What Is the Difference Between Power Strips and Extension Cords

In this day and age, our daily routine involves the use of many devices and appliances. Most of the things we use to make our work or living efficient require electricity. Often, though, there are not enough outlets in the house to plug them.

Power strips and extension cords are designed for temporary use. If you need an extra wall outlet to fit your needs, call us. Our seasoned and local Colorado electricians can help with any and all electrical upgrades.

But for now, learn the difference between power strips and extension cords and how to use them safely.

What is a Power Strip?

If you ever need a temporary socket, you need a power strip. This consists of multiple electrical sockets and is designed to power up multiple small appliances. Some power strips have automatic shut-off features to prevent power overload.

When is a Power Strip ideal to use?

Since it features many electrical sockets, it can handle many devices near or next to each other. It can accommodate charging phones and tablets, electric fans, digital clocks, and lamps. It is also ideal to plug in computer desktops, monitors, and stereos.

What is an Extension Cord?

An extension cord is an electrical cable that can be short as 2 feet or can be longer than 30 feet. It has a plug that connects to an outlet and at least one socket. Essentially, an extension cord is used to extend a home or workshop’s electrical circuit.

Extension cords come in various lengths, sizes, and types.

• Light-duty extension cord

This type has only two plug prongs and is often not grounded.

• Medium-duty extension cord

This is typically grounded and has slots for three-prong cords.

• Heavy-duty extension cord

This kind is always grounded and allows for up to 15 amp of power.

When is an Extension Cord ideal to use?

Extension cords can be used both outdoors and indoors. It can charge phones, and power up small appliances and electric fans. The most common outdoor application is plugging Christmas lights. 

Extension cords are useful in a lot of situations, like when powering a drill or an oscillating saw when doing electrical work.

How to use a power strip or extension cord safely?

• Do not overfill the extension cord or power strip. They might overload and result in an accident or fire.
• Do not allow the power strip or extension cord to get wet, especially when in use.
• Store them indoors in a dry, safe place.
• Do not run them behind walls or under the floors. Accidents and fire hazards are more likely to happen if the heat from the power strip or extension cord cannot escape.
• Always tape down the extension cord or power strip when using in high-traffic areas.
• Never plug refrigerators, freezers, and other large electric appliances into a power strip or extension cord. Big appliances require more power to operate safely.
• Avoid plugging heat appliances like portable heaters and iron into an extension cord. These appliances draw more power and overload the cord.
• Never place the tension cord under a rug.
• Replace the old and damaged power strip or extension cord immediately. Do not use them again to avoid hazards. 
• When using extension cords outdoors, use weather pods to cover multiple cords.
• Pull the plug from the socket. Do not pull the cord when removing the power strip or extension cord from the wall outlet.
• As much as possible, never plug over two appliances into an extension cord or power strip. Know the amps of your power strip or extension cord to prevent overloading.
• Do not cut off ground pins in order for them to fit with extension cords or power strips that only have two holes.
• Make sure to use an extension cord or power strip that matches the wattage of the appliance, tool, or device.

It is easy to confuse a power strip with an extension cord, but their major difference lies in their purpose. A power strip is normally used to add outlets for multiple devices. Extension cords, however, stretch the power source. It is best used when doing electrical work or reaching a distant appliance.

Have an Additional Outlet Installed in Your Colorado Home

Heavy reliance on either a power strip or an extension cord means that you have too few outlets in your home. If you need an electrical outlet upgrade or need to add extra outlets around the house, call us. 

Need more outlets around your home? Installing an additional outlet will help lessen the use of extension cords. Thus, reducing trip hazards. For a job like this, ElectriCall is the experienced electrical company you need, providing excellent electrical services that meet the needs of all our clients. 

We are a licensed and skilled team of local Colorado Electrician. Our expert electricians have done many electrical projects in and around the area, whether it’s home rewiring jobs or outlet installation. We can help to disconnect wires, repair ceiling fans, maintain electrical systems, and more!

Using Common Electrical Tools Safely

To do electrical work at home correctly, you have to understand common electrical tools and how to use them safely. In this blog, you will learn about some of the hand and power tools electricians have to perform their job. Knowing these will help you do home electrical repairs safely and correctly.

Pliers

Generally, pliers are used for bending, twisting, cutting, or gripping electric wires. They are also used to reach into confined spaces or pull wires and hard-to-reach objects. Pliers are some of the most common and vital tools that any licensed electrician in Arvada use.

There are various kinds of pliers, including needle-nose pliers, diagonal-cutting pliers, and tongue-and-groove pliers.

• Needle-nose pliers are used when doing detailed work or when trimming wires for new screw terminal connections.
• Tongue-and-groove pliers are designed to adjust bolts and nuts, tighten clamps, or keep objects from moving.
• Diagonal cutting pliers are commonly used to cut screws, nails, and soft and medium wires.

When using pliers, remember these:

• Pieces of wires or objects could fly when cut using a plier, so always protect your eyes.
• Only use the plier for its designed use. Using pliers incorrectly can damage them and cause accidents.
• Even pliers have varying capabilities. Some pliers are intended for light use, so never force them beyond their level of capability.
• Live wires and pliers do not go together. Contact a professional and licensed electrician in Arvada to deal with live wires.

Plug-In Circuit Analyzer

A circuit analyzer is a device used to test circuit and wiring problems. It can also determine voltage levels and check for missing ground fault protection. Some circuit analyzers comprise different buttons to test GFCIs and toggle between functions. Others simply have neon lights that will light up to show specific results.

The primary purpose of a circuit analyzer is to test outlets after installation. Using a plug-in circuit analyzer is easy, but you need to understand standard and GFCI outlets.

A typical outlet has three holes. The smaller one is for the hot wire, which can really hurt you. The larger hole is common, which means it is not hot until a current passes through it, and then below that is the hole for the ground wire.

Multimeter

This device is more sophisticated than a plug-in circuit analyzer. It is capable of reading AC and DC voltage, frequency, resistance, capacitance, and continuity. 

• Remember to do safety precautions when using a multimeter. This device can cause electrical shock when handled incorrectly.
• Never touch the probe tips of the multimeter when reading, especially when testing with a live current.
• Before using it, check the meter for signs of physical damage that may cause faulty results or accidents.
• Never adjust the settings of the device while it is in use or while the metal tips are connected to a circuit.

After using the device, store it in a dry and safe place where it will not get damaged. If it is not going to be used for a long period, remove its batteries to prevent corrosion at the battery connections.

Fish Tape

Another tool that is in an Arvada electrician’s tool belt is fish tape or draw tape. The fish tape is used to pull electrical wires through holes in studs, electrical conduits, floor-to-floor, or room-to-room.  If you need to fish electrical or other wires through a wall, you must have this tool. Here is how to use fish tape correctly and safely:

• Prepare the area where you will be carrying out the electrical work. Turn off the power and use a current tester to see if the power is off.
• Seal the end of the fish tape with electrical tape then extend it from one opening of the conduit to another.
• Strip off about six inches of insulation from the wire and then install it into the end of the fish tape. Make a hook and crimp to hold the wire and fish tape together.
• If pulling multiple wires, make sure to stagger for about two or three inches. Using the electrical tape, secure the wires and work your way to the fish tape.
• Reverse the fish tape with the wires in the conduit, at least past the tape before starting to pull.

These are just some of the electrician’s tools you will need to perform basic electrical work at home. Knowing the common tools and how to use them correctly will help prevent accidents from happening.

Prevent Hazards, Call Your Local Arvada Electrician

If you are looking for local electrical services, give ElectriCall a call. We are an electrical service company based in Arvada that you can trust. We carry out our electrical services such as wire installation, electrical repair, and rewiring jobs as safely as possible.

Our Arvada electricians observe all necessary precautions. We follow codes and procedures to ensure the safety of our expert electricians and other people involved. You can count on us to fix your electrical problems correctly and safely.

How Can An Electrical Contractor in Arvada Help With My Home Remodeling?

Homeowners can expect any electrician to help with home rewiring jobs, upgrading electrical panels, repairs, maintenance, and more. There are a lot of home remodeling projects where an electrical contractor will be needed.

Indoor and Outdoor Lighting

A lighting upgrade can make or break your home remodeling, so choosing the right indoor and outdoor lighting is important. Is fixing an outdated or inefficient light part of your home remodeling? An expert electrician can help update your light bulbs, fixtures, and switches.

A licensed electrician in Arvada can help install new light fixtures on your property. Or if you want to add outdoor lighting to enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal, a professional electrician can perform the safe and correct installation.

Home Rewiring Job in Arvada, CO

Whether you are doing a simple remodeling or want to re-do the entire home, electrical wirings are bound to be moved. Thus, electrical rewiring is a critical consideration when planning a residential remodeling. And there are many reasons to hire a local electrician to do the home rewiring job.

If you are doing DIY home remodeling, it is extremely important to let a professional electrician contractor handle the work. In the end, it will be a cost-effective, efficient, and safer decision.

Local expert electricians like ElectriCall can get the wiring job done correctly and safely every time. We are routinely trained on the electrical codes and essential safety measures and we can perform efficient rewiring for your Colorado home.

Upgrading Electrical Outlets

Aside from home rewiring, replacing outdated electrical outlets is important. Arvada electricians will help install a new and more functional electrical outlet. 

Traditional outlets lack safety features. Modern products have great features like built-in USB adapters and tamper resistance. To ensure your property is protected from electrical surges, hire an electrician. A professional can swap out your residential electrical outlet safely and securely.

Switching to a Smart Home

Expert electricians are also needed to make a home fully automated. Skilled electricians will help switch existing appliances with smart products. They can ensure the connections of the smart technologies are correctly installed. 

Have a security system you need to be installed in your home? Or do you want to upgrade your home theater or smart thermostat? Hire an Arvada electrician!

Pool and Hot Tub Wiring

Before wiring a hot tub, it is best to consult with an expert electrician first. They know the local codes and requirements like GFCI protection and dedicated circuits. Pools and hot tubs have mixed voltage components. Thus, they have specific electrical requirements that involves hot, neutral, and ground wires.

Pools, spas, and hot tubs have become a more popular feature for many residential properties. Allow an Arvada electrician to inspect and install your spa and hot tub. They have the right electrical tools and know-how to wire the hot tub properly.

A residential electrician like ElectriCall will wire your spa or hot tub and install the right switches. As a reliable electrical company, you can trust us with the installation of your pools and the protection of your home.

Installing a Ceiling Fan

It is frustrating to deal with an old ceiling fan, but there are many new fans on the market that will help enhance the look and feel of your home. Some modern ceiling fans also come with a phone application for easy use.

A ceiling fan makeover from old and outdated to modern is what you need for your remodeling project. Many smart ceiling fans are more efficient and have features such as purifying functions. With the help of a local electrician in Arvada, you can have one of the best electrical updates in your home.

Electrical Panel Upgrade in Arvada

There are two kinds of circuit breakers. If you are unfamiliar with the types of breakers, call a professional. It is best to let expert electricians deal with the installation and repair as electrical wiring systems can be tricky. Improper installation or use of materials can cause property damage, injury, or fire.

When remodeling a home, it is normal to upgrade worn-out electrical panels. Consider an upgrade if your circuit breaker is no longer equipped to handle your electrical needs.

Hire an electrician to inspect your electrical panel. They can efficiently provide the upgrades needed. Arvada electricians will have your circuit breaker protecting your home in no time.

Call a Professional Colorado Electrician

A professional electrical contractor in Arvada can help with your home remodeling. A trusted electrician near you will make sure your home is protected and fully automated, but most of all, safe and comfortable to live in.

The team at ElectriCall is full of seasoned electrical contractors that can handle electrical upgrades, rewiring jobs, and other electrical services. We have a sterling record of helping homeowners with electrical works for home remodeling projects, and if you have electrical repair or maintenance needs, we can help with that too!

Call us today. We can help remove the burden of installing and repairing electrical systems from your shoulders.

Doing a home DIY repair is often a quicker and, if you know what you’re doing, easier way to fix broken things at home. The electrical system, however, is one of the most vital parts of any home, so if you’re not sure, it is best to leave the job to professional Arvada electricians. That way, you can avoid the 6 common electrical mistakes Arvada homeowners make.

Repairing Loose Power Outlets and Switches

Loose outlets and switches pose dangers to you and your home. They can cause serious hazards by disrupting the flow of electricity. Thus, it is extremely vital to fix any loose outlets or switches right away.

The first mistake some homeowners make is not taking precautionary measures.  When doing DIY electrical repair, it is crucial to guarantee the safety of everyone in the house. Some things people forget:

• Turning off the correct breaker that supplies electricity to the loose outlet or switch.
• Not testing to make sure there is no power in the outlet before doing electrical rewiring.
• Failing to use an outlet wire stripper gauge to identify how much electrical wire to loop around the terminal screw.
• Failing to check and match the right electrical wire colors.
• Not removing or adding outlet shims to fill any gaps between the screws and the outlet.

Repairing unsecured outlets and switches is not an easy DIY task. That is especially true if you are unfamiliar with the home electrical codes. Although you can save a ton by doing DIY, it may be best to hire a professional Arvada electrician near you.

Using Electrical Tape to Join Electrical Wires

Correct and safe electrical wiring jobs should leave tight wire connections. But often, people fail to do so due to the use of incorrect wiring tools and materials.

For example, people tend to use electrical tape instead of a wire nut., but connecting two wires requires a sanctioned connector to ensure it is safe to use. 

Electrical wire tapes are intended to cover minor cuts and abrasions in wires. Yes, it is a quick DIY solution, but it will not connect wires securely and safely for a long time, therefore, it will not reduce the risks of electrocution or fire.

Failing to Understand the Voltage Levels

Connecting electronic appliances or devices to improper voltages can also cause severe hazards such as electrocutions or fires.

Know the volt service installed in your home before trying to repair electrical systems and wires. If you are unsure of the voltage level in your home, call a local electrician to come and take a look.

You have to understand the different voltage levels to avoid serious issues. Measure the voltage using a multimeter and check the outlets and electrical systems.

Overfilling the Electrical Box

An easy mistake that many homeowners make is crowding their junction boxes. The size of the electrical box must be appropriate for the number of wires inside. Using too many wires can lead to cramped connections, overheating, and short-circuiting.

Schedule an inspection with ElectriCall to check your electrical box. We will ensure the safety of your electrical box and give you peace of mind.

Utilizing the Wrong Electric Tools and Equipment

Power and hand tools make electrical work simpler and more convenient. Any attempts to carry out electrical installation or repair with the wrong tools, or using no tools, will only cause problems. You will be putting yourself at risk.

Sometimes power tools like drills and power saws are essential in doing electrical work as they help to make the task safer and prevent accidents. For example, the oscillating saw is a handy tool to cut through walls and perform a rewiring job.

Using Incorrect Electrical Wiring

Faulty wiring comes with noticeable warning signs like flickering lights, and when there are visible signs of wire damage, homeowners take immediate action. But ‌not all know the electrical codes and how to identify electrical wiring hazards.

• Using of wrong wires.
• Cutting wires too short.
• Reversing hot and neutral wires.

There are dangers to using incorrect electrical wiring. Check the potential problems and use the right tools and materials to make your home safer. Otherwise, call a local Arvada electrician. Professionals will be able to help prevent risks of dangerous electrical shocks or fires.

Choose a Reliable Electrician Technician in Arvada

It is easy to make electrical mistakes that can lead to an electric shock or traumatic injuries. Hopefully, knowing these common electrical mistakes will help you make more sound decisions.

When dealing with electrical problems, it is best to turn to experienced electricians. For a more reliable electrical installation or repair, get in touch with a local residential electrician near Arvada.

ElectriCall is a professional electrical services company in Arvada, CO. We do home rewiring jobs, home electric repairs, electrical upgrades, and more, and our team comprises seasoned electricians.

Want a professional Arvada electrician that will respect your home? Need a team of expert electricians that will do great electrical work? Call us now. We are the seasoned local experts you need to take care of any of your electrical issues.

Attractive outdoor lighting can enhance the appearance and value of your home, reduce crime, and protects your family and loved ones. For this reason, knowing what type of outdoor lighting to use depending on your priorities is vital.

There are many different types of outdoor lighting available, including wall-mounted lights, post-top lights, pendant lights, and freestanding lights. But what you have for the lighting system at large matters.

Consider These Tips When Choosing Outdoor Lighting

With the myriad options for outdoor light, it’s critical to consider the various guidelines to make the right decision.

1. Best Lights for Security

Lighting is among the most effective ways to safeguard your home from intruders. The best lights for security are motion-sensing floodlights that turn on when someone approaches. They’re easy to install and typically come with an adjustable sensitivity switch so you can set them to turn on at different distances. You can find different styles and sizes of security light fixtures, so settle for those that best meet all of your requirements. Most electricians advise combining High Beam floodlights with motion-sensing lights so you can be guaranteed utmost security even before anyone approaches your home.

2. Costs Incurred with Outdoor Lighting

It may cost anywhere from $60-$350 or more per fixture depending on the type. Motion-sensing floodlights generally cost less than others because they only turn on when someone approaches, saving energy and money over time. However, if you have a large yard or want to do some landscape lighting around your house, the cost may add up quickly.

If you’re planning on using solar-powered lights, you may also need to budget for the cost of purchasing solar panels or batteries that store solar energy during the day so you can use them at night.

3. Waterproof Outdoor Lights

An obvious necessity but often overlooked, the first thing you should look for in an outdoor light is that it’s waterproof. Waterproof lights are designed to withstand water and moisture, but if you want to go with more traditional lighting, you can find many styles made from materials like metal or glass that are suitable for outdoor use as well and are particularly ideal for an area like a deck or patio where water may collect after a heavy rainstorm. Fixtures such as these will allow you to enjoy your deck throughout the year regardless of the weather.

4. Outdoor lighting’s ability to keep animals away

If you have pets or wildlife that come around your yard, you might want to consider installing motion sensor lights or solar-powered lights that turn on automatically when there is movement nearby. Your pets will not be scared away from their favorite play areas near the house or in the yard, but it will be especially beneficial if you live in an area where there are deer, raccoons, or other animals that could potentially cause damage to your home or yard.

The sudden illumination of the motion sensor lights can scare away animals coming onto your property, however, it’s important to remember that animal deterrents don’t always work all of the time, so it’s best to try different options before deciding which landscape lighting or yard lighting type to settle for.

5. When to Switch Your Porch Light ON/OFF

Porch lights are often the first line of defense in protecting your home from intruders and should be on at all times unless in extreme weather. You can program motion sensors to turn on when an unwanted person tries to enter your property. However, if you don’t have these sensors, you can automatically use timers to turn them on and off. Depending on how far your porch light is from your driveway or walkway, it may take a minute or two for them to come on after the motion sensor is tripped. To avoid this, acute lighting experts can help to counter any loops that may cause hitches in the installation.

6. Outdoor Lighting that Does Not Attract Bugs

Several types of outdoor lighting attract bugs such as moths and mosquitos, including incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, and yellow bug lights (also known as sodium vapor lamps). These bulbs emit large amounts of heat which attract insects who are looking for warmth during the winter months. LED lights, however, emit much less heat, making them a less attractive place for bugs.

7. Security and Decoration

You can use outdoor lighting to improve the aesthetic value of your home. When installed properly, they can create a nice, attractive ambiance outside. For example, if you have a pool in your backyard, adding outdoor lighting will make it look stunning during the evening hours as well as provide a functional yet homely look for passers-by. Of course, the primary purpose of your outdoor lighting installation should be security, but decoration is always an influentially deciding factor when it comes to choosing your fixtures.

8. Lighting Location

You may have a specific area for your new lights, but if not, it may help to consider where you spend most of your time outside. For example, if you like to cook on the grill or hang out by the pool, perhaps installing a string of lights along those areas would be more practical. Or if you’re used to relaxing on the patio after dinner, then installing lights here can provide a nice atmosphere if you like to read or simply enjoy the view. 

Another thing to consider when choosing where to install outdoor lights is how many light fixtures you need for each location. For example, if you have a large backyard with several areas requiring illumination, it may require several light fixtures to fully compliment the whole garden instead of just one or two.

9. Consider Light Fixtures Durability

Outdoor lighting must also be durable enough to withstand weather conditions and other environmental factors like snow or rain. You do not want your lights to fail after just one year because they cannot handle harsh weather conditions or poor quality materials used in their construction. A good rule of thumb is that if your house is located in an area with extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornadoes, high-quality materials are a must. 

In the end, the decision of which outdoor lighting to choose will come down to you and your individual needs and situation. Talking to a local installer can help you to understand the environment that your lighting fixtures should accommodate. If you are looking to save money and prioritize energy efficiency from your outdoor light fixtures, a trusted electrician should also be able to guide you accordingly.