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Why You Should Label Your Electric Panel

Our homes are supposed to be the safest place at all times but with the electrical hazards that are potentially present, it pays to be meticulous in dealing with electrical-related problems and entrust the job to a licensed electrician nearby. But did you know that labeling your electrical panel is also a form of safety precaution?

Also referred to as the fuse box, fuse panel, or circuit breaker panel, an electrical panel is a device that is tasked to ensure a regulated and safe distribution of electricity throughout your home’s electrical system. At the same time, the device can detect whenever there is an irregularity of power supply or a potential electrical issue. Although there are panels installed indoors, most homeowners opt to have them installed in the basement or garage.

The electrical codes in the United States, including in Colorado, mandate that homeowners must have their electrical layouts printed and panels labeled, especially before putting them on sale. The purpose of this is to warn future homeowners or family members about the potential risks that can arise in touching them. At the same time, this will help electrical technicians easily locate the circuit breaker in case electrical installations and repairs have to be done in the future.

Labeling Your Electric Panel the Safe Way

As anything electrical-related has to be dealt with properly, the same thing applies in labeling your electric panel. However, at times, this can be hard especially if you lack the proper background and skills required to do it right. For instance, the process begins with identifying which outlets and fixtures are currently connected to your circuit breaker and these should be detached one by one before you start the labeling. If you feel like this is a threat, do not hesitate to seek help from a local electrician. On the other hand, if you want to give the task a try, below is a brief guide to follow:

Step #1: Turn off your circuit breaker and test the outlets one by one to take note of an accurate layout.

This is to totally eliminate the probability of electrocution or other electrical related accidents. Once this is done, check your fixture or appliance one by one and take note appropriately; an appliance that can still be powered on is an indication that it is probably connected to another breaker.

If you are hesitant to plug the appliances as this can end up damaging them, another way to check your power outlets is by plugging in a lamp, an alarm clock, or a voltage tester.

The entire process will be time-consuming but for you and your family’s safety, this will be worth it.

Step #2: Start labeling.

Here, you have two main things to label: your appliances and your breaker box.

· In labeling your appliances note that the purpose of this is to indicate which circuit breaker the particular appliance connects. At the same time, also include the amperage rating in the label. This will help you recognize defects in case it gets a disrupted power supply.

Electricians advise that large and heavy appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioning units, washing machines and dryers, and smart home systems be provided with their dedicated electrical panels as they tend to eat up a lot of electricity.

· In labeling your breaker box, you can make use of already-numbered slots or a diagram that you can refer to as an electrical layout guide for future electrical repairs.

If electric panel labeling is giving you trouble, you should not think twice about calling a licensed electrician’s help. Labeling may sound simple but the truth is, it comes with a lot of safety issues that a professional electrical service company like ElectriCall is versed in handling. Entrust the job to the experts; give us a call. We will be glad to help.

How to Improve Electrical Wiring In Your Home

Spikes in the electricity bills are common during the summer months but apart from its financial impact, concerns about fire safety are also present. Unlike the former where the solution lies in the behavior of consumers, fire safety is a concern that can be addressed by improving the electrical system at home.

The Impact of Power Usage in Ensuring Fire Safety

Heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and smart home systems eat up a lot of power. These appliances produce heat that can fast-track the wear and tear of the electrical wires, especially if they are aluminum-made. Consequently, the likelihood of experiencing electrical overload increases. Apart from potentially causing a spike in electricity bills, it can expose a house to more fire risks.

If you have recently invested or are currently using such appliances at home; and more so, if your property is already 50 years old at the least, then it is worth giving serious thought to upgrading your electrical wiring at home; primarily for safety purposes.

That said, as a homeowner, part of your responsibility is to ensure that your wiring is suited and appropriately updated every time you add an appliance at home. This is why regular electrical checkup and maintenance are vital – something your trusted local electrician can definitely help you with.

Selecting the Right Wiring to Ensure Fire Safety

Electrical safety should be your number one priority if you do not want your house to end up catching fire because of damaged wiring insulation, electrical overload, or overheating. Delays in addressing these problems and underestimating the importance of regular electrical wiring checkups can be fatal and downright draining financially.

To ensure fire safety, the first thing you need to do is to make sure that your electrical wiring system at home is using materials of the best quality and is set up properly. If you are living in or around Arvada, Colorado, your trusted electrician will guide you in determining how much amperage your home will require. Also taking amperage into consideration, the right electrician will help you select the best electrical wires to use. More often than not, they will discourage the use of aluminum wiring and will recommend copper wiring instead. Although the latter is pricier, in terms of safety and benefits, it is considered far superior and can guarantee fire safety way better.

The Importance of Electrical Wire Upgrades to Reduce Electrocution Hazards

You are actually not alone in experiencing a tingling sensation when touching an electrical appliance on random occasions. This can be a clear indication that your house lacks proper electrical grounding. This may seem like a minor threat but if the problem escalates, the consequence can be fatal and costly too.

Addressing this problem is easy though. Once you give your trusted electrical contractor a call, qualified electricians will eradicate the problem by installing three-pronged outlets for each of your major appliances. With such a proper grounding measure, any excess electricity will automatically be blocked from getting into your device or appliance. This will also enhance your appliance’s overall longevity.

Your trusted licensed Arvada electrician will also suggest installing a GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet in areas where moisture is inevitable, e.g. bathrooms, kitchens, pools. GFCIs are devices designed to protect people from electrocution.

Quality electrical wiring is easy to obtain. As long as you know a truly reliable electrical service company like ElectriCall which you can entrust the job to, then your house and your safety will be electrical-protected. Here at ElectriCall, we very well know the root cause that every homeowner wants to eliminate in ensuring electrical safety. Our clients’ safety is our topmost priority. Along with thousand others we have served in and around Arvada and Denver, Colorado area, we would be glad to help you too! Call us today!