Category: Electrical System

Knowing when to rewire your house is essential if you have an older home. In this article, we’ll discuss why it matters when your house is built and the signs that it’s time to call for the wired right electrical service.  

Why Your House’s Age Matters

The age of your house is an essential factor to consider when determining whether it’s time to rewire your home. Homes built before the 1950s were usually wired with knob-and-tube wiring, which is now considered outdated and unsafe. 

Homes built between the 1950s and 1970s may have aluminum wiring, posing a safety risk. Homes built after the 1970s usually have copper wiring, the safest and most reliable option.

If your home has outdated wiring, it can pose a significant safety risk. Old wiring can become brittle and deteriorate, exposing wires and electrical hazards. Old wiring may also not be able to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and electronics, leading to overloaded circuits and potential fire hazards.

Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Rewire Your House

If you live in an older home, there are several signs that it’s time to rewire your house. These signs include:

Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers

If your circuit breakers are frequently tripping, it may be a sign that your electrical system is overloaded or faulty. This can be caused by outdated wiring that can’t handle the electrical demands of your home.

Flickering or Dimming Lights

If your lights flicker or dim when you turn on appliances or electronics, it can be a sign that your wiring is outdated or damaged. This can lead to electrical hazards, such as sparks or fires.

Burning Smells or Scorch Marks

If you notice a burning smell or scorch marks around your outlets or electrical panel, it’s a sign of an electrical problem. This can be caused by faulty wiring overheating and posing a fire hazard.

Outdated Electrical Outlets and Switches

If your home has outdated electrical outlets and switches, it may be a sign that your wiring is outdated. Old outlets and switches can pose a safety risk and may not be able to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and electronics.

Lack of GFCI Protection

If your home doesn’t have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, it’s a sign that your electrical system is outdated. GFCI protection is essential for protecting against electrical shock and is required in all new homes.

Tips on Rewiring Your House

If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, it’s essential to consider rewiring your house. Rewiring your home can be a significant investment, but it’s worth it for the safety and functionality of your home. Here are the steps involved in rewiring a house:

Hire a Licensed and Affordable Electrician

Rewiring a house is a complex and dangerous task that a licensed electrician should only do. It’s essential to hire an electrician with experience rewiring homes and ensuring that your electrical system is safe and up to code.

Create a Plan

Before rewiring your home, your electrician will create a plan outlining the project’s scope. This will include how many circuits you’ll need, where outlets and switches will be located, and where your electrical panel will be located.

Obtain Necessary Permits

Rewiring a house requires permits from your local building department. Your electrician will obtain the necessary permits and ensure your electrical system meets all local building codes.

Remove Old Wiring

The first step in rewiring a house is to remove the old wiring. Your electrician will remove all old wiring and ensure that any damaged or outdated components are replaced.

Install New Wiring

Once the old wiring is removed, your electrician will install new wiring throughout your home. This will include installing new outlets, switches, and light fixtures.

Install or Rewire Electrical Panel

As part of the rewiring process, your electrician will install a new electrical panel. This will ensure that your electrical system can handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and electronics.

Test Your Electrical System

Once the rewiring is complete, your electrician will test your electrical system to ensure it’s safe and functional. This will include testing all outlets, switches, and light fixtures and ensuring your electrical panel functions correctly.

Conclusion

Rewiring a house is a significant investment, but it’s essential for the safety and functionality of your home. If you live in an older home, you must be aware of the signs that it’s time to rewire your house. By hiring a licensed electrician and following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your electrical system is safe and up to code.

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable electrician, we can help you! At Turner On Services, we pride ourselves on providing superior expertise with our electrical projects. We always treat our customer’s homes as if it’s our own. Our technicians are trained and up to date on the newest codes and technologies that apply to your home or business. Book online today!

A generator is an essential tool for many homeowners and businesses. It can provide power during power outages, natural disasters, and outdoor events. However, using a generator can be dangerous if you don’t take proper safety precautions. One question often arises is whether you need to use a surge protector with a generator. In this article, we’ll explore this question and provide helpful information to keep you and your property safe.

What Is a Surge Protector?

A surge protector is a device that protects your electronic devices from voltage spikes and power surges. It diverts excess voltage from your devices and into the grounding wire. Surge protectors are essential for protecting your electronic devices from damage caused by power surges.

Do You Need a Surge Protector with a Generator?

The short answer is yes, you should use a surge protector with a generator. When you use a generator, you must protect your electronic devices from power surges. Generators can produce power surges that can damage your electronic devices. In addition, power surges can also be caused by lightning strikes, which are more common during storms.

While many newer generators have built-in surge protection, it’s still a good idea to use an additional surge protector for added protection. A surge protector can protect your devices from power surges caused by lightning strikes, and it can also protect your devices from power surges caused by the generator itself.

Types of Surge Protectors

There are two types of surge protectors: point-of-use and whole-house surge protectors.

• Point-of-use surge protectors are designed to protect individual devices. They are typically small devices that plug into an outlet. Point-of-use surge protectors protect sensitive electronic devices like computers, TVs, and gaming consoles.

• Whole-house surge protectors are installed at the main electrical panel to protect your home from power surges. They are more expensive than point-of-use surge protectors but offer more comprehensive protection.

Which Surge Protector Should You Use with a Generator?

When choosing a surge protector for your generator, it’s important to choose one specifically designed for generator use. These surge protectors are designed to handle the unique electrical characteristics of generators.

You should also choose a surge protector rated for your generator’s wattage. Using a surge protector rated for lower wattage than your generator may not provide adequate protection. On the other hand, if you use a surge protector rated for higher wattage than your generator, it may not function correctly.

Tips for Using a Generator Safely

In addition to using a surge protector with your generator, there are other safety tips you should follow when using a generator. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using a generator.
• Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed space. Generators produce carbon monoxide gas, which can be deadly.
• Keep your generator at least 20 feet away from your home or business.
• Use heavy-duty extension cords that are designed for outdoor use.
• Only use your generator to power essential devices. Using a generator to power non-essential devices can overload the generator and cause it to fail.
• Turn off your generator and let it cool down before refueling.

Protect Your Electronics with a Surge Protector

A generator can be a lifesaver during a power outage or other emergency. However, taking proper safety precautions is essential to protect yourself and your property. Using a surge protector with your generator is a simple and effective way to protect your electronic devices from power surges. Choose a surge protector specifically designed for use with generators and rated for your generator’s wattage. Following these tips can help you use your generator safely and protect your electronics from damage.

If you need professional generator repair and maintenance services, Turner On Services has you covered. We offer generator surge protection to keep your units running smoothly. Get in touch with us today to learn how.

Do you sometimes hear a buzzing noise coming from your electrical outlets? Or you’ve noticed that your circuit breaker trips more often than it used to. These might be signs that it’s time to call an electrician.

Many homeowners often overlook the importance of maintaining their electrical systems. While some electrical issues might seem minor, they can quickly escalate into dangerous situations if not addressed promptly.

In today’s article, we will discuss warning signs that indicate it’s time to call an electrician to keep your home safe and functioning efficiently.

1. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to trip when there’s an overload, protecting your home from electrical fires. It’s normal for breakers to trip occasionally, but if it’s happening frequently or without a clear cause, it could indicate a more significant issue with your electrical system.

An electrician can inspect your system and determine what’s causing the problem, whether it’s a faulty appliance, outdated wiring, or an overloaded circuit.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

If your lights are flickering or dimming, especially when you turn on an appliance or use multiple devices simultaneously, it could indicate an overloaded circuit.

This can happen when your electrical system is struggling to provide enough power to meet the demands of your appliances and devices. Professionals can assess your system and recommend solutions, such as upgrading your electrical panel or adding dedicated circuits for high-demand devices.

3. Warm or Discolored Outlets

Outlets that feel warm to the touch or show signs of discoloration might be overheating, which can be a fire hazard. This could be due to various reasons, such as faulty wiring, an overloaded circuit, or a damaged outlet.

It’s essential to call an electrician right away if you notice this issue, as they can determine the cause and make the necessary repairs or replacements to ensure your safety.

4. Buzzing or Sizzling Sounds

Your electrical system should operate quietly, so if you hear buzzing, sizzling, or popping sounds coming from your outlets, switches, or electrical panel, it’s a red flag that something is wrong.

These noises could indicate loose connections, damaged wiring, or other electrical issues that need immediate attention. Pay attention to these sounds, and call an electrician to inspect your system and make any necessary repairs.

5. Frequent Electrical Shocks

If you experience mild shocks when plugging in or unplugging devices, or touching appliances, it could be a sign of a grounding issue or faulty wiring. While minor shocks might not seem like a big deal, they can lead to more severe problems if left unaddressed. An electrician can diagnose the cause of the shocks and make the necessary repairs to ensure your safety.

6. Outdated Wiring

If your home is older and has yet to update its wiring in several years, it might not meet current safety standards and could be at risk for electrical fires. Signs of outdated wiring include knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum wiring, or a lack of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas where water is present, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

An electrician can assess your wiring and recommend upgrades to bring your home up to code and improve its safety.

7. Persistent Burning Smell

A persistent burning smell from your outlets or electrical panel is a warning sign that something is overheating or smoldering. This could indicate damaged wiring, a faulty breaker, or another electrical issue with a significant fire risk. Turn off power to the affected area and call an electrician immediately to investigate and resolve the problem.

Conclusion

Your home’s electrical system is essential for your comfort, convenience, and safety, so addressing any warning signs is crucial. Feel free to call a professional electrician if you notice any of these issues or have concerns about your electrical system.

They can diagnose and repair problems, keeping your home safe and functioning efficiently. Remember, when it comes to electricity, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable electrician, we can help you! At Turner On Services, we pride ourselves on providing superior expertise with our electrical projects. We always treat our customer’s homes as if it’s our own. Our technicians are trained and up to date on the newest codes and technologies that apply to your home or business. Book online today!

Maintaining the electrical wiring in your home is essential for both your safety and the functionality of your home. Faulty wiring can cause electrocution, fires, and other hazards. So, knowing when to rewire your home’s electrics is necessary. 

This blog will discuss the signs that indicate it’s time to rewire your home and what you can do about it.

Signs of Faulty Wiring

Several signs indicate your home’s electrics need rewiring. Here are some of the most common signs

1. Age of the Wiring

The age of your home’s wiring indicates when you should start thinking about rewiring. You should consider rewiring if your home is over 30 years old and has yet to be updated. Old wiring is more likely to be unsafe and unable to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.

2. Flickering Lights

If you notice your lights flickering or dimming, it’s a sign that your wiring may be faulty. Blinking lights can be caused by loose connections or damaged wiring. Addressing this issue promptly is essential, as it can be a fire hazard.

3. Burning Smell

If you smell burning or notice scorch marks around your outlets or switches, it’s a sign that your wiring is overheating. Overheating can cause fires, so it’s essential to address this immediately.

4. Electrical Shocks

If you experience electric shocks when you touch light switches or appliances, it’s a sign that your wiring may be faulty. Electric shocks can be a severe hazard, so you should contact an electrician immediately if you experience them.

5. Outdated Outlets

If your home has outdated outlets, such as two-pronged outlets, it’s a sign that your home’s electrics may be ancient. Modern appliances and electronics require three-pronged outlets, which provide a grounding wire for safety.

The Process of Rewiring Your Home’s Electrical System

If your home’s wiring needs to be rewired, you may wonder what the process involves. Here’s a step-by-step guide to rewiring your home’s electrics:

1. Hire a Licensed Electrician

The first step in rewiring your home’s electrics is to hire a licensed electrician. They can inspect your home’s wiring and determine the extent of the rewiring needed. They can also provide you with an estimate of the project’s cost.

2. Create a Plan

Once your electrician has inspected your home’s wiring, they will create a plan for rewiring your home’s electrics. This plan will outline the extent of the rewiring needed and what areas of your home will be affected.

3. Turn Off the Power

Before any rewiring can begin, the power to your home will need to be turned off. Your electrician will do this to ensure that there is no risk of electrocution during the rewiring process.

4. Remove Old Wiring

The electrician will then remove the old wiring from your home. This can be a time-consuming process, depending on the extent of the rewiring needed.

5. Install New Wiring

Once the old wiring has been removed, your electrician will install new wiring throughout your home. This may involve running new wires through walls and ceilings and installing new outlets and switches.

Conclusion

Failing to maintain electrical wiring in your home can lead to serious safety hazards such as fires and electrocution. Hiring a licensed electrician is crucial if you suspect your home’s wiring needs to be rewired. They can assess your wiring needs and create a plan to rewire your home safely and efficiently, ensuring that it remains functional and safe for you and your family.

Looking for an affordable electrician to rewire your home? Look no further than Turner On Services! Our team of skilled electricians offers high-quality rewiring services at a price that won’t break the bank. Don’t put your home’s safety at risk with faulty wiring. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!