Tag: rewiring

Why You Shouldn’t Attempt a DIY Electrical Panel Replacement

Apr 11, 2023

Why You Shouldn’t Attempt a DIY Electrical Panel Replacement

  • Electrical
Why You Shouldn't Attempt a DIY Electrical Panel Replacement - Ryan Gath Electric

As a homeowner, it’s natural to want to tackle home improvement projects on your own. However, when it comes to electrical panel replacement, this is a project that you should leave to the professionals. Attempting a DIY electrical panel replacement can be dangerous, costly, and may even void your homeowners’ insurance. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the dangers of attempting a DIY electrical panel replacement and the benefits of hiring a licensed electrician.

The Dangers of DIY Electrical Panel Replacement

Electrical panel replacement is a complex and potentially dangerous project that requires specialized knowledge and training. Attempting to replace your electrical panel yourself can lead to serious injury or even death. Additionally, improper installation can cause electrical problems that can result in property damage or fires.

Other dangers of DIY Electrical Panel Replacement Include:

  • Electrical shock
  • Fire hazard
  • Damage to electrical equipment
  • Code violations and legal consequences
  • Risk of electrocution for future homeowners or electricians who may work on the system
  • Potential for improper grounding or bonding, leading to electrical surges or fires
  • Voided insurance coverage and increased liability in case of accidents or property damage.

Electrical Work Requires Specialized Knowledge and Training

Electrical work is not something that can be learned by reading a few articles or watching a video. Licensed electricians undergo extensive training and have the experience necessary to perform electrical panel replacement safely and effectively. They have the knowledge to troubleshoot issues that may arise during the replacement process.

Electrical Work Can Be Dangerous and Potentially Life-Threatening

Working with electricity can be dangerous, especially for those who lack proper training and experience. Electrical shocks, burns, and electrocution are all potential risks when attempting a DIY electrical panel replacement. Protect your health and safety by leaving electrical work to the professionals.

Electrical Work Must Meet Local Building Codes and Standards

In many areas, electrical panel replacement requires a permit and must meet local building codes and standards. However, a licensed electrician is familiar with the codes and regulations in your area and can ensure that the replacement is done correctly.

Improper Installation Can Lead to Serious Electrical Problems

Improper installation of an electrical panel can lead to serious electrical problems, including short circuits, power surges, and fires. These problems can be costly to fix and can even result in property damage or injuries.

DIY Electrical Panel Replacement Can Void Homeowner’s Insurance

Attempting a DIY electrical panel replacement can void your homeowners’ insurance. Insurance companies may require that all electrical work be done by a licensed professional to ensure the safety of the property and its occupants.

Leave Electrical Panel Replacement to the Professionals

Hiring a licensed electrician for electrical panel replacement offers numerous benefits. Electricians have the training and experience necessary to complete the job safely and effectively. They are familiar with local building codes and regulations and can ensure that the replacement is up to code. Additionally, they can obtain the necessary permits and will provide a warranty for their work.

In conclusion, electrical panel replacement is not a project that should be attempted by a homeowner. The risks associated with DIY electrical work far outweigh any potential cost savings. To ensure the safety of your property and its occupants. Contact Ryan Gath Electric to replace your electrical panel. We have the training, knowledge, and experience necessary to get the job done right.

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By Ryan Gath Electric

8 Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring

Sep 01, 2022

8 Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring

  • Electrical
electrical rewiring in chelmsford, MA by Ryan Gath Electric

The older a home’s wiring gets, the more likely they are to get worn down and suffer from various faults. In order to keep your home’s electrical system healthy, you should get regular rewiring work done. Rewiring involves removing your home’s wires and replacing them with new wires. But how can you tell when it’s time to make the switch? Let Ryan Gath Electric give you some ideas on when your electrical system needs a rewiring.

Here are eight signs you should call Ryan Gath Electric for your home rewiring:

Frequently broken fuses or tripped breakers.

Fuses and circuit breakers are one of your home’s defenses against electrical fires. When your system can’t handle the electrical load, the breaker trips or the fuse gets blown, cutting the circuit. If your home’s wiring can’t easily deal with your electricity usage, you may see frequent tripping and breaking, which is a sign your wiring may need upgrading. As an example, wiring from before the 60s could service around 60 amps, while today’s homes can handle 100 amps. Keep in mind that there are other reasons for tripping and breaking, so use a circuit breaker tester to help diagnose the problem.

Persistent burning smells

A persistent burning smell with no clear source is a major concern for homeowners. It’s likely that faulty wiring of some kind is the culprit. Ignoring the smell can be dangerous, so shut off the power at the circuit and call one of our professionals for help immediately.

Flickering lights

It’s not uncommon for flickering lights to be caused by a bulb that’s not properly screwed in or that needs to be changed. However, if the flickering is house-wide, then the problem is with the wiring. One of our technicians can help you determine if you need new wiring.

Aluminum wiring

Aluminum wiring is a kind of wiring used from 1965 to 1973 for about two million American homes. Unlike the traditional copper wiring, aluminum wires have a variety of flaws like incompatibility with modern devices, heating problems, and a tendency to split and fray. Aluminum wiring can be identified by the ‘AL’ written on the jacket.

Electrical shocks

Experiencing an electrical shock of any size from an outlet should be considered a major warning. If you go to plug something in and you get shocked, call a technician immediately.

Loose outlets

At outlets age, they can wiggle loose from the wall. When they hang from the wall, they expose the wiring within, which can be very dangerous. If you see a loose outlet, you should call us to have an expert tighten it up or replace it if necessary.

Strange noises

If you plug something into an outlet and hear a buzzing or sizzling noise, your wires are in dire need of a replacement. Call us as soon as you can if you’re hearing noises from your outlets.

Hot/Discolored outlets and switches

Discolored outlets and switches can be a sign of wiring problems behind the scenes. Loose connections can cause sparking and arcing that results in small fires. These small fires char the outlet and switch cover, discoloring it as well as making it hot to the touch. Ignoring this can lead to life-threatening issues, so call us as soon as you notice this sort of issue.

For all of your electrical needs, call Ryan Gath Electric today!

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

10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year

Jan 04, 2021

10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year

  • Electrical
10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year

As the New Year approaches more and more homeowners are resolving to do things that are going to not only help improve the overall efficiency of their home, but that will also make it safer. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 50,000 fires are caused each year by faulty electrical systems in homes. Of these fires, about 450 deaths are the result and up to 1500 injuries. Though many Chelmsford homeowners go from day to day hoping that their electrical system is safe, updating and testing your system is the only way to know. Here are 10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year that can help keep your home and your family safe:

  1. Extension Cord Placement – We have all been guilty of this faux pas. We have an extension cord that helps take an item from one room to another. It is far safer to make sure you keep extension cords away from door ways, under carpets, near heaters, or near any other item that may damage the cord. It is essential that you take the time to carefully place your extension cords out of the way in a safe place where they will continue to be safe for the duration of use.
  2. Sockets Near Water – We all need outlets in bathrooms and kitchens and other areas that are near water but water and electricity certainly do not mix. Installing GFCI sockets, or ground fault circuit interrupter sockets can help ground out the socket should water become introduced. Installing this type of outlet in bathrooms, on kitchen counters, or in any other area where water might get into sockets can help keep your home and your family safe.
  3. Noticing the Signs of Faulty Wiring – There are some signs that you can take into account when it comes to your home. If your switches feel warm or you have issues like blowing fuses, tripping circuits, flickering and dimming lights or other issues, it is best to contact a professional electrician that can pinpoint the cause of the issue then fix it so that you have nothing to worry about.
  4. Wattages – The wattage that is written on the inside of lamp sockets is there for a reason. Though it may seem time consuming, taking the time to check all your lamps and make sure that the bulbs inside them match the recommended wattage can make a huge difference. Not only do higher watt bulbs take up more energy and help run up your electricity bill, these higher wattage bulbs are likely to blow more often and can pose a threat to you and your family.
  5. Damaged Cords – Though it may seem like a trivial thing, that knick on your electrical cord may be just enough to cause a fire. You should take the time to check your cords and make sure that if they are damaged in any way they are either professionally repaired or that they are replaced entirely if the damage is too severe.
  6. Install More Outlets – Though using extension cords from time to time can be safe if the cord is in good shape and it is carefully placed, if you are using an extension cord every day or very often you may want to think about having more sockets installed. Calling a professional electrician can get you the sockets you need so that you can get rid of potentially dangerous extension cords.
  7. Outlet Overload – We have all done it, bought outlet expanders or added extension cords to get more socket space out of a single outlet. Though this may not be dangerous for a little while, when an outlet is overloaded for a long period of time it can become overheated, damaged, and can pose a fire hazard.
  8. Energy Efficient Appliances – We all want to save money on our electric bill and installing energy efficient appliances can help save money on your monthly bill by using less electricity overall. These appliances can also be safer for your home and can make a huge difference in your home and how it runs.
  9. Surge Protectors – Not all homes are going to experience a power surge but having a surge protector in place can help keep your home safe and can help prevent issues if there is a power surge or a large storm. Power surges have the potential to cause sparks that can then lead to fire, they can also overload circuits and cause damage to your overall system. A surge protector can help prevent these issues.
  10. Replace Smoke Detectors – The last thing you can do is to check and replace all your smoke detectors. Smoke detectors can be your first line of defense if your electrical system does go awry and you can truly protect your home with new smoke detectors.

Contact Ryan Gath Electric For Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year

No homeowner in Chelmsford wants to deal with overspending on their electricity bills. If you are considering any of these 10 Chelmsford Home Electrical Resolutions for the New Year, Ryan Gath Electric can help. The licensed electricians at Ryan Gath Electric can help get your home electric system operating safely and efficiently with up-to-date technology. So don’t continue risking electrical fires or other hazards. Call Ryan Gath Electric to get started today.

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By Ryan Gath Electric

6 Benefits of Rewiring Your Home

Mar 30, 2020

6 Benefits of Rewiring Your Home

  • Electrical
rewiring in Chelmsford by Ryan Gath

Rewiring is a process that involves replacing your home’s old wiring with fresh, healthy wires. This is a very extensive process, but it’s important for keeping your home safe. Over time, your home’s wiring will get older and need replacing. Failure to do so can cause various electrical problems, including possible fires. However, there’s more than your safety to consider when rewiring your home.

Here are 6 ways you can benefit from rewiring your home:

Improved safety

The most obvious benefit of rewiring your home is that you’re ensuring your electrical system is safe. Old wiring and electrical systems can get very dangerous when they don’t get regular checkups and replacements. In addition, rewiring your home lets you add and update your home’s safety measures, such as smoke detectors, grounding wires, and plastic-insulated wires.

Determine your home’s wiring lifespan

If you haven’t already given your home rewiring, you likely don’t know how old your home’s wiring is. Not knowing how long your wiring has left can be dangerous, however. On average, electrical wiring can last around 20 years. Rewiring your home can let you determine the exact age of your wires and replace them as necessary.

Cheaper home insurance

Many insurance companies offer cheaper home insurance plans if your home was recently rewired. The reason for this is that your home’s wiring is safer and more reliable, reducing the likelihood of accidents. As a result, you’ll get to pay less for your insurance coverage.

Increased electrical capacity

If you live in an older house, it might not be able to handle your modern electrical needs. As a comparison, homes built before the 60s tend to have a capacity of 60 amps compared to today’s 100 amp limit. By updating your wiring, you can avoid the risk of overloading your electrical system and starting a fire.

Higher home sale value

A big selling point for any house is its safety, and that’s something that can be improved with some rewiring. Get a rewiring and an inspection, and your home’s value can increase, possibly by thousands.

Safer remodeling and extensions

If you’re considering remodeling your home or extending it, then rewiring is very important. Part of this is to ensure your new wiring is up to code with the Electrical Safety Foundation standards. The other part is to make sure your wiring can handle the new load brought by your extension or remodeling.

When you need rewiring, call the experts at Ryan Gath Electric. We’re ready to help you today!

By Ryan Gath Electric