Take a Look at the Tips for Resetting a Breaker

For someone who needs to know the tips for resetting a breaker, make sure that if one circuit gets overloaded by too much power, it will trip and shut off. This prevents any damage to your home’s wiring and is a vital feature of any electrical system.

People must always know about the tips for resetting a breaker. Breakers are typically installed in the main panel of your house or building and each breaker has a different number that corresponds to each switch, so you can tell which one is turned off if you need to turn something off while working on your electrical system.

Circuit breakers also have a letter or number beside them that tells you what kind of circuit they are protecting, whether it is the lights, outlets, or other appliances. The numbers are vital during your panel maintenance or circuit breaker replacement. Many more needed on tips for resetting a breaker.

Distinguishing between Fuses and Circuit Breakers

There are two main types of breakers: fuses and circuit breakers. Each has its purpose, but they both accomplish the same goal: to protect electrical devices from overloading current. The main difference between fuses and circuit breakers is their response time.

Fuses do not require an external control system and will respond instantly when a fault occurs. They are therefore suitable for use on circuits where frequent faults may require quick protection (e.g., switching surges). However, a fuse trips the circuit by blowing off, so it will need to be replaced to reinstate power to the tripped line.

On the other hand, a circuit breaker has an internal trip mechanism that opens before overheating occurs, unlike fuses which will continue to conduct electricity until they melt or catch fire. When you reset a tripped circuit breaker, it closes again without needing replacement.

How to Reset a Tripped Breaker

A tripped breaker is a common occurrence in homes and commercial properties. A breaker trips when it reaches its maximum load and it needs to be reset by a qualified technician. This can happen for several reasons, but overloading the circuit with too many appliances is the most common.

Resetting a tripped breaker is simple if you have basic electrical knowledge. If not, however, a Denver Electrician in Colorado is always on standby, awaiting your call for assistance.

To reset a tripped breaker, follow this guide:

1. Turn Off Power At The Main Panel

Depending on your home’s electrical system and the circuit breaker used, this may involve flipping one or more switches or pulling one or more levers.

Before resetting the breaker, look for melted plastic around the edges and ensure no sparks or flames are coming from its contacts. If you notice any signs of damage, contact a Denver electrician before proceeding with these steps.

2. Unplug all appliances and turn off switches

Once you have turned off the power at your main panel, unplug all appliances within reach, including computers, televisions, and stereos to prevent accidental electrocution while working on your circuit breaker, and ensure any switches within reach are turned off so they don’t accidentally come back on when working with live wires or resetting tripped breakers later. This will also protect your gadgets from any possible risk when you reset the breaker. If you have an older appliance with fuses instead of breakers, failure to unplug it could cause it to overheat and possibly catch fire if power flows back in before being repaired.

3. Locate the room housing your electrical panel

Electrical panels are the brains of your home. They control the flow of electricity throughout your home and help to keep you safe by shutting off power in an emergency. Depending on the setup of your building, most electrical panels are located in the kitchen. You can find them in garages, basements, or hallways. You’ll know you’ve found it if there is a wall-mounted metal box with a small window.

4. Identify the breaker that is differently positioned from the rest

After locating your electrical panel’s location, find out which breaker has been tripped by looking at each breaker’s indicator light. The indicator light will be either off or red depending on whether it has been temporarily turned on or off by someone else. If it is red, that particular circuit is not active right now, but if it is off, that specific circuit is still active.

However, most modern home circuit breakers do not have any kind of visible indicator light, relying instead on a built-in mechanism that trips the breaker. Determine which breaker is out of place and/or is positioned differently than the others. This is sometimes easier if there are labels on your breakers with the section they power.

5. Shift the breaker’s position

Analyze the state of your circuit breaker in the panel box. Breakers gradually wear out and need replacement after several resets, so if your breaker arm is no longer shifting back when attempting a reset, it is possible that the breaker box is worn out. In that instance, call a qualified electrician to help with the panel replacement. If the breaker is shifting in any way, you need to move it fully to the off position before resetting it back to the functional (on) position.

Common Causes of Tripping in Circuit Breakers

Tripping is a common occurrence in circuit breakers and often indicates problems with the wiring or the breaker itself. Some of the most frequent causes of circuit protection tripping are:

Overloaded Circuits

This is often the most common cause of tripping and also one of the easiest to fix. As you connect more and more appliances to a single line, the breaker may trip as a result of an overloaded circuit. If you have more than one appliance on a single outlet, they will draw power from each other if they are not wired correctly.

Incompatible Appliances​

This problem occurs when incompatible appliances are plugged into the same outlet. For example, if you plug a hairdryer into an outlet with a microwave, the voltage difference between them means more current flows through the circuit, causing more heat and current flow until the breaker trips.

When a breaker needs to reset, there are safety considerations. Older homes may have breakers that are not easy to reset, but with practice, you should have no problem resetting your breakers. You can seek help from a qualified ElectriCall technician whenever you feel you need a panel replacement. If necessary, the electrician will service and reset all tripped breakers for you.

You must electrify your yard as technology advances, and our standard of living becomes simpler. If we look at our home appliances, they have become more compact and portable, allowing us to bring them anywhere. At the same time, however, their power consumption has also increased significantly. This is why it is essential to consider installing outdoor outlets. Not only is it a relaxing and excellent beautification project, but it’s also quite cheap in Arvada, as long as you get a professional electrician nearby.

Having to electrify your yard and outdoor outlet can also increase the value of your property, as illustrated below:

Bring your Open Kitchen Outdoors

The best way to ensure you get the most out of your outdoor space is by incorporating it into your everyday life, using it for entertaining or even cooking. Outdoor outlets help you to easily do both! 

You can even make sure that everything runs smoothly by connecting it directly with your indoor outlets so that everything works when you need it to. However, considering the amount of power consumed by most kitchen appliances, it is best when you have the installation done by a qualified Denver electrician. 

Only then can you enjoy:

• Outdoor refrigeration – You can easily have an outdoor refrigerator with an outdoor outlet. This will allow you to store food items that need refrigeration outdoors without worrying about them getting damaged or exposed to the elements such as rain or sun.
• Outdoor grilling – If you love barbequing, you will appreciate having an outdoor outlet at home so you can easily set up your barbecue grill outside and can cook as much food as possible without worrying about the expenses of propane gas or charcoal on the grill!

Simplified Outdoor Cleaning

Outdoor outlets are convenient for cleaning and they can electrify your yard. You don’t have to carry a long extension cord outside whenever you want to plug in a vacuum cleaner or power washer. No more running back and forth between your garage and the backyard with an extension cord!

You can use a:

• Pressure Washer

One of the most common uses for an outdoor outlet. You can use it to wash your car, patio furniture, garage floor, driveway, and sidewalks as well as windows, decks, and other surfaces.

• Leaf Blower

This tool helps blow leaves from your lawn and garden. It’s also useful for cleaning out gutters and debris from flower beds.

• Weed Whacker

A weed whacker is a handheld device used to trim unwanted vegetation without having to bend over or kneel on the ground. You can also use it on any type of terrain such as grassy areas, wooded areas, along fence lines, or even in your flower bed.

Make Outdoor Living Space More Comfortable

Outdoor outlets make it easier to entertain guests by providing them with an easy area to relax and enjoy their time outdoors. Either of these installed and maintained by any professional electrician nearby guarantees a good time:

• Outdoor TVs

We live in a world where technology has made everything available at the push of a button. Outdoor TVs make for great summer entertaining for your guests and are also essential for other purposes like watching sports or movies.

• Outdoor Speakers

If you want to add some musical vibrance to your backyard party or barbecue, then outdoor speakers are a must-have! It’s also nice if they can be hidden away, so they don’t draw attention to your decorating scheme.

Go Green with Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor outlets are a great way to add ambient lighting to your yard for the nighttime. Of course, anyone can do this with string lighting or traditional LED flood lights, but having an outdoor outlet makes it much easier to run power to your yard and landscape lights without running long, obstructing extension cords, or moving cords around whenever you want to plug something in.

If installed by a professional electrician, the green lighting scheme can be quite valuable in various ways. You can:

• Charge Your Devices Quicker

If you have a lot of electronics that need charging during the day (phones, tablets, laptops), using an outdoor outlet gives you access to several electrical outlets instead of just one in the garage or inside the house. This means less time waiting for things to charge, which is especially nice if you have kids who need their devices charged before going out on play dates or sleepovers with friends.

• Work from Home in the Backyard:

If you have an outdoor outlet on your deck or patio, working from home in the comfort of your backyard can be made easy and you must electrify your yard too. You can also use this space for many other household tasks, such as doing your laundry as long as you have a strong shelter for the laundry machine.

Outdoor outlets are critical because they eliminate the need for extension cords in your yard, which further helps as extension cords are a trip hazard to you and your guests. They can also be unsightly and will undoubtedly require regular maintenance. However, once you have the outdoor outlets fitted in your yard, you will not have to worry about such risks again. Any professional electrician nearby can assist you in obtaining long-lasting outdoor outlets suitable for Denver’s summers, winters, and cloudy climates.

A noisy ceiling fan can cause a lot of trouble for your home but a ceiling fan keeps the house cool. It is ideal for making the home comfortable without hiking up the utility bills. But when it breaks, fixing a noisy ceiling fan can become an irritating task and expensive repair.

A noisy ceiling fan keeping you up all night? 

Clicking, grinding noises of the unbalanced fan blades causing distractions?

ElectriCall is your local Arvada Electrician. Our residential and commercial electrical contracting services are offered throughout Arvada, CO. In this blog, we will provide a simplified process for fixing a noisy ceiling fan.

What To Do With A Ceiling Fan Making Noises?

There are various explanations for why a ceiling fan is making noises. Consulting with a professional local residential electrician is a good first step. A home electric repair guy can figure out the possible causes of why the ceiling fan is noisy.

Hiring an Arvada electrician for a ceiling fan installation is a great investment. A nearby electrician is capable of inspecting the fan completely. Getting the assistance of an electrician nearby guarantees safe service.

Here are some tips and tricks for fixing a noisy ceiling fan:

Check for any warped fan blades

One of the first things you have to do is investigate the ceiling fan. The ceiling fan blades are designed to have the same orientation and shape. Do the fan blades look good or have warps? 

Get a good look of the leading edge of the blade. If it is almost in line with the trailing edge, that would be a problem. Experimenting on how to fix this issue might not be a good idea. It could result in furthering the warps and eventually rendering the blades unusable. 

Repairing warped ceiling fan blades should be left to qualified electrical contractors. They have the skills to fix the bends on any blades or replace them when necessary.

Lock the light-fixture fasteners

There are many types of ceiling fans that come with a light fixture. The ceiling fan and light fixture combination is a terrific decorative piece. It keeps the room cool and properly lit up.  Hiring a technician for ceiling fan installation? This kind is a perfect option. 

Sometimes the loose light fixture screws cause the ceiling fan to make noises. Examine the light fixture fasteners and tighten them if needed. To do that, remove the cover of the fixture and access the fasteners. 

If it is necessary, you must clean the fasteners and replace the bulbs. Many Arvada electricians will check the wiring and lamp holders. They will conduct an inspection before putting everything back together. For complete electrical work, call an electrician in the area.   

Make sure the Junction Box is secured

Some of the issues creating ceiling fan noises emanate from unseen sources. For example, noise from inside the junction box. The junction box is holding the ceiling fan and contains wires inside. It serves as a central ground for all connections. 

If the noise is coming from the junction box, remove its top mount and look inside the box. You may have to tighten loose connections or replace components. 

Fasten the motor’s cover

The motor of ceiling fans is often directly located above the fan blades. A loose motor cover can cause the fan blades to scrape against it. Simply tightening the screws of the motor cover will fix the noise problem it is making.

Tighten the screws of the blades

One of the most common culprits for ceiling fan noise is loose screws. But this problem is easy to fix. The rattling noise of the ceiling fan might go away by tightening all screws. Fasten the other components too. However, do not tighten them too much otherwise they will generate more problems.

Inspect the pull chain

Many ceiling fans today are controlled by remote control or switch. However, there are models that still use pull chains. The pull chain causes problems and noises when it gets caught up in the blade or the motor cover. 

Make sure the pull chain is not too long. Shorten the chain if needed to avoid getting it entangled with the blades. Make its length easily accessible. 

Ensure the blades are balanced

Poor ceiling fan installation causes the fan blades to sag. If you notice the fan blades drooping, that may be the reason for the ceiling fan noise.  Since the ceiling fan blades are unbalanced, they will wobble as they rotate.

To straighten the drooping ceiling fan blades, simply fasten the screws. Check whether the fan blade brackets are damaged or bent. If you do not have the tools to fix the wobble, you can get a balancing kit from local hardware stores. 

Lubricate the ceiling fan motor

Another very common culprit for ceiling fan noises is its motor. Dust,  dirt, and grime accumulate inside the motor which makes the fan slow down or stop. Remember that the coil inside the motor wears out which can create noise or break the ceiling fan. 

Keeping the ceiling fan clean and maintained will resolve the issues degrading it. Apply fan motor lubricants regularly. If the motor is dry and making a buzzing noise, drop some oil to reduce friction between parts.

Residential and Commercial Electrical Contracting Services in Arvada, CO

Get ready to freshen up your ceiling fan!

ElectriCall is an electrical contracting company. We provide electrical work like home rewiring jobs and gfci outlet installation. We also offer other electrician services. Our electrician technicians are also skilled to fix a noisy ceiling fan.

We are the partner you need for professional home electrical repair services. Want affordable electrician rates? We offer fair and honest estimates.  

Contact ElectriCall if you want to work with master electricians. Do not wait for your ceiling fan to break. Hire professional electrical repairs nearby! Schedule our expert electricians today!

These 5 must have outdoor lighting fixtures are sure to make a statement. They create a welcoming feel to your home and help thwart crimes. Furthermore, they provide landscape lighting.

Improve the outdoor lighting fixture of our home! Try these must have outdoor lighting fixtures to add illumination to your property. Have a properly lighted pathway or outdoor area with these lighting fixtures.

Sconces

This kind of outdoor lighting fixture is common for exterior walls. Sconces are perfect for spotlighting. They are also great as directional lighting since they can be set as down-light, up-light, or up and down.

The down-light sconces create a warm glow directed to the ground. The warm glow makes an inviting look to the home. It is a fantastic kind of sconce for the house porch, patio, deck, yard, or garage.

The up-light sconces are pointed upward. This kind cast the light up to the ceiling and creates a feeling of luxury and power. It is a perfect finishing touch for modern houses.

The up and down sconces provide both upward and downward ambient light. The light spreads down the ground and up to the ceiling. The up and down sconces can be installed horizontally or vertically to fit the house decor.

Outdoor Post Lights

Post lights are another perfect outdoor lighting fixture. If you have a long driveway, this is a great light option for its undeniable style and elegance. Post lights come in various types of lantern heads so you can choose one that will suit your home. 

Contact your electrician nearby for fast and safe landscape lighting installation. Hire Arvada residential and commercial electrical contracting services for professional electrical work. Outdoor post lights often have multiple components and a specific mount installation. To avoid lamp short circuits, talk with a professional Arvada electrician.

Outdoor Chandeliers

For a lighting fixture that can elevate the mood an outdoor chandelier is a great option. It helps add a cozy ambiance and aesthetic to any setting. Like lamp posts, this type of outdoor lighting fixture comes in an array of options. The product itself often has numerous small components and mount adapters. Hiring a professional electrical contracting company can help with the lighting installation.

Flood Lights

There are outdoor lighting fixtures that have specific functions. They do not only improve ambiance and aesthetics. Flood lights, for example,  are used to illuminate walkways. They are essential for creating a beautiful and safe outdoor area or path walk. Electrical companies in Arvada, CO can perform any type of electrical work. ElectriCall is familiar with this kind of outdoor lighting fixture. If you hire our local electrical team, your goal to add curb appeal and safe outdoor lighting will be met.

Tree-Mounted Uplights and Downlights

It is vital to hire an electrician technician to install your lighting fixture. Skilled electricians can ensure the outdoor lighting fixture is connected properly. A seasoned electrician in Arvada understands electrical concepts and local regulations. They can install any kind of lighting fixture anywhere in the house.  

Get On-Time and Top-Notch Arvada Residential and Commercial Electrical Contracting Services

ElectriCall offers residential and commercial electrical contracting services throughout Arvada, CO. We install outdoor lighting fixtures and do other electrical jobs. Call us for electrical services done by a professional electrical contracting company.

Our expert technicians will treat your property or home as if it is our own. When it comes to outlet installation, we are the Arvada electricians to call. We do electrical work including installing gfci outlet and an outdoor lighting fixture. 

As a professional Arvada electrical contracting company, we have talented Arvada electricians. We are knowledgeable in electrical works and have the right spirit.

• Physical and mental aptitude. Our electricians in Arvada have the ability to perform exceptional electrical work. We make sure our crew possesses the right skills. They must be able to correctly identify wirings and prevent disastrous situations. It is our priority to have a safety-first mindset. Considering the dangers our electricians face every day, safety is a must. Working safely around electrical wiring and hazards is a vital requirement. 

• Great communication skills and customer service. Our electricians that go to homes are extensions of our electrical contracting company. That is why we guarantee they are able to clearly convey ideas. Our Arvada electrician technicians will aid clients throughout the process. And we will help them understand methods to achieve goals.

• Time management. Our team of electricians will complete the outdoor lighting installation on time. There are many pressures that impede electrical work. But our Arvada electricians will achieve the ultimate goal. We will start and finish the outdoor lighting fixture installation on time.

Get in touch with ElectriCall today for our electrician services and electrician rates.

If you enjoyed this list of  5 must have outdoor lighting fixtures, keep browsing our site for more! We are equipped with tremendous information about electrical work. We have experience in electrician inspections, power outlet installation, and more!

Electrical Wire Color Guide

Everyone should be aware of the existence of an electrical wire color guide. Electrical wiring and cables consist of different colors, and it is crucial to know these electrical wire colors before you open them up. An understanding of the colors and their purpose will help avoid accidents.

As your local Denver electrician, we want to help you avoid electric accidents. By understanding the various electrical wire colors you will have sound decisions. 

Our team of electricians has done many residential and commercial electrical contracting services, and in this blog, we would love to share our knowledge of electrical wiring to help you avoid mistakes.

Yes, electrical wire colors matter!

The colors of the electrical wires do not matter to most homeowners, but if you decide to do home electrical work, knowing the distinctions among colors is essential. 

Different electrical wire colors indicate a specific purpose. The breaker box carries an electric current, so be very careful when handling wires in the electric panel, and make sure you know each electrical wire color and the preventive measures necessary to remedy problems.

Hotwires, for example, carry live electrical current, and when handled wrongly can cause injury to a person or create a fire.

Here are the electrical wire color guides you must know:

Red wires

These are secondary live wires that can be found in a 220-volt circuit. In most cases, the red wires are utilized for home light switches, ceiling fans, power systems, and hardwired smoke detectors.  A professional Denver electrician can link red wires or other colors such as black wires with the right tools and skills.

Black wires

When doing residential rewiring service, take extra care when handling black wires. This color is always considered a live wire, meaning that it is carrying a massive electrical load. It is often installed to deliver power to outlets and is commonly used when connecting light switches and circuit breakers.

Remember, the improper intermingling of the wires can cause connection problems. It is encouraged to consult with expert electricians, as working with a professional electrical company can save your life and property. Choose a company or team that has extensive experience in electrical work.

Yellow and blue wires

Although the yellow and blue wires may carry power, these two are not found in the electrical outlets. The yellow wires are typically seen as switch legs. They are connected to ceiling fans, light switches, or structural lighting. 

Blue wires, on the other hand, are often utilized in three or four-way switches. Does your staircase have a switch at the top or bottom? Those switches are probably using blue-colored wires.

Bare copper wires

All types of electrical devices or equipment must be grounded. That means, they must have a safe path where electricity can travel back to the ground. Bare copper wires, known as “grounding wires”, can conduct a large amount of electricity without a protective coating, and are used as a form of protection from electrical trips or shocks.

When doing a home electric repair, hire qualified electrical contractors, especially when installing, replacing, or rerouting bare copper wirings. Local residential electricians know the proper methods for typical installation and earth grounding.

Green wires

Another electrical wire color that requires extra care is the green wires. Green wires are used to ground electrical circuits and can only be linked to another green wire.

The green wires act as a backup or failsafe when live wires get in contact with another conductive material or a metal. It is where electric current can escape to the ground. Significant currents run through the green wires, and hence must be treated cautiously. Again, the assistance of a professional electrician nearby is highly recommended.

White or gray wires

The white or gray wires are also known as neutral, however, they must not be confused as less dangerous. These allow electric currents to pass when an imbalance in current load occurs, drawing electric currents to different areas of the house.

Despite being neutral wires, white wires are still dangerous when manipulated improperly. Confusion involving neutral wires and other wire colors often causes accidents and injuries. 

Denver Electrician Near Me

Need to do some home rewiring? ElectriCall might be the electrician in the area you are looking for.

ElectriCall is an electrical contracting company based in Denver, and our electricians are skilled and seasoned in various electrical work, such as outlet installations like Ground-Fault Circuit Interruptor installation and home rewiring services.

We offer quality residential and commercial electrical contracting services. For electrician rates and full our range of electrician services, please call our office today.