If you live in a home that was built prior to the 1940s, chances are that your electrical system is equipped with aluminum wiring. While aluminum wiring was the standard for homes in previous decades, this wiring material is now considered to be outdated and unsafe. A residential electrician in San Jose can provide you with an electrical wiring conversion that will fully replace your aluminum wires. Along with replacing your electrical panel, you may want to ask whether a new wiring installation is right for your home. Let’s explore three popular upgrades that can be used for homes that have aluminum wiring.

Copper Wire

When you are shopping for an affordable and effective wiring solution, you may want to consider a copper wire installation. Copper wire is popular due to its terrific conductivity. Along with being very conductive, copper wire is also flexible enough to be placed in areas throughout your home. Your new copper wire will also be resistant to loosening, which will help to keep your fixtures and outlets properly intact.

COPULUM Wire

If you do not wish to go through the process of completely removing and replacing all of the aluminum wire in your home, you may want to ask your electrician about the possibility of scheduling a COPULUM wire installation. During a COPULUM installation, your technician will splice copper wire into your existing aluminum wire. The unique properties of copper will prevent the aluminum wire from expanding, sparking, or creating any other safety hazards.

AlumiConn Connectors

Your electrician may also recommend that you install AlumiConn connectors throughout your home’s wiring. These unique devices can be used to safely connect aluminum wires with copper ports. Using separate ports, AlumiConn connectors are able to dramatically reduce any electrical risks throughout the home. Since AlumiConn connectors are constructed out of a single piece of equipment, your electrician will be able to easily install these devices.

Home remodeling can be used to dramatically improve the appearance of many spaces throughout your home. If you are seeking home remodeling project that will boost your home’s style and appeal, you may want to talk to your electrician about hanging lights in your kitchen space . A new lighting design from an experienced residential electrician serving San Jose can bring new warmth, depth, and style to your kitchen. To achieve the best results from your kitchen remodel, you will want to research the latest kitchen remodeling trends. Here is a review of some of the most popular kitchen lighting trends for 2016.

Chandelier Pendants

As you are picking out new light fixtures for your kitchen, you will want to select pieces that offer both style and illumination. If you are seeking statement lighting that is perfectly on trend, you may want to consider chandelier pendants. These elegant light fixtures are designed to hang from the ceiling and bathe the entire kitchen space in soft, beautiful light.

Modern Centerpieces

If your kitchen renovation is more modern than traditional, you may want to go with a contemporary centerpiece that will become the focal point of your design. In 2016, many interior designers used show stopping pendant lights and chandeliers that were constructed from sleek and modern materials. An oversized pendant light that is made out of sheet metal or wood will make the perfect complement to your modern kitchen renovation.

Zone Lighting

When you research this year’s kitchen lighting trends, you may also come across the term zone lighting. Zone lighting is used to describe lighting that illuminates specific spaces throughout your kitchen. Your meal prep area, for example, is a zone that will require both task lighting and ambient lighting. Recessed lights are popular choices for illuminating different zones throughout the kitchen. An experienced electrical contractor can answer any questions that you may have about the different lighting options that are available for your kitchen this year.

When you are considering the purchase of a new home, you will want to schedule an electrical safety inspection with a residential electrician. In this video, you will learn more about why it is so important to hire an electrical contractor to inspect your electrical panel, grounding, and wiring. Homes that are more than 50 years old may contain dangerous and outdated electrical materials that no longer meet building codes.

During your electrical safety inspection , your electrician will carefully examine every part of your home’s electrical system. If your electrician discovers dangerous aluminum wiring or other hazardous materials, he can recommend the necessary repairs. By taking the time to inspect your future home’s electrical system, you can avoid many of the most common electrical safety hazards.

During your home remodeling or building project, you may want to talk to your electrician about creating a recessed lighting design. With recessed lighting, you can add light to a room, highlight artwork or other features, and also make your interior spaces look and feel bigger. In this video, you will receive some handy tips to keep in mind when you are choosing recessed lighting. An electrician serving San Jose can help you with every step of your installation.

As you are hanging lights and choosing locations for your recessed lighting, you will want to consult carefully with your electrical contractor. Your electrician will be able to help you choose the ideal location for all of the lights in your home, and he can also safely wire and install your new lights.

Since most of a typical home’s electrical system is out of sight, most homeowners do not understand how complex or sophisticated it truly is. For example, one big aspect of the modern home electrical system is the arc fault breaker, also known as an arc fault circuit interrupter. This piece of technology is vital for protecting your home from electrical fires.

Importance

To understand the importance of arc fault breakers, it’s important to understand the concept of arc faults. Simply put, an arc fault is when an arc, or electrical discharge, flows through an unplanned path. As you can imagine, this could lead to some pretty dangerous circumstances—including an electrical fire. An arc fault breaker is designed to detect arc faults and protect the circuit, thereby reducing the risk of an electrical fire, of which there are more than 40,000 a year in the U.S.

Basic Function

The average arc fault breaker is very sophisticated, and uses advanced technology to detect various types of arcing. Normal arcing occurs all the time when electrical appliances are turned on—these require no special action from the arc fault breaker. When an arc fault occurs, however, the arc fault breaker instantly recognizes the fault and interrupts the circuit, thereby reducing the danger. By contrast, conventional circuit breakers are only equipped to respond to overloads and short circuits. Arc fault breakers are now required by law for circuits feeding into electrical outlets in most rooms.

Nuisance Tripping

Though arc fault breakers are vital for safety, there are times when they overreact. In other words, an arc fault breaker may interrupt a circuit even when an appliance is being used safely and properly. This is called “nuisance tripping.” This occurs most commonly with older electrical tools and appliances that have motors with brushes. Vacuums and power drills are two such appliances. If your breaker frequently engages in nuisance tripping, have an electrician take a look and address the problem. You should know that arc fault breakers are being improved on all the time.

Your home is probably one of your favorite places on Earth. As such, you wouldn’t trust its care and maintenance with just anybody. However, there are certain maintenance and home improvement jobs that are too dangerous and important to attempt yourself. When it comes to electrical wiring, for example, you’re best off turning to a trusted San Jose electrician . For help finding the right electrician for your needs, consider the following tips.

Determine What You Need Done

Before you start your search, you should determine exactly what you expect from your technician and jot down a few questions about the proposed project. Are you looking for a routine inspection, or do you have a more specific job in mind? Do you need an electrician to provide wiring for a new building, or do you need to rewire an existing structure? This is important because different electricians have different specialties.

Look at Qualifications

Once you’ve narrowed down your search somewhat, look at the remaining candidates’ credentials and qualifications. Make sure you choose an electrician that is fully licensed, insured, and bonded in the State of California. It’s also a good idea to check the license number of each electrical contractor, just to make sure it’s safe and legal for them to work on your project.

Check Out Past Reviews

Now’s the time to check out past reviews for the electrician you’re interested in hiring. If you see an electrician with a high rating on Yelp!, Google Reviews, and other review services, then you may have found your team. If an electrician has performed well for numerous past clients, then there’s a good chance that they’ll perform well for you, too.

Conduct a Brief Interview

Once you think you’ve found a suitable electrician, don’t be afraid to call them up. Ask whatever questions come to mind, discuss your proposed project, and get a feel for how the electrician conducts business. If you have a good feeling, and the credentials and reviews check out, odds are you’ve found your electrician.

Choosing the right electrical contractor in San Jose may seem like a daunting task at first, because you’re at the mercy of professionals who know more about electrical work than you do. However, the process doesn’t have to be hard. With a little ingenuity on your part and these helpful tips, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to hire the right person for your project.

Do Some Research
With all the information out there online, you’d do yourself a disservice if you didn’t do any research. Start by reading reviews and consumer reports on reputable review websites. Some other great resources are your trusted friends and relatives. Ask them if they can make any suggestions or if they know of electricians they’d happily recommend based on their satisfied experiences.

Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t choose to go with the first electrician you contact. Be prepared to talk with several contractors before making a decision. The rule of thumb is to get at least three quotes. That way, you’ll have a good basis for comparison. Though pricing is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only driving force. Some contractors who present the lower bids may skimp on materials and labor, which may affect the quality of the work performed.

Have Questions Ready to Ask an Electrical Contractor
Before you hire an electrician at Delta Electric, you need to be sure that he or she will be dependable. Since you’re the employer in this instance, you need to conduct a few interviews to find the right contractor for the job. Here are some key questions to ask him or her: Are you licensed to work in the city or state? How long have you been in the business? What are your qualifications? Do you guarantee your work and will it meet municipal code? Will your work comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS)?

Be Sure to Get Everything in Writing
When dealing with an electrician, or any other contractor, be sure to get everything regarding your project in writing. This includes the estimate, project proposal, contract, warranties, and anything discussed and agreed upon between you and your electrician. Review all documents thoroughly to ensure that things are correct and in order. Also, request a copy of his or her insurance certificate for your records. Schedule a call today for more information!

If you have children, you know how important it is to make sure home is a safe place. Children are naturally curious and don’t always know about the dangers of electricity, which can easily put children in a position to become seriously injured—or worse. As a parent, one of your main responsibilities at home is to make sure your children understand the dangers of electricity. Fortunately, this video makes it easy. Watch this entertaining clip with your kids to teach them about the importance of electrical safety.

Keeping your children safe around electricity is important, but so is making sure your home is electrically sound. That’s why it’s important that you contact a licensed residential electrician in San Jose for all of your home’s electrical needs. From small jobs like lighting installation to big projects like replacing the electric panel, a professional electrician will make sure your home’s electrical system is safe and up to code.

Did you know that most home fires are the result of faulty electrical wiring? According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 2,300 people are injured and close to 500 people Americans die in home fires each year that are directly or indirectly related to electrical problems. To make sure your home (and your family) is safe, schedule an inspection with a licensed residential electrician in San Jose . Also, be sure to leave all of your electrical and wiring needs to a professional electrician. You can also prevent a tragedy by avoiding or addressing these common electrical risks in your home.

Overloaded Electrical Outlets
Power strips can be a real lifesaver, but they can also be incredibly dangerous. According to statistics by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, overloaded outlets cause an estimated 5,300 house fires in the United States each year. If you have lots of electronics plugged into a single outlet, find another source of power before sparks start to fly.

DIY Electrical Wiring
If MacGyver taught us anything, it’s that duct tape and elbow grease can fix just about anything. Unfortunately, this is only true in television shows. You may think you’re prepared to tackle your home’s electrical needs, but all you’re really doing is putting yourself and your family at risk. No matter how small your wiring project is, hire a licensed electrician to make sure the work is done safely and correctly.

Outdated Breaker Panel
If your breaker box is more than ten years old, contact an electrician in San Jose about an upgrade. Old breaker panel are not designed to handle the number of high-voltage appliances and electronics commonly used in homes these days. Not only will an outdated breaker panel not supply you with the electricity you need to power all of your appliances and gadgets, but it might also start a fire if it becomes overloaded.

Small home improvement and repair projects are usually easy enough for the average do-it-yourselfer. However, there’s no such thing as a small project when it comes to your home’s electrical and wiring system. Working with electricity can be extremely dangerous, as even the slightest mistake can result in electrocution or lead to conditions which may result in an electrical fire. But as if safety wasn’t enough, there are actually lots more good reasons to hire a residential electrician in San Jose for your home’s rewiring project. Here are some of the most important.

Save Time
If your time is valuable, you can’t afford not to hire an electrician for your home rewiring project. Delta Electric can completely install new electrical wiring in a fraction of the time it would take on your own. Not only will this minimize the headache and frustration of having your home out of order, but it will also allow you to focus your energy elsewhere while a professional takes care of the electrical work.

Save Money
How could hiring an electrician possibly be less expensive than doing the work yourself? You may save on parts and labor by doing electrical work on your own, but you run the risk of paying a lot more when it’s discovered that you made a mistake. Even a minor error can require hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs, especially if that error lead to an electrical fire. Save your money and don’t take any chances; hire an electrician for all your electrical needs.

Stay Safe
Perhaps the most important reason to hire an electrician is the simple fact that working with electricity is incredibly dangerous. Handling your home’s electrical system should only be done by a trained, licensed, and experienced professional. Again, even the slightest error made on your own can result in tragedy.