Electrician in Gettysburg
Kevin’s Electrical Service, LLC has been proudly serving our neighbors in Gettysburg since 1986. We are quickly approaching our 40th year in business because our hard-earned reputation and outstanding workmanship set us apart in this community. Our locally-owned, locally-operated company is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We offer a broad range of electrical services, ranging from simple repair to complex installations. Our loyal customers know that they can trust our experience and expertise time and time again, and their continued business is the highest compliment we could receive.
Customer satisfaction is always our top priority. If you have any concerns or questions, we will gladly address them right away because we know how important peace of mind can be when it comes to your electrical system. Our team is full of the most seasoned, reliable, and trustworthy electricians in town, and our prices are the best you’ll find anywhere in the region. Whether you’re in need of a scheduled electrical repair or an emergency electrical service, we are always happy to be of assistance. Call Kevin’s Electrical Service today and let us show you what sets us apart from every other local electrical company.
Insights into Your Home’s Electrical System
Empowering yourself with knowledge is always a smart idea. This sentiment certainly applies to your complicated electrical system, which is full of wires, outlets, fixtures, switches, and other components that each serve their own unique purpose. While the team at Kevin’s Electrical Service is always here to keep your system in tip-top shape, it’s still prudent to learn about the electrical features of your home. This knowledge can make you a more prepared homeowner, and it can actually make your home safer. We have assembled this helpful guide as a tool for our valued customers. Keep reading to learn all about your household electrical system!
Improve Your Home’s Self-Sufficiency
You’re probably used to depending on your power company for electricity, but have you ever considered putting an emergency plan in place for unplanned outages or relying on solar energy? Our Gettysburg electricians will gladly help you make your home a little more prepared and a little less dependent on traditional power.
Generators
Generators get their power from natural gas or propane. When disaster strikes, generators serve as a dependable and efficient backup power source. We’ll thoughtfully consider your budget and needs when we help you choose a generator. We’ll take the time to answer any questions before professionally installing your generator.
Solar Energy
Perhaps you’ve never considered using solar power in your home, but it has certainly grown in popularity in recent years. Your electrical contractor from Kevin’s Electrical Service will be happy to explain just how eco-friendly, responsible, and cost-effective solar panels can be. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint and do our planet a favor, but you’ll also save money in the long run by reducing your power bill. Your residential electrician will help you leverage the sun’s power and make your home more self-reliant with a solar energy system that suits your exact needs.
The Importance of Knowing the Limits of Your System
Personal Safety
If you’re in need of trustworthy local electricians in Gettysburg, simply call Kevin’s Electrical Service. Attempting to work on your electrical system without complete electrical knowledge can be a dangerous idea – especially if you don’t shut the circuit off at the breaker box or you can’t accurately navigate your electrical wiring.
Avoid Circuit Overload
When a circuit is overloaded, a circuit breaker will trip. If you’re experiencing this problem on a regular basis, speak to your licensed electrician about ways we can upgrade your system to increase its maximum load.
Put Quality First
Prioritizing affordability can be dangerous and expensive long-term. Poorly-made components or parts like outlets, switches, extension cords, and surge protectors can ultimately cause an array of problems, so it’s important to invest in quality electrical parts.
Routine Maintenance & Inspections
Your favorite residential and commercial electrician recommends regularly scheduled maintenance and inspections. We’ll give your system a thorough check to rule out any signs of a problem, make any necessary repairs, and keep your system in the best possible shape.
Outlets
Your home or business is full of outlets. Let’s discuss the many different types of electrical outlets so you can have a greater understanding of your system.
15-Amp, 125-Volt
This type of outlet is the most common kind in homes and most businesses. Two types of 15-amp, 125-volt outlets exist – grounded and ungrounded. If you see an opening for the ground pin under the vertical slots, you have a grounded outlet. These outlets are great for many applications, but they are not the best choice for bathrooms and kitchens. If you have this kind of outlet in one of these rooms, talk to your Gettysburg electricians about an upgrade to improve functionality and safety.
20-Amp, 125-Volt
20-amp, 125-volt outlets feature a small, horizontal slot on one vertical slot. Built to meet significant power requirements, this type of outlet is the best choice for running major appliances or power tools.
250-Volt
This special kind of outlet is best suited for high-voltage appliances and devices, including electric ranges, clothing dryers, and the like.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
In areas susceptible to water exposure, having outlets with an automatic shut-off feature is crucial to preventing damage from sudden power surges. This specific outlet type is not only a prudent choice for locations like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets, but it’s also a building code requirement for such areas. Considering the risk of water contact in spaces like garages, these outlets serve as an essential precautionary measure in those areas.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
AFCI outlets prevent arcing, which is a condition that occurs when overheating or faulty wiring cause sparks to jump between wires. Therefore, they make your home a safer place.
USB
For all your modern household items (i.e. phones and other electronic devices), USB outlets add to the convenience of your household by allowing you to charge your devices with no charging block.
Smart
Our electricians near you install smart outlets often because they connect to remote controls or apps and make your smart home dreams a reality. You can easily control fans, lighting, garage door openers, and a variety of other devices.
Switched
Switched outlets make it easy to power devices remotely, turn them off and on whenever you please (as long as they’re plugged into the outlet), and avoid the need to physically switch things on or off. They are connected to specific household outlets.
Switches
The types of switches installed in your home, which send power to ceiling fans, devices, lighting, and outlets, are determined by the specific electrical circuit they’re connected to. Familiarize yourself with the diverse array of switches that regulate different aspects of your residential or commercial electrical system.
Smart
It’s easy to control the lighting in every room of your home with special apps and smart switches, which work via your Wi-Fi network.
Motion-Sensor
These switches make poorly-lit areas like home entries, stairways, and driveways safer. These energy-saving switches turn your lights on when they sense movement.
Dimmer
Easily control the brightness of your overhead lighting and give your home the atmosphere you’ve always wanted with dimmer switches.
Three-Way
Typically located at both ends of a hallway or at the top and bottom of a stairway, three-way switches allow you to control a single light or other fixture from two different places.
Single-Pole
These switches are found in almost all rooms of all homes, and they are an efficient, tried-and-true way to control devices and outlets.
Devices & Circuits
Your home is full of electrical devices that rely on electrical power. Two unique types of circuits govern the wiring of your household.
Dedicated Circuits
If you want to install a dryer, furnace, heater, or water heater without affecting the power flow to the rest of your home, you’ll want dedicated, individual-device circuits.
Multiple Device Circuits
You may be familiar with a multiple device circuit if you’ve ever had to reset a circuit breaker when the lights and/or outlets in a room suddenly turn off. These outlets deliver power to many switches, outlets, and/or fixtures.
Wiring
Non-metallic or metallic wiring is installed inside the walls of homes and businesses inside conduits made of metal or plastic. While you can’t see it with the naked eye, wiring plays a key role in transferring power throughout your property. Electrical companies must prioritize building code adherence and industry standards when we install wiring, opting solely for cables that can meet your every need.
Aluminum wires are often found in older homes (built from 1956 to 1972). Aluminum wires are no longer preferred, as they pose a serious fire risk. Copper wiring is a much safer alternative. If you call us for Gettysburg electrical services and we find this outdated wiring in your home or business, we will suggest a replacement for safety purposes.
Breaker Panels
Breaker panels are responsible for dispersing power to every device, outlet, appliance, light, and switch in your home. Otherwise known as service panels, breaker boxes, or distribution panels, these panels are the modern replacement for the now-outdated (but still usable) fuse box.
Main Circuit Breaker
The main circuit breaker is at the helm of your household electrical system, providing power to your home and regulating the flow of electricity to each branch circuit breaker in your breaker box. When you turn this switch off, you’ll cut power to your whole house.
Branch Circuit Breakers
Your home features a complicated system of branch circuit breakers, which each control power to a particular area of the property. When these breakers encounter excessive current, they will trip and turn off power to that area for safety reasons. Double-pole breakers are responsible for controlling 250-volt current flow, which powers clothing dryers, electric vehicle chargers, electric rangers, and more. Single-pole breakers control the flow of 125-volt current, powering lights and wall outlets. Most 125-volt household circuits have an amperage rating of about 30 amps. This rating is related to its ability to manage an electrical load – higher numbers are associated with increased capability.
Sub-Panels
Some homes are equipped with sub-panels, which are known for their lower quantity of breakers and smaller size. Serving as additional service panels connected to the main panel, they are often installed to bring power to an outbuilding, new addition, or backup generator.
Disconnect Switches
Disconnect switches, when present, are located near the eclectic meter. Since they allow your trusted electrician to shut power off if we need to complete a substantial repair or in case of emergency, they prove to be convenient features. However, there is no need for concern if your home lacks this feature. If your home doesn’t have a disconnect switch, we’ll simply turn the power off at your main panel.
Electric Meter and System Connection
Most American homes receive their power from mains that belong to the local power company. Located underground or above the ground, mains are connected to the electric meter – which is also owned by your electric company. Electric meters tell power companies how much power you’re using, and your utility company is in charge of installing and maintaining these meters. If you’re concerned about your meter or if questions arise, you’ll want to contact your utility company.
There are three primary types of electrical meters:
Bi-Directional
If you have solar panels installed on your home, you’ll find a bi-directional meter to be quite handy. Bi-directional meters measure the influx of power to your home and the excess energy you contribute back to the utility company, while traditional meters are intended to simply measure the consumption of power. If you produce your own power in any way, this type of meter is essential.
Smart
Smart meters offer digital displays for easy remote reading, allowing for exact measurement of your household power consumption. They maintain a direct line of communication with your utility company.
Electromechanical
Electromechanical meters feature a glass cover over a spinning disc and a set of dials. Your electric company must physically send an employee to your home to read this type of meter and report back with data about your household energy use. 75% of U.S. homes still feature these meters, even though they do depend on outdated technology.
Learn more helpful information about your electrical system, seek professional advice, schedule maintenance or a repair, or reach out to Kevin’s Electrical Services for emergency services by calling (717) 243-7904.
