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SPOKANE VALLEY ELECTRIC
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  • Spokane valley Electricians blog

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How do you know if your home’s wiring can be repaired or if you need to rewire your entire home?

5/29/2023

 
Determining whether your home's wiring can be repaired or if a complete rewiring is necessary typically requires the expertise of a licensed electrician. However, here are some general factors to consider when assessing the condition of your home's wiring:
  1. Age of the Wiring: The age of your home's wiring is an important factor. If your wiring is outdated, such as knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring commonly found in older homes, it may be more prone to safety hazards and require replacement.
  2. Visible Damage: Inspect your wiring for visible signs of damage, such as frayed or exposed wires, cracked insulation, or signs of overheating like burn marks or discoloration around outlets or switches. Significant visible damage often indicates the need for rewiring.
  3. Frequent Electrical Issues: If you frequently experience electrical issues like tripping circuit breakers, flickering lights, or outlets that don't work, it may be a sign of underlying wiring problems. An electrician can assess the cause and determine if repairs or rewiring are necessary.
  4. Safety Concerns: Safety is paramount when it comes to electrical wiring. If you have safety concerns or if your wiring poses a risk of electrical shock or fire hazards, it's crucial to address the issue promptly. An electrician can evaluate the safety of your wiring and recommend the appropriate actions.
  5. Home Renovations: If you are planning significant renovations or additions to your home, it may be an opportune time to consider rewiring, especially if the existing wiring is insufficient to meet modern electrical demands.
  6. Building Code Compliance: If your home's wiring does not meet current building code requirements, it may be necessary to update and rewire to ensure compliance and safety.
It's important to note that while some electrical issues may be resolved through repairs or isolated rewiring, in some cases, rewiring the entire home may be the safest and most cost-effective long-term solution.
To accurately assess the condition of your home's wiring and determine the appropriate course of action, it's recommended to consult with a licensed electrician. They can conduct a thorough inspection, identify any issues, and provide professional advice on whether repairs or rewiring are necessary based on your specific situation.
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8 Safety Tips to Remember When Your Electricity is Out

5/24/2023

 
  1. Stay calm and assess the situation: When the power goes out, it's important to remain calm and assess the situation. Check if the power outage is limited to your home or if it's a widespread outage in your area. Contact your utility company to report the outage if necessary.
  2. Use alternative lighting: In the absence of electricity, rely on alternative lighting sources such as flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, or emergency candles. Avoid using open flames like candles without proper supervision to prevent the risk of fire.
  3. Unplug sensitive electronic devices: To protect your electronic devices from power surges when the electricity is restored, unplug sensitive equipment such as computers, televisions, and gaming consoles. This helps prevent damage from potential power spikes or surges.
  4. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed: If the power outage is expected to be brief, keep the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to maintain the cold temperature inside. This helps preserve perishable food items for a longer time. Avoid opening the doors unnecessarily to prevent cold air from escaping.
  5. Avoid using generators indoors: If you have a generator, never operate it indoors, including in garages, basements, or enclosed spaces. Generators emit carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. Place the generator outside, away from windows and doors, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.
  6. Be cautious with food safety: During a prolonged power outage, the food in your refrigerator and freezer may become unsafe to consume. If the power is out for more than a few hours, perishable foods like meat, dairy products, and leftovers may spoil. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer once the power is restored and discard any perishable items that have been stored above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
  7. Keep a supply of fresh water: In case the power outage affects your water supply, it's essential to have a supply of fresh water available for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. Fill clean containers with water before the outage or consider having bottled water on hand.
  8. Stay informed and seek assistance if needed: Stay updated on the progress of the power restoration efforts through local news sources or emergency radio broadcasts. If the power outage lasts for an extended period, check on your neighbors, especially those who may require assistance, such as the elderly, individuals with medical conditions, or families with young children.
Remember, electrical outages can vary in duration and cause inconvenience. If you're unsure about the safety of any situation during a power outage, it's always advisable to contact your utility provider or local authorities for guidance.  Call your local electrician if you have any questions
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When to call an electrician

5/17/2023

 
It is often recommended to call an electrician in the following situations:
  1. Electrical emergencies: If you're experiencing an electrical emergency such as sparks, smoke, burning smells, or electrical shocks, it is crucial to contact an electrician immediately. These situations can be dangerous and require immediate professional assistance.
  2. Power outages: If your home or a specific area of your home has lost power and you've ruled out a general power outage in your area, it's a good idea to call an electrician. They can diagnose and address the issue with your electrical system, which may involve a faulty circuit breaker, wiring problem, or other electrical component failures.
  3. Flickering or dimming lights: If your lights are flickering, dimming, or behaving inconsistently, it could indicate an underlying electrical problem. This issue might be related to faulty wiring, loose connections, or an overloaded circuit. An electrician can investigate the problem and make the necessary repairs.
  4. Outdated electrical system: If your home has an old electrical system, it may not meet current safety standards or be capable of handling modern electrical demands. If you're experiencing frequent electrical problems, it's advisable to consult an electrician to assess your system's condition and determine if upgrades or replacements are necessary.
  5. Installation of new electrical fixtures: When you need to install new electrical fixtures or appliances, it's best to call an electrician. They have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that the installation is done safely and in compliance with local electrical codes.
  6. Circuit breaker trips or fuses blow frequently: If your circuit breaker trips or fuses blow frequently without apparent reasons, it could be a sign of an overloaded circuit or a wiring issue. An electrician can evaluate your electrical system and identify the cause of the problem.
  7. GFCI or AFCI issues: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are electrical safety devices that protect against electrical shocks and fire hazards. If your GFCIs are not working correctly (e.g., not resetting or tripping frequently) or you have issues with AFCI breakers, contacting an electrician is recommended.
  8. Home remodeling or additions: If you're planning a home renovation or adding new electrical circuits, it's essential to involve an electrician. They can help with designing and installing the electrical system to meet your specific needs while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Remember, dealing with electricity can be dangerous, so it's crucial to prioritize your safety and consult a professional electrician whenever you're unsure about an electrical issue or encounter a situation that requires expertise beyond your knowledge.
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What is the difference between a watt and an amp?

5/8/2023

 
Watt and Amp are both units of measurement for electricity, but they measure different things:
Ampere (amp) is a unit of electric current, which is a measure of the amount of electric charge flowing through a circuit per unit of time. It is represented by the symbol "A". An ampere is defined as the flow of one Coulomb of electric charge per second.
Watt (W) is a unit of power, which is a measure of how much energy is used or produced per unit of time. It is represented by the symbol "W". A watt is defined as the amount of energy transferred per second.
In simple terms, amperes (amps) measure the rate of flow of electricity in a circuit, while watts measure the rate at which energy is being used in that circuit.
To understand the relationship between amps and watts, you can use the equation:
Watts = Volts x Amps
This equation shows that the power (in watts) of an electrical device depends on both the voltage supplied to it and the current flowing through it (in amps).
In summary, amps and watts are both important units of measurement for electricity, but they measure different things: amps measure current flow, while watts measure power consumption or production.
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