What Is Electrical Service?
Whenever you make an addition to your home electrical system it requires a larger panel and more circuits. Most homeowners call us to add lights, fans and outlets.
The main service panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. The panel distributes power to the various circuits that run throughout your house.
Installation
Electrical Service is the transmission of electricity, electric lights or currents over lines, wires or cables. The main electrical service reaches your house through two 120-volt service wires that offer a combined 240-volts of power (voltage is a measurement of the current’s pressure or rate of flow). The voltage is distributed from Line 1 to Line 2 in your homes’ electrical panel and then to your outlets and appliances.
Look for a gray metal box on the side of your home or in a utility area such as a garage, basement or furnace room. It will contain a meter socket and the main service panel.
The main electrical service is sized based on your home size and the connected load of large appliances. It is also sized based on your location and whether it is a single or 3-phase system. A homeowner should always check the lateral service wires, or count the number of wires at the pole. If there are three this indicates a 3-phase system. Also, a homeowner should verify the main service panel is labeled with the correct amperage.
Maintenance
The electrical service in your home includes a pipe (metal or pvc), the meter from the power company, and the panel that controls power. It also includes three wires: one bare wire with a black rubber wrap, and two hot wires that each carry 120 volts. The panel is where you shut down power to circuits if there’s a problem, and where you connect appliances or equipment.
Many factors can damage your electric service, including storms. A direct lightning strike can fry the conductors in the main line that delivers electricity to your home.
Electrical maintenance is crucial for any facility. Most production equipment relies on electricity to work, and problems with the wiring can cause fire hazards and slow down production. A preventative maintenance strategy will save your business money on repairs and downtime. It’s also important to understand what systems will be affected during maintenance, and have a plan for them. For example, your alarm system and phone lines may need to be switched off during inspections and maintenance.
Troubleshooting
When a household electrical fixture or appliance stops working, it can be a frightening experience. Flickering lights or a burning smell can be signs of a serious problem that should only be dealt with by a qualified electrician.
It’s important to remember that service wires are always live and can cause severe injury or death if touched. It’s recommended that homeowners do not touch any exposed parts of the service panel or attempt to make repairs on their own. It is also a good idea to have your main electrical service panel evaluated yearly for any potential issues.
One of the most common electrical issues in homes is a tripped circuit breaker. This is usually a sign of an overload and should only be dealt with by a professional. If a breaker trip often, it is probably time to upgrade to an electrical service that is more powerful to handle your appliances. Another possible issue is faulty wiring, which can also be dangerous to deal with on your own.
Repairs
Electrical repair services address issues and malfunctions with switches, outlets, fixtures, and other components in homes or businesses. While routine maintenance can prevent the majority of electrical service problems, sometimes it’s necessary to have a professional examine and repair damaged wiring or equipment.
The electrical service panel, found in the basement or garage, controls the flow of electricity to switches, outlets, and hard-wired appliances throughout a home. If a light or appliance won’t turn on, it may have an easy fix: simply reset the circuit breaker. If it trips immediately, you have a more serious problem that requires an electrician’s attention.
It’s also important to understand that homeowners are responsible for repairing the service entry cable and electric meter, which may become damaged due to weather or rodent activity. When these cables or meters aren’t repaired promptly, it can lead to power surges that damage the wiring in a home and cause fire hazards. This is a common reason why it’s imperative to hire an electrician to handle these tasks.