver electrician.

Be safe

When electricity suddenly dies, the first thing you need to do is to unplug your appliances and electronic devices. Do that to prevent damaging them in case the power switches on and off. It will also prevent the surge of power from damaging your appliances and causing a fire when the electricity finally comes back on.

In the meantime, find ways to stay warm, hydrated, and comfortable as much as possible. If you can, stay at another place that is safer and more comfortable until the electricity is back. And do not panic or get frustrated. Sometimes electrical service takes time to return.

Having to experience a power outage is definitely stressful. Fortunately, local electricians like us can help alleviate the situation. By contacting us early on, we can assist in ensuring the electrical system of your home is up-to-date.

We have a checklist for electrical safety that helps us keep our clients safe and comfortable in their homes, especially during a power outage. Losing electricity also carries emotional effects, and so we do not want you to have to worry about the electrical safety of your home.

It is a good idea to have your home inspected and maintained by a seasoned Denver electrician. This way, if there is an outage, your appliances, devices, and life are not going to be put in the line.

Backup power will save you

A standby generator will literally save your life. It will keep your home lit and warm when ice storms cut your power. A certified Denver electrician can help you with a home generator installation. 

You can opt for a standby generator to power your whole house or just select circuits. The price range depends on the size and coverage of the generator. On average, a house generator costs 3K to 6K, with installation it would cost about 6K – 11K. 

Of course, safety considerations during installation matter. That is why you need to hire a professional electrician to do the job. In general, building codes require generators to be at certain feet away from the house and there are other restrictions to be followed as well. 

It will take a seasoned local electrician to properly install a house generator. Otherwise, there are dangerous consequences like carbon monoxide poisoning, getting electrocuted, or causing a fire. And you might even lose your house insurance from improper generator installation.

When it comes to maintenance, a home generator needs regular cleaning and checkup. That responsibility belongs to your local electrician who is capable of inspecting the system and performing precautionary measures.

A professional Denver electrician will help you with the following:

  • Remove or replace components
  • Inspect connections, wiring, and battery
  • Check and change fuel and air filters
  • Adjust control panels 

Be prepared for the unexpected

Planning ahead will get you through an emergency situation. Since you can never know when a Denver power outage will occur, being ready in advance is the best thing you can do. 

  • Have an emergency bucket containing extra batteries, candles, and matches, flashlights.
  • Have a stock of first aid kits and medical supplies. This is crucial especially if you or anyone in your family are on medication for a disease or serious illness.
  • Have non-perishable food or canned goods in your pantry that are easy to cook or do not need to be cooked at all.
  • If you are using electric appliances, have a backup handy, cooking supply that uses propane. 
  • Have a professional electrician install a generator in your house.

Power outages cause big inconvenience, but they happen to everyone. Whether it is because of a blown fuse or severe weather, no one is immune from the sudden loss of power. But do not worry, you can still keep yourself and your family safe by doing the power outage tips listed above. 

GFCI Won’t Reset – Why?

Many homes today are required to use GFCIs or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, especially in the kitchen and bathroom to minimize the risk of getting an electrical shock from water. The GFCI breaker trips for several reasons including:

  • Wet cables and wires plugged in
  • Turning certain appliances on and off
  • Wrong connection of wires damaging the breaker
  • Outdated breaker and component
  • Damage to the system during manufacture or shipping 

Since it plays a significant role in keeping you and your family safe, knowing basic things about it, such as, how to reset GCFI outlet and why the GCFI won’t reset even after pushing the button will help minimize your frustrations when electrical issues arise.

Take a look at Gfci Benefits That Should Finally Convince You to Invest in the Device

How do you know if a GFCI is bad?

The first thing you should know is that the GFCI functions to provide protection from power overload and surges. Its breaker is built to shut off in case such a scenario happens. It might also turn off for reasons like storm lighting and static electricity. 

So if the power is continuously shutting on and off, it means that the GFCI system is tripping. And if the outlet is not used on a regular basis and still frequently trips off, that indicates it is faulty and must be immediately replaced.

To analyze the problem, the first thing you need to do is to find the circuit breaker that is connected to the GFCI. And then, try to reset it. There should be a button on the face of the GFCI outlet that will let you reset it.

Not all GFCI circuits are the same. Some will need you to use a special tester to check if the reset was successful or not. Other designs, especially those that were produced after 2006 have indicators in them. 

If yours requires a special tester, simply plug it in and if the power goes out, then it worked. Otherwise, the GFCI has gone bad and you need to replace it.

Other indicators that the GFCI is faulty are shown in the following scenarios:

  • If you press the reset button and nothing happens.
  • If the reset button does not stay in or if the button is out and still, the appliances or devices plugged in are working. 
  • If the reset button pops out overtime you use a device or appliance that is plugged in.

For safety purposes, it is better to hire a professional electrician in Arvada, CO to do install, maintain and repair the GFCI in your home. 

What would cause a GFCI not to reset?

There are several reasons attributed as to why the GFCI won’t reset. That includes the following:

  • Outdated components
  • The GFCI has gone bad
  • Wrong connection of the system
  • The circuit breaker turning off its power
  • Not enough or no power supply to the receptacle

However, the most common cause would be due to the ground fault that has detected a power surge thus automatically shutting the breaker to prevent the potential occurrence of electrocution.

If the outlet is shorted or overloaded, the only way to resolve the problem is by replacing the GFCI receptacle and other affected components. Troubleshooting a GFCI that won’t reset requires the skills and knowledge of a certified electrician.

ElectriCall consists of dedicated and expert electricians that will help you figure out the issues and fix them with minimal disruption and safety risks. Call us to get more details about our electrical services.

What to do if GFCI is not resetting

If the GFCI is still not reactive after resetting, the system is definitely faulty. Call an electrician in Arvada, CO to repair the electrical problem including issues with the outlets and connections. Professional electricians like us can perform GFCI outlet reset or repair. 

Any problem with your electrical system warrants inspection and repair by a seasoned electrician. Attempting to do it on your own might cause bigger damage to the circuit, and you are putting yourself at risk as well. 

ElectriCall can fix the issue with the breaker and other components. Our team is the “residential electrician nearby” you can count on. But in the meantime, do these steps to prevent any more risks:

  • Assess the problem. 
  • Make sure your appliances are unplugged or not connected to the GFCI outlet.
  • Try to reset GFCI by simply pushing the red button.
  • If that did not work, switch off the circuit breaker.
  • Inspect the wire connections. Look for any loose or bad connections. The live circuit should be attached to the “Line,” while the wire for the other outlets should be on the “Load” connection.

Electrical issues and solving them can be quite confusing which is why it is better to hire an electrician in Arvada, CO.