On electrical matters, one must use the correct equipment for any DIY electrical repair project. It doesn’t matter whether you’re rewiring a room or simply changing a light switch. A well-prepared toolbox can help you save time, increase safety, and complete your DIY projects more smoothly. Knowing which equipment to use is essential for any homeowner wishing to do DIY electrical repairs.

Denver Electricians help families with a range of electrical challenges. While we don’t encourage DIY electrical projects, we advise all homeowners to spruce up on as much knowledge of electrical safety as possible. Below are a few things you should know about dealing with your home’s electrical system. 

More insights: 5 Warning Signs That Your Home Is in Danger of an Electrical Fire

Use GFCI Outlets

A GFCI outlet’s primary work is to protect people from electrical damage, something regular outlets are incapable of doing. A DIYer with basic electrical wiring knowledge can convert an existing three-wire outlet to a GFCI outlet. Outlets with only two slots indicate old electrical wiring, which should only be changed by a licensed electrician.

Only three wire outlets are suitable for DIY upgrading at home. Outlets with three wires linking them indicate the termination of a wiring system. An outlet with five linked wires is installed in the center of an electric circuit, making wiring a much more significant challenge.

Safety Switches/Circuit Breakers 

A safety disconnect and a safety switch monitor electrical current in several applications. Safety switches measure current and identify electric issues. In case of an electronic leak, short-circuit, overload, or equipment failure, the safety switch disconnects the current to the affected component.

A circuit breaker is designed to monitor for system overload. If any circuit takes too much power, the circuit breaker will trip the power to the circuit. 

You’re likely most familiar with this in home settings, such as connecting a space heater or hair dryer to a circuit. Most often, these lead to tripping of the circuit breaker. For professional assistance, Arvada professional electricians are in the best position to help you fix any switches or breakers.

Use Different Wire Gauges

Electrical wires are single wires that conduct electricity from one location to another. They are often composed of copper, though some may be aluminum or a mix of the two. These wires are protected with a non-conductive color-coded covering labeled with the wire length. 

Below are some standard wire diameters and their applications: 

• 18 AWG:  Suitable for heating and cooling systems, bells for doors, and other low-voltage applications.
• 14 AWG: Suitable for 15-amp lighting electrical systems and the bedrooms.
• 12 AWG: Suitable for 20-amp connections in the kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas where electronic devices consume lots of power.
• 10 AWG: Suitable for 30-amp circuits that use a lot of electricity, such as electric cookers and washers.
• 8 AWG: Suitable for small ovens and heating and cooling devices.
• 6 AWG: Suitable for electrically powered ovens and automobiles. 

Know The Neutral Terminal

The neutral wire transfers electricity back to the power supply. It completes the circuit by connecting the electricity to a grounded busbar, typically at the electrical control panel. When the power is “used” at the consumption point, it is transferred directly to the circuit. This accomplishes the circuit while providing a channel for extra energy in the connectors or terminals.

The neutral wire conducts electrical current while serving as the power return source. However, to be safe, presume that it is always charged. Get more information about neutral terminals from local electrical contractors.

Basic Wire Strippers

Manual wire strippers are portable instruments that use manual force to strip wires. They are simple to use and are becoming popular among DIY enthusiasts. Stripping the insulation from the end of a cable permits a connection to another cable.

Most wire strippers on the market can cut, just like scissors and pliers, but their primary purpose is to remove cable insulation. Wire strippers are sold in various sizes and are suitable for multiple purposes. Small wire strippers are usually used for low-voltage cables, whereas conventional wire strippers are ideal for nearly all residential wiring.

If you use wire stripping tools correctly you will get effective results while ensuring your safety. To avoid unforeseen injuries, and risks when dealing with connected circuits, always use wire strippers in all your DIY projects.

Getting tips from electricians near Denver on wire stripping tools is required for various wiring projects.

Circuit Breakers and Safety Switches 

Circuit breakers restrict electricity flow as it passes through your home. They protect your house’s wiring and electrical system from damage and sparks.

Safety switches, also called residual current devices (RCDs) or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), are inconspicuous but critical components in electrical systems. They protect people and property from potentially catastrophic circuit breaker issues and accidents.

Among the common types of safety switches are the Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, Standard Switches and the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.

Always consult an Arvada professional electrician for assistance if you need clarification on your talents or the project’s scope.

Remember Tamper Resistant Receptacles

Tamper-resistant receptacles are the only devices tested by UL for safety and reliability by NEC Sec. 517-18(c). They were developed to protect people, particularly children, from unexpected shocks caused by placing foreign items in electrical systems, reducing the risk of electrocution and electrical explosions caused by curious children. Tamper-resistant receptacles offer the highest protection against the introduction of foreign objects.

While DIY electrical repair can be rewarding and improve your house, you must prioritize quality and safety. Taking shortcuts or ignoring essential safety procedures could result in severe consequences. 

Professional electrical contractors around your locality can handle any assignment you have efficiently and timely. By adhering to the standards and avoiding the problems described above, you can be sure your DIY electrical work is secure and effective.

Every year, arcing faults cause electrical fires, which cost lives and leave millions of properties in ashes. Preventing electrical fires is an essential guide to ensure safety at home.

Here are different ways you can prevent electrical fires:

Perform Regular Electrical Maintenance

Electrical installations do not last forever, so have an Arvada electrician perform regular maintenance. Start routine inspections checking for old wiring, outdated electrical systems, or faulty outlets. During these maintenances, you must also ensure you have working circuit breakers and GFCIs for safety against electrical faults.

Look out for ripped cords or damaged plugs, which may be more susceptible to sparking or overheating, potentially causing fire.

Avoid Overloading Socket Outlets

Your socket outlets have a limit to how much power they can handle. So, as tempting as it is to plug in an extension to plug in every appliance, for your own safety, you must be aware of the dangers.

If you need to use more appliances at the same time, it’s best to hire a local electrician who will install more outlets for you. If you must plug in additional appliances on the outlets, ensure you use a surge protector.

Pay Attention To Unusual Electrical Activity

Flickering lights, sparks across the wiring, and buzzing from outlets may be signs of a hidden electrical problem, and these should not be ignored. Instead, stop using the outlet or switch off the lights until a professional electrician gets to diagnose and repair the issue.

Other unusual electrical happenings that should alert you are warm switches and outlets, tripped circuits, blown fuses and discolourations on switches, outlets and the electric panels.

Keep Flammable Materials Away

Electrical connections generate heat continuously. This means any flammable objects close to the device can be easily ignited from the continuous heat. Whether curtains, clothing, or bedsheets, keep them off the outlets if possible.

Pay attention to electric space heaters and flammable fluids such as gasoline. These need special locations away from socket outlets, whether in a garage or a store.

Avoid DIY Electrical Repairs

It’s quite risky to attempt electrical repairs without professional know-how. Considering the complexity of electrical systems, it is best to hire licensed electricians nearby to ensure the job is done professionally and safely.

Other than reducing the risk of fire, hiring expert Arvada electricians also gives peace of mind, knowing the repair is done correctly to standards.

Educate Family Members And Staff

Educating your family or employees helps create awareness of safe and proactive measures to prevent electrical fires. While emphasizing the risk of electrical fires, you need to be sure that everyone can understand different fire signals and how to use fire safety equipment.

Teaching the importance of proper use of electrical appliances and the need to report any signs of electrical problems is essential to ensure that established procedures for evacuation in case of a fire are followed.

Always Have An Emergency Plan

An emergency plan outlines critical roles any building occupants should undertake for safe evacuation with minimized damages. While formulating the emergency plan, you need a clear roadmap identifying areas of higher likelihood of fires, such as around electric panels, flammable materials or other machinery.

Ensure all occupants understand the evacuation procedures and assembly points in case of fires. Creative drills and training will help prepare everyone for effective responses if a fire erupts.

Install Fire Protection Systems

Fire safety equipment is important in helping to put out fires, but you need to understand the different classes of fire safety equipment. This helps you know which fire extinguishers to use at any point.

You also need enough smoke detectors around the property, with alarms in the attic, basements, and garage.

Avoid Leaving Devices Unattended

TVs, lamps, and laptops are safe appliances with no huge risks, but kitchen appliances such as ovens and electric heaters must be operated by someone mature at all times. You shouldn’t leave them unattended or when no one is home. Remember, most fires at home start in the kitchen, so you need to be extra careful.

Actions To Take In The Event Of An Electrical Fire

Here are essential practices you need to incorporate in your emergency plan in case of an electric fire:

• If safe, cut power to the affected area or the whole building through the circuit breaker.
• Use Class C fire extinguishers to put out the fire. Do not use water or any liquids when fighting a fire, as it may conduct electricity, risking electrical shock.
• If the fire is spreading fast, you cannot extinguish it. Instead, evacuate safely using designed routes. 
• Do not use elevators. When outside, call for emergency services and seek medical help.

Your home’s electrical system, whether connected to the grid or not, is susceptible to the effects of weather change. Depending on the weather, the damage can either be sudden or occur through attrition. Now, add in the fact that Colorado’s weather can change on a dime, and you have pretty good reason to weatherize your home’s electrical system or have an electrical contractor do it for you.

Although Colorado isn’t particularly vulnerable to major natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, sudden weather changes, harsh winters, and scorching summers can still bring costly damages. 

So, here are some ways you can get ahead of these problems in your home and avoid power disruptions and costly repairs.

Summer

With over 300 summer days, Denver, Colorado residents enjoy more hours of sunshine annually than people in Miami or San Diego. However, the heat can sometimes reach levels well over 100 degrees. Summer heat usually strains power plants, increasing the prospects of rolling blackouts. As any Arvada licensed electrician will tell you, temperatures hot enough to strain industrial power plants can damage electrical systems.

Here are some ways the summer heat can affect your electrical system:

• Heat waves increase the demand for electricity as the need for air conditioning increases in homes and commercial buildings.
• Power lines, cables, and switches tend to heat up and expand when there is greater demand for electricity and hot temperatures. The expansion of these components can cause connection problems and short circuits.
• The expansion of cables can cause lines to violate minimum clearance requirements between the line and any obstacles. Denver’s sudden temperature changes can exacerbate this problem and lead to permanent changes in cable length, a phenomenon called the “creep effect.”

You can mitigate the effects of hot weather on your electrical system by having it regularly maintained and inspected by a licensed Denver electrician. You can also insulate your home or work building to reduce the strain on your air conditioning, electrical system, and energy costs.

In case you missed it: 5 Tips to Save on Your Summer Electric Bill

Winter

Unlike the summer, Denver winters are short and surprisingly warm and sunny, with snow falling once or twice a week. However, like the summer, winter temperatures and weather changes can happen fast. A clear day can turn snowy, and while it doesn’t snow a lot when it does, it often settles several inches high. Heavy snow can also turn into snowstorms and blizzards, which can wreak havoc on electrical grids and systems.

It’s no secret that winter storms can lead to prolonged power outages, as powerful winds and the weight of snow can cause trees to fall on power poles and wires, and excessive use of electricity for heating in winter can also cause power outages as electrical systems are overloaded.

When a home’s electrical system remains under constant stress for a long time, it can result in tripping breakers. Additionally, low temperatures can cause wiring and electrical components to contract, potentially leading to cracks and damage. If moisture from rain, snow, or ice seeps into these cracks, it can lead to short circuits.

One of the best ways to prevent or minimize electrical issues in your home or work building during winter is by minimizing electrical strain on your system. You do this by:

• Investing in energy-efficient bulbs.
• Unplugging unused appliances.
• Turning down the thermostat.
• Replacing old and outdated appliances and equipment.

Remember to trim trees near your home’s power lines or electrical components. Investing in a backup generator is essential in reducing the effects of power outages in winter. To better prepare your electrical system for the Denver winter, you can get a residential electrician to inspect your home before the snow falls.

Recommended for you: 8 Must-Know Electrical Tips For Winter

Fall and Spring

Denver spring and fall are even shorter than winter but are subject to rapidly changeable weather patterns. Spring brings lots of sunshine, but residents expect a day or two of heavy snow or rain. Mid- and late spring can also bring strong hail and winds, which can cause significant damage to electrical systems and components.

Since Colorado’s hailstorms rank among the most active in the country, it’s important to take safety measures to protect your system. If you have a solar power system, the best way to protect it from hail is to add a protective cover. 

You can also ask your Arvada electrician which hail-resistant panel best fits your building. This will help avoid expensive unforeseen repairs in the future.

Stay Ahead Of Weather-related Electrical Issues With A Trusted Denver Electrician

Although we cannot control the weather, we can control how and to what extent it affects our lives. Hopefully, this article will help you prepare your electrical system for the changing seasons and erratic Denver weather.

Trusted electricians in Denver, CO, are ready to help ensure your safety and comfort all year round through routine maintenance and inspection of your electrical system. Find electrical contractors near you today.

Electricity powers our daily lives, and an Arvada electrician can help ensure that a building’s electrical systems are safe. Electrical systems are available everywhere in modern buildings like residential complexes and commercial high-rises. 

So, the conveniences that comes with electricity may pose some potential hazards necessitating the need for electrical safety training to benefit building occupants:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical injuries accounted for 5,486 fatal workplace injuries in 2022 alone. Building occupants need proper training and awareness to prevent such incidents. 

Components of Electrical Safety Training

Electrical safety training offers occupants the skills to identify and respond effectively to potential electrical dangers. Here are the components that electricians in Denver, CO, can teach to help you keep secure against electrical risks:

Understanding Electrical Hazards

You may encounter various dangers, such as electric shock, arc flashes, fires, and explosions, that may arise from electrical hazards. These hazards can cause long-term health issues or even death if not addressed. A licensed electrician can educate individuals about these hazards and how to prevent them. In this case, electrical safety may involve lessons on voltage, current, and resistance as well as the dangers of exposed wires, damaged insulation, overloaded circuits, and faulty equipment. It’s important that they also learn how to take appropriate precautions and follow safety protocols to reduce these risks.

Safe Equipment Usage

Individuals need to learn how to handle electrical equipment safely such as cords and plugs and understand why they should not overload circuits. Participants should also learn the importance of inspecting equipment for defects and proper storage and maintenance. 

As well as basic maintenance, homeowners can benefit from learning how to use ground fault circuit interrupters. This will help them understand the dangers of using faulty equipment, including electric shocks, fires, and equipment failures. In particular, it is best to have a Denver electrician offer practical exercises to help people learn how to operate the GFCI RESET button to re-establish a connection.

Emergency Procedures

Participants must recognize danger signs like smoke, unusual odors, or sparking outlets and be able to safely shut off power sources, use a fire extinguisher, and administer first aid to victims of electric shock. 

Confidence and preparedness during emergencies also help minimize the risk of injuries or property damage. 

Electrical Maintenance

An electrical contractor can teach building occupants how to identify and fix issues that lead to electrical failures or accidents. These may include loose connections, corroded wires, and worn insulation. 

Individuals may undergo training to help them understand why preventive maintenance, such as routine checks, testing procedures, and timely repairs, is paramount. They also learn why qualified professionals conduct specialized maintenance tasks, such as equipment calibration, electrical system upgrades, and compliance with regulatory standards. Prioritizing electrical maintenance during safety training helps building occupants manage risks that may arise due to faulty electrical systems. 

Creating a Safety Culture

Creating a culture of safety among building occupants gives them a sense of responsibility to prioritize safety in all their activities. Participants can learn why they should communicate and collaborate in promoting a safe working or living environment. They can also learn to report safety hazards promptly and step in when they discover unsafe practices. 

Safety culture training also helps one to take on a leadership role when setting the tone for safety within a building. The training promotes an open dialogue and support between building occupants where they address their issues without fear of reprisal.

Benefits of Electrical Safety Training

Electrical safety training teaches individuals to identify potential electrical dangers and take measures to mitigate risks. In case you live in the Denver metro and are wondering, “Are there electrical contractors near me who train in electrical safety?” there are. Here are the myriad benefits you can get after being trained by a qualified electrician in Denver:

Risk Reduction

Through comprehensive training, participants learn about various electrical hazards and how to identify and control these risks. Practices like safe equipment usage, proper maintenance, and emergency procedures help individuals intervene before hazards escalate into dangerous situations. 

Improved Response

Building occupants can develop the ability to remain calm under pressure by practicing simulated scenarios that help them learn to make decisions faster in critical situations. Electrical safety training also promotes effective collaboration among individuals during emergencies, such as being able to coordinate groups of people to achieve the most efficient and safe way to secure an electrical incident. 

Cost Savings

Electrical safety training leads to cost savings for building owners and occupants by preventing accidents and property damage, thereby avoiding expensive repairs and replacements.

A residential electrician can help building occupants foster a culture of safety that emphasizes risk management. This would significantly reduce insurance premiums and regulatory fines, among other legal liabilities.

Electrical safety training for building occupants benefits both the building owner and occupants and is a legal obligation in some states. Proper education ensures that individuals can learn to protect themselves from any dangers of electricity, and learning safety measures at home or in public spaces helps everyone enjoy the benefits of modern technology without undue risk.

If you always reset a circuit breaker because of a circuit trip after connecting a major appliance, it’s time to reconnect the appliance to a dedicated circuit. While a standard residential electrical system is designed to handle high electrical capacities, some powerful home appliances may overload the system. In this situation, get a residential electrician to install a separate circuit for you.

How Does A Dedicated Circuit Work?

When an electrical contractor sets up a dedicated circuit, they add circuit breakers separate from the main shared circuit breakers in your electrical box. A dedicated circuit limits the amount of current running through your shared circuit, which helps avoid unsafe overheating, electrical overloads, and constant circuit breaker trips. With these electrical issues safely under control, your house will have a significantly reduced risk of electrical fire.

You can always contact a licensed electrician for help determining which home appliances need a dedicated circuit. This article, however, can still help you determine which appliances you may need to move to a dedicated circuit for a safer home.

Kitchen Appliances

On average, a kitchen uses the bulk of a home’s electricity. For this reason, the National Electrical Code requires that multiple circuits serve kitchens. The following are kitchen appliances that may require a dedicated circuit:

• Refrigerator.
• Electric Oven.
• Electrical Stove or Range.
• Dishwasher.
• Garbage disposal.
• Microwave oven.
• Deep fryer or air fryer.
• Countertop convection oven.
• Standalone freezer.
• Chest freezer.

Remember that different models use different wattages. However, not all appliances on the list need dedicated circuits. Therefore, in some cases, you can forego the need for a dedicated circuit by opting for a less energy-intensive model.

For older homes, we recommend you check your kitchen wiring system, as they tend to have systems that are not updated to handle modern appliances. Learn more about kitchen wiring from professional electricians in Denver, CO.

Laundry Room Appliances

The laundry room houses two of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home: your washing machine and dryer. Therefore, it is highly recommended that a dedicated circuit be installed for these appliances since they draw a lot of power. When in use, washing machines and dryers tend to stay on for a long time to complete their work.

These days, it’s common to have three different circuits supplying power to your laundry room. The three circuits perform the following purposes:

• The 20-amp circuit supplies 120 volts to the washing machine.
• 30-amp circuit for the electric dryer.
• A standard 15-amp circuit for lighting.

If you’re unsure if your laundry room has dedicated circuits, contact your nearest Denver electrician for an assessment.

Living Room And Bedroom Appliances

The living room circuit will depend on how electronic-laden you want the room to be and the wattage requirements of the devices you want to install. Most common living room appliances, such as flat-screen TVs, subwoofers, desktop computers, lamps, and fans, are low-demand electronics that can operate well with standard circuits. However, it is always a good idea to protect expensive living room appliances like TVs with surge-protected outlets.

Generally, you should consider living room and bedroom dedicated circuits if you connect your electrical system to any of the following appliances:

• Electric fireplace.
• Window air conditioners.
• Heaters (Infrared, fans, and space heaters).

Since these appliances are usually heavy-duty, they may require 30-to-50-amp dedicated circuits to operate safely.

Garage, Basement, Utility Room, And Outdoors Appliances

Whether you’re a DIY and craft enthusiast or just a regular homeowner with extra energy-intensive appliances, you may need dedicated circuits to safeguard your property’s electrical system.

The following appliances may need a dedicated circuit installed.

• Water heater pump.
• Electric baseboard heating system.
• Sump pump.
• Large air compressor.
• Heating and air conditioning units.
• Hot tub or jacuzzis.
• Spa.
• Pools.
• Power saw.
• Heavy drill equipment.

Most of these appliances require 30- to 50-amp circuits, while others that are not significantly energy intensive will need 15- to 50-amp circuits. Find an electrical contractor near you to help you determine which of your home appliances require dedicated circuits.

Choose The Right Size Of Dedicated Circuit For Your Appliances

Once you know which appliances need dedicated circuits, you’ll need to choose the right-sized circuits for them. A small circuit can cause repeated breaker trips, which will eventually wear out the circuit and lead to overheating and electrical fires. A licensed electrician can analyze your appliances and suggest the right-sized circuits for your needs. 

They can also help you meet electric codes and requirements as a property owner. The National Electrical Code (NEC) and local governments have several electric wiring requirements to ensure the safety of homes and commercial buildings. Following these codes and laws is helpful when setting up new appliances at home.

Contact a trusted Denver Arvada electrician today with any questions about dedicated circuits and appliances.