Expert Tips And Tricks For Using Hand And Power Tools

Expert Tips And Tricks For Using Hand And Power Tools

Mechanical hand and power tools are essential when doing electrical work. They not only make tasks easier to accomplish but allow us the opportunity to customize. Here are electricians’ expert tips and tricks for using hand and power tools. Take notes; you could use these handy tips in your next project!

What Electrical Works Demands Hand And Power Tools?

A local residential electrician, or electrician in general, is the spine that assists home and business owners. As a seasoned electrical services company in Arvada, CO, the team that makes up ElectriCall is trained to operate electrical testing devices, hand, and power tools.

Our qualified contractors use hand and power tools for planning, laying out, installing, testing, and repairing the wiring of motors, electrical fixtures, and appliances. Our knowledge and skills in handling mechanical hand and power tools enable us to safely perform our home electrical repair service or conduct electrical inspections.

Some electrical works that require hand and power tools:

Assembling and installing electrical conduit.
Installing cable and duct banks.
Testing and starting up systems.
Ensuring continuity of circuits.
Setting up control and distribution apparatus.
Making terminations.
Guaranteeing electrical safety and compatibility of components.
Identifying electrical hazards and carrying out the necessary adjustments, replacement, or relocation.
Disassembling and fixing defective electrical systems.
Executing effective troubleshooting and preventive maintenance tasks.
Examining all electrical systems and subsystems which normally include dismantling, cleaning, changing, or repairing parts.

Tips for Using Hand Tools

Screwdrivers

One of the basic hand tools that should be in your bag is the screwdriver. Electricians use this hand tool all the time for removing and installing devices, switches, and/or outlets.

There are more than a dozen types of screwdrivers, but the ideal sets that most electricians use are:

Precision screwdriver kit.
Multi-tool screwdriver.
Cordless screwdriver kit
Insulated professional screwdriver.
Twist-a-nut multi-bit screwdriver.

When choosing a screwdriver it is important to pick a brand that is grip-oriented, comfortable, and long-lasting.

Allen wrench

When doing an electrical panel upgrade or installing fixtures, you might come across bolts and screws that have hexagonal heads. That is when an Allen wrench or hex keys come into the picture.

Folding metric hex keys.
T-handle wrench set.
Hex bit socket set.
Drive long hex bit socket set.
Ball end double wrench set.

Bolts and screws that do not lock in place will create electrical issues. To avoid disasters from happening ensure that your hand tools are doing their job. Only pick electrical hand tools that are built with sturdy material, convenient for usage, and have a comfortable grip.

The T-handle Allen wrenches are popular with electricians, technicians, and mechanics since they are the most convenient to use when loosening or fastening bolts. Before using an Allen wrench, check if the size of the bolt matches your Allen key.

Electrical pliers

As an Arvada electrician, we have completed home electric repairs, home rewiring jobs, and basement renovation electrical wiring. We can say that we have used wire tie pliers at least a thousand times.

Crimping pliers.
Vise-grip pliers.
Linesman pliers.
Long-nose electric pliers.

Pliers come in various sizes and lengths depending on their usage. Most electrical pliers, especially those that are built for heavy-duty or commercial purposes range from 6 to 9 inches.

When using a plier to cut wires, remember to point away the jaw to avoid accidentally injuring yourself from flying cuttings. Proper positioning is key. Pliers are made for wire twisting and should not be used for bolt turning work.

Tips for Using Power Tools

Heat gun

Although it is similar in appearance to a hairdryer, electric heat guns have a different function. Electricians use a heat gun to shrink, solder, dry, or weld parts. It softens plastic molds or shrinking tubes.

Extreme caution is necessary when operating with a heat gun because it can produce intense heat. It should never be used near flammable materials.

Industrial drill

An electric drill is another power tool that electricians bring to sites. Power drills are used for burrowing into concrete walls. When using an industrial drill for a residential or commercial project, follow these tips:

Use the appropriate bit size.
Unplug the electric drill before putting or replacing bits.
Ensure the bit is locked into the drill.
Make sure that you are using the right bit for concrete, wood, and metal.

Hole Hawg

The hole hawg is a powerful tool that can speed up electrical work. But it is a dangerous one and must be operated by professional electricians. Without the skill and knowledge to use a hole hawg, serious consequences might occur.

A hole hawg can get stuck and kick. It is heavy, has no clutch, and has a high torque. This means there is nothing stopping it from recoiling and blowing you off a ladder. When using a hole hawg, always run it at low speed.

Professional Electrician in Arvada, CO

If you want to make the most out of your hand or power tool, it is fundamental to understand how to properly use them. However, electrical work can take a lot of time. So when you need an electrician nearby, think about contacting ElectriCall.

Our expert electricians can perform a variety of electrical tasks for both residential and commercial projects. Consult with ElectriCall today!

3 Ways To Power Up Your Home: Clean, Green, or Renewable?

3 Ways To Power Up Your Home: Clean, Green, or Renewable?

You have probably heard of the terms clean, green, and renewable energy. These are types of energy sources that communities around the world are encouraged to gear into. However, did you know that these three have their own distinct features? In this article learn what these names mean and what is the best fitting for your home.

Why Is It Critical To Explore Options On How To Power Up Your Home?

Picking the best energy source for your house is a wonderful way to help keep your family safe, as well as contribute to the reduction of environmental hazards. Ensure your residential property is keeping up with your electricity and heating needs while lowering your energy expenses.

Cleansing your home from bad energy will help make you feel more comfortable, relaxed, and overall, at peace! The bad energy sources will alter every aspect of your daily life from putting your health and safety at risk, blowing up your utility bills, imparting to massive waste disposal problems, and enormously distracting the environment.

If you just moved into an old house or are erecting a new one, you should seriously examine your options for powering up your home.

What is Clean Energy?

This type of energy source means that there are zero gas emissions. However, it is not necessarily renewable. Some examples of this include:

Wind turbine

Wind produced energy or an energy that is caused by the movement of wind and then turned into a source of energy for humans everyday use.

Solar panels

The energy created by the sun is another form of clean energy. Solar power installation services can offer the most popular alternative sources of energy that have been growing in popularity for both commercial and residential properties.

How much clean energy do you need for your home appliances?

Some of the home appliances that eat up more energy than others include the refrigerator, washer, dryer, television, and HVAC system. These different appliances require varying wattage to function.

To learn how many solar panels you need to power up your appliances and devices, divide the power of appliances by the total wattage of the solar panel. If you want to discover more about clean energy, solar panels, or have panels you would like to install in your home, do not hesitate to leave ElectriCall a message or call our office. We have local residential electricians that will be able to assist your electrical needs.

What is Green Energy?

Green power is a kind of energy source that is being recommended by local executives, organizations, and commissions. It is another solution that can help make a positive impact on our environment, especially since it carries environmental benefits like vastly enhancing the quality of water we drink and the air we breathe.

Although green and renewable energy are often used interchangeably, the two terms actually hold specific meanings. Green energy is a subcategory of renewable energy that also utilizes water, heat, wind, and sunlight. Examples of this include:

Biomass

This power is generated from organic matter such as decomposing plants, forest products like grasses, wood, and animal waste. This is frequently advocated by health groups since there will be less air pollution made by the burning of wastes and also less garbage will be buried in landfills.

Hydrogen

This energy comes from a natural gas that is liquefied and contained in a large vessel and mixed with electrolyte fluids. Batteries are the most common product developed employing hydrogen technologies.

These are just two types of green energy that are so much better than fossil fuels. Some types of green energy are less expensive to produce which subsequently can lower the cost of electricity in houses. But that is not always the case. Hydrogen, for example, is still not cost-friendly for mass use.

Though these two green energy options work on a bigger scale, some ways you can still easily generate green energy at home is by using hybrid wind and solar systems. This type combines solar panels and wind turbines that are perfect for the home.

If you want to tap into this kind of power source for your own home, and need an electrician nearby, our professional electricians in Arvada, CO might be able to assist you.

ElectriCall is an electrical service company based in Colorado. We provide home electrical repair service and electrical inspection to customers in the area. We are experienced in home rewiring jobs, building,installing and maintaining electrical components.

As reputable and top-rated Arvada electricians, we are trained to handle home electric repairs, basement renovation electrical wiring, electrical panel upgrades, solar panel installation, and even connecting hybrid solar and wind renewable systems. If you need an electrician nearby that can provide the appropriate approach to your electrical needs, call us!

What is Renewable Energy?

The last kind of energy source on this list is renewable energy which refers to an unlimited source of power. As its name suggests, renewable energy can either never run out or replenish itself quickly. And just like green energy, this type exploits sunlight, heat, water, and air.

Hydropower

One source of renewable energy is hydrogen power or power that is dependent on the continuous rapid flow of water. Like irrigations and flour mills.

Geothermal

Although this is still being researched, geothermal power is another promising source of energy. The power that it creates is rooted in the heat below the ground.

Unlike solar panels; these two types of renewable energy cannot be installed individually on homes. Communities have to come together and agree on this type of energy to power their homes and businesses. Some states that have made the switch to renewable energy include: Rock Port MO, Burlington VT, Greensburg , Kodiak Island and Aspen CO.

Moving Towards A Better Future

Although these three different types of energy sources have distinctions, they represent the same thing — gearing towards a more sustainable form of power for big and small communities. Ultimately, these will help make a positive impact on our daily life and on the environment.

Why are hardwired smoke alarms considered over battery-operated smoke alarms?

Everyone is aware that a working smoke alarm can save lives by providing the few seconds needed to escape the blazing fire. You can think of smoke alarms as insurance for your family. The smoke alarms/detectors are among the most important installations in our home that ensure our safety. It is recommended that a smoke alarm is installed in or outside every room to prevent damage and life-threatening repercussions when a fire occurs. Also, keep in mind that installing only one smoke alarm might not be enough as it will fail to activate if the fire is outside its range. This is why multiple smoke alarms are required to cover the area of your house.

Generally, there are two different types of smoke alarms that you can set up at your home or have installed. These are:

Hard Wired Smoke Alarm
Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm

Let us discuss these two smoke alarms and compare them.

Installation and Maintenance

A hard-wired smoke alarm requires effort in the installation. Comparatively, battery-powered smoke detectors can be installed easily. They are installed within minutes and can be purchased at any hardware store. Relying on a battery-powered alarm provides you with a false sense of security. You have to regularly check your smoke detector to see if they are functioning correctly. By simply replacing the batteries, they will be operational again.

On the other hand, the hardwired smoke alarms are connected to our home’s main power supply. It requires an expert electrician for the successful installation of hardwired smoke alarms. The primary benefit of the hardwired alarm system is that you never have to test them. Though it takes more effort to install, the smoke alarms are interconnected. It is done so that when one smoke detector is activated, it engages all other alarms in your home. All alarm systems activate when one is triggered, which is why the hardwired smoke alarm is considered ideal.

Coming to the battery-powered smoke alarms system, the maintenance is only focused on battery replacement. You have to do this on a regular basis to stop power drain and alarms from malfunctioning. Before doing maintenance work for a hardwired smoke alarm, you must make sure that the master switch on the electrical panel is turned off. This must be done by an expert electrician only.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, a smoke alarm must be replaced after every 10 years.

Interconnection

Where the battery-powered smoke detectors are discrete appliances, the hardwired smoke alarms are connected together. In case one goes off, all smoke alarms will get triggered. It is the most important and valuable trait of the hardwired smoke system. The interconnection will save valuable time when the detector will sound the alarm simultaneously on all other smoke alarms to alert the people.

Which is more dependable?

Which is more reliable? Undoubtedly, the hardwired smoke detector is reputable. They are connected to the main power supply, so they will continue to sound until they are manually turned off. The hardwired alarms have battery backups to remain working in case there is a power supply cut. Contrary to that, the battery-operated smoke detectors depend only on their battery. As long as batteries have charge, they will work fine. Otherwise, weak batteries will affect the condition of the alarm. The sounds of the alarm solely depend on the amount of battery left.

A hardwired smoke system is a reliable option as you don’t have to worry about installing it. Though it requires more effort in the installation, it is a clear choice to go for hardwired smoke alarms when considering your home’s safety.

With hardwired smoke alarms, you will certainly never need to test them or take the chance of failing to remember to examine them. Whereas a battery-powered smoke detector requires a routine check of the batteries, which is quite a hassle. If you are looking to upgrade or find a new smoke detector installation service, get in touch with ElectriCall. We have the best electricians in Arvada, Colorado, who will install the smoke detectors that fit your requirements.

The installation of the hardwired smoke alarm is a complicated procedure that entails tricky wiring work and advanced tools. It is best to hire a professional to install or replace hardwired smoke detectors.

Collaborating with electricity is no joke, so it is best to have a licensed electrical contractor. In many areas, the government has also mandated installing hardwired smoke alarms as part of the major remodeling or as a new construction job. Some people fear that if one smoke detector fails, all interconnected ones will stop working. However, this is not the case when they were not installed at the same time. All said and done, the hardwired smoke alarms are a better choice over the battery-operated smoke detectors as they provide the maximum protection available.

How to Save on your Electricity Bill

There are hundreds of things involved in one simple electricity bill that we are not aware of. Establishing what to focus on is the toughest component of reducing your month-to-month energy prices. We are not aware of how we can shave money off of our average electricity bill per month without even sacrificing any of our daily comforts. Every home has its energy profile, and the reason behind this is its size and power usage. A bigger house will have a large space, and eventually, it will require added lighting, cooling, and heating. Of course, you will also have other appliances that you use more often.

Well, we are lucky to have several universal ways by which we can save money on our energy bills. If we notice most energy-saving tactics carefully, we will find that we already knew about them. For instance, everybody recognizes that it is important to turn their lights off when the room is not occupied.

Apart from this, several ways will make sure that you save money on your next energy bill.

Start saving from Kitchen.

Simply raising your refrigerator temperature by a few degrees will help save you hundreds of dollars a year. The fresh food area of your refrigerator just requires to be established for 36-38 levels Fahrenheit. Often it is seen that fridges are programmed at 2 to 5 degrees lower than necessary. The freezer compartment, on the other hand, can be set to 0 and 5-degrees Fahrenheit.

Prior to leaving for the day, turn off and unplug your coffee machine. It is amongst those devices with various other functions that run throughout the day, such as a clock or timer. It implies that even plugged in, it makes use of energy while not being utilized. When we hand wash meals, we use over nine times the quantity of water than dishwater does to cleanse a few day’s worths of dishes at a time. The water heater has to make more hot water for you by handwashing dishes, which will require more power usage. Using an Energy Star Certified dishwasher is likely to save you a lot of money. Instead of using the heat dry function in your dishwasher, start air drying your dishes as it will save hundreds of dollars yearly.

Stock your fridge and freezer with the food items as they require less energy to keep things cold. It helps the temperature regulate inside and also requires minimal energy to maintain. Additionally, using lids on your pots and frying pans will certainly cook the food appropriately and cut your cooking time in half.

Save on Laundry

Keeping your dryer’s exhaust clean with a lint remover kit will increase the airflow to your exhaust duct. It assists your clothes dryer to run efficiently, and your clothing will dry out much faster. Avoid doing laundry during peak hours. Doing this will save energy as well as money. Also, the temperature in your washing machine does not matter when you are cleaning your clothing, so rather than utilizing warm water, wash your clothes in cold water. Line drying your clothes is also one of the best ways to save your pocket on the average electricity bill per month.

Pay attention to your Lighting.

Change the Lighting of your home to LEDs. You would have the ability to conserve around $75 annually. Using smart power strips may shift energy loads based on device usage. With this, you can turn every one of your gadgets off at once when you leave the house as opposed to having to disconnect whatever separately.

Clean your windows in winter regularly.

More sunlight will enter your home by removing any residue or oils from windows and will let them heat naturally. If there is proper sunlight entering your home, it will increase the heat gains upwards of 70%.

Keep your thermostat at a level temperature.

You would be able to save a lot on your bills by resetting your thermostat when you are away from home. You can do this with the assistance of a programmable thermostat. By adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its standard-setting for 8 hours a day, you can save up to 10% a year on your energy bill. Using a door draft guard on all entryways is the best way to cover any leakage point from where heating or cooling can escape.

Setting up an environment-friendly roof covering is additionally a good alternative to soak up the heat from the sun and also keep the house warm during wintertime. According to our friends at Roofing Towson, it also deflects any excess sunlight that may heat the building unnecessarily in summers.

These methods are proven, and thus you will see reduced electric bills after utilizing these tips. If you’re looking for a local electrician in Arvada that can give you a proper electrical inspection and honest recommendations, then give us a call.

What are the Main Reasons Behind a Power Outage?

With time, electricity has become an indispensable part of our modern life. Be it our work, healthcare, economy, leisure, even our livelihood, all depends on a constant electrical power supply. A minor stoppage of power in our lives feels like everything is stopped. A normal power outage causes chaos, monetary setbacks and even leads to loss of life. The reasons for the outage can vary and will also affect the time it will take to restore the power service to your home. Knowing what causes the power failure is a good way to understand better how soon electricians can fix it.

The loss of power happening for a shorter period may not necessarily lead to any chaos. Though it may result in loss of data, it can hamper productivity or cause revenue loss. However, this can be limited or stopped to extinction if prepared for the power outages. It is very important to be familiar with the possible reasons for power failure.

Following are the most common power outage causes that we experience in our daily lives:

Natural Causes

A survey shows that 70% of the power outages in the US are due to adverse weather conditions. Any natural phenomenon such as rain, lightning, snow, ice, wind, or dust can lead to power failure. When lighting strikes any electrical equipment, the power outage occurs in the transmission towers, poles, or wires. Storms are one of the most usual factors for power interruptions. It is more challenging to safeguard from significant power failure from natural tragedies like floodings as well as severe storms. But to save it from the effects of water and dust is comparatively easier.

One can prepare themselves on a prior basis to ensure protection against water damages. The damage caused by the water can be costly, but this can be reduced to quite an extent. The electricians can do it simply by protecting your electrical boards, wires, and circuits from exposure to water. The moisture and dampness can also cause severe damage, so it is better to invest in specially sealed circuit protection devices.

It might not seem that dust can lead to severe damage, but it causes electrical systems to short circuit and power failures. Here also the sealed circuit boxes will help you in protecting your essential electrical equipment. When high winds occur, tree branches come in contact with power lines that further cause interruptions. Apart from these, several other natural disasters such as earthquakes, wind storms, and ice storms are natural causes that can destroy critical power infrastructure that results in outages.

Animals

The animals coming in contact with the empower lines can also cause power outages. A study shows that birds and squirrels cause around 11% of the power outages in the US. Sometimes even ground animals can contribute towards the power failures.

Vehicles

Artificial outages are also one of the primary concerns that happen in vehicle and construction accidents. A collision of the vehicle with an electrical pole can also result in a temporary power outage of the area. Short circuits can also occur in such cases.

Digging

Many times the underground cables get damaged by excavation digging. It can result in power loss in the whole area for quite a long time if left unattended.

Sudden Power Surge

A sudden increase in power can lead to rapid overheating, leading to the loss of essential equipment. Protection from such surges is offered in the kind of circuit breakers.

Equipment Failures

Though we work hard on maintaining our electrical equipment, things can still go against us. Any problem with the cables, connectors, switches, or even transformers can fail. The insulators can corrode and break. Sometimes equipment failure also plays a role in a power outage in an area.

The other reason behind this can be the maintenance and repair of the equipment. If a timely check is not kept on the equipment, they are bound to get damaged due to external factors. Power distribution requires complex equipment that can have many reasons to stop, so regular checks are needed.

Verdict

Our cities rely entirely on electricity, and even a minor power outage can cost a lot. Specifically, when a power failure occurs, it ends up being dreadful for the life support systems in medical facilities and also assisted living facilities. Facilities such as flight terminals, train terminals, as well as web traffic control also fall target to power interruption impacts. Though almost all life support facilities have a backup source such as generators that automatically turns on in case the power grid fails.

It is unforeseeable when a scenario would certainly take place, and also you can experience a power outage. At such times having the support of professional electrician services nearby will come in handy. You should always seek the assistance of licensed and certified electricians in your area. If you are looking for an experienced and professional electrician in Arvada, Colorado, contact ElectriCall.