Types of Electrical Circuits in San Jose, CA 

Professional Services for Electric Circuits in San Jose, CA 

Your home’s electric circuit breaker is the heart of the electrical system. All your appliances, electronics, lighting, and electrical equipment rely on it to function correctly in order to provide power safely. A problem with your home’s electric circuit can cause a short-circuit, temporary or permanent power outage, fire, or explosion. You should only trust a licensed electrician to make repairs to or install a home electric circuit breaker. At Delta Electric, we offer professional, affordable electrical services in San Jose, CA. We can quickly diagnose problems with any type of electrical circuits and determine if you need to repair or replace your home’s circuit breaker panel.

What Is an Electrical Circuit? 

An electrical circuit is the electric current that is supplied to a specific zone, or circuit, of your home. Your home’s main electrical panel or electric circuit breaker is split up into zones, and each one is wired to power different appliances, lights, outlets, and electric equipment on that circuit. If too much power is delivered to a specific circuit that can’t handle the load, the breaker will trip and shut off power to that entire circuit to prevent an overload or fire.

How Do Electrical Circuits Work? 

The circuit breaker functions like an automatic switch. If the electric load to the switch is higher than what the circuit can handle, the switch turns off to protect your safety. It’s important for your main electrical circuit breaker to be sufficient to handle your power needs, or your breakers will constantly be tripped. That is a sign that you need to contact an electrician to upgrade your electric panel.

Electrical Circuit Basics 

Each circuit breaker contains:

• A terminal
• A stationary contact
• A catch
• A simple switch
• An electromagnet
• A bimetallic strip
• Another terminal

Most circuit breakers contain two different types of trips that protect the circuit and your home:

• Thermal protection – This causes circuit interruption due to overheating.
• Electromagnet – This prevents circuit overloading due to a short circuit.

When a circuit breaker is flipped to the ‘on’ position, it allows electric currents to flow through the bimetallic strip to the electromagnet coil to the moving contact, across the stationary contact, and out through the upper terminal. As the bimetallic strip heats up with the current, it bends. If the circuit rises over a certain level, the bimetallic strip triggers the switch linkage and moving contact, thus breaking its connection to the stationary contact. As electricity flows through the terminals, the electromagnet is magnetized. If that current reaches unsafe levels, the magnet becomes strong enough to move a spool inside it, causing the switch linkage and moving contact to move and breaking the circuit.

Types of Electrical Circuits 

There are several types of electrical circuits that can be installed in homes: single-pole, two-pole, three-pole, and four-pole. They are used in different applications, from home to commercial to industrial. The most common types of circuit breakers installed in homes are:

• Standard – Standard circuit breakers are either single- or double-pole. A single-pole circuit protects a single circuit and takes up one slot on your home’s electrical panel. It typically protects 15-amp and 20-amp circuits. A double-pole breaker protects circuits that power larger pieces of electrical equipment like ranges, air conditioners, and dryers.
• Ground fault circuit interrupter breaker (GFCI) – GFCIs protect you from electrical shock by shutting off an outlet if the measure of current going out to the load is more than the amount coming back to the panel. They are typically installed in areas where water is a hazard, such as in bathrooms, near sinks, in garages and kitchens, in crawl spaces or basements, and in outdoor receptacles.
• Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) – AFCIs monitor circuits for dangerous electrical arcs. This prevents dangerous housefires. Almost every room in your house should have AFCI protection, other than bathrooms and basements.
• AFCI/GFCI dual-function breaker – AFCI/GFCI dual-function breakers are required in kitchen and laundry rooms. This offers protection from electrical arcs and moisture or water damage, thus protecting you from fires and electrocution. 

Contact Delta Electric for All Your Electrical Work 

Call us today or contact us online if you need electrical work in San Jose, CA. Our experienced, licensed electricians specialize in residential and commercial electrical work, and can conduct a home electrical safety inspection to determine if there are any risks or dangers in your home. We can also upgrade electrical panels and repair electrical circuit breakers.

We Offer Electrical Safety Tips at Home in San Jose, CA 

Electrical Safety Tips for Homes in San Jose, CA 

Being aware of electrical safety tips for homes will protect you from injury and keep your home safe and secure. At Delta Electric, we value our customers and want to make sure they have access to the education and resources they need to keep their homes and families safe. We encourage our customers to treat electrical systems with respect, hire a professional for electrical repairs and installation, and be aware of key electrical safety tips. Contact us today if you need further electrical safety tips at home in San Jose, CA.

What Is Home Electrical Safety? 

Home electrical safety is simply the conscious act of being aware of the dangers related to using electrical devices and appliances in the home. You and your family can take simple steps to not only maintain electric safety, but also educate yourself on electrical safety, signs of danger, and the risks associated with certain electrical systems. Operating appliances safely, being aware of fire hazards, following instructions on appliances, and calling a licensed electrician can help maintain home electrical safety.

Importance of Home Electrical Safety 

If you aren’t aware of common electrical safety tips for homes, you are putting yourself and your family at risk. Common dangers related to home electrical problems include:

• Fires
• Electric shocks
• Electrocution
• Death
• Explosions
• Overloading circuits
• Short-circuiting electric equipment
• Property damage
• Damage to electric appliances and equipment
• Reduced value of home 

What Are the Basic Guidelines for Electrical Safety? 

The basic guidelines for maintaining electrical safety in your home are:

• Understand the dangers presented by electricity and electrical appliances and equipment.
• Never underestimate the capacity of electricity to cause damage or injury.
• Be aware of the warning signs of an electrical issue in your home.
• Only use professional, licensed electricians for electrical repairs, installation, and maintenance in your home.
• Regularly visually inspect your home’s appliances, cords, and electrical circuit panel for signs of damage.
• Make sure electrical equipment is properly connected and grounded.
• Schedule a home electrical safety inspection when necessary.
• Don’t ever access, use, or alter a building’s electrical panel or circuit breaker unless you are qualified. 

Electrical Safety Tips at Home 

Make sure that you and your family are aware of the dangers associated with electrical use, and that you follow these electrical safety tips at home:

• Always follow instructions for proper use of appliances and electrical equipment.
• Prevent overloaded outlets and power strips.
• Replace damaged electrical cords or wires.
• Secure exposed cords to prevent tripping.
• Keep outlets, plugs, and electrical devices away from water and moisture.
• Maintain enough empty space around appliances to provide proper air circulation and avoid overheating.
• Keep exhaust fans, air vents, and dryer vents clean to prevent fire hazards.
• Use the proper wattage for all fixtures and appliances.
• Keep combustible items away from heaters and water heaters.
• Only use a space heater, electric blanket, or heating pad that has an automatic shut-off option.
• Unplug appliances when not in use or when you go out of town or on vacation.
• Regularly inspect electrical cords for damage.
• Only use extension cords on a temporary basis.
• Don’t plug space heaters or fans into extension cords or power strips.
• Install smoke alarms in your home. 

What Does a Home Electric Safety Inspection Involve? 

We recommend that our customers schedule a home safety inspection if their home is over 40 years old or if they are:

• Purchasing a new home or selling their home.
• Planning a major renovation or remodel.
• Installing major appliances.
• Worried something is wrong with their home’s electricity.

During a home electric safety inspection, we will check:

• The integrity of the conduit and wire
• The functionality of the main electrical panel
• Proper grounding of the electrical system
• GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection
• Switches and outlets to ensure they work properly
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

The inspection might take between two and four hours depending on the size of your home and the condition of your wiring. You are welcome to remain in the home while we conduct the inspection. Our electric safety inspections can uncover early warning signs of problems and diagnose the cause of electrical issues in your home.

Contact Delta Electric for Home Electrical Safety Tips 

Call us today or contact us online to schedule a home electric safety inspection in San Jose, CA. Our goal is to ensure that each customer’s home is safe, secure, and comfortable and that any risks are mitigated and overcome.

We Provide Electricians in San Jose, CA 

Qualified, Experienced Electricians in San Jose, CA 

Most homeowners don’t have the tools or experience needed to complete electrical projects safely or to code. Professional, licensed electricians undergo years of training and education to provide quality, safe, reliable electrical services. They know and understand electrical codes and safety standards and maintain a meticulous eye for detail. If you have even a simple electrical issue in your home or business that needs attention, you should hire an electrician with experience and save yourself time, money, and stress. At Delta Electric, we have years of experience as electricians in San Jose, CA. Call us today to request a free estimate for residential or commercial electrical services.

Commercial & Residential Electricians for Any Project 

Our team of experienced, licensed electricians can complete any residential or commercial electrical project, big or small. We have the knowledge, tools, and experience needed to safely repair, install, and maintain electrical systems. Our team is committed to maintaining the value, safety, and comfort of our clients’ homes and businesses. We take pride in providing quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. Because electrical work can be dangerous, we provide our clients with as much information as possible before we begin so they understand the scope of the work and our commitment to safety and care. Our goal is to help you avoid problems and risks by providing reliable, affordable residential and commercial electricians for any job.

Our Licensed Electrician Services 

When you hire one of our experienced, licensed electricians, you’re getting an expert who is committed to seeing the project safety through, from beginning to end. We can handle electrical installations, maintenance, inspections, and repairs. Call us today if you need any of these electrical services:

• Residential electrician services
• Commercial electrician services
• Electrical panel upgrades
• Re-wiring
• Dedicated circuits
• Lighting installation
• Aluminum wiring
• Electrical safety inspections
• Residential electrical remodeling
• Commercial electrical remodeling
• Mobile home park electrician services
• Electrical charging stations 

Reasons To Hire a Residential or Commercial Electrician 

Hiring a licensed residential or commercial electrician will save you time and money and prevent stress. You will also be protecting your safety, and the comfort and value of your home or business. Here’s a look at a few of the reasons it’s necessary to hire an electrician who is licensed and experienced:

• Maintain the safety and value of your home or business.
• Prevent accidents, injury, and property damage.
• Ensure the job is done correctly.
• Enjoy the benefit of knowledge, experience, education, and training.
• Save money.
• Discover problems before they get bigger, more dangerous, and more expensive.
• Avoid getting in over your head.
• Maintain compliance with electrical codes, local regulations, warranty terms, homeowner’s association, and insurance.
• Identify electrical hazards.
• Guarantee the work is done correctly the first time.
• Have protection from insurance carriers if there is an accident, injury, or problem. 

Why Choose Delta Electric 

We love working with customers to diagnose the underlying cause of their electrical problems and find effective, safe, and affordable solutions. We operate with transparency and honesty and offer upfront free estimates so you know exactly what your project will cost before we begin. Our goal is to keep our rates affordable so that everyone in our community has access to safe, reliable services from a licensed electrician. We are fully licensed and insured with over three decades of experience. We also have an emergency electrician on call 24/7 for urgent or life-threatening electrical problems.

Hire an Electrician from Delta Electric in San Jose, CA 

Call us today or contact us online to request a free estimate for electrical work in San Jose, CA. When you hire an electrician from our company, you’re getting an experienced, licensed residential electrician, commercial electrician, or emergency electrician with the scope of knowledge to handle any problem, big or small.