Electrician in Chambersburg
Kevin’s Electrical Service, LLC has been dedicated to helping fellow Chambersburg residents since 1986. We are rapidly approaching our 40th year in business because our carefully built reputation and exceptional craftsmanship distinguish us from every other electrical company. Our locally owned and operated business is fully bonded, licensed, and insured. We provide a wide range of electrical services, from simple repairs to extensive installations. Our returning customers know they can rely on our professionalism and expertise, and their ongoing patronage is the best compliment we could hope to get.
Our primary focus is always on customer satisfaction. Your peace of mind matters, so we’ll promptly handle any concerns or questions related to your electrical system. The electricians on our team are the most seasoned, trustworthy, and dependable experts in town, and our rates are also unparalleled. Whether it’s an urgent electrical issue or a planned electrical repair, we’re always here to provide assistance. Contact Kevin’s Electrical Service now and see firsthand what makes us different from every other local electrical company.
Insights into Your Home’s Electrical System
It’s always wise to empower yourself with knowledge, especially when dealing with your intricate electrical system’s numerous components like switches, outlets, fixtures, and wires that each play a unique role. Although Kevin’s Electrical Service is committed to maintaining your system’s integrity, it’s still a good idea to acquaint yourself with your home’s various electrical features. Grasping this knowledge can contribute to the safety of your home and improve your preparedness as a homeowner. We’ve designed this helpful guide as a valuable resource for our esteemed clients. Continue reading to unravel the intricacies of your residential electrical system!
Improve Your Home’s Self-Sufficiency
Most American households are accustomed to relying on electrical companies for power, but many homeowners don’t consider using solar power or having a contingency plan in place for unexpected outages. Let our Chambersburg electricians support you in improving your home’s readiness and reducing your dependence on typical power sources.
Solar Energy
If the idea of utilizing solar power in your home is new to you, it’s an option worth exploring. Your Kevin’s Electrical Service electrical contractor can provide insights into the cost-effective, responsible, and eco-friendly, responsible nature of solar panels. Lessen your impact on the environment and enjoy continued financial reward by choosing solar power. Your residential electrician is dedicated to helping you harness solar energy effectively to boost your self-reliance through a personalized system.
Generators
Powered by natural gas or propane, generators offer a dependable and efficient backup power solution in times of emergency. In the process of helping you choose a generator, we’ll thoughtfully consider both your specific needs and your budget. Your generator is a substantial investment, and we are committed to addressing all your questions thoroughly.
The Importance of Knowing the Limits of Your System
Personal Safety
For dependable local electricians in Chambersburg, reach out to Kevin’s Electrical Service for expert help. Trying to tackle electrical issues without a full understanding can be hazardous – especially if you overlook shutting off the circuit at the breaker box or encounter difficulties navigating your electrical wiring.
Avoid Circuit Overload
When an electrical circuit is overwhelmed, the circuit breaker automatically trips. If you encounter this problem regularly, consult with your licensed electrician to discuss potential system upgrades that can improve the maximum load capacity.
Routine Maintenance & Inspections
As a reliable residential and commercial electrician, we strongly encourage our customers to schedule regular inspections and maintenance. Our crew will conduct a meticulous review, address any potential issues, carry out essential repairs, and ensure your electrical system remains in excellent condition.
Put Quality First
Saving money is always nice, but cheap electrical components can actually be costly and dangerous in the long run. Substandard components like extension cords, surge protectors, outlets, or switches may lead to various issues, so we always stress the importance of selecting high-quality electrical parts.
Switches
The numerous switches throughout your home control power to ceiling fans, devices, outlets, and lighting each depend on a particular electrical circuit. Learn a little more about the various switches that control the many parts of your residential or commercial electrical system.
Three-Way
Placed at both ends of a hallway or at the top and bottom of stairs, three-way switches offer the convenience of controlling a single light or fixture from two different points.
Dimmer
Dimmer switches give your home a cozy atmosphere and allow you to effortlessly control the brightness of your overhead lights.
Single-Pole
These switches are likely located in every room of every household, providing a reliable and efficient method for controlling devices and outlets.
Motion-Sensor
These switches make poorly lit locations safer, such as home entrances, stairwells, and driveways. When they detect movement, these energy-saving switches turn on your lights.
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.
Disconnect Switches
When disconnect switches are part of your setup, you’ll usually locate them near the electric meter. These switches grant your dependable electrician the ability to disconnect power, proving highly useful for extensive repairs or emergency scenarios. Despite this, there’s no reason to be concerned if your home doesn’t offer this particular feature. If there is no disconnect switch, we’ll simply turn off the power at your main panel.
Devices & Circuits
Your household is brimming with gadgets, most of which are dependent on electricity to operate. Two different circuit types manage your home’s wiring.
Multiple Device Circuits
If you’ve encountered the need to reset a circuit breaker when lights or outlets suddenly went off in a room, you’ve likely come across a multiple device circuit. These outlets serve to power a range of outlets, fixtures, and switches.
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, individualized circuits for each appliance are a necessity.
Wiring
Within the structure of homes and business properties, concealed, metallic or non-metallic wiring is routed through plastic or metal conduits. Although it’s hidden from plain view, this wiring discreetly ensures the seamless transfer of power throughout your property. When installing wiring, electrical companies place utmost importance on adhering to building codes, exceeding industry standards, and selecting cables tailored to meet all your requirements.
Aluminum wiring, commonly installed in homes built between 1956 and 1972, is now recognized as a fire hazard and is no longer the industry standard. Opting for copper wiring greatly improves safety. When you choose Chambersburg electrical services and we come across outdated wiring in your business or home, we’ll propose a replacement for safety reasons.
Electric Meter and System Connection
In the United States, the prevalent method for delivering electricity to homes involves mains owned by the local power utility. These mains, whether installed underground or above ground, are linked to the electric meter that also belongs to your electric company. Electric meters serve as the means to gauge your power consumption, and the installation and maintenance of these meters are handled by your utility company. If questions or concerns emerge about the meter, reaching out to your utility provider is the suggested approach.
There are three primary types of electrical meters:
Smart
Smart meters provide digital interfaces, facilitating remote reading and precise measurement of your home’s power usage. They establish a direct communication link with your utility provider.
Bi-Directional
The installation of solar panels calls for the practicality of a bidirectional meter. While traditional meters focus solely on measuring power consumption, bidirectional meters distinguish themselves by monitoring both the power entering your home and the excess energy you supply to the utility company. For those who produce their own energy, this type of meter is essential.
Electromechanical
Electromechanical meters showcase a glass cover, a spinning disc, and a set of dials. To read this type of meter, your electric company has to send an employee to your home physically, and they report back with data on your household energy use. Even though they rely on outdated technology, approximately 75% of U.S. homes still utilize these meters.
Breaker Panels
The primary function of breaker panels is to distribute power to every switch, light, appliance, outlet, and device in your house. Also known as service panels, distribution panels, or breaker boxes, they are the modern upgrade to the still operational fuse box.
Main Circuit Breaker
Your home’s electrical system is steered by the main circuit breaker, which is in charge of delivering power and regulating the flow of electricity to individual branch circuit breakers within your breaker box. Deactivating this switch will cut off power to your entire home.
Sub-Panels
Sub-panels are featured in specific homes, known for their more compact size and decreased number of breakers. Serving as added service panels affixed to the main panel, they are commonly used to extend power to a backup generator, recent addition, or external building.
Branch Circuit Breakers
The electrical configuration of your home includes a sophisticated arrangement of branch circuit breakers, each assigned to control power in specific zones of the property. Upon detecting an excess of current, these breakers will trip as a safety measure to cut off power to the designated area. Managing the current flow of 250 volts, double-pole breakers are instrumental in energizing appliances like electric ranges, electric vehicle chargers, clothing dryers, and similar high-voltage devices. Meanwhile, single-pole breakers control the flow of 125-volt current, delivering power to wall outlets and lights. Household circuits operating at 125 volts are typically rated at around 30 amps – a rating that measures their ability to handle electrical loads. The relationship between amperage and capacity is evident, with higher numbers indicating increased capability.
Outlets
You probably see outlets throughout your workplace or home. Broaden your understanding of your electrical system by learning about the various types of electrical outlets below.
15-Amp, 125-Volt
This is the most common type of outlet found in most offices and households. Two types exist among 15-amp, 125-volt outlets – grounded or ungrounded. Identifying a grounded outlet is easy – just look for an opening for the ground pin beneath the vertical slots. While these outlets serve well in various spaces, reconsider their use in kitchens or bathrooms. To improve both functionality and safety, it’s worth discussing an upgrade with your Chambersburg electricians if you have this outlet type in either of these rooms.
20-Amp, 125-Volt
The unique layout of 20-amp, 125-volt outlets includes a small, horizontal slot next to a vertical slot. Ideal for substantial power loads, these outlets excel in powering power tools or major appliances.
250-Volt
If you need to power high-voltage devices like an electric range or clothing dryer, this particular outlet type is designed to meet those specific needs.
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. In this way, AFCI outlets foster a safer environment in your home.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
For spaces at risk of water exposure, outlets featuring an automatic shut-off function are vital in preventing potential harm caused by abrupt power surges. Choosing this particular outlet type is not just wise for areas such as outdoor areas, bathrooms, and kitchens, but it’s also mandated by building codes for use in these locations. Recognizing the possibility of water contact in places like garages, these outlets function as a crucial safety measure in those areas.
Switched
Improve your daily life with switched outlets, which allow the freedom to switch items on or off at your convenience (when plugged in), remote device power control, and the hassle of manual switching. These outlets are directly tied to specific home outlets.
Smart
Let our electricians near you bring your smart home aspirations to life by installing smart outlets. With connectivity to remote controls or apps, you can effortlessly control garage door openers, lighting, fans, and an assortment of other devices.
USB
USB outlets offer a streamlined solution for charging your modern household items, like phones and electronic devices. This allows you to forego a charging block and enhance the convenience of your home.
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.
