Tag: fuse box

Air Conditioner Blowing Fuses? It May Be Time To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel.

Jul 27, 2021

Air Conditioner Blowing Fuses? It May Be Time To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel.

  • Electrical
Air Conditioner Blowing Fuses? It May Be Time To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Replace Your Electrical Service Panel?

Are you noticing blown fuses, flickering lights or loss of power in your home when your air conditioner is running? It may be time to upgrade your electrical panel. Service panels can last almost indefinitely if you take the proper precautions and replace circuit breakers regularly. But simply lasting does not mean that it is properly servicing the needs of your household. Most houses were built in a time when modern air conditioning systems were in their infancy and houses required a fraction of the power they do now. As time moves on, service panels need to be improved and replaced to keep up with your standards of living. But how do you know it’s time to make the upgrade?

Your Electrical Panel is Old & Outdated

It would be unreasonable to expect a house built in the 50’s to come with the necessary electrical equipment to meet your modern needs, including that of a partial or whole-home air conditioning system. The increased use of electronics and advanced appliances call for much more power to circulate within your system, and your existing electrical panel may not have enough circuits to keep up with the demand. If you notice that your service panel is generating an excessive amount of heat, or making humming or buzzing noises when you are using your air conditioner, you’ll want to act quickly on replacing and/or upgrading the panel before damage occurs.

Your Existing Electrical Panel is Damaged

Your service panel is prone to several forms of wear and tear damage from constant regular use, including arcing, scorching, corrosion and more. Damaged electrical panels can lead to hazards including fires. Short circuiting of your air conditioner, or other appliances that are running at the same time as your air conditioner, are a tell-tale sign of damage within your electrical panel. Don’t take any chances that could result in property damage or injury if you notice blown fuses while running your A/C. Call Ryan Gath Electric today to discuss your options for upgrading your panel.

You’re Building an Addition or Upgrading Your Air Conditioning

Regular maintenance and circuit replacements can go a long way to keeping your service panel running up to par, however, even a pristine breaker panel can become overwhelmed over time when faced with the demands of a modern home or business. Your panel may already be operating at its full capacity, even if you do not notice any indicators that breaker panel upgrade is necessary. If you are expanding your home, installing a new air conditioner or upgrading the one you already have, you may find that your system is not equipped to handle the additional demand. To prevent hazards and reduce the likelihood of costly future repairs, we recommend first having your system inspected by a licensed and insured electrician.

Contact Ryan Gath Electric Today To Upgrade Your Circuit Breaker Panel

So you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your service panel. What does that mean, exactly? After you’ve called the professionals at Ryan Gath Electric, we will send a technician to your home to evaluate your situation and help you make some decisions based on your needs. Your Ryan Gath Electric technician will:

  • Determine Your Home’s Electrical Needs
  • Help You Select The Best Service Panel Based on Those Needs
  • Install The Panel & Circuit breakers, Then Connect
  • Fully test the system

Call Ryan Gath Electric today to request a FREE estimate for an electrical breaker panel upgrade in your home or business. A reliable, up-to-date panel will give you the peace of mind to enjoy your air conditioning all summer without worrying about potential electrical hazards or the inconvenience of flickering lights and blown fuses. Our professionally trained, master-level technicians have the expertise and the experience to provide you the very best service, no matter the job. We’ve been the top local residential and commercial electricians for over a 10 years, PLUS we offer same-day service when available. Call today!

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By Ryan Gath Electric

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

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