Electrician in Mechanicsburg
Kevin’s Electrical Service, LLC has been a fixture in the Mechanicsburg region since 1986. Our solid reputation was built on superior craftsmanship nearly four decades ago, and we credit our continued success to the unique approach we take to supporting our community. Our fully licensed, insured, and bonded company is locally owned and operated. We are pleased to offer a wide range of electrical services, from minor repairs to complicated installations. Our loyal customers have full faith in our abilities and knowledge, and we see their continued trust as the highest praise of all.
Customer satisfaction is our unwavering focus. Your peace of mind is essential, which is why we’re always here to address any concerns or questions regarding your electrical system. You’ll meet the most seasoned, trustworthy, and reliable electricians on our team, and our rates are unmatched in the region. Whether it’s a scheduled electrical repair or an urgent electrical situation, count on us to assist you. Give us a call at Kevin’s Electrical Service today and experience the unique qualities that define us and make us the top local electrical company.
Insights into Your Home’s Electrical System
It’s a smart move to empower yourself with knowledge, particularly concerning your complex electrical system and its outlets, wires, switches, fixtures, and special components that each offer a designated function. In addition to Kevin’s Electrical Service’s ongoing efforts in system maintenance, it’s advisable to understand the electrical components within your own home. Familiarity with this information can increase your preparedness as a homeowner and positively impact the safety of your home. We’ve assembled this helpful guide as a tool for our valued customers. Read on to uncover more about your residential electrical system!
The Importance of Knowing the Limits of Your System
Routine Maintenance & Inspections
Your preferred residential and commercial electrician advises regular maintenance and inspections for all customers. Our team will carefully assess your system, identify any issues, perform essential repairs, and maintain the optimal condition of your electrical system.
Personal Safety
Need reliable local electricians in Mechanicsburg? Contact Kevin’s Electrical Service for professional support. Handling electrical tasks without adequate knowledge can be unsafe – particularly if you struggle with navigating your electrical wiring or neglect to switch off the circuit at the breaker box.
Put Quality First
While it’s wise to seek financial savings, the long-term dangers and expenses associated with cheap electrical components should raise caution. Buying inferior extension cords, switches, surge protectors, or outlets can cause a range of problems, emphasizing the need to invest in high-quality electrical parts.
Avoid Circuit Overload
If a circuit is overloaded, the circuit breaker will trip as a protective mechanism. If this becomes a regular occurrence, consult with your licensed electrician about potential system upgrades to raise the maximum load and keep this problem at bay.
Improve Your Home’s Self-Sufficiency
While it’s common to depend on your power company for all your energy needs, it might be prudent to also consider utilizing solar energy or devising an emergency plan in case of an unforeseen outage. Count on our Mechanicsburg electricians to assist you with reducing reliance on conventional power and improving your home’s preparedness.
Generators
Natural gas or propane fuels generators, which are a trustworthy and effective backup power source in emergencies. Your requirements and budget will be given careful consideration as we assist you in selecting an appropriate generator. We’ll also take all your questions seriously and address them thoroughly. Any questions you have will be carefully answered to ensure that you’re comfortable with every decision.
Solar Energy
You might not have thought about integrating solar power into your home, but it’s becoming more popular because homeowners are enjoying countless advantages. Allow your Kevin’s Electrical Service electrical contractor to explain the eco-friendly, responsible, and cost-effective aspects of solar panels. Enjoy lasting financial benefits and make a positive environmental impact by adopting solar power. Your residential electrician is committed to helping you use solar energy effectively and enhance your self-reliance with a system tailored to your specifications.
Wiring
Concealed behind the walls of homes and businesses are wiring systems, which feature non-metallic or metallic wires, encased in conduits made from either metal or plastic. Operating beyond plain view, this wiring discreetly orchestrates the seamless transfer of power across your property. Building code adherence and compliance with industry standards take precedence for electrical companies during the installation of wiring, and we also take great care in selecting cables that cater to your exact needs.
Homes built between 1956 and 1972 might feature aluminum wiring, a material that has fallen out of favor due to its increased susceptibility to fire hazards. Opting for copper wiring is a significantly safer choice. When you choose Mechanicsburg electrical services and we come across outdated wiring in your home or business, we’ll propose a replacement to prioritize safety.
Devices & Circuits
Your home is filled with electronic devices, the majority of which run on electricity. Your household wiring is managed by two different 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, the solution involves dedicated circuits for each individual appliance.
Multiple Device Circuits
The experience of resetting a circuit breaker when lights or outlets unexpectedly shut off might introduce you to the concept of a multiple device circuit. These outlets act as power sources for numerous outlets, switches, and fixtures.
Outlets
Outlets are a standard part of every room in your home or workplace. Join us in an explanation of the many types of electrical outlets for an even greater grasp of your electrical system as a whole.
15-Amp, 125-Volt
This is the most prevalent kind of outlet found in most businesses and homes. There are two kinds of 15-amp, 125-volt outlets – ungrounded or grounded. The presence of an opening for the ground pin below the vertical slots signifies a grounded outlet. While these outlets work well in many scenarios, they may not be the safest option for kitchens or bathrooms. For improved safety and functionality, explore an upgrade with your Mechanicsburg electricians if this kind of outlet is installed in your bathroom or kitchen.
20-Amp, 125-Volt
Distinguished by a small, horizontal slot on one of the vertical slots, 20-amp, 125-volt outlets are tailored for robust power needs. They are the ideal option for operating large appliances and power tools.
250-Volt
This special type of outlet is the most suitable choice for high-voltage devices and appliances, such as electric ranges and clothing dryers.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
For areas at risk of water contact, outlets with an automatic shut-off play a key role in preventing damage and danger caused by abrupt power surges. Installing this specific outlet type is more than a practical decision for spaces like outdoor areas, kitchens, and bathrooms – it’s also a stipulation in building codes for these specific locations. Because water contact is likely in garages and other similar spaces, this type of outlet is a smart precautionary step to take for those areas.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
Acting as a defense mechanism against arcing (a condition originating from overheating or faulty wiring causing sparks), AFCI outlets go a long way toward enhancing the safety of your home.
Switched
Simplify your life with switched outlets, which allow you to remotely power devices, manage on/off cycles effortlessly (when plugged in), and eliminate the need for physical switching. These outlets are directly tied to specific home outlets.
USB
Simplify your charging routine by incorporating USB outlets for your modern household items like phones and electronic devices, which eliminates the need for a charging block.
Smart
Make your smart home vision a reality with the installation of smart outlets by our electricians near you. These outlets connect to apps or remote controls to give you easy control over garage door openers, fans, lighting, and a variety of other devices.
Switches
Your home is full of switches that distribute power to devices, outlets, lighting, ceiling fans, and other household items, and each one is connected to a specific electrical circuit. Learn a little more about the various switches that control the many parts of your residential or commercial electrical system.
Dimmer
Create a comfortable atmosphere in your home by easily regulating the brightness of your overhead lights with dimmer switches.
Smart
Take command of the lighting in every corner of your living space with smart switches and specialized apps that effortlessly synchronize with your Wi-Fi network.
Three-Way
Typically positioned at both ends of hallways or at the top and bottom of staircases, three-way switches grant you control over a single light or fixture from multiple vantage points.
Motion-Sensor
Improve safety in dimly-lit spaces like home entrances, driveways, and staircases using these energy-efficient switches, which are designed to respond to movement by turning on lights.
Single-Pole
This specific type of switch is likely present in nearly every room of your home, known as an effective way to control outlets and devices.
Breaker Panels
Responsibility for distributing power to every switch, appliance, device, light, and outlet in your home lies with the breaker panels. Whether you call them distribution panels, service panels, or breaker boxes, these units are the modern replacement for the still-functional but outdated fuse box.
Main Circuit Breaker
At the helm of your household electrical system, the main circuit breaker serves as the captain, delivering power throughout your home and managing the electricity flow to all the branch circuit breakers in the breaker box. When you turn this switch off, you’ll cut power to your whole house.
Sub-Panels
Sub-panels find a place in some homes, recognized for their limited number of breakers and compact dimensions. Functioning as auxiliary service panels attached to the primary panel, they are frequently deployed to provide electricity to a backup generator, new addition, or external structure.
Branch Circuit Breakers
Within your home’s electrical system, a complex array of branch circuit breakers is in place, which individually manage power distribution to distinct areas of the property. When confronted with an overabundance of current, these breakers will trip automatically and discontinue power as a safety measure. In charge of managing 250-volt current flow, double-pole breakers supply power to appliances like electric vehicle chargers, clothing dryers, electric ranges, and more. Meanwhile, single-pole breakers control the flow of 125-volt current, providing energy for wall outlets and lighting. For most 125-volt residential circuits, the typical amperage rating is around 30 amps, emphasizing their capability to handle electrical loads. The consistent pattern reveals that higher amperage ratings correspond to increased capacity.
Disconnect Switches
If your system incorporates disconnect switches, you’ll typically find them positioned near the electric meter. These switches afford your reliable electrician the flexibility to cut power, proving beneficial for emergencies or major repairs. Nevertheless, there’s no cause for worry if your dwelling lacks this feature. If a disconnect switch is not present, we’ll simply cut off the power at your main panel.
Electric Meter and System Connection
The majority of residences in the United States draw their electricity from the primary power lines owned by the local utility company. These main power lines, situated either underground or above ground, link to the electric meter, which is also under the ownership of your electricity provider. Electric meters monitor your power consumption, and they are managed, installed, and maintained by your utility company. If you have any concerns regarding your meter or questions arise, it’s best to contact your utility provider.
There are three primary types of electrical meters:
Bi-Directional
A bidirectional meter becomes especially useful when your home is equipped with solar panels. Bidirectional meters go beyond measuring power consumption like a traditional meter – they monitor both the power coming into your home and the surplus energy you contribute back to the utility company. This specific meter is crucial if you’re generating your own power to any degree.
Electromechanical
With a glass cover, a spinning disc, and a set of dials, electromechanical meters necessitate a physical 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 have these meters.
Smart
Smart meters come equipped with digital displays, making remote reading a breeze and enabling exact measurement of your home’s power usage. They maintain direct communication with your utility company.
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.
