Electrician in Harrisburg
Since 1986, Kevin’s Electrical Service, LLC has remained committed to serving our Harrisburg neighbors. We are swiftly getting closer to our 40th year in business, and we think we owe our continued success to the well-built reputation and superior craftsmanship that set us apart from the other electrical contractors in the area. Our locally owned and run company is fully insured, bonded, and licensed. We offer an extensive variety of electrical services, from minor repairs to major installations. Our repeat customers know they can count on our high level of expertise and experience, and their continued patronage is the highest compliment we could receive.
We always prioritize the satisfaction of our customers. Should you have any concerns or questions regarding your electrical system, we’re prepared to address them promptly and thoroughly. Our prices are the most competitive in the region, and our team is made up of the most trustworthy, reliable, and experienced electricians in the area. Whether you’re in need of emergency electrical service or you’re scheduling a planned electrical repair, we’re always at your service. Call us at Kevin’s Electrical Service today and experience the qualities that make us distinct from every other local electrical company.
Insights into Your Home’s Electrical System
Make informed choices by gaining knowledge about your intricate electrical system and its array of outlets, switches, fixtures, wires, and other components, which each fulfill a specific function. While Kevin’s Electrical Service is at your service for system maintenance, it’s smart to educate yourself about the electrical characteristics of your home. Acquiring knowledge about these details can enhance the safety of your home and make you a more prepared homeowner. We’ve compiled this insightful handbook as a resource for our beloved clients. Explore further to gain insights into your household electrical system!
The Importance of Knowing the Limits of Your System
Personal Safety
When you’re searching for reliable local electricians in Harrisburg, Kevin’s Electrical Service has you covered. If you’re dealing with electrical challenges, attempting DIY repairs without full knowledge and confidence can be risky – especially if you face difficulties navigating your electrical wiring or forget to turn off the circuit at the breaker box.
Routine Maintenance & Inspections
Your expert residential and commercial electrician advises routine inspections and maintenance. Our team will thoroughly examine your system, address any potential concerns, perform needed repairs, and ensure optimal functionality of your electrical system.
Put Quality First
Balancing your budget is important, but the long-term risks and repairs associated with cheap electrical components are substantial. Components such as switches, outlets, surge protectors, and extension cords of subpar quality can lead to numerous electrical issues, stressing the importance of investing in high-quality parts.
Avoid Circuit Overload
If you overload a circuit, the result will be a tripped circuit breaker. If this happens frequently, talk to your licensed electrician about system upgrade options that can raise the maximum load.
Improve Your Home’s Self-Sufficiency
While depending on your energy company for electricity is the norm, have you reflected on establishing an emergency plan for unanticipated outages or relying instead on solar power? Rely on our Harrisburg electricians to help you bolster your home’s readiness and minimize your reliance on conventional power sources.
Generators
Generators get their power from propane or natural gas, serving as a reliable and efficient backup in emergency situations. We’ll take the time to answer any questions and thoughtfully consider both your budget and your needs when assisting you through generator selection. We are committed to providing answers to all your questions because we know your generator will be a significant investment.
Solar Energy
If you haven’t thought about harnessing solar power for your home, we truly believe it’s worth considering. Your Kevin’s Electrical Service electrical contractor can outline the eco-friendly, affordable, and responsible advantages of solar panels. By adopting solar power, you’ll enjoy long-term savings on your energy bills as you contribute to a greener planet. Your residential electrician will guide you through the process of harnessing solar energy to enhance your self-sufficiency with a system tailored to your needs.
Wiring
Enclosed within the walls of residences and commercial establishments are wiring systems, featuring metallic or non-metallic wires inside conduits made from plastic or metal. Unseen by the naked eye, wiring skillfully manages the distribution of power across your property. In the installation of wiring, electrical companies prioritize compliance with industry standards and building codes as they select cables designed to fulfill all of your present and future needs.
Aluminum wiring, commonly used in houses constructed between 1956 and 1972, is now deemed risky due to a heightened potential for fires. Copper wiring stands out as a far safer option. If you contact us for Harrisburg electrical services and we discover outdated wiring in your home or business, we’ll advise a replacement for safety purposes.
Breaker Panels
Dispersing power to every outlet, light, switch, appliance, and device in your household is the task of the breaker panel. Alternatively labeled as service panels, breaker boxes, or distribution panels, they are the contemporary advancement from the still-operational fuse box.
Sub-Panels
Certain residences feature sub-panels, characterized by a reduced number of breakers and a more compact size. Acting as supplementary service panels linked to the main panel, they are commonly installed to extend power to an external structure, a backup generator, or an addition.
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. Deactivating this switch will cut off power to your entire home.
Branch Circuit Breakers
The electrical system in your home involves a sophisticated array of branch circuit breakers, each governing power to designated sections of the property. When confronted with a current overload, these breakers automatically trip and deactivate power to their designated area as a safety precaution. Double-pole breakers are tasked with managing the flow of 250-volt current, catering to the power needs of clothing dryers, electric ranges, electric vehicle chargers, and similar high-voltage appliances. On the other hand, single-pole breakers control the flow of 125-volt current and supply energy to lighting and wall outlets. The majority of standard 125-volt household circuits typically boast an amperage rating of approximately 30 amps, reflecting their capacity to handle electrical loads. Higher amperage ratings are indicative of enhanced capability.
Devices & Circuits
Your home is filled with gadgets that need power to operate. Your home’s wiring is governed by two distinct circuit types.
Dedicated Circuits
If your goal is to integrate a furnace, dryer, water heater, or heater into your household infrastructure without causing disruptions to the rest of your home, individualized circuits are recommended for each appliance.
Multiple Device Circuits
You might recognize a multiple device circuit if you’ve ever reset a circuit breaker to restore power after outlets or lights unexpectedly went out in a room. These outlets distribute power to a variety of fixtures, switches, and outlets.
Electric Meter and System Connection
The primary source of power for most American homes is the local electric company’s mains. These mains, whether situated underground or overhead, are interlinked with the electric meter – which is the property of your electricity provider as well. Electric meters fulfill the role of monitoring your power consumption, and the installation and maintenance of these meters are the responsibility of your utility company. For concerns or questions about your meter, we encourage you to contact your utility company.
There are three primary types of electrical meters:
Smart
With digital displays, smart meters enable effortless remote reading and accurate tracking of your household power consumption. They establish a direct channel of communication with your utility company.
Electromechanical
With a glass cover, a spinning disc, and a set of dials, electromechanical meters necessitate an in-person visit from an employee of your electric company for reading. These employees then report back with data regarding your household’s energy use. Despite their dependence on outdated technology, around 75% of U.S. homes still employ these meters.
Bi-Directional
A bidirectional meter becomes an essential tool when you have solar panels installed. Bidirectional meters surpass the capabilities of traditional meters by measuring not only power consumption, but also tracking both the power entering your home and the excess energy you provide back to the utility company. This meter is a necessity if you generate your own power.
Switches
The numerous switches throughout your home control power to ceiling fans, devices, outlets, and lighting each depend on a particular electrical circuit. Get to know the numerous switches that control the many parts of your commercial or residential electrical system.
Three-Way
Commonly installed at the top and bottom of stairs or at both ends of a hallway, three-way switches provide dual control for a single fixture or light.
Motion-Sensor
Boost safety in dimly-lit spaces, such as driveways, staircases, and home entrances, with motion sensor switches. These energy-efficient switches automatically activate lights when movement is detected.
Smart
Easily manage the lighting in all areas of your home through dedicated apps and smart switches that easily connect right to your Wi-Fi network.
Single-Pole
It’s likely that these switches can be found in every room of your home because they are a dependable and efficient option for controlling devices and outlets.
Dimmer
Dimmer switches allow you to easily change the brightness of your overhead lighting and create the mood you’ve always desired in your favorite spaces.
Disconnect Switches
When disconnect switches are part of the configuration, they are usually located in the vicinity of the electric meter. These switches enable your trusted electrician to disconnect power, proving to be a practical feature for emergency scenarios or extensive repairs. Despite this, there’s no reason to be troubled if your home doesn’t offer this specific feature. In the event of no disconnect switch, we’ll just deactivate the power at your main panel.
Outlets
It’s likely that you can find multiple outlets in every room of your house or workplace. Explore the nuances of the various electrical outlet types and deepen your knowledge of your electrical system.
15-Amp, 125-Volt
This kind of outlet is known as the standard type for homes and offices. There are two varieties of 15-amp, 125-volt outlets – grounded or ungrounded. An opening under the vertical slots indicates a grounded outlet. While versatile, these outlets may not be the optimal choice for bathrooms or kitchens. Should you find this outlet type in these spaces, it’s a good idea to speak with your Harrisburg electricians about an upgrade for improved safety and functionality.
20-Amp, 125-Volt
The design of 20-amp, 125-volt outlets is unique, featuring a vertical slot alongside a small, horizontal slot. Tailored to meet high power demands, these outlets excel in powering power tools or major appliances.
250-Volt
When you have a high-voltage appliance, like an electric range or clothing dryer, this distinct outlet is the optimal solution.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
By preventing arcing (an event caused by overheating or faulty wiring that leads to jumping sparks), AFCI outlets contribute to making your home a safer environment.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
To protect against the impact of sudden power surges in areas with water vulnerability, outlets with an automatic shut-off are essential. This unique outlet type is not just a sensible option for places like kitchens, outdoor use, or bathrooms – it’s also required by building codes for use in these specific areas. Being mindful of the potential for water contact in garages and other similar spaces, these outlets are a smart preventive measure in those locations.
Smart
Our electricians near you are experts at installing smart outlets, which create a connected home environment through apps or remote controls. Manage fans, garage door openers, lighting, and a host of other devices with ease.
USB
Simplify your charging process with USB outlets, which are an innovative solution for powering up modern household items like phones and electronic devices without locating a charging block.
Switched
Streamline your routine with switched outlets, which allow you to avoid physically turning things off or on, give you the flexibility to turn them off or on when plugged in, and grant you remote control over device power. These outlets are connected to specific household outlets.
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.
