Tag: circuit breaker

Top 10 Mistakes When Planning An Electrical Remodel

Mar 23, 2021

Top 10 Mistakes When Planning An Electrical Remodel

  • Electrical
Top 10 Mistakes When Planning An Electrical Remodel

Top 10 Mistakes When Planning An Electrical Remodel

Updating your home’s electrical system can bring multiple benefits, including reduced power bills, greater convenience and a safer, more efficient use of power. However, there are a number of mistakes that homeowners commonly make when planning large-scale electrical work. Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure that the project is on time, on budget and a perfect match for your family’s needs. The following tips can help homeowners make the most of their electrical overhaul. Keep these top 10 mistakes in mind when planning an electrical remodel to avoid a botched job that may end up costing you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to fix in the future.

1. Hiring The Wrong Person For The Job

A home’s electrical system has many different components, and each part of the system must be properly installed in order to ensure safety and proper function. If mistakes are made, there is a serious risk of malfunction or fire. Unlike having custom cabinetry or top-of-the-line carpeting installed, shoddy electrical work is hidden behind the walls, and may not be immediately detected. Hiring a qualified and skilled electrician is critical to both safety and proper function

2. Attempting Your Own Electrical Remodel

There are many areas of home improvement in which a handy homeowner can save a great deal of money by doing the job themselves. However, your home’s electrical system is not an area where a DIY approach is wise. There are a multitude of things that can go wrong, and having to call in an electrician to address those issues will only drive up the cost of the project.

3. Failing To Plan For Budget Overages

Every homeowner knows that home improvement projects rarely stay on budget. A number of different circumstances can require more money than anticipated, and building those unexpected costs into one’s budget is essential. Home remodeling professionals suggest including a budget overage amount of between 10 and 25 percent. Having that flexibility can make it easier to absorb any unexpected costs, and hopefully provide a much-appreciated overage at the end of the project.

4. Overlooking Building Codes & Regulations

Government regulation of electrical work is there to protect the public from harm. Even though adhering to various building codes and regulations can be a pain, the end result is a safer building and a reduced risk of harm to the occupants. Failing to plan for these requirements can mean a project that is both longer and more expensive than necessary.

5. Not Considering The Existing Electrical Layout

Each and every electrical remodel is unique, and some projects are far more complex than others. However, in order to get the most out of your new system, it is necessary to consider how the existing system is laid out. For example, in some cases it is possible to make use of part of the existing system, while adding certain updated components or making changes where needed. Even when the entire system will be replaced, understanding how the current system is routed can help avoid costly changes necessary to work around other utilities or construction features.

6. Choosing Cost Over Quality

Everyone wants to save money, especially during home improvement projects where savings can be put to use in other areas of the home. That said, when it comes to electrical services, the old adage applies: you truly do get what you pay for. The skills and experience of a professional electrician may cost more at the onset of a project, but the value will last for many years to come, in the form of an electrical system that is safe, effective and does not require multiple repairs.

7. Not Factoring Your Lifestyle Into the Plans

The primary purpose of an electrical remodel is to gain a system that is safe, dependable and in line with the family’s needs. In order to attain that goal, it is necessary to take the time to consider how each room within the home will be used. A kitchen has very different electrical needs than a bedroom, and some families have unique power needs that should be factored into the project plans.

8. Not Getting Service Estimates in Writing

Electrical overhauls are an investment in the safety and value of your home. While in the planning stage, it is critical to get a written estimate of the cost of the project. This gives both the homeowner and the electrician a clear idea of the scope of the project, as well as the expected costs. Having a written estimate makes it easier to discuss and plan for any changes to the project that may occur once the remodel is in process.

9. Using Cheap Materials

Most people don’t give much thought to the materials used in their home’s electrical system. After all, the vast majority of these materials are out of sight. It is important to understand that there is a range of quality in electrical components, just as there is with any other type of construction materials. Choosing quality materials will improve the efficiency, function and safety of the new electrical system.

10. Not Conducting A Home Inspection

A professional home inspection provides the homeowner with a wealth of information about the overall condition of the construction and systems within the property. This is a critical step, both at the time a home is purchased and after significant repairs or remodeling. When it comes to an electrical overhaul, a quality home inspection can provide homeowners with the information needed to plan the project, as well as the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the end result was properly completed.

Call Ryan Gath Electric For Electrical Remodel

Guarantee the safety of your new space after an electrical remodel by hiring a professional to carry out the upgrades. A safe and professional electrical remodeling job will not only protect your home against fire and other hazards, but will provide you with enough power to conveniently operate all your electronics simultaneously without anymore blown fuses or tripped breakers. The licensed electricians at Ryan Gath Electric offer same-day wiring services when available. So don’t risk costly repairs down the line by settling for a botched electrical job. Call Ryan Gath Electric for a free inspection estimate today.

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By Ryan Gath Electric

6 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Fuse Box

Mar 08, 2021

6 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Fuse Box

  • Electrical
6 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Fuse Box

6 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Fuse Box

When your home has a proper working electrical panel, the home is in excellent shape. Your home’s electrical service panel contains a series of circuit breakers and fuses that control all the electrical components in your home. Much like other appliances in your home, even your electrical system is prone to malfunction. Here are 6 signs to look out for that indicate you may need to upgrade your fuse box.

1. Faulty Wiring Issues

Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of residential fires in the United States. If a home has faulty wiring, there is a significant increase in likeliness of fire. Older wiring may not meet code and wire insulation and other materials tend to deteriorate over the course of time. Some of these warning indicators of faulty wiring include:

  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • Slight shock or tingling sensation when touching appliances
  • Constant burning smell
  • Sparking or discolored power outlets

If you notice any of these signs, it would be wise to contact a professional electrician. 

2. Installing New Large Appliances

If you are installing large appliances in your home, especially one that requires large amounts of energy, you should check your electrical panel and fuse box. The panel may not be able to handle the amount of power to keep these appliances running. These appliances include refrigerators, hot tubs, air conditioner, and other large devices. 

Electrical panels provide fairly wide amounts of power amps, ranging from 100-400 amps. If your amps do not meet your electrical consumption needs, your circuit breakers will trip any time you try to turn on the hot tub or air conditioner. 

3. Replacing Fuses With Circuit Breakers

Fuses and circuit breakers perform the same essential functions. They prevent short-circuiting or overloading of electrical currents that is attached to any electrical devices. Fuses, however, are one-time use and are color-coded depending on their capacity. When they detect that a current is running at too high of a level, the fuse will combust and melt, creating an interruption of electrical flow. Older homes typically divide amperage amounts amongst four or so fuses within a home. Circuit breakers simply have to be reset. 

Fuses are somewhat outdated in relation to the modern age. Contact a professional as soon as possible. 

4. Blown Fuses

Mid-century fuse boxes were designed with a 60-amp capacity. Modern homes use three times more amperage than the outdated predecessor. Individuals and families have more electronic devices such as laptops, blow dryers and more televisions in the past number of decades. Because of this, there is a larger draw on electrical systems. Because of this, archaic fuses are more prone to overload. If your home has frequently blown fuses, you should upgrade your system.

5. Constant Use Of Extension Cords

While extension cords can be beneficial in certain scenarios, an over-reliance on them could be dangerous. Most extension cords are intended for temporary use rather than extended usage. 

In addition to being a tripping hazard, electrical wires are usually kept in or against walls for a purpose, a protected system of wiring leads to less wear and tear. Wires that are left strewn across your living room floor can get shorted or pinched leading to damaged outlets. Constant use of these extension cords is not ideal. Contact your local electrician to install more outlets. 

6. You Are Upgrading Your Home Or Other Appliances

If you are expanding your home, remodeling or installing new appliances, this might be the ideal time for upgrading your electrical panel. If you are installing any new appliances, you will need to upgrade your panel. 

In any of these cases, it is ideal that your upgrade your system for safety purposes. Take this into consideration. About 51,000 house fires a year are caused by improper and malfunctioning electrical panels, so it would be wise to contact an electrician as soon as possible.

Call Ryan Gath Electric To Upgrade Your Fuse Box Today

Take control of your home safety by keeping your electrical system up-to-date. An updated electric system will not only protect your home against hazards, but will provide you with enough power to conveniently operate all your electronics simultaneously without anymore blown fuses or tripped breakers. The licensed electricians at Ryan Gath Electric offer same-day fuse box services when available. So don’t keep running to your electrical panel to reset your circuits every time you turn on a new appliance. Call Ryan Gath Electric for a free inspection estimate today.

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By Ryan Gath Electric

6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

Jan 18, 2021

6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

  • Electrical
6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

Through these winter days in New England, you may not pay much attention to the furnace that is keeping you warm. It works most of the time and requires little attention. However, you will notice in a hurry when something goes wrong. When the circuit breaker is tripped by your furnace, it shuts down and has to be reset. If you are not a professional, you may find yourself often wondering if and when it will keep happening. Will it shut down in the middle of the night when everyone is asleep? Is it a sign of a greater problem? Is there a danger of it starting a fire in the house? These are just a few of the questions you may have when the circuit breaker to the furnace is tripped. Ryan Gath Electric gives you these 6 common reasons why your furnace keeps tripping your circuit breaker:

Knowing some of the possible causes will help you answer some of these questions yourself. You might even be able to fix them yourself and avoid the cost of professional repairs altogether. You can also protect yourself from companies that want to sell you a new furnace instead of fixing the underlying problem.

1. An Overloaded Furnace

Furnaces are designed to heat a specific range of area. If you have added an addition or extra rooms from the time you installed your furnace, it may now be too small to heat your home effectively. Having the right sized furnace for your home is the key to it to operating efficiently. Long periods of extreme weather can also overload a furnace by simply requiring it to run more often.

2. An Overloaded Shared Circuit

Home wiring can get complicated, and you need to make sure you know which power supply is powering your various appliances and electronics. If too many things are hooked up to the same circuit, it can cause an overload. It is generally a good idea for a furnace to have its own circuit with nothing else on it, but if you must share it for some reason, you should know how much load the circuit can handle.

3. Short Circuit/Ground Fault Inside The Furnace

Furnace wires can come loose or just wear out over time. A professional might need to be called for a second look at this, but you can do some basic inspection to find loose or burned out wiring. Debris and household items can fall onto grounding, making it work incorrectly. Even a buildup of dust can be the culprit.

4. Circuit Breaker Problems

Sometimes there is an underlying problem with the circuit breaker itself. This is another time that a professional might need to be consulted. However like anything else, even the circuit breakers that are designed to prevent overloads can have their own faults and failures.

5. Loose Electrical Connection(s)

Another reason why your furnace keeps tripping your circuit breaker is loose electrical connections. Over time wiring can get loose and connections can get broken. Inspect your wiring carefully to see if anything is loose. Of course, always take extreme caution to make sure you are not touching a live wire when you inspect it. Loose electrical connections will disrupt communication with the breaker, and that will cause it to trip. 

6. Overworked Furnace Blower

The furnace distributes heat through a blower that sends heat down ducts that disperse heat throughout the home. If the blower is running all the time, it will eventually cause the furnace to become overworked and trip the circuit breaker. If the blower is always on, there is likely a problem that may require the attention of a professional. Listening for the blower is a good way to tell whether it is on so you can determine whether or not it is necessary for it to be blowing.

Contact Ryan Gath Electric If Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

If your furnace has always run with little maintenance in the past but now keeps tripping your circuit breaker, you may be left cold, frustrated and unsure of what to do. Applying these 6 simple steps can help you inspect the situation yourself to potentially avoid the need for professional repairs. If you still find yourself having to constantly reset your breaker while your furnace is running, it may be time to all the experts at Ryan Gath Electric. Our licensed electricians can help get the electrical connections on your furnace wired correctly so your furnace can run efficiently once again. So don’t continue asking yourself whether your furnace is at risk of losing heat or starting an electrical fire. Call Ryan Gath Electric for inspection today.

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By Ryan Gath Electric

7 Reasons You Should Get a Fuse Box Upgrade in Chelmsford

May 31, 2019

7 Reasons You Should Get a Fuse Box Upgrade in Chelmsford

  • Electrical
Fuse box upgrade in Chelmsford by Ryan Gath

Fuse boxes were an important part of your home’s electrical system. If something goes wrong with your system, the fuse blows in order to protect the system from an overload or short circuit. However, they’re now old news and generally worth replacing with circuit breakers. It may work fine, but there are some good reasons to make the jump. Ryan Gath Electric can give you some good reasons to get a fuse box upgrade in Chelmsford.

Here are seven reasons you should get a fuse box upgrade in Chelmsford:

 

Upcoming add-ons

If you’re going to get an add-on for your home, a circuit breaker is definitely worth buying. The new part of your home is going to need more power to run electronics. Odds are your fuse box isn’t going to be able to handle the new load.

 

Insurance problems

Many home insurance companies consider fuse boxes to be an out-of-date safety feature. Because of this, homeowners with fuse boxes may have trouble keeping their coverage in force. Those that do get coverage are more likely to have expensive premiums.

 

Not powerful enough

The average American home today uses 150-220 amps to power all of its electronics. Meanwhile, fuse boxes generally max out at around 100 amps. Trying to use a fuse box with a modern house is highly inconvenient and also a fire hazard.

 

Inconvenient

When the fuse or circuit box turns off your power, what do you do? If it’s a fuse box, you have to replace your burnt-out fuse with a fresh one. This means you have to have a stock of them on hand or be willing to rush out to the hardware store. With a circuit box, you simply have to flick a switch, which is way more convenient and cheaper.

 

Easier DIY mistakes

When replacing a burnt-out fuse, you have to replace it with one that’s the correct size amp. It’s actually possible to put one in that’s a higher size than what the box is equipped for. However, this leads to a higher risk of electrical fires. With circuit boxes, you don’t have to replace fuses and can avoid this DIY risk.

 

No GFCI

GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are a kind of outlet that protects users from electric shocks caused by faults in devices plugged into the outlet. However, they only work with circuit breakers. Fuse box users won’t be able to make use of them.

 

How can Ryan Gath Electric help me with my home’s electrical system?

Ryan Gath Electric has been helping homeowners around Chelmsford, MA with their electrical problems for 9 years. Updating your home’s fuse box is a task that should never be done without a professional’s help, and our company can provide that professional. The upgrading process is difficult, but we can provide high-quality help that’ll keep you and your home safe. If you’re looking to get a fuse box upgrade in Chelmsford, make Ryan Gath Electric your first choice!

By Ryan Gath Electric