• The Dangers of Aluminum Wiring

    Does your home have aluminum wiring installed inside of it? If so, you should strongly consider calling an electrician to take a look at it because of the dangers associated with aluminum electrical connections. Delta Electric specializes in investigating problems with electrical wiring in San Jose and can tell you more about the problems that often come along with aluminum wiring.

    While there are less than two million American homes that have aluminum wiring installed, these homes are at an almost constant risk of having a home fire. Aluminum electrical wiring is known to deteriorate at the points where it is connected to light switches and electrical outlets. When this happens, the electrical wiring becomes a fire hazard, and there are typically hundreds of these dangerous connections inside the average home. Schedule a visit from Delta Electric if you have aluminum wiring, and we will send a licensed electrician to take care of your problem and reduce the risk associated with aluminum wiring. Dangers of aluminum wiring by Delta Electric

  • Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring Problems in San Jose

    If you live in a home long enough, you are inevitably going to run into issues with your electrical wiring. Regardless of how old it is, there are a number of problems that can affect the electric in your home. You should seek the help of a licensed electrician to get your problems fixed before they turn into larger issues. Here are some troubleshooting methods that electricians in San Jose will use to repair common problems. Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring Problems in San Jose, CA

    Overlamping

    This problem has a simple fix that homeowners can actually do on their own without the help of an electrician. Light fixtures are designed to accommodate bulbs with certain wattages, and you should never exceed the wattage limit. If you do, you could put your home at risk for a fire. Check your house’s light fixtures and make sure you are using the appropriate bulbs in them.

    Flickering Lights During Bad Weather

    Do your lights flicker when it’s windy outside? This could be because the electrical wiring coming into your home through the weatherhead located on the exterior of your house is frayed. An electrician or your local electric company can install a new weatherhead quickly to prevent future problems with your wiring.

    Lack of GFCIs in Bathrooms and Kitchens

    Outlets located in parts of your home where moisture exists need to have GFCIs, short for ground-fault circuit interruptors, installed in them. GFCIs are designed to shut down the power to circuits in the event that something plugged into the outlet gets wet. You can have an electrician replace an old outlet with one that includes a GFCI for around $20 and stay safe in bathrooms and kitchens.

    Outlets Fail to Hold Plugs Tightly

    Over time, outlets can lose their ability to maintain contact with plugs that are inserted into them. This will result in a loose connection, which can cause sparking to take place and start a fire. You should replace any electrical outlet that doesn’t hold a plug tightly to avoid this. Have an electrician do it if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.

  • Planning Your Kitchen Lighting

    You can install the fanciest countertops, cabinets, and flooring in a new kitchen, but if you fail to have an electrician put in the proper lighting installation, it will all be for naught. Lighting can make or break the entire look and feel of a kitchen. Watch this video to see the types of hanging lights in San Jose you should consider for your kitchen space.

    There are many other types of lighting that your electrician can install during a kitchen renovation project, too. From spotlights that will emphasis certain parts of the kitchen to task lighting located under cabinets and countertops, you should spend a lot of time considering what will work best for your specific kitchen design. Install the right kind of lighting in your kitchen, and it will help to enhance all of the other fixtures you put into it.

  • Is the Wiring in Your Home Safe?

    Maybe the electrical wiring in your home is old. Or maybe it wasn’t installed properly when your home was first built. Whatever the case, it can cause serious problems and even lead to a home fire if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, there are signs you can look out for in the event of faulty wiring in your home. Call an electrician serving San Jose if you notice any of these problems. Home wiring safety in San Jose, CA

    Your Circuit Breaker Trips Often

    Circuit breakers are designed to shut off your power whenever you are using too much electric at one time. That is their job, and they can actually help you prevent problems by doing it. However, if your circuit breaker shuts off your power all the time and you are constantly tripping it, your electrical wiring very well may be outdated and need to be replaced by an electrician.

    Your Lights Flicker, Buzz, or Dim When You Use Them

    While a circuit breaker that trips often is a pretty obvious sign that you have an electrical issue, there are some signs that are more subtle. For example, if your lights flicker, buzz, or dim when you are using them, this likely means that your electrical wiring is having trouble providing enough power to them. It’s time to upgrade your electric.

    Your Walls Are Warm Near Outlets

    Go around to several outlets in your home and feel the walls surrounding them when they are in use. Do they feel warm to the touch? Or do you feel the walls vibrating? These are both signs that your electrical wiring is going bad. The heat that is being generated can cause wires to melt, which can result in sparking and eventually a fire.

    Your Home Smells Like Smoke

    This is the most obvious sign, but if you ever smell even the slightest hint of smoke in your home, it’s time to call an electrician to let him or her investigate your electrical wiring. There’s a very good chance it is not safe and is on the brink of causing a catastrophe.