Electrical Contractors in Chicago, IL | A to Z Electric Company

Prevent Fire Hazards From Short Circuits

Written by A To Z Electric Co on August 7, 2018. Posted in Uncategorized

The occasional short circuit occurs in nearly every home, but what do they mean, and should you be concerned? Electrical problems can be some of the most frustrating issues homeowners face. A short circuit is a sign that something is wrong with your wiring, and this problem may pose a serious fire hazard to your home.

Responding to short circuits correctly can mean the difference between lights switching on as intended and an emergency situation. Read the information and tips below so that you can keep your home safe.

Understand Short Circuits

A short circuit happens when a wire comes into contact with another conductive material, such as another wire. The electricity transfers between the two materials. Any excess electricity, if it

The Importance of Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters

Written by A To Z Electric Co on August 3, 2018. Posted in Uncategorized

If you’re building a new home, you must have arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) installed to protect your home’s wiring. The National Electric Code (NEC) requires the installation of AFCI breakers or receptacles on designated circuits.

Homeowners in residences with older wiring should also have AFCI protection installed on their wiring to reduce the possibility of electrical fires in the home. Here’s what you should know about AFCI and your home’s wiring.

Electrical Arc Faults Are Hot and Dangerous

An arc is a glowing plasma discharge that occurs when electrical current flows through an air gap. The arc flows from a part that’s energized to a part that’s grounded. An arc fault occurs when the plasma discharge flows in an unplanned path from a current source to another object.

If you’ve seen a lightning strike, you’ve witnessed an extreme electrical arc fault created by nature. Now, imagine that lightning on a smaller scale in your home’s wiring.

3 Reasons to Hire an Electrician to Replace Switches and Receptacles

Written by A To Z Electric Co on July 17, 2018. Posted in Uncategorized

Is your home on the aged side? Homes built many years ago were not guided by the same electrical standards used today. Did you buy a DIY wonder home with weird wiring issues and cheap switches? Modern safety rules might have been bypassed when electrical receptacles and switches were installed.

If you doubt the safety of your wall switches and receptacles (also called outlets), hire a licensed electrician to inspect and replace questionable ones. Here are three important reasons to have all of your switches and outlets replaced.

7 Signs You May Need to Replace a Circuit Breaker

Written by A To Z Electric Co on July 17, 2018. Posted in Uncategorized

In your everyday life, you likely only think about the surface level of your electrical system. This fundamental aspect of the system lets you light rooms, heat water for bathing, control your indoor temperature, and cook on an electric stove top.

Behind your power outlets and light switches, your electrical wiring creates a network that conducts energy throughout your home wherever it is needed to flip on a certain light or heat up a stove burner.

However, while your electrical system is technically all interconnected, the network is broken up into smaller sections called circuits. Circuits ensure that even with all the lights on, your range still gets enough consistent power for you to predict how a burner will operate as you cook dinner.

Your circuits are all connected to an electrical panel, sometimes called a breaker box. Each circuit has a designated switch in the panel, known as a breaker. While many electrical issues affect the entire system, others simply impact a single circuit breaker.

In this blog, we list seven indicators that you may need to upgrade a circuit breaker.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Residential Intercom Systems

Written by A To Z Electric Co on June 22, 2018. Posted in Uncategorized

In today’s digital age, more homeowners than ever are choosing to upgrade their homes to include smart features like remote access controls, high-tech alarms, and energy-efficient lighting options. One of the most common and potentially beneficial smart options available for residential use is the home intercom system.

Intercom systems can provide households of any size with numerous advantages at a cost-effective price.

Whether an intercom is your only planned renovation or the first step in a whole-home upgrade masterplan, understanding residential intercoms can ensure that you make confident and informed decisions about this installation.

Benefits of Home Intercoms

For many homeowners, an intercom provides advantages that can lead to peace of mind or simply a more optimized living space. A residential intercom system can provide your household with the following benefits:

Renovations and Add-ons: Don’t Forget Your Electrical System

Written by A To Z Electric Co on June 22, 2018. Posted in Uncategorized

Home remodels are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Removing walls, expanding the kitchen, or even building on additional rooms can make your home more livable or increase the sale value.

However, while putting in new cabinets or bathroom tile might seem simple, people often forget that most home renovation projects require attention to the electrical system. You can’t have more lights, outlets, or even a bigger kitchen with nicer appliances without making some major electrical changes.

Don’t put your home in danger by failing to make some crucial updates when renovating or adding on. Learn whether or not your renovation will require major electrical changes and what it could mean if you don’t get the right work done.

3 Ways Your Kitchen Appliances May Be Wasting Electricity

Written by A To Z Electric Co on May 23, 2018. Posted in Uncategorized

Turning your water heater down, installing LED light bulbs, and checking to see which appliances and electronics waste electricity on standby are great first steps towards a more efficient home. However, did you know that some appliances, such as your refrigerator and dishwasher, can waste energy while they’re running–and in totally preventable ways?

This post lists three ways those kitchen appliances could be wasting electricity.

Quaint Old Houses Shouldn’t Have Quaint Old Wiring

Written by A To Z Electric Co on May 11, 2018. Posted in Uncategorized

The purchase of an older fixer-upper house is often a happy occasion for the buyers because the structure is one they can remodel and customize to their hearts’ content, without spending too much money on the actual purchase price. However, older homes often bring with them a basic problem: old wiring.

While the fact that the actual wires are old isn’t always bad, age can affect how well wiring works. However, if the wiring materials were of good quality, then age alone may not have an effect, and the electricity in the house could run just fine.

However, if the house still uses fuse boxes, or if the fuses were replaced with circuit breakers several decades ago, the amount of power available to the home may be too low because that wiring was installed with the power draws of those years in mind. In that sense, old wiring can be a real pain to use.

6 Ways to Minimize Disruption During a Home Rewiring Job | A to Z Electric Company

Written by A To Z Electric Co on April 2, 2018. Posted in Uncategorized

Having a home rewired is a big step but a smart one. If you have dangerous or old wiring, you’ll have a much safer and more efficient power delivery system when the electricians are finished. You also make your insurance company really happy.

There’s always disruption when a home is being rewired. But you can minimize the disruption by planning ahead and accommodating the rewiring team. Here are six ways to make life a little easier for you and your family while your home is being upgraded.

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