Proudly Serving Tyler and the Surrounding Area
Electrical cabling is the backbone of the functionality of your home’s electrical system. These wires are vital in connecting your home to the power grid, supplying electricity, and getting the necessary power from the utility company to your appliances. Therefore, when shopping for electrical cables, you want to choose durable ones. It is always best to consult an electrical services provider to know the best options for your home. However, the main question among most homeowners is, is it possible to prolong the lifespan of an electric cable? This article will highlight the different kinds of electrical wiring and outline the best steps to extend their lifespan.
Types of Electrical Cables
Electrical wiring is the core part of any electrical system. Since their invention in 1882, this electrical component has revolutionized electrical installation and transmission and undergone an extensive journey. Throughout their journey, electrical cables have had many changes, which resulted in the following types;
Aluminum Cables
Like copper material, aluminum possesses excellent conductivity and low resistance in electrical connections. It is also a very robust and flexible material making it ideal for long-distance projects. Aluminum is resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal recyclable material. It is also very light compared to copper and much more affordable. Therefore, these cables are best for overhead transmission lines, power grids, local power distribution lines, and airplane connections. However, aluminum cables are less robust than other materials and vulnerable to wear, tear, and friction.
Copper Cables
Copper is one of the most commonly used materials in most electrical wires since it is an excellent conductor of electricity and has a high tensile strength making it an optimum choice mechanically. The tensile strength of a wire is its mechanical ability to withstand high force to stretch or bend. Therefore, copper cables are highly conductive and require a lot of force to bend or stretch them. Since it is among the top metal conductors, copper excels at electrical switches, integrated circuits, power distribution, and electric busbars.
It is a material used for most high conductivity and low resistance requirement projects over short distances. Conversely, copper cables are unsuitable for long-distance applications since they lose value. In addition, in data transmission projects, copper cables have a high electromagnetic interference making them unsuitable. Therefore, electrical services providers will only use these cables over short-distance electrical connections.
Industrial Cables
These cables are primarily used in industrial plants, applications, and factories. An industrial cable can withstand extreme heat, such as that used in factories. It is also neutral of corrosive chemicals, grease, oil, and even flames. This cable is ideal for use in on-shore and off-shore oil refineries, aviation garages, pharmaceutical companies, and chemical plants.
How To Extend Electric Cable Lifespan
Although every component in an electrical circuit eventually fails, there are steps that you can practice to prolong the life of electrical cables. These steps will promote safety and compliance, reduce system downtime, and increase the overall performance of your electrical installation. Some of the steps to practice for a long electrical cable life include the following;
Prevent Cable Damage
The best way to preserve the effective operation of your electrical cables is to handle them with care. Knowing your cable’s mechanical specifications, such as its tensile strength, will help you avoid bending, twisting, kinking, or stressing the conductors. Additionally, ensure that an electrical services provider comes for routine inspection and maintenance of your electrical cabling.
Therefore, it is best to leave the movement of your home’s cables to an expert. The technician will know the safest way to move the cable without causing unnecessary damage. In addition, if you suspect that a section of your electrical cable has been damaged or its integrity is compromised, replace it immediately or change the segment.
Choose An Effective Approach
The other helpful step in maintaining an electrical cable’s life span is working smarter and not harder. When choosing electrical wires for a new project, take your time and investigate the best cable type for your project. Factor in all project variables, such as tensile strength needed, current carrying capabilities, ambient temperature, average performance, safety protocols, and peak performance, to pick an ideal cable Finally, consult a professional for the best maintenance steps, the signs of cable failure, and material limitations.
Make Cable Adjustments
After installing your electrical cables, ensure you perform the necessary after-installation practices to preserve the wires. In addition, check on your electrical cable regularly for factors such as tension and overall condition. Also, keep an eye out for issues such as power surges, temperature variations, and voltage drops since they impact the lifespan of an electrical cable. After the installation, the electrical services provider ties the ends of the wires to prevent back spooling. The technician should also reverse the ends to protect them from exposure to heat, dust, and dirt.
Make Repairs on Time
The other impactful step in prolonging the life of your electrical cables is making the necessary repair on time. Therefore, contact an electrician immediately if you notice a problem with your electrical wires. Leaving them unattended for long periods can cause a bigger problem down the system. Also, remember to stock spare conductors, cables, and jackets to make the repair procedure easier for the technician.
Moreover, schedule preventive maintenance and regular inspections with an electrical company. The technicians will investigate the system and repair any faulty part before it can cause real damage to the cables. Lastly, be attentive to your monthly electrical bill. An escalation in the bill could indicate a problem in the electrical system. In addition, if your system shows a consistent decrease in performance, change all the cables before they deteriorate and become a safety issue.
Lack of maintenance, faulty installation, or using below-average cables could lead to a malfunctioning electrical system and fire. Contact us at Mister Sparky of East Texas for professional electrical cable installation and maintenance services.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Check out our reviews here.
Photo By chinaface at iStock
Catching Big Trouble Before It Happens With Our Emergency Electrician
When you can call the fire department before the fire even starts, that’s an excellent idea. Calling the electricians at Mister Sparky of East Texas when you notice a problem with your wiring can be exactly that. A flickering light fixture can be a sign of sparks in your walls that could ignite materials and cause a hidden fire. Smelling strange electrical odors can’t be good, and when a plug or outlet heats up, that’s a sign that something needs checking before it gets worse. Our experienced electricians have seen all sorts of electrical problems and can get right to resolve them on an emergency basis. We’re also your go-to team for electrical inspections, helping you to prevent problems and keep your home and family safe. Even if your home is brand new, it’s always possible that there are issues developing in your walls or power box that nobody noticed. If your home is older, time, outdated materials, and inexperienced electrical repairs can set you up for trouble. Fortunately, these problems usually give signs, either to you or our experienced professionals. Count on us to help you make trouble in your wiring, just emergencies that you avoided, getting on with your great East Texas day.
Different Ways We Handle Electrical Issues Make A Big Difference
Nobody likes to worry, so at times people notice problems that, as electricians, we know could be important and say, “it’s probably nothing.” It’s probably a bad switch, they say, of flickering light, and they might be right. The thing is that flickering likely comes from a loose connection that’s making sparks, just like a lighter. A bit of paper, dust, wood shavings, or even a gas leak could start a chain of events that’s definitely nothing. Fortunately, it doesn’t happen every time there are sparks, but it happens enough that there are now special circuit breakers with AFCI or arc fault circuit interrupters that detect arcing and sparking and shut down the power. Loose connections can also heat up, creating yet another fire hazard. You don’t need to think about all these concerns every time your kitchen light blinks, but getting in the habit of having it checked out can be a really good thing. Besides, taking action gives peace of mind, it’s a good habit to reduce the worry in our lives.
Trust Our Friendly Team To Tell You Straight
One thing that helps you take action about electrical problems is trusting your local emergency electrician to deal with you honestly and with integrity. We want you to feel comfortable calling us for help and advice so we know our team has to earn your trust. From clear explanations and transparent quotes and pricing, our professionalism and expertise come together to provide an experience that can’t be beaten. Our prompt, reliable service is especially important when you need an emergency electrician. That’s no time to be kept waiting!
Electrical Inspection Can Catch Lurking Problems For More Relaxing Resolution
We know that calling because you have smoke coming from inside your wall or a hot outlet is stressful. In many cases, a careful electrical inspection by our team that has seen and resolved so many problems can prevent even that stress. We know what to look for and can find everything from poorly wired outlets and switches to outdated wiring, circuit breakers that have been recalled, and shock or fire issues because you don’t have updated protection. For instance, if you don’t have GFCI outlets in your kitchen you’re at a greater risk of electrical shock. These days, we’ve advanced so that GFCI is available as part of the circuit breaker, so it doesn’t just trip for a short. It trips to protect you from shock as well. And yes, combined GFCI and AFCI breakers are available, so you get lots of modern protection against common problems that created many tragedies in the past.
What Specific Kinds of Problems Can Inspection Help With?
Just like with your car, the phrase “if it works, then it’s ok” isn’t quite true. Inspection by our experienced emergency electrician and other members of our licensed, experienced team is a part of maintenance for your home. In some cases, we’re looking for problems that have developed over time, like outlets that have gotten loose from years of use, leading to loose corrections. Other times, we’re looking for problems that were always there that our profession has become aware of. One example is the aluminum wiring installed during years when copper was expensive, which turns out to be problematic with modern outlets and copper wiring. Older circuit breakers and certain types that turned out to need replacement, as well as rusting, aging power panels where all your home’s power is handled, are also on our list to check.
Keep In Touch, So We Can Help
Don’t hesitate to give us a call when you have questions or concerns about your electrical equipment, and ask our electricians for helpful tips as well. We can help with practical remedies as well, such as replacing your power strips and extension cords with additional outlets and a whole-house surge protector in your power panel. There are so many potential tragedies our emergency electrician can handle for you and even more that our electricians can help you avoid!
If you notice flickering lights, sounds of sparking, warm plugs and outlets, and odd electrical smells or even smoke, don’t guess and don’t wait, let our experienced electricians check it out. We can save you plenty of worry and, sometimes, a lot more trouble. Our experts also provide careful electrical inspections to catch potential trouble before it even starts to show itself. Our friendly, respectful team at Mister Sparky of East Texas is here to take good care of you and your home. Give us a call, and we’ll be glad to help!
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Photo By Thicha studio at iStock
Why Should An Electrician Install AFCI Outlets in Your Home?
Are you a new homeowner searching for the necessary electrical components, or are you remodeling and upgrading the electrical components in your home? Regardless of why you are looking for electrical components, the underlying truth is that shopping for electricity installations for your home can be challenging. Especially with the advancement in technology and all new regulations, it is best to have an electrician you can rely on through this journey. The technician will advise you on the protection devices against electrical fires and help you choose the latest and best systems. For instance, a skilled electrical technician will say that arc fault circuit interrupters are now necessary for modern homes because they protect homes against electrical arcs, which can easily ignite your electrical circuit, insulation, and wood. This article will explain the five top benefits of Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters or AFCIs.
What is an Arc Fault?
An arc fault is when electricity runs from its usual path, the electrical wires, due to a cut, broken, or cracked electrical wiring. Once out of the wire, the electrical will travel into the surrounding environment heating the objects it comes into contact with. When the electricity heats the things in its path, it could result in electrical fires, injuries, property damage, and even death.
What is an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter?
Electricians often refer to an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter as AFCI for easier communication. An AFCI refers to a circuit breaker built to monitor arcing in electrical circuits. On noticing a potentially dangerous arc in an electrical system, an AFCI cuts off the electricity flow. Notably, although an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter and a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter seem similar, these two devices are very different. On the one hand, a Ground Fault Circuit interrupter protects your home from electric shocks by ensuring sufficient grounding in your electric circuit. Conversely, an AFCI prevents conditions that can result in an electrical fire in your home.
Benefits of an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlet
When searching for a protective electrical device for your home, consult a professional electrical technician on the best available devices. Before purchasing any electrical protective device, your first step should be investigating its benefits. Some of the benefits of an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter include the following;
Helps Your Home Be NEC Compliant
The fundamental principle to any electrical installation in your home should be that it is compliant with the National Electrical Code (NEC). The National Electrical Code is a set of regulations and regularly updates standards that an electrical device and establishment should meet for the safe installation of electrical wiring.
The NEC also stipulates which devices and gadgets should be in your electrical circuit for your home to be safety code-compliant. The AFCI is one of the gadgets that all homes must have to reduce the possibility of electric fires. It makes your home code complaint since it is now a requirement for all residential constructions and areas to have AFCIs.
Distinguishes Between Normal and Dangerous Arcs
The other significant benefit of installing AFCIs in your home is their capability to tell between dangerous and regular arcs in your home. During the day-to-day operation of the electric components in your home, such as appliances and sockets, it is normal for the arc to be present occasionally. However, most of these electrical arcs are harmless since they do not carry the potential to start a fire.
Therefore, AFCIs are fitted with integrated sensor technologies with detention capabilities to differentiate between normal and dangerous Arcs. The sensor technologies measure the different arcs in your system, such as parallel and series arcs monitoring and analyzing their potential to cause electrical fires. Notably, AFCIs are programmed to analyze hundreds of operating conditions in your system. In turn, the Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters will only trip on the occurrence of a dangerous fault, thereby protecting your home.
Protects Any Branch Circuit in your Home
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters can suit any branch unit in your home since they are designed for electrical circuits of 15A to 20A. Therefore, electricians can install them in any room in the house. Therefore, if your home was built before the electrical code requirement of AFCIs, it is advisable to install these protective devices.
Prevents Injuries and Deaths in Your Home
The most notable benefit of Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters is their ability to protect your home against electrical fires. An electrical malfunction in an electrical system causes most fires in many households. Consequently, these fires pose an imminent danger to those in your home. An electrical fire can destroy your home and, in worst-case scenarios, burn your home to the ground. On the other hand, electric fires can cause death if a member of your home is trapped in a fire. Therefore, installing Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters protects your home from all these possibilities by shutting off electricity flow when the dangerous arc is present.
More Effective than a Conventional Circuit Breaker
The other outstanding benefit of an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter is its effectiveness. Compared to conventional circuit breakers, an AFCI is very effective in protecting your home against the dangers of electrical faults. Traditional circuit breakers are fast in detecting and reacting to an electrical arc. Therefore, their protection is a bit wanting since it leaves room for a fire. An AFCI has an integrated sensor technology that immediately stops currently in the occurrence of a dangerous arc. Some AFCI models have different capabilities, such as detecting overloads, short circuits, fault detection, and leakage protection. However, for you to enjoy all these benefits from an AFCI, an electrician must install it.
Are you looking for a reliable professional to install AFCIs in your home? Our technicians are certified and well-equipped to handle all your electrical circuit needs. Contact us at Mister Sparky of East Texas today to schedule an appointment.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Photo By Richard Stephen at iStock
Beyond Repairs: How Electrical Services Can Help You With Home Automation and Smart Technology
In the past, electrical services were typically associated with repairing and installing lighting fixtures and electrical outlets. However, with the rise of smart technology and home automation, the role of these services has expanded to include a wide range of advanced solutions for modern homes. These services will help you take advantage of the latest smart home innovations and enjoy a more convenient, efficient, and secure living environment.
Installation and Setup
When it comes to home automation and smart technology, proper installation and setup are critical for a seamless and functional experience. Not only does this ensure that your devices function correctly, but it also helps prevent potential safety hazards and protects your investment.
Smart Device Selection and Recommendation
Choosing the right smart devices for your home can be daunting, but electrical services can make the process easier. They have extensive knowledge of technology trends and advancements and can provide expert recommendations tailored to your needs and preferences. This includes considering factors such as compatibility, functionality, and energy efficiency.
Professional Installation and Setup
Electrical services have the training and expertise to ensure proper installation and setup of your smart devices. This includes ensuring devices are correctly wired and connected to your home network, programming them to work together seamlessly, and providing you with a tutorial on how to use them. This saves you time and frustration and ensures that your devices are installed safely and correctly.
Integration with Existing Systems
Integrating your new smart devices with existing systems, such as your home network or security system, can be complex. Electricians can help ensure that your devices integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, reducing the risk of compatibility issues and ensuring that your technology works as intended. They can also provide additional recommendations for improving your home’s automation and efficiency.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Even with proper installation and setup, technology can experience issues and malfunctions. A professional can respond rapidly to system issues, minimizing downtime and frustration. Maintenance and updates are critical to ensuring your technology operates at peak performance.
Ongoing System Maintenance and Updates
Like any other system, your home automation and smart technology require ongoing maintenance and updates to function correctly. An electrician can perform routine maintenance and updates to ensure that your devices operate at peak performance and are up to date with the latest software and security patches.
Advice on Best Practices for System Care
Electricians can advise on best practices for system care, helping you extend the lifespan of your devices and reduce the risk of malfunctions. This includes regular cleaning, avoiding overloading circuits, and scheduling routine maintenance with a professional.
Energy Management
Home automation and smart technology can also help you manage your energy consumption more efficiently, reducing energy bills and carbon footprint. An electrician can assist with installing and setting up energy-efficient devices and provide insight into your energy usage.
Smart Thermostats for Efficient Heating and Cooling
Smart thermostats can learn your habits and preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly, reducing energy consumption and costs. Electricians can help you select and install the right smart thermostat for your home and ensure it’s set up correctly.
Smart Lighting for Energy Savings
Smart lighting can help you save energy by automatically turning lights off when you leave a room or adjusting the brightness based on natural light levels. A professional electrician can assist with installing and setting smart lighting systems and advise on best energy savings practices.
Energy Monitoring for Insight into Energy Usage
By monitoring your energy usage, you can identify areas where you can reduce your consumption and save money. Electricians can help you install and set up energy monitoring systems that provide insight into your energy usage and identify areas for improvement.
Home Security
While smart technology has made home security more accessible and convenient, setting up and installing the devices can still be daunting. An electrician can assist with installing and setting smart locks, video doorbells, and motion detectors.
Smart Locks for Convenient and Secure Access Control
Smart locks require electrical work to install and connect to your home’s electrical system. An electrician can ensure that the installation is done correctly and that the lock functions as it should. They can also recommend the best smart lock for your needs and budget.
Video Doorbells for Monitoring and Visitor Screening
Video doorbells require a Wi-Fi connection and a power source for the camera to function. An electrician can ensure that the doorbell is connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network and has a reliable power source. They can also advise on the best location to install the doorbell for optimal viewing angles.
Motion Detectors for Added Security and Peace of Mind
Motion detectors can be wired or wireless and require proper installation. An electrician can advise on the best type of motion detector for your needs and install them in the proper locations to detect any intruders. They can also ensure the detectors are wired correctly and connected to your home’s electrical system.
Entertainment
Home automation and smart technology can enhance the security of your home and your entertainment experience. An electrician can help install and set up entertainment systems, ensuring that they function correctly and are properly connected to your home’s electrical system.
Multi-Room Audio Systems for Music Throughout Your Home
A multi-room audio system allows you to simultaneously play music in different areas of your home. An electrician can help install the system, including wiring the speakers and connecting them to your home’s electrical system. They can also advise on the best locations for the speakers to ensure optimal sound quality.
Home automation and smart technology offer numerous benefits for homeowners, from improved security to enhanced entertainment experiences. An experienced electrician like Mister Sparky of East Texas can help install and set up these systems to ensure they function correctly and provide the desired benefits. Contact them today to learn more about electrical services and schedule a consultation.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Photo By andresr at iStock
A Simple Guide for Finding a Good Electrical Services Provider
Electricity is now a necessity in almost every home. This is because electrical energy is needed to power the basic electrical and electronic appliances that make living in your home more comfortable and convenient. Besides, you need electricity to keep your house adequately lit. Therefore, the electrical system is an integral part of your house. It makes it possible for you to safely access and use electricity supplied by your utility company. Although modern residential electrical systems are quite reliable, they are not 100% perfect. Therefore, they can develop problems that can make them ineffective and even put your home and family in grave danger.
However, no matter how much you like solving problems on your own around your home, you should never be tempted to fix electrical problems yourself. This is because poorly or incorrectly done electrical jobs could cause a lot of serious problems. Besides, handling some electrical issues could involve the risk of electrical shocks and even electrocution. As such, you need to have a professional electrical services provider you can call when you have electrical problems in your house. Unfortunately, if you do not have a professional electrician already, finding one can be quite a challenging task since many of them are not good enough to be trusted with something as sensitive and valuable as your electrical system. Here is a simple guide you can follow to improve your odds of finding a good electrician.
Ask Around And Browse The Internet
If you have never needed the services of an electrician before or you are new in town, you are probably wondering where you should start. The good news is that you can simply ask your friends and acquaintances to refer you to the electricians they know. Besides, you can go to the internet and search for the best electrical services providers in town. By doing this, you might be able to create a list of the professional electricians you can potentially hire. However, no matter how much you trust the person referring you to a given electrician, you will still need to do your due diligence to be satisfied that the electrician is good enough to be trusted with your electrical system. In other words, you will need to find more information about the electricians on your list to be able to make an informed choice.
Consider Licensing
Considering the sensitivity of electrical systems and the risks that poorly done electrical jobs can pose in homes, electricians are usually regulated by local authorities. Qualified electricians need to be licensed. Before they can qualify for licensing, they need to undergo years of formal training, acquire some experience, and pass some tests. Therefore, although not all licensed electricians can be trusted, a good electrician must be duly licensed. If you choose an unlicensed electrician, you will risk receiving substandard services and even losing your warranties. As such, before deciding to settle for any given electrician, you must ascertain if they are duly licensed. If they seem hesitant to show you their licenses, you should continue searching.
Consider Insurance
As mentioned earlier, electrical installation and repair jobs can be quite risky. For instance, the job might put the electrician doing it at risk of sustaining severe electrical injuries. Besides, if the job involves climbing, the person doing it could be at risk of falling and sustaining serious fall injuries. Unfortunately, this means that you could be at risk of suffering financial losses since you could get held facially liable in the event of such an accident in your house. The good news is that good electrical services providers protect their customers against such risks by getting adequately insured. Indeed, if an electrician is properly insured, you will not have to worry about the risk of accidents since their insurance company will cover them. Therefore, as you consider hiring a given electrician, insurance is one of the most important factors to consider, and you should not trust an electrician if they are not well insurance.
Consider Availability
There is a good chance that you will face electrical problems at some point, but you just don’t know when. This is because electrical problems can strike at any time, including when you least expect them. Therefore, you need to prepare for them by having an emergency electrician on speed dial. As such, as you consider hiring a given electrician, it is important to ask them if they are always avoidable. If the electrician you are about to add to your speed dial does not offer 24/7 emergency services, you better continue searching.
Demand a Warranty
Even if you choose the most reliable electrical services provider near you, you can never be sure that they will do a perfect job. This is because they can make mistakes and end up failing to fix your issue decisively. Unfortunately, this means that even after spending your money on a given issue, you could risk having to spend more on it soon. Fortunately, a good electrician should protect you against such a risk by giving you a warranty. With a warrant, you will not have to worry about the cost of substandard services since your electrician will be willing to get the job redone for free should the issue at hand reoccur within a specified time. As such, before deciding to trust a given electrician with your electrical system, you need to ask if you are going to get a quality guarantee. If the answer is no, you should not hire them.
The Takeaway
As you can see, although finding a good electrician is not easy, you can improve your odds by simply following this guide. If you are looking for a dependable electrician to help you handle any electrical problem in your house, Mister Sparky of East Texas is an excellent choice. We have been solving residential electrical problems for many years, and we are a household name in our community. Call us today to learn more about our company and service.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Photo By andresr at iStock
