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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.

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.

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.