DIY projects are great. They fill your time, leave you with a sense of accomplishment, and, most importantly, save you money. But when handling your premise’s electrical systems, there are repairs and installations that you should leave for licensed electricians.

Most electrical works are potentially dangerous if not done right. For this reason, electricians spend hundreds of hours doing in-class and on-the-job learning to achieve certification. The experience and certification Denver electricians earn allow them to complete electrical works in a safe and reliable manner.

So, you can change out bulbs, reset tripped breakers, or do other minor repairs all you want, but leave the following to the professionals.

 1.   Repairing Electrical Panels

An electrical panel distributes power to other subpanels, provides power to the entire circuit, and protects your electrical system from overheating. This fundamental part of your electrical system is complex and hard to repair, so many local governments require you to have a permit to repair electrical panels.

Electrical panels are built to last, but not forever. If you notice frequent light flickering, regular tripping of breakers, or circuit breaker failure, get in touch with qualified electricians in the Denver area.

2.   Updating Switches

While experienced DIY enthusiasts may make it seem easy to replace a switch, it is best to leave it to experts. Trying to update a light switch yourself may damage the switch at best or injure you at worst. The most common problem people face is failing to check if there are any hot wires before doing the work.

Professional electricians have the right tools and skills needed to handle this operation with care. So, if you suspect you need a new switch, it’s best to employ a licensed electrician to handle it.

3.   Repairing or Replacing Circuit Breakers

Resetting a circuit breaker and fixing it are two different things. They may seem simple from the outside, but circuit breakers are like the brains of your electrical system. Your circuit breaker panel connects the source of electricity and all the wires and devices in your electrical system.

Circuit breaker repairs should only be handled by Arvada professional electricians as they are trained to navigate this complex component, locate the problem, and fix it without causing other damage.

4.   Rewiring Works

One of the main reasons why it’s not recommended to rewire your own home is the sheer number of different wires involved in electrical work. Connecting different wires haphazardly puts you, others, and your property at risk. Electrical fires and electrocutions are the most common results of bad wiring, and if these occur, you may need to pay a qualified electrician to redo the work, which can end up costing you more.

Professional electricians are able to identify which wires are best for your electrical system and they have the expertise needed to maneuver around hidden junction boxes and connections.

5.   Installing Dedicated Circuits

Since most appliances that require dedicated circuits are expensive, some homeowners may opt to DIY this problem to reduce costs. However, these cases often end up costing more in repairs.

Dedicated circuits ensure energy-hungry appliances get enough power without overloading the home’s electrical system. Heavy-duty appliances that need a dedicated circuit include washing machines, refrigerators, freezers, and water heaters. 

6.   Installing And Repairing Power Cables

Power cables have a high wattage, so they are run through the walls of a building to prevent anyone from tampering with them. Most local governments and building codes require a permit before installing, repairing, or connecting a power cable to the grid. Once connected, a licensed electrical inspector needs to inspect and test the cables.

If you need to have a power cable installed, repaired, or extended, you should call a professional electrician. Arvada professional electricians are able to alter power cables without causing damage to your home or electrical system.

7.   Installing And Repairing Junction Boxes

Junction boxes contain splices of energized circuit wires and are important protection units for various circuit connections. When you open these boxes, you run the risk of damaging wires, and if easily combustible materials come into contact with energized wires, they can also cause fire.

A licensed electrician has the necessary tools and knowledge needed to test wires and voltage before repairing junction boxes. The process may also include reconfiguring circuits and outlet layouts.

8.   Repairing Large Appliances

While not directly electrical work, repairing large appliances also requires the hands of a qualified electrician. This is because large appliances carry a lot of electricity. Shoddy repairs can lead to greater damage or cause electrical fires.

At ElectriCall, we have the most well-trained Arvada electricians who can handle any electrical issues. Whether servicing residential or commercial spaces, our staff will cover all your needs. Whether you need repairs, installation, or consultation services, you can count on us to make it happen. If you find yourself having a problem that you can’t DIY, call us, the electrical contractors near you,  and we’ll be there. 

Get in touch today, and let’s handle the problem correctly!

The growing adoption of renewable energy generation has brought solar power to the forefront of energy utilization. As such, you will find many homes and businesses with solar panels installed on their premises.

Each power source brings with it unique advantages and disadvantages. and as any licensed electrician will tell you, you don’t have to forego one for the other. Advancements in electrical research and engineering allow people to utilize both solar power and electricity to power their homes.

This article brings you the similarities and differences of electricity and solar energy. From these you’ll learn how best you can harness either or each one of them at home.

But first, let’s understand what solar power and electricity are in the context of this article.

What Is Solar Energy

This is energy from the sun converted into electrical and thermal energy. Solar energy uses various solar technologies that harness this energy for home use. 

Various solar technologies include solar photovoltaic, passive solar, and solar process heating technology. You can get in touch with solar experts and electrical contractors near you to get solar energy installed in your home.

What Is Electricity

Unlike solar energy, this type of electric power is generated from power stations usually located far away from residential areas. The power can be generated from hydrothermal, nuclear, coal, natural gas, or geothermal power stations, though sometimes electrical grids integrate large-scale solar power as a backup plan for residential and commercial setups.

Similarities Between Solar Energy And Electricity

Renewable Sources of Energy

Power stations vary and have different sources of power. In some cases, grid electricity is also sourced from renewable energy plants. A good example of this is hydroelectric power.

Hydroelectric power is generated by using dams to redirect the natural flow of rivers or other water bodies. The water is held and released under pressure to turn a turbine which in turn rotates mortars, generating electricity.

Other types of renewable sources of energy for grid electricity include wind turbines, geothermal, and tidal energy.

Usage

Both solar energy and grid electricity power homes and businesses. You can use power from both sources to light homes and power appliances and equipment.

Differences Between Solar Energy And Electricity

Cost

When installing solar energy in your home, cost is a huge factor to consider. The initial cost of installing solar energy is usually high since you have to acquire different equipment, which is not cheap. However, once installed, solar energy can significantly reduce your energy bills.

Grid electricity, on the other hand, is quite cheap to install. You only need a licensed electrician to connect your home or business to the grid. Arvada professional electricians can help you install solar power and connect your home to the grid to enjoy both perks.

Effect On Home Value

Homes with solar power are more likely to attract high-paying buyers. This is considering the potentially high energy bills that many people may try to avoid.

A lot of real estate agents consider energy efficiency to be an extremely important factor. In addition to savings on energy bills, homes with solar power can sell the excess power to the grid.

In comparison to solar energy, grid electricity does not have a big effect on a home’s value. Still, having an efficient and well-maintained electric system improves its resale value.

Backup Plan

Solar energy is a great backup plan for homes and businesses in times of power outages. Since most solar power installations come with batteries, you can store power in times of need. Solar batteries can last up to 15 years and store enough energy to power your home for one to five days. Though different batteries have different capacities. Lithium-ion solar batteries last the longest.

On the other hand, grid electricity does not provide many backup options. The best backup for homes and businesses relying solely on the grid is generators.

Convenience

While solar power may have lower maintenance costs compared to grid electricity, it is not a great fit for all homes, as not every roof inclination will work well with solar panels. You need to consult the advice of professionals on solar installation to maximize the sun’s energy.

In comparison, electricity only requires that your home be covered by the grid. If your home or business is near an electricity pole, you can call a licensed electrician to connect your home.

Power Availability

One of the main advantages of grid electricity over solar energy is power availability. Solar energy is highly dependent on sunlight. Without enough sunlight, solar energy cannot power a home. Therefore, you cannot generate power during the night or on cloudy or stormy days.

But they maximize their energy intake to cover up for such days when the sun is covered by the clouds.

Get The Best Of Both Energy Solutions With ElectriCall

At ElectriCall, we aim to provide you with the benefits of both solar energy and grid electricity. Our team of Denver electricians comprise experts on solar energy installation and electricity supply. With professional installation, your solar energy will automatically switch on in the case of blackouts or when scheduled.

You can count on the professional electricians near Denver. Give us a call today.

Electrical systems tend to drop in value over time due to the degradation of the equipment. Effects of this can range from vibrations and temperature changes to affecting environmental elements. 

Unfortunately, you can’t control all causes of electrical degradation, but keeping your electrical system in good condition makes it easy to pass electrical inspections and keep your family safe.

Here are some things you can do to ensure your home passes electrical inspections.

Pre-requisites

1.   Consult A Qualified Electrician

Before jumping into any DIY operations, you should consult the advice of a licensed electrician. The professional will assess the state of your electrical system and provide suggestions and guidelines on any necessary repairs. Qualified Denver electricians can provide pre-inspection consultations that help you better understand what to expect during inspections.

2.   Get Familiar With Local Requirements

Before consulting an inspector, you need to ensure all your electrical systems are in place. Residential electrical requirements vary from one local government to another, so it is essential to know what guidelines are expected to be met in your area. For example, in Denver, any premises with furnaces need to meet specific conditions to pass the inspection. Electrical panels connecting to the furnaces need enough space to install a two-pole circuit breaker. 

3.   Obtain The Required Permits

To ensure that your electrical project is legal, you need to obtain the necessary permits from your local authorities. These permits help streamline the whole inspection process.

The state of Colorado requires that a homeowner or electrician obtain the Colorado State Electrical permits. Fortunately, Arvada professional electricians have the necessary permits to help you with any electrical work or consultation.

What You Can Do

1.   Ensure Exposed Wiring Is Fixed

Exposed wires are dangerous and are among the first things an electrical inspector looks for, as these wires can easily start fires and cause electrical shocks. You can DIY this task by wrapping the exposed part with electrical tape or twisting the exposed wire strands together.

Although basic repairs on exposed wire are possible, they can be dangerous. This is why if you are in any doubt or concerned about the risks of undertaking such tasks, you can enlist the help of well-trained and licensed persons.

2.   Test GFCI Outlets

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) will ensure the current flowing through your system is kept in check. These outlets are designed to reduce electrocutions. However, if there is an imbalance, it can trip your circuit.

You can test a GFCI outlet by pressing the button labelled “TEST”. You should hear an audible click followed by the light going off. Afterwards, press the “RESET” button to return the outlet to its usable state.

If nothing happens, there’s something wrong with the outlet and you need to contact a local electrical contractor.

3.   Install Proper Circuit Breakers

There are many types of breakers used in house wiring from residual current circuit breakers and arc fault circuit interrupters to mounded case circuit breakers. You need to find out if you have the right one in accordance with local rules and regulations. 

4.   Ensure Alarms are Working

Another thing an electrical inspector is sure to check is whether or not your fire detectors are working. The best your electrician can do before the test is to see that smoke detectors and related alarms are fully functional. 

You too can test the alarms and the detectors. Just press and hold their test button for at least 5 seconds. After pressing, you should be able to hear the alarm sound. If you can’t hear the sound, or if it’s weak, you need to change the batteries. If you notice any fault issues with the alarm system or are unsure about trying out the test yourself, Arvada electricians near you can always help with that.

5.   Install Tamper Resistant Receptacles

Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) are no different from normal outlets, but their key role is in their added layer of protection. TRRs have a built-in safety shutter that prevents children from being shocked by blocking any foreign object from reaching the circuit. Having these in your electrical system is a huge advantage during inspections.

6.   Ensure You Have Proper Fire Blocking

Holes and gaps in your wall and ceiling allow fire to spread quickly. Sealing these gaps can prevent or at least slow down the spread of fire, giving you more time to deal with the situation.

The best materials to seal these gaps are fiberglass or expanding foam. You can contact your electrician near Denver to help identify cavities near your electrical system.

7.   Ensure all Wire Ends are Capped

Capping wire ends ensures that exposed ends are properly covered to prevent short circuits and electrical shocks. Even if there is no exposed end, it is always recommended to cap all wire ends. You can use wire nuts of the corresponding size to seal off the ends.

8.   Repair or Replaced Over Fused Circuit Breaker

When a circuit breaker is over-fused, it can’t carry electricity safely through the wires. This situation can overheat and melt wires which leads to an electrical fire. The issue is usually caused by breakers being too big or faulty electrical installation.

Signs of an over-fused breaker include

• Circuit breaker being constantly tripped.
• Light brightness is not consistent.

If you suspect your circuit breaker is over-fused, contact a licensed electrician near you as soon as you can.

Trust ElectriCall For All Your Electrical Needs

For over 20 years, ElectriCall has served Arvada residents and business owners with quality electrical services. You can rely on us to get your home in top condition ahead of your electrical inspection. 

A tree touching power lines is an electric danger that needs immediate handling. Besides potential damage to the wire, there is the risk of outages, fire, and electrocution from the current traveling through the tree. Electrocution may be possible even without direct contact with the wire or tree.

That is why a swift reaction is vital to safeguard life and property and to keep the power to your home on. However, trees on power lines are not a DIY project. Always consult a licensed electrician to help with these matters.

This article guides you on what to do and who to consult when a tree touches a power line in your yard.

Assessing The Situation

Before anything, you must assess the situation to know how dangerous it is and what to do next.

You must not forget that electricity may flow down the tree to the surrounding ground. So stay at least 30 feet away. Where possible, use binoculars or a camera to assess the situation. Please do not try to climb the tree or even touch it. Do not attempt DIY solutions like cutting or trimming. Also, wear non-conductive footwear like rubber boots.

Denver electricians are always ready to help you assess the situation.

Here is what to look out for:

1.     Contact points – How much of the tree is in contact with the line? Generally, the larger the contact surface, the more serious it is. Depending on the contact area, you should arrange a scheduled visit or request immediate attention from the electricity supplier.

2.     Physical damage – Look out for damage to the wire to see if it is sagging or if the insulation is compromised. Also, look out for hanging or broken branches, such may need an arborist to manage them.

3.     Electrical hazards – Sparks, visible light, buzzing, humming, or crackling near the contact point indicate an electric arc. Also, look out for smoke, burning smell, or charring on the tree. These would be a direct signal of fire if power to the lines is not cut out in time.

4.     Environmental factors – If it has been raining or snowing, the tree and ground may be wet, increasing the risk of electrocution and requiring extra caution.

Immediate Safety Measures

Once you have assessed the extent of the danger, you should take the following measures:

1.     Stay at least 30 feet away from the danger zone. Current transmitted through the tree flows into and energizes the ground, creating a risk of electrocution within this zone.

2.     Shuffle walk to avoid step potential if you are within the danger zone. Step potential is the variance in the current levels between your feet if you lift either. This enables the current to travel through your body and shock you. Shuffling keeps the current equal.

3.     Warn others verbally or by putting up signs. You can also cordon off the areas to keep people and pets outside the danger zone.

4.     Do not attempt to cut the tree or repair the line yourself if you are not qualified. Trees on power lines pose a significant danger that you must not take lightly.

5.     Err on the side of caution. The danger may be significant even where there are no telltale signs of arcing. Moreover, a line that seems dead may suddenly become live and dangerous.

Contact Authorities

The safety approach would be to reach out to the relevant authorities if you notice any trees touching power lines. In Denver, Co, Xcel Energy is the primary provider of electricity.

Call Xcel Energy’s emergency number if you notice sparks, fire, or other emergencies. For non-emergency issues, reach out to Xcel Energy’s website or the customer care number during business hours.

Electrical contractors may be helpful in conducting a professional inspection and safety evaluation and implementing the appropriate safety measures. They may also coordinate with the utility company and arborist to safely remove the tree. You can find electricians in the Denver area by googling ‘electrical contractors near me’.

Preventive Measures

Simple preventive measures can help avoid the inconvenience and danger of trees falling on your power line.

Inspect trees close to your power line regularly and perform maintenance by trimming and pruning. You can also trim the canopy if it becomes too large. A qualified arborist is best equipped to handle all tree work near power lines.

When planting your trees, try to anticipate their reach in height and breadth. Opt for tree species whose foliage won’t reach the power line when fully grown. Trees that grow fast and tall may not be suitable to plant around power lines, as are trees whose branches break easily in the wind. Similarly, the tree’s adult height should be less than its height from the power line. For instance, a 10-meter-tall tree should be at least 10 meters away from the power line.

Arvada professional electricians will assess your property and help you make tailored recommendations if in the vicinity.

Why Hire Professionals When A Tree Touches A Power Line

Work on a tree that touches a power line is inherently dangerous. As such, it requires specialized knowledge to carry it out safely. In some instances, regulations require that a licensed professional assures the safest and most effective work.

Usually, Xcel Energy handles tree removal work for trees on power lines. However, electricians can help assess the severity of the situation safely. Electricians near Denver could come in vital as a preventive measure, evaluating and advising you on appropriate measures to avoid trees falling on a power line.

Conclusion

Trees touching power lines may pose a grave danger to lives and property when not handled properly. You must keep safe as you assess and alert others. Contact only qualified and authorized personnel to remove it. However, it is better to exercise prevention by planting and maintaining your trees in the proper manner.