It is easy to make a number of wiring mistakes that can lead short circuits, electrical shock, or even fire. The following article will review some of the common electrical wiring mistakes that can be avoided by adhering to professional electrician protocol. If you need help wiring your building, be sure to call a reliable commercial or residential electrician near San Jose .

Connecting to Outside Electrical Boxes
Always turn off the power at the main panel before working on electrical wiring . Avoid connecting wires outside of electrical boxes. If connections aren’t contained inside an electrical box, install one and connect the wires into it. Install the electrical box flush to the wall surface if the wall is made of combustible material. Cover the exposed combustible material with a box extension to prevent a potential fire hazard. Never overload a box with wires; install a larger box if needed.

Cutting the Wires Too Short
Wires that are too short make connections difficult and dangerous. The wires should protrude at least three inches from the box. An electrician can install a wire extension to your existing wires to strengthen the connection and make them safer.

Leaving Cables Unprotected
Never leave plastic-covered cable unprotected. If left exposed between framing members, plastic-sheathed cable is easily damaged. According to electrical code, cables must be protected in these areas, especially when the cables are run over or under ceiling or wall framing. Your electrician can protect exposed plastic-sheathed cable by installing a protective board. Cable that is not secured can become strained. Our electricians can connect loose cables to a metal box or to an approved cable clamp.

Using Loose Outlets and Switches
Loose switches and outlets are not only unattractive, but they’re dangerous. Outlets that are loosely connected will move around, causing the wires to loosen from the terminals. Loose wires tend to overheat, which creates a fire hazard. An electrician can fix loose outlets with rigid spacers that are designed to tighten the outlet connection.

Working on electrical wiring can be extremely dangerous if you are not a trained professional with proper safety gear. At Delta Electric, our certified electricians in San Jose have years of experience working with residential and commercial electric projects. To learn about why you should trust us with your aluminum wiring needs, read on.

Our electricians have been trained in aluminum wiring conversion and repair to ensure all electrical work is done safety and correctly. This, in turn, will give you a peace of mind that’s worth paying for. Delta Electric trains its electricians to conduct thorough inspections, so you can be sure that we are doing the most thorough job possible. Many insurance companies will reject a claim related to electrical wiring if there is not proof that the job was done professionally. We practice three methods of aluminum wiring repair. Call us today to learn more about our aluminum wiring services.

Adding a new light fixture is a great way to re-energize the mood and utility of a room. If you are interested in adding custom light fixtures, such as overhead lighting, you may find that professional installation by an electrician is recommended. To learn more about how to make your home more attractive with new lighting, read this article. And if you need a home electrician in San Jose to help you with your lighting installation and rewiring needs, call Delta Electric today.

Living Room
Install light for three of the four corners of your living room. One of the lights should be focused on an object, such as a piece a furniture, art, or plant life. Use a variety of lighting, including floor lamps, table lamps, and overhead fixtures . We recommend installing a three-way switch or dimmer for the living room to allow for a range of activities—from reading to watching movies.

Dining Room
Make the table the brightest area of the room. A chandelier or pendant above the table is a great way to do this, but you may want to set a 100-watt limit to avoid overpowering the table with light. Indirect lighting is an excellent touch in other parts of the room because it complements the room while promoting relaxation. Table lamps, sconces, and glass-cabinet lighting are effective at creating the perfectly subtle glow.

Bedroom
Create a cozy atmosphere by placing reading lamps or sconces next to the bed. If you hire an electrician to install recessed lighting or track fixtures, do not aim the light directly at the bed; instead, angle the lights toward the dressing area. Install low-wattage bulbs on lamps to create a tinted glow that resembles candlelight.

Bathroom
Sidelights, such as sconces on the side of the mirror, are ideal for bathroom lighting. Additional overhead lighting will fill in shadows in the bathroom, which makes it easier to clean. If your bathroom is particularly large, install light over the shower.

Because California tends to be sunny year round, many people don’t put much thought into the design of their home lighting near San Jose . Though you may prefer to enjoy natural light as often as you can, winter days are still short and after sunset any time of year you need good lighting to enjoy your space.

Have a residential electrician install outdoor home lighting, and you can use your patio and backyard even when it’s dark outside. Also, watch this video to learn how strategic outdoor lighting can actually help make your home more secure.

To avoid overloading your circuit breaker or electrical panels, always have a licensed electrician do any wiring work to install your outdoor lights.

Wiring issues can cause problems both in older buildings and in new construction, and they are among the main reasons that homeowners and commercial property owners need electrical services in San Jose . Many wiring issues are also building code violations, because they can pose a danger to the occupants. If you suspect your home or building has any of the wiring issues below, contact a licensed electrician right away.

Uncovered Junction Box
Junctions are places where multiple wires are spliced together. All junctions should be covered by a junction box, which protects the wires from damage, prevents people from shocking themselves, and reduces the risk of fires. If you notice an uncovered junction box, have an electrician inspect the electrical wiring before installing a new cover.

Overwired Electrical Panels
Individual electrical panels can only have a limited number of circuits connected to them. Panels can become overwired gradually due to mistakes. For example, if property owners or non-certified electricians replace too many single-pole circuit breakers with tandem breakers that control two circuits, the panel will be overwired. To remedy this, you need to have a larger electric panel or a separate sub-panel installed.

Aluminum Wiring
Several decades ago, in the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring was approved for commercial and residential use in California. However, in the intervening years, after many aluminum wires corroded and caused arcing and fires, authorities changed the codes. While some older buildings may be grandfathered in, it is still a good idea to replace aluminum wires with modern, safe copper wiring as soon as possible.

Knob and Tube Wiring
This very antiquated type of home wiring features wires that are sheathed not in plastic, but in cloth. Ceramic knobs hold the wires down, and ceramic tubes insulate them where they pass through the home’s framing. This type of wiring cannot be grounded, and overheated connections resulting from modern levels of current can easily melt the wires. You should have an electrician replace any knob and tube wiring with modern copper wiring as soon as possible.

Many older buildings, both residential and commercial, need rewiring near San Jose . The aluminum wiring that was widely used in the 1960s and 1970s is not safe for use in today’s homes, with their increased use of electricity, and the even older style of knob and tube wiring can be quite unsafe as well.

Pay close attention to electrical function in your home or commercial property to determine if you need a licensed electrician. Flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, and other seemingly minor problems can all indicate faulty or outdated wiring. Also, if you find that you do not always have enough available outlets and you are using power strips or extension cords, it might be safer to rewire the building and increase the number of receptacles. Excessive sparking or a low hum coming from your electrical panels also point to bad wiring that needs to be replaced. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an electrical safety inspection with a licensed electrician so he can examine your wiring and recommend a fix.

Your home’s electrical supply is one of its most important systems. In order to ensure that your home is safe for you and your family, it is a good idea to be on the lookout for the signs of an electrical problem. For example, you may notice that your lights flicker or dim when your home has an electric panel issue. In addition, you can also check to see of your circuit breaker panel feels hot to the touch. An electrician serving San Jose can provide you with a complete range of electrical services. By hiring an electrician for your rewiring or electric panel upgrade, you can ensure that your home is safe for you and your family. To highlight the advantages of working with a residential electrician to keep your home safe, be sure to watch this video from Angie’s List.

Your home’s electrical supply is made up of a series of highly sophisticated components. When you experience an electrical problem with your junction box, circuit breaker panel, or other system, it is essential to hire a qualified electrician to get the job done right. In order to become an electrical contractor, an electrician must undergo many hours of training. By hiring a qualified electrician serving San Jose , you can rest assured that your electrical repairs will be performed safely, effectively, and efficiently. To help you get started on your next electrical project, here is a look at some handy tips for hiring an electrician.

Up-To-Date Training
When you are considering hiring an electrician, it is important to choose a contractor that stays up to date with all training and education. Ideally, an electrical company will send their contractors to semiannual training courses. In addition, your electrician should have information about all of the latest updates to the National Electrical Code. By staying up to date, an electrician will be able to provide you with best possible services.

Permits
Along with researching the training and qualifications of your electrician, you may also want to explore the permit requirements in your area. When a significant electrical project is being performed, you may be required to get a permit with your city or county. You may want to ask your electrician whether a permit is included in the cost of your services.

Licensing
To ensure that you are hiring a reputable electrician for your repair project, you may also want to look into the contractor’s licensing. In order to legally work as an electrical contractor, an electrician must be licensed with your state. If your electrician does not have a current license, this could be a warning sign of the potential of improper workmanship. A fully licensed electrician with great reviews will be sure to provide you with the best available electrical services.

The spring season is right around the corner, and now is a great time to schedule an electrical safety inspection with an electrician in San Jose. There are many benefits to electrical safety inspections. By having a residential electrician take a look at the electrical system in your home, you can catch small repair problems before they become major issues. In addition, a safety inspection from your home electrician can also protect you and your loved ones from potential electrical dangers, such as faulty wiring or an electrical fire. Finally, a safety inspection will provide you with total peace of mind at home. During your inspection, a licensed electrician will carefully review every major aspect of your electrical system. If a problem is found, you will be able to schedule immediate repairs. Overall, an electrical safety inspection is a terrific service to incorporate into your yearly spring maintenance routine.

If you’re like many people, chances are you don’t give much thought to your home’s electrical system—unless something is going wrong. You rely on electricity in your house to get you through your day, so if there is a malfunction, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Many common electrical issues can be fixed with relative ease by a residential electrician near San Jose . If you have an electrical outlet that no longer works, an electrician can replace it for you to greatly reduce the risk of an electrical fire. Too many appliances working at the same time can overload a circuit, so ask an electrician about installing a separate circuit to avoid this hassle. Take a look at this infographic to learn more about common electrical problems that require the attention of an electrician. Please feel free to share this info with your friends and neighbors!