A residential electrician is a licensed professional who installs electrical wiring and outlets. In addition, they follow specific methods to ensure that all electrical work is done correctly and safely.
Electric service cables extend from the utility meter outside your home to your panelboard, commonly called the breaker box. From there, electricity flows through two large wires that connect to screw terminals called lugs.
Wiring
A lot is going on in your home’s electrical system. Wiring, switches and outlets are all vital for the power of your lights, appliances and other essentials that make life comfortable.
The main service panel is usually a gray metal box located in the utility area of your home. It may be enclosed in a finished cabinet, but it must remain accessible at all times.
The electric service cables that run from the meter to the electrical panel are sized to accommodate the electricity used at any given time. For instance, if the current capacity of the service cable is less than what your house needs, it’s important to hire residential electrical services Washington DC for an upgrade. This helps prevent overloading of the electrical system and potential fire hazards.
Outlets
Electrical outlets are vital to residential electrical systems but often need repairs or replacement. Over time, worn outlets can expose wiring or even lead to a short circuit. This can damage pricey electronics and increase the risk of fires. You should consult a professional for outlet repair or replacement when you notice signs of wear and tear.
Wall outlets must follow specific codes to remain safe for homeowners to use. These regulations vary by community, but most are based on national model codes, such as the NEC. For example, some places have rules about how far apart you can place electrical outlets in kitchens and other rooms. They also specify types of outlets to use in bathrooms and other locations. For example, a bathroom should only have GFCI outlets specially designed to monitor currents and detect any imbalances.
Switches
Switches come in many styles, including toggle, rocker, and slider switches. However, the style doesn’t affect their function or wiring.
A single-pole switch has three connections: one connects to a hot wire, another to the circuit’s grounding wire, and the third to a neutral wire. Neutral wires are typically white and pass through the box.
Homeowners may need to upgrade their electrical switches for several reasons. For example, some homes need their lighting rewired for energy efficiency or because they want to control the lights from multiple locations. Working with licensed electricians is important when installing or replacing electrical switches. This will ensure the installation meets local standards and codes. It also reduces the risk of injury or death by improperly handling live wires.
Circuit Breakers
Your electrical system needs a series of circuit breakers to help protect it from overheating and fire. Instead of fuses, these switches interrupt the flow of electricity to a circuit when it starts drawing too much current. If a circuit breaker continually trips, it may be a sign that there’s a problem in the wiring that your electrician can fix.
Located in a garage or utility closet, your home’s service panel is usually a large box with a metal door containing switch-like devices called circuit breakers. These are rated for different amperage levels to control the power to each of your house’s receptacles. Your breaker panel also has larger “double-pole” breakers that can handle higher amperage loads for household appliances and electronics like televisions.
Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel is the central hub for your home’s wiring. It regulates power from the city and disperses it throughout your home.
Older electrical panels often need help to keep up with the demands of modern electronics and appliances. This can lead to a loss of energy efficiency and even hazardous situations.
Upgrading your electrical panel will help increase your home’s safety, decrease utility bills, and add value to your property.
An experienced electrician can assess your home’s current electrical panel and make recommendations. They can also install tamper-resistant receptacles, grounded switches, and GFCI receptacles for extra safety measures.
