Safety

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From minor electrical repairs to simple common sense about the use of electricity in a home, a few safety tips will keep homeowners in the electrical loop

DENVER, CO – The electrical service in any home is at the heart of family’s lifestyle, operating the lights, appliances, the air conditioner, even the hot tub. Everyone understands that, of course, but like everything else that just comes “on” with the flip of a switch, electricity is just one of those things we take for granted – until an emergency or the need arises.

As licensed and experienced electricians serving the Denver metro area for over a decade, Allstar Electrical Services works regularly with all kinds of clients: those who are informed, the misinformed and those who simply just want it fixed or expanded. In any case, when it comes to a home’s electrical service the admonition is for caution. Electricity can kill, injure or create fires if not handled properly, and it pays to know some basic safety rules.

The most basic safety and convenience rule is to know where the home’s electrical service box is located. Most often referred to as the circuit breaker, this is the usually grey box on the back of the house where the electrical service comes in from the utility. The box itself is designed to gather that electric service and then distribute it throughout the home through the many circuits on the box’s panel. These circuits come in different power ratings, like 20 amp or 15 amp, depending on the room or the appliance being served and the electric demand in question (e.g., kitchens typically need a higher power rating to handle the refrigerator and all of the other appliances, and often will be served by two or circuits). It’s good to know where this electrical panel/circuit breaker is in the event a circuit trips and power needs to be restored, and also so the homeowner knows where to turn off a circuit for minor repairs or the whole service in case of an emergency. Of course, we recommend keeping the area around the circuit breaker free of obstructions – patio furniture, plants, etc. – so there is easy access year round.

It’s also good to know how a particular home’s electrical panel is rated. For a long time, and until up to about 15 years ago, the basic standard was 100 amp service. But today most homes, even small ones, require (and may be mandated to have) 200 amp service at minimum. The reason is simple: home electrical demand has mushroomed, with entertainment systems, computers and accessories, and the myriad of electrical appliances and power chargers that have become part of everyday life in recent years. Think about; we used to have a television, and that has been overtaken by a whole system consisting of a TV, DVR, surround sound, DVD, game system, all often drawing power from the “plug” that used to power just the TV.

Knowing what’s there is important. A recent customer of ours, in an older Denver home, wanted to add a few new outlets in the home, add electrical service and lights to his garage, install a ceiling fan, and install a new chandelier. Easy, right? Turns out he had 100 amp service, inadequate (and out of code), that was already a safety hazard to the home, much less with increased demand. We upgraded the home to 200 amp service, fulfilled all of the increased electrical convenience in the home, and now he is poised to be able to add more conveniences (A hot tub? A swap cooler?) with ease. Also, it should be noted, it would have been impossible to sell this home without upgrading to 200 amp electrical service before placing the property on the market.

When performing relatively minor home electrical repair, like replacing light switches or wall outlets, here’s how to keep safe:

• Locate the proper circuit breaker in the circuit box and turn off the electric to the circuit to be worked on. Before commencing work make sure the circuit is off; plug in a lamp in the outlet or one nearby on the same circuit to make sure the circuit is off. If in doubt, don’t proceed. Use a voltage meter to check if the power is off.
• Study up and read the directions. Most electrical devices come with instructions, and it is wise to follow these to the letter. You want to make sure positive is positive, negative is negative, and the ground is installed properly. If the device purchased has scant directions, there are plenty of helpful sites on the internet to walk even the novice through a simple repair.
• Install the right switch/outlet. Bathrooms, kitchens, garages and any location where an outlet or a device plugged into it may come in contact with water require a GFI (ground fault interrupter) that protects against shock. Not only is it wise, it is code in most areas.
• Use tools – screwdrivers and pliers – with rubber/insulated grips or handles. Probably wise to wear gloves, too.
• Never stand in water while attempting an electrical repair.
• Wear shoes with non-conductive soles, like tennis shoes. Also, wear protective eyewear.
• Red and black wires are typically the “hot” wires, meaning the current is flowing from the circuit breaker. White wires are usually the negative or “return” wires, and the ground wire is generally bare. Older homes, however, may feature wires that are not color-coded. In this case you can use a voltage meter (you’ll have to flip the circuit break back on once the wires are exposed) to check.

Many people also attempt, with varying degrees of success, to do more complicated jobs like installing a ceiling fan or putting in a new outlet or switch themselves. Ceiling fans, particularly those with lights as well, are complicated, and we get a ton of calls to finish up where the homeowner failed. Our advice: read the directions closely, and then again, build the fan on the floor first, and make sure you fully understand the wiring. Also, beyond wiring, make sure the anchoring bracket can handle the job and that the fan is installed properly on the bracket; a fan creates momentum and can easily throw itself off an unsecure bracket, creating a myriad of problems.

Additional light switches and/or outlets require cutting into the wall, locating the feed wires and tapping them, and perhaps pulling additional wire. Study up because there are code requirements about distance off the floor, what kind of wire to use, etc. And often such a job requires a permit to be pulled from the local government jurisdiction and a demonstration that the installer knows more than the basics about such an installation.

For these things, the Allstar Electrical Services recommendation is to call in a professional, licensed electrician so there will be confidence in the outcome.

Here are a few other, more basic electrical safety tips:

• Extension cords are meant to be temporary, not a component of the house wiring. They tend to heat up over time and should never, ever be placed under carpets, rugs or furniture. Never staple an electrical cord into place to keep it off the floor; should the need arise, there are U brackets which don’t pierce the cord for this purpose.
• Don’t overload circuits. If you experience tripping circuit breakers frequently when turning on multiple appliances (e.g. the microwave and the toaster), that circuit is underpowered or you need an additional circuit in that area.
• Power surge extension cords may protect the device plugged in from a power surge, but remember that if you plug multiple devices into the surge protector (e.g. computer, printer, keyboard) they are all still being plugged into a single outlet. Not recommended.
• Keep portable heaters and space heaters well ventilated and away from things that can burn, like carpets, furniture, newspapers/magazines and the like. And never operate them if no one is around.
• Unplug appliances – and, yes, charger cords – when not in use. Not only is it a potential electrical hazard, even a toaster plugged in but not in use is drawing power and wasting energy.

Electricity is, of course, a wonderful commodity that fulfills our lives in big and small ways each and every day. But it is also potentially dangerous and should be handled with care. With a growing demand for electrical devices in every room of the house, keep in mind that most Americans are continually adding to the strain on a home’s electrical system, and like anything else it should be inspected by a professional  periodically to make sure it is in tip-top shape. Second best just won’t do.

Except for the most minor repairs, it is not recommended that homeowners perform electrical work. It is dangerous, of course, but also there are a ton of rules and regulations that must be followed that only professionals keep fully abreast of. We at Allstar Electrical Services perform the full gamut of home electrical tasks, from the minor to the very complex, including inspections, to ensure everything is in order. Phone us at 303-399-7420 for complete details on any electrical project.

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Search for an electrician online these days and chances are that you’ll notice what we did…more electrical shops have combined their services with other subcontractors to offer across-the-board repairs and remodeling.

Plumbers have aligned with Electrical Contractors and with HVAC specialists. Electrical Contractors have merged with alternative power companies. Some subcontractors are now promoting their companies as a one-stop-shop for all home repairs.

At Allstar Electrical Services Inc., we believe in doing one thing well-Electrical repair and contracting services. We don’t want to be all things to all people, insists Allstar founder and president Gary Stone.

“Decades of experience as licensed, bonded and insured master electricians has shown us that we can outshine any other electrical contractor in the Western United States because we focus on electrical contracting and repairs exclusively,” says Stone who has been in the electrical contracting business for 30 years.

Stone draws the analogy of the dentist vs. the hygienist. “Some people insist on seeing a dentist who performs routine cleanings himself. Others realize that they’re better off being treated by the hygienist because a hygienist cleans teeth all day long, every day and therefore is more expert than the dentist who does it occasionally.”

At Allstar Electrical Services, we’re experts in electrical installation for commercial and residential, indoors and outdoors. We’re expert at new construction and remodeling and repairs. We don’t pretend to do framing or drywall finish or plumbing and heating. We don’t do roofing or window installation. We do electrical work and we do it better than anyone.

We arrive on time. We respond to emergencies 24/7. We are family-owned and operated. We clean up our work area when finished. We get the job done better and quicker than companies that try to be a jack of all trades and master of none.

If you’ve got an electrical repair-no matter how minor-contact Allstar today at 303-399-7420. You’ll discover why our experi8enced, reputable company is the only one you’ll call in the future.

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Death and injury are not imagined when it comes to in-home accidents each year. Estimates show that each year $1.6 billion in residential electrical fires take their toll each year. More than 500 deaths are attributed to residential electrical fires as well as 6,000 injuries annually. More than 140,000 home fires nationally are blamed on faulty electrical or other electrical failures.

The extent of injuries spreads to the workplace too with nearly 4,000 workplace injuries due to electrical hazards.

Many of these accidents and losses could be prevented if homeowners and business owners would use professional installers to make repairs or to check electrical services on a routine basis, says Gary Stone, President of Allstar Electrical Services in Denver, CO with services also in Colorado Springs, CO.

Outdate wiring, underground wires, outlets that may have been installed by a prior homeowner all can be blamed. But a professional, licensed electrician knows what dangers to look for when tackling a repair or remodeling project, explains Stone. Besides being equipped with voltage detectors, trained electricians know what problem areas to research prior to beginning any work on an electrical service call.

No matter how small the project you have planned for your home or business, trust it to a professional, licensed electrician. At Allstar Electrical Services, even apprentice electricians have the resource of a master electrician to answer any questions that may come up.

“Bottom line, knowing when to ask questions or thoroughly research power, service, outlets or fixtures before proceeding is the sign of a true professional,” cautions Stone.

To arrange for an inspection of your next project, contact Allstar Electrical Services at 303-399-7420.

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Q: I’m thinking about doing a little remodeling myself. Is there a proper height to locate outlets and switches to conform to code?

A: There are requirements if your installation needs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but other than that, locations are determined more by custom than by code. There may be local codes that specify heights for certain rooms like a kitchen or bathroom, so check with your local building department to be sure.

The main thing is to try to achieve consistency both within a room and throughout the building. It looks bad to have these things at different heights in the same room unless there’s an obvious reason for it.

Measure the distance from the floor or countertop to the center of your existing switches and outlets as a guide for placing others. By using the center as your measuring point, you won’t have to worry about whether the one you’re installing is the same size as the others.

Running power to outlets and switches is something that needs to be done by someone who understands wiring pretty well, so don’t undertake this sort of project unless you do. It’s safer and easier to have a licensed electrician do it unless you’re experienced at it.

Q: Winter is coming and I’d like to have my outdoor lighting come on as soon as it gets dark rather than wait until I get home. What is the best way to do that?

A: That depends on how the system is wired. If it’s powered by a standard electrical plug-in outlet inside your home or a dry area such as a garage (not recommended for best safety and performance), you may be able to use a standard indoor light timer. Just be sure that the timer is rated for the load your system will put on it. The timer should have a wattage rating stamped on it somewhere. If the wattage of your outdoor lights exceeds the timer rating, don’t use it. If you don’t know, don’t use it.

If it turns on with a normal wall switch, a timer will have to be wired in like the one you may have on your sprinkler system. This may be beyond the skills of a typical DIYer.

You may also be able to use a light sensor switch that activates when the light level outdoors goes down in the evening and switches off in the morning.

A licensed electrician can inspect your system and recommend the best solution to you.

Q: When my hair dryer tripped a breaker I went to the electrical panel, but couldn’t find anything wrong. Is there someplace else I should look, or is something wrong with the outlet?

A: You probably have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) integrated into one of your wall outlets. This is a safety device that is now required for all outlets located in higher-risk areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It detects current leakage on that branch of the circuit and trips like a regular circuit breaker before any harm can be done. Look for an outlet that has a small button on it. It might not be on the outlet you were plugged in to, but should be near it. Next to the button you should see the word “Reset.” Once you have disconnected the device that caused the problem, push the reset button to restore service. If it trips again you may have a more serious problem and you should call a licensed electrician to find and fix the situation that’s causing the problem.

Q: I’m interested in saving electricity, but I’ve heard that compact fluorescent bulbs have mercury and other pollutants in them. Is that true and if it is, are there other bulbs I can use that do less damage to the environment?

A: Compact fluorescent (CF) lamps use considerably less energy than incandescent bulbs, but they do contain a small amount of mercury (about 5 mg) and environmentally-aware consumers should consider recycling them to keep it out of landfills where it might enter the groundwater.

An alternative you might consider is using low-energy LED lighting. It’s more expensive initially than CF, but the cost is coming down and the energy savings are considerable. They use half the electricity of standard bulbs of similar brightness, last over 20,000 hours, are cool to the touch and come in many standard sizes and shapes so they can be used in your existing fixtures. Allstar Electric is proud to be among the first companies to specify LED lighting for its residential and commercial projects.

If you choose to use CF lamps, check with your local energy company or search the Internet for recycling sources.

Q: We just recently moved to an older home that has some outlets and switches outdoors. Should I be concerned about “winterizing” them?

A: If they are approved devices for outdoor use and are in good repair, they should be fine for the winter without any special attention. Some older homes and remodels may not have been fitted with devices that meet code, though. There’s really not much you can do to weatherproof them short of replacing them with approved devices. If you suspect your outdoor switches or outlets are non-conforming or look damaged, you should have a licensed electrician inspect them and upgrade them if needed.

Q: Our child is about to take her first steps. As exciting as the prospect is, I also worry about her safety. Is there anything I can do to make our home’s electrical system safer for her?

A: Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Yes, there are several things you can do to make sure your child’s first steps don’t lead to danger when it comes to electricity.

A simple place to start is by childproofing your home’s electrical outlets. You can buy plastic outlet caps anywhere home hardware or accessories are sold and they’re a very effective way to insure that your toddler doesn’t get shocked by sticking something where it doesn’t belong.

Electrical cords not only present a tripping danger (remember, the little tyke can walk in places you wouldn’t consider), but they can also be tempting things to pull on, either to help get back up from a fall or just out of pure curiosity. Since there’s usually something at the other end of the cord you don’t want crashing down on junior’s noggin, be sure the power cords to all your lights, appliances and other devices are routed safely away from harm’s way.

There are literally dozens of potential electrical hazards to children in the home (adults, too!). A good place to get more information is the website for the Electrical Safety Foundation International at www.esfi.org. They even have a clever home safety quiz you can take.