What To Do When Power Is Lost?

“No power in the house” – that is one sentiment was heard again and again from residents affected by the recent crisis in Texas. Windmills and solar panels failing due to power overload and ice storms causing damages and leaving people vulnerable.

Extreme weather conditions, especially during the winter season can knock the power out. A home power outage disrupts daily living. Even if it is only gone for several hours, there will be a major disruption in your routine.

So what to do when power is lost?

Weather can get so crazy and not being prepared can cripple you. In this article, we have provided some power outage tips on what you should do when power is suddenly lost.

Keep calm and grab a light

If the power outage happens at night, grab a flashlight or use your phone to light your way. Gather your family in one place and give everyone a flashlight just in case another emergency arises that will need you to evacuate the house.

Check if the street lights are on and if your neighbors have power. And call your power company to know what happened and when the electricity will be back again.

Another thing you should consider doing is reserving water. During power outages, water supply and purification systems could go out as well. So it is a smart idea to gather all your buckets and have a backup water supply. Do not forget to fill up your tub with water.

Since the HVAC system will also be out during the power outage, it is also worth remembering to keep the doors and windows closed to prevent freezing air from outside. And keep the fridge closed, especially if there are medications inside that need to remain cool.

You might also want to check in with other relatives and friends. They might have access to the news or the internet and provide you crucial information about what is happening and the possible causes of the power outage in your neighborhood.

If your house has a generator installed, get it up and running.

Look for the source

Interruption in electrical service could be caused by numerous reasons – a storm knocking off the power lines, overconsumption, and equipment failure among others. Ask your neighbors if they have a power outage too, or it is just your house. With a flashlight, inspect your electrical panel and breakers. If the switches are flipped on and you have no power, report the power outage and request immediate assistance from a Denver electrician.

Be safe

When electricity suddenly dies, the first thing you need to do is to unplug your appliances and electronic devices. Do that to prevent damaging them in case the power switches on and off. It will also prevent the surge of power from damaging your appliances and causing a fire when the electricity finally comes back on.

In the meantime, find ways to stay warm, hydrated, and comfortable as much as possible. If you can, stay at another place that is safer and more comfortable until the electricity is back. And do not panic or get frustrated. Sometimes electrical service takes time to return.

Having to experience a power outage is definitely stressful. Fortunately, local electricians like us can help alleviate the situation. By contacting us early on, we can assist in ensuring the electrical system of your home is up-to-date.

We have a checklist for electrical safety that helps us keep our clients safe and comfortable in their homes, especially during a power outage. Losing electricity also carries emotional effects, and so we do not want you to have to worry about the electrical safety of your home.

It is a good idea to have your home inspected and maintained by a seasoned Denver electrician. This way, if there is an outage, your appliances, devices, and life are not going to be put in the line.

Backup power will save you

A standby generator will literally save your life. It will keep your home lit and warm when ice storms cut your power. A certified Denver electrician can help you with a home generator installation.

You can opt for a standby generator to power your whole house or just select circuits. The price range depends on the size and coverage of the generator. On average, a house generator costs 3K to 6K, with installation it would cost about 6K – 11K.

Of course, safety considerations during installation matter. That is why you need to hire a professional electrician to do the job. In general, building codes require generators to be at certain feet away from the house and there are other restrictions to be followed as well.

It will take a seasoned local electrician to properly install a house generator. Otherwise, there are dangerous consequences like carbon monoxide poisoning, getting electrocuted, or causing a fire. And you might even lose your house insurance from improper generator installation.

When it comes to maintenance, a home generator needs regular cleaning and checkup. That responsibility belongs to your local electrician who is capable of inspecting the system and performing precautionary measures.

A professional Denver electrician will help you with the following:

Remove or replace components
Inspect connections, wiring, and battery
Check and change fuel and air filters
Adjust control panels

Be prepared for the unexpected

Planning ahead will get you through an emergency situation. Since you can never know when a Denver power outage will occur, being ready in advance is the best thing you can do.

Have an emergency bucket containing extra batteries, candles, and matches, flashlights.
Have a stock of first aid kits and medical supplies. This is crucial especially if you or anyone in your family are on medication for a disease or serious illness.
Have non-perishable food or canned goods in your pantry that are easy to cook or do not need to be cooked at all.
If you are using electric appliances, have a backup handy, cooking supply that uses propane.
Have a professional electrician install a generator in your house.

Power outages cause big inconvenience, but they happen to everyone. Whether it is because of a blown fuse or severe weather, no one is immune from the sudden loss of power. But do not worry, you can still keep yourself and your family safe by doing the power outage tips listed above.

Home Builders

For many, owning a house is a big dream. That may involve designing and building from scratch. In practice, there are probably more than twenty different contractors involved in building a new house, but it is the home builders and electricians that often work together to ensure the best outcome of the project.

Like most things, building a custom house depends on the project and budget plan. Of course, that involves the personal preference of the homeowner. A myriad of factors needs to be assessed and cleared by the home builders and electricians.

A home builder puts the shovel on the ground and deals with the local government’s approval. Meanwhile, electricians handle the installation and maintenance of electrical and power systems for new homes. Generally, we focus on installing wiring systems into commercial and residential properties.

How Electricians Work With Home Builders

Home builders and electricians carry different jobs when working on a new structure. For one, Denver home builders plan and construct the building. They may seek the assistance of a Colorado electrical contractor for a smooth installation of electrical wirings.

The electrical system is considered as a crucial variable when building a new home. The electrical routing should fit perfectly on the design of the house. Working with expert electricians makes the construction easier and faster.

For example, while Colorado home builders work on the complex design of the house, a skilled Denver electrician is to be relied on when installing electrical sockets for the lighting, heating and cooling systems, security, and more!

Getting the right materials for the electrical works is also another advantage of working with a Denver electrician such as ElectriCall. As licensed professional electricians, we can provide various possibilities when it comes to your electrical project. Our team can easily assess hiccups and severe problems that may come during the home building.

Project managers deal with subcontractors all the time, especially when installing or rerouting electrical works. They prefer working with a reputable Denver electrician to do the electrical fit-outs and maintenance. ElectriCall can help you save up on fees while also alleviate concerns as we’re always aware of the city ordinances pertaining to homebuilding or an electrical project.

Each process of construction is related to one another, hence having expertise about a particular building stage is imperative. Electricians provide electrical services from new wiring to maintenance and troubleshooting. On the other hand, home builders should be fluent in design for various home styles.

There are many benefits and opportunities for hiring the best Denver electrician. It is crucial to know that when it comes to electrical wiring, anything can happen. Large projects like building a new home need the right manpower to start and complete the job.

Electrical Contractors Can Handle Most Electrical Needs

Licensed Denver electricians ensure that electrical projects will be completed based on code standards. Professionals like us do both large and small projects from replacing a switch to installing high-efficiency systems.

We understand and listen to the creative details of the house project.
We look at the original house design and make a wiring diagram that will connect all the rooms to the main circuit breaker. This involves electrical works for the bedrooms, kitchen, lounge room, garage, hallways, and home office.
We understand the unique needs of each home project so we can decide on the most crucial stages of the electrical routing. And professional electricians like us take extra safety precautions when doing our job.

Whether it is a brand new home or a remodeling project, it is important to have professionals carry out the different phases of the home building. Both the home builder and electrician should have a well-planned and comprehensive design of the building process. And both have different expertise that contributes to future-proofing the house.

So if you’re a Denver metro home builder then let’s connect. We’ve been serving the area since 2011 and would be more than happy to work with you on your next project. Also, besides working together, we would like to network with other local home builders as we have a referral system in place. Whenever one of our customers asks us, we’ll be more than happy to refer you to some new business. So give us a call and let’s get started!

Mitigating Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum wiring has been one of the most commonly used materials in both commercial and residential structures. However, the use of single-strand aluminum can become a costly issue when ignored or not immediately dealt with.

Sadly, some people downplay the potential hazards that could occur from using aluminum wiring in their houses. Because it is not convenient for them, they would rather ignore the threat instead of deal with it as soon as possible.

The Problem With Aluminum Wiring In A House

During the 1970s, single-strand aluminum wiring was used as an alternative to copper wiring. The price of copper wiring at the time skyrocketed, and because the aluminum wiring cost is cheaper, it became more attractive to the consumers. Unfortunately, several problems came with it.

Aluminum is soft and light

Although this characteristic has advantages such as it cuts the manufacturing cost, produces less noise, and helps reduce energy consumption, it also has some disadvantages.

The first disadvantage of aluminum wiring is that it is so much softer and very light compared to copper wiring. That means, there is a huge chance that it will cause hazards since it can easily become defective and overheat.

Aluminum is less ductile

For the most part, houses with aluminum wiring is not a big problem. But threats of hazards are likely to occur due to incorrect use or installation of this material.

The reason for that is because aluminum wiring can only withstand less stretching and bending. In other words, it will easily break or get deformed. Combine its low ductility and improper installation and you will surely have electrical wires slowly rupturing its insulation.

Aluminum expands easily

Another disadvantage of aluminum is that it is not particularly strong, unlike other metals. When electricity passes through the aluminum wiring, it will expand and contract. As a result, it may become loose or spark and start a fire.

With all these disadvantages, the question now is: is aluminum wiring safe?

If you are planning on selling or buying a house that is using aluminum wiring, it is a good idea to get it inspected right away. Although this type of wiring is expected to last for up to 80 years, or even if the home has not experienced any indication of wiring issues, doing preventive measures will save you from any risks.

What is also worth noting is the age or time frame before rewiring your property. The recommended interval is every 30 years. Updating the circuit breaker, cables, and outlets to a newer or modern model will help prolong the lifespan of your property.

So, if your house uses aluminum wiring, you definitely need to get it looked at by a home inspector or a seasoned Denver electrician. Some important signs that will tell whether your aluminum wiring is about to cause serious problems to include:

Flickering lights that are not caused by an external source.
Burt smell or a strange odor coming from the outlets and switches
Warm-to-touch outlets and switches
Light bulbs burn out after several days of use
TV goes static whenever turned on or sparks when plugged
Breaker frequently trips
Sparks whenever you plug something in the outlet

What To Do With The Aluminum Wiring

As a home buyer, you might also have this question: Is aluminum wiring a deal-breaker? Well, aluminum in itself is not illegal or a serious threat. Several factors make it dangerous.

Contacting a trusted Denver electrician should be your priority. Your initial step is to find the best electrician who has a good reputation for providing electrical services. Seek the assistance of the professionals when doing a home inspection and when replacing the aluminum wiring.

Typically, the aluminum wiring cost is about $2,500-$3,500. That is the average rate per job, and that should cover rewiring for the kitchen and the bathroom. But, that may still increase or decrease depending on where you live, the size of the house, and other requirements and materials needed.

Once you have an expert to help you, you can begin the process of mitigating aluminum wiring.

Replace

Change outdated electrical wire systems. Use not only the most cost-effective but also specifically designed products that are approved by the CPSC or Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Various products that are designed to minimize the risks of aluminum wiring can be purchased at the local hardware stores. That includes special outlets and switches that complement aluminum wires. There are also inexpensive, special connectors available.

Add to the connectors

Another way to mitigate aluminum wiring issues is by having your Denver electrician add special connectors to the junctions. So, every switch, outlet, and wire will have an electrical connector of its own. This will mitigate any hazards that may be caused by different materials having different expansion rates that are usually the source of overload and fires.

What Now?

So, is aluminum wiring bad? The answer is no. Just like any other wiring material, there are advantages and disadvantages of using aluminum. Thus, there are essential steps for installing or replacing aluminum wiring that must be followed.

For safety purposes, it is vital to get your home inspected by experts or professionals. In doing so, you will prevent encountering hazards and other dangers.

Although aluminum wiring has some disadvantages, that does not necessarily mean that it is bad or a deal-breaker when purchasing a home. It just has to be checked every now and then and replaced when needed. Also, electrical connections or routing that is done poorly, is often the primary culprit for the wiring to overheat, spark, and become a fire hazard.

To ensure that the job is done correctly and to ensure that safety protocols are being observed, hire a Denver electrician to help you in mitigating aluminum wiring. The professionals know the proper procedures for rewiring, installing, or changing any electrical system related components.

Denver Electrician

Denver Electricians

ElectriCall is your Denver Electrician of choice. Why? Because we’ve been delivering honesty, exceptional customer service, exceptional value, and top quality guaranteed electrical services in Denver since 2011.

Your Denver home’s electrical system plays a major role in dictating your comfort, safety, and overall quality of life. Thus, when electrical issues arise, it is always best to have it handled by real, licensed experts who can carry out the job with accuracy, quality, and reliability. Whether you need to have your electrical system set up, you want a system upgrade done, or your wirings need repair, ElectriCall can help without breaking your budget.

Here at ElectriCall, we prioritize your satisfaction and safety above anything else. Thus, we take pride in offering you premium quality electrical services. Our team of licensed electricians here in Denver, Colorado will make sure that all your electrical service needs are covered at best. That’s exactly why your Denver neighbours have been relying on us since 2011.

Your Denver Residential Electricians

We offer the kind of electrical services you expect from an electrician working in your home – prompt, professional, and efficient. We know how important your home is, we feel the same about ours and treat yours with the same care. We have over 20 years experience, helping hundreds of homeowners take care of one of their most important asset – their HOME. See what your neighbors are saying about ElectriCall, your local Denver Electrician.

Reliable Prompt Professional Friendly Service

Our highly trained and vetted technicians and our customer service team’s first priority is YOU.

We are dedicated to giving you the best electrical services in town. We provide free estimates and guarantee all our work and we’ll set an appointment that works for you.

Call us today at 720-879-2253 to schedule a free estimate for your repair or service. Some of the services we offer for both of our Residential and Commercial customers are:

New Construction
Residential Service
Tenant Infill
Generator Installation
Aluminum Wiring Repairs
Panel Repair and Replacement
Additions and Remodeling
New Outlets and Switches
Smoke Alarms
Rewiring
Electrical Troubleshooting
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Outdoor Lighting / Landscape Lighting
Hot Tub Wiring
Additions and Remodeling
Lighting Design and Installation
Commercial Electrician
Energy Saving Solutions
Whole House Surge Protectors

You Made The Right Choice in ElectriCall

By choosing ElectriCall, you can rest assured your job will be done on time and on budget. We provide senior and military discounts, we never charge an overtime fee, and our technicians have years of experience and will do an exceptional job for you.

Let ElectriCall be YOUR Denver Electrician of choice, call us today at 720-879-2253.

What To Do When Power Is Lost?

Home Builders

Mitigating Aluminum Wiring

Denver Electrician

Denver Electricians

Your Denver Residential Electricians

Reliable Prompt Professional Friendly Service

You Made The Right Choice in ElectriCall

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