Working with electricity isn’t typically a do-it-yourself kind of project. Even small jobs, like installing a new ceiling fan or replacing a light fixture, can be risky without the help of an experienced professional.
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Installing a Ceiling Fan
When installing a ceiling fan, it’s best to work with a professional to avoid time-consuming mistakes and potential safety hazards. Electricians have the knowledge and experience to select a new fixture that fits the size of your space and install it properly so it doesn’t overheat.
They can also help with other tasks involving electrical wiring, such as rewiring a home or office. This includes troubleshooting tripping circuit breakers and ensuring the proper sizing of wires to support your appliances and other electronics.
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Installing a Thermostat
The thermostat acts as a switch that controls your furnace, air conditioner and/or heat pump. It receives power from the electrical panel through a strip of terminals that have markings for the heating connection, cooling connections and fan or heat pump connection. There is also a terminal that supplies the low-voltage wires for the thermostat to turn on and off the system.
Most homes require a 100-amp electrical panel, which provides ample power for most appliances and heating and cooling systems. Homeowners sometimes upgrade their panels to 150 or 200 amps for added power and the convenience of having additional circuits for lights, outlets, and fixtures.
During a panel upgrade, electricians typically draw a schematic of your wiring for future reference. This service is normally offered at an hourly rate and adds to the overall cost of the project. An inspector from the power company may visit during a panel upgrade to approve or ask for changes.
Installing a New Outlet
Electrical outlets are vital to the day-to-day operation of your home or business. If one of your outlets becomes dingy or damaged, it’s time to call an Electrician in Chula Vista CA for a replacement. A professional will ensure that the new outlet is wired properly, meets code requirements, and is safe to use.
Begin by identifying the best location for your new outlet. If possible, the new outlet should be located in a space that is free from obstructions like studs or pipes. Once you have found a suitable space, map out a wiring path by using a stud finder to locate the power source in your wall and measure the distance between the power source outlet location and the desired new box location.
Next, turn off the power to your new outlet location by shutting off the circuit breaker. Once the power is off, take off the cover plate and unscrew the top and bottom mounting screws from the old outlet.
Replacing a Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is designed to protect against electrical overloads. It does this by opening to sever the flow of current when it senses that too much is passing through. This prevents damage to equipment and fires. It’s similar to a fuse, but unlike fuses, breakers can be reset.
If the breaker keeps tripping, you should try to determine what is causing it before calling an electrician. This could be a sign of a ground fault surge which occurs when live wires touch something they shouldn’t. These are typically found in areas of the home like kitchens and bathrooms and are prevented by GFCI outlets.
A local electrician can install a new breaker panel and provide upgrade services to meet your household’s needs. A typical breaker panel has two rows of branch breakers mounted onto hot bus bars, which get power from the main breaker. The hot wires connect to the breakers, while the neutral and ground wires connect to the neutral bus bar and a separate grounding bar.