Have you ever thought of how to add functionality to your shed, and electricity came to mind? It is one home improvement project that gives your property significant resale value. Running an electricity supply into a shed is optional for some homeowners. However, suppose you plan to make the best use of that space. In that case, it becomes imperative to include electricity supply in your to-do list. 

Now that you concluded on installing electricity, these are the things you should know.

Learn about Zonal Regulations

No community will not support electrical installation, but you need to be conversant with the regulations. For example, some areas require getting a permit before starting the project. Proceeding with the installation without permission will attract penalties in such zones. To avoid delay and unnecessary fines, do your due diligence to have electricity done without hindrances.

Prioritize Safety

Safety should be at the top of your plan, given that electricity poses threats to lives if not correctly installed. Therefore, if you must hire an installer, ensure that you opt for a certified electrician. It minimizes the risks of committing errors during the installation process. Nobody is perfect. Professionals can make mistakes too, but it’s infrequent. If you are not highly knowledgeable about electricity installation, do not attempt to do it yourself.

Define your Shed Electricity Needs

It may sound weird, but you must identify why you need electrical installation in your shed. Human requirements and preferences differ when it comes to home improvement projects. The size of your garden is a significant determinant of what your shed requires. Additionally, if you intend to run a mini business, it is necessary to have sockets and other relevant electrical appliances. Don’t be one of those that contact a technician without defining their needs.

Plan based on cost

Installing electricity in a shed is not a child’s play. It requires a lot of money, particularly the materials and the electrician service fees. Do your research on everything you need to transform your shed. Consult a professional to know how much they charge. That will be helpful when planning your budget for the project. If it seems a bit challenging cut costs, discuss with your electrician for custom installation.

Prepare the Shed for Installation

Specifying where on your property you want cables to pass through is advisable. Sometimes, the electrician decides the suitable place to run the connections. However, for the reasons best known to the homeowner, they may choose their preferred location to channel the cables. So, inform the technician before installation begins if you would not like to see the wiring in a particular place.

Electric Company in Franklin, MA

Home improvement projects like running electricity can be challenging, especially when you don’t know the best practices. Don’t be confused, as there are professional electricians that can assist you. Brunelli Electric is a reliable technician to consult for electricity installation. Contact us today! 508-400-5571

We all know that preventing a short circuit is important, but do we know how to do it? In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for preventing short circuits and what to do if one does occur. Stay safe and stay informed!

What is a short circuit and how does it happen

A short circuit is an electrical circuit that allows current to flow through it more easily than it should. This can happen when there is a break in the circuit, or when wires come into contact with each other. Short circuits can be very dangerous, as they can cause fires and electrical shocks. They can also damage electronic equipment. Short circuits usually happen because of faulty wiring or damaged insulation.

To prevent short circuits, it is important to have your electrical system regularly checked by a qualified electrician. If you notice any signs of a short circuit, such as sparks or smoke, you should immediately unplug any affected devices and call an electrician.

Causes of short circuits

There are many different causes of short circuits. Some of the most common include:

Damaged wiring

Wires can become damaged due to wear and tear, or by being chewed on by animals.

Faulty electrical components

If an electrical component is defective, it can cause a short circuit.

Loose connections

If wires are not properly connected, they can come into contact with each other, causing a short circuit.

Poorly designed electrical systems

If an electrical system is not properly designed, it can be more susceptible to short circuits.

Poorly insulated wires

If wires are not properly insulated, they can come into contact with each other or with metal surfaces, causing a short circuit.

Water damage

If wires become wet, they can short circuit.

Preventing short circuits

There are several things you can do to prevent short circuits:

Check your electrical system regularly

Have a qualified electrician check your electrical system regularly to make sure it is in good working order.

Inspect electrical components and wiring

Inspect electrical components and wiring for signs of damage. If you see any damage, replace the component or wire.

Be careful when using electrical devices

Be careful when using electrical devices. Do not use damaged electrical cords, and do not overload outlets.

What to do if you experience a short circuit

Short circuits can cause fires and serious injuries, so it is important to know what to do if you experience one. If you see sparks or smoke coming from an electrical appliance, immediately unplug it from the socket and move away from the area. Do not touch the appliance or try to open it, as this could cause an electrical shock. If you are unable to safely unplug the appliance, you can turn off the power at the fuse box or breaker box.

Contact Brunelli Electric in Franklin, MA

Always remember to turn off the power before investigating an appliance malfunction. If you experience a short circuit, call a qualified electrician to repair the appliance before using it again. Brunelli Electric can assist you in finding the right professional for the job. 508-400-5571

 

Almost everyone is familiar with the standard light bulb. It is a common household item that has been around for many years. However, there are now many other types of lighting options available to homeowners, including recessed lighting. So, why should you install recessed lighting in your home? There are several reasons! Keep reading to learn more.

Recessed lighting is a great way to make your home look and feel more luxurious

A well-designed lighting plan is essential for creating a stylish and inviting home. And while there are many different types of lights to choose from, recessed lighting is a popular option for adding a touch of luxury.

Recessed lights are small lights that are installed in the ceiling, and they provide a subtle and sophisticated source of light. One of the benefits of recessed lighting is that it can be used to create different layers of light, which can add depth and interest to a room.

It can help you save on energy costs by providing more light with less wattage

Recessed lights are designed to provide more light using less wattage, which means they use less energy overall. They’re also more efficient at distributing light, so you can get the same amount of light with fewer fixtures.

Recessed lights are less likely to produce glare, which can make it easier to see and work in a space. And because they’re mounted flush with the ceiling, they take up less space and can create a more open feel in a room.

Recessed lighting can be used in any room in your home, including the bathroom and kitchen

This type of lighting is often used in the living room or bedroom, but it can also be a great choice for the bathroom or kitchen. Recessed lighting provides a clean, modern look and can be used to highlight specific areas of your home.

In the bathroom, recessed lighting can be used to accentuate your sink or shower area. In the kitchen, it can be used to highlight your countertops or cabinets. Recessed lighting is also a great option for walkways or hallways, as it can provide ample light without being too bright.

Recessed Lighting Installation in Franklin

If you’re considering ways to make your home look and feel more luxurious, or are looking for a way to save on energy costs, recessed lighting may be the solution for you. Recessed lighting can be used in any room in your home, but is often most popular in the bathroom and kitchen. Brunelli Electric can help you install recessed lighting in your home quickly and easily – so why not give us a call today? We would be happy to answer any questions you have about this cost-effective and visually appealing upgrade for your home. 508-400-5571

As valuable as electricity is, it can be dangerous when an imbalance exists between the current supplied and utilized. That makes it necessary for every home to have a reliable circuit breaker to prevent hazardous incidents. Talking about a circuit breaker, GFCI comes to mind. You are already asking what that implies. Not to worry, we have answers to every question you might want to ask about GFCI.

Here is what you need to know:

 Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

An electrical system’s low-resistance grounding path sometimes breaks, causing a ground fault. When this occurs, the current takes a different route through an individual to the ground, leading to severe injuries. The scary part is that many people lost their lives to ground-fault occurrences.

GFCI functions as a swift response circuit breaker that prevents electric power supply in ground-fault situations. It compares the current supply to the electrical tools and the amount discharged along the circuit conductors. The GFCI will break the current transfer if there is a difference of 5 milliamperes in the flow.

The circuit breaker trips off as soon as it notices irregularities in current movement in and out of an electrical tool before the unexpected happens.

What part of a home Needs GFCI Outlet?

The standard recommendation by electrical engineers is to have a GFCI outlet installed in every part of your home. However, there are areas in a home that need it the most, and these are places where water is an indispensable component. For example, we use water in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry.

Additionally, suppose your home has a swimming pool. In that case, the GFCI outlet is a crucial preventive measure you should never take for granted. Also, it is essential to have it in place during every aspect of construction.

What is the Usefulness of GFCI Outlets?

Going by what we explained above, it’s evident that the GFCI outlet prevents electrical incidents that may cause injuries. But that is not the only importance. Other benefits include:

Prevents Fire Incidents

When an electrical imbalance occurs, it may lead to a fire outbreak that can destroy properties and lives. Installation of the GFCI outlet ensures that such incidents will never happen with the fast action of the breaker.

Prevent Shocks

Irregular current flow can lead to electrocution. No member of any household is immune to electrical shock. The ideal way to prevent it is to install a GFCI outlet to save your family from bad occurrences.

Safeguarding Electrical Appliances

Current leakage is unhealthy for humans and home electrical equipment. Metallic tools can cause electrocution to a person or even damage if the leaks continue. Rather than wait for that to happen, the GFCI outlet can assure you of adequate protection against horrible electrical incidences.

Call Your Electrical Experts in Franklin

Electricity is essential in homes, but there are risks associated with its usage. The best way to have peace of mind using these electrical appliances is to install GFCI outlets. If you need an expert for GFCI outlet installation, Brunelli Electric is a reliable company for such services. Give us a call today for more information! 508-400-5571

Fuses and circuit breakers both provide electrical protection for the home. It’s essential to have one or the other to protect the home or business from electrical overloads. Though they both do essentially the same thing, they use different methods. Fuses and circuit breakers are not the same, and it’s important to know the difference when choosing between the two. Here are the differences between the two and what protection they can provide. 

Circuit Breakers

A circuit breaker works using both an electromagnet and a bi-metal strip. The breaker is put in place to allow the electricity to flow through when it is on. When the power level becomes too high, the magnetic force moves a lever switch in the mechanism and breaks the circuit. This switch cuts the flow of electricity through the mechanism and the house or business. The bi-metal strip method uses a flexible strip that will bend to switch the lever and cut the current of electricity similarly. Circuit breakers cut the flow but only need to be reset to restore it to normal.

Fuses 

Fuses consist of a metal filament inside a casing made of glass or metal. The power comes into t home or business through a fuse box that contains one of these fuses. The current flows through the fuse and across the filament, providing electricity to the building. If too much power comes through the fuse box, it will melt the fuse and stop the current. Fuses help prevent power surges as the overflow stops once the fuse melts. 

Time

Fuses are a faster option as they rely only on the speed of melting. This option is advantageous because it offers speedier protection than a circuit breaker. The downside is that every time a fuse protects the home and melts, it is destroyed and has to be replaced. A circuit breaker may take longer to respond to a surge because it must flip a switch, but that switch doesn’t require replacing every time.

Price

A circuit breaker is the more expensive of the two systems. It requires more components and a complex electrical system. It also may cost more in damages if it does not respond fast enough to a surge and some electronics are affected.

Protection

Circuit breakers protect the home against both electrical surges and short circuits. Fuses only protect against overloads as they react to the influx of power and melt to stop its flow.

Uses 

Circuit breakers use heavy electrical equipment and high electrical loads. Fuses are used in electronics with lower electrical load and lower currents. If the home or business has a higher power load, it will likely be too much for a fuse system. 

Let An Electrician Decide

While it is good to understand the differences between these two options, choosing the correct one for your situation is more critical. While both have their uses, they aren’t interchangeable. Making the wrong choice can be costly and dangerous. To find out which is the right choice for your property, call Brunelli Electric and let us decide. Our professionals can prevent catastrophic damage to your home and avoid risking harm to family and pets. Contact us to speak with an experienced electrician who can determine the best choice for your property and assist with safe and efficient installation. Give us a call today at 508-400-5571!

The New England Winter can be brutal: cold, snow and ice, and other wintery problems can push your utilities to the max. Worse than a high electric bill is a loss of power, fire, or other disasters. In the winter, the need for electricity is exceptionally high. Preventing electrical issues in the New England Winter is crucial to a happy and warm season. 

Reduce Electric Consumption

You may require more appliance usage in the winter months, as people tend to stay home more when it gets colder. The consistent use of an electric oven, space heater, slow cooker, dishwasher, and washing machine can start to add up. The electric consumption is even more so if the appliances are older. Start by decreasing usage when possible and upgrading your appliances to more efficient versions. Reduced electric consumption will positively impact your electric bill and prevent your electrical system from overloading. 

Examine Winter Gear Every Year

Which electric items are only used in the colder months? If you put an electric blanket on your bed or use a space heater in your office, it is always a good idea to check these things before trusting them. Ensure that wires are not chewed or frayed, and keep an eye on them the first several times you use them in the season. If you have any doubts about the safety of an item, it is better to retire it than risk a house fire. 

Consider Investing in a Generator

A generator is significant if you have electric heat. To avoid extended periods of cold during those dreadful winter storm power outages, invest in a good generator to keep the heat going. Although some generators will not be able to power your entire home, a decent one should be able to keep your home warm and food cold. 

Use a Humidifier

While static electricity is not necessarily harmful (unless you’ve got fuel present that could spark), it can be an annoyance. In the winter months, static is more common because of the dry air. Using a humidifier can help you decrease some of the static in your home.

Get an Upgrade!

How old is your electrical system? If it has been 20 years or more since you had a complete electrical upgrade, the time is now. Not only is an upgraded electrical system good for the real estate value and your personal use, but it is also safer for your family. With an upgraded system, you can be sure that any overloaded circuits can be broken as a safety precaution – although a new system will be able to handle more electricity than an old one. 

Contact the Pros

No one wants to deal with electrical issues, but the importance is evident. Luckily, Brunelli Electric can step in and accomplish the complex parts for you! Keep your family and your home safe with the knowledge and skills provided by us. Contact us today at 508-400-5571

Have you ever found yourself in the dark unexpectedly and wondered why the power went out? As you’re wondering what’s going on, you notice the neighbors have working lights. That’s not a power outage – that’s what happens when your circuit breaker trips! While this can happen on occasion, it is essential to know why it happens if it continues. 

What is a Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker protects against a housefire, as it turns off the electricity when too much power is running. If a circuit breaker failed to stop an excess of electricity, the circuit could overheat and spark. The breaker serves to sever the connection and acts as a safeguard. 

What is ‘Tripping?’

‘Tripping’ happens when the breaker cuts the power on its own. When the circuit breaker has to take action to prevent disaster, it trips. Tripping, in the grand scheme of things, is a good thing. Unfortunately, it is also an annoyance. 

What Causes It?

It has been explained that your circuit breaker tripping is commonly the result of too much electricity. While that is true, there are a couple of other reasons that tripping occurs repeatedly. Knowing why your breaker keeps tripping is vital to grasp how to fix the problem. 

Short Circuit

A short circuit is a dangerous issue that you must take care of to avoid a fire. To explain, a short circuit results from a loose connection or lousy wiring that causes two wires to touch that should not cross. When a hot wire comes into contact with a neutral wire, the excessive current that comes through the wiring creates a level of heat the circuit was not prepared for. That heat trips the breaker. 

While tripping the breaker is good in this case, fixing the issue is still important. An electrician can safely fix the problem, but it is not typically safe for a DIY fix. Contacting a professional is the safest option in this case.  

Ground Fault Surges

A ground fault surge is like a short circuit in that two wires that shouldn’t touch do. However, rather than connecting a hot wire to a neutral wire, a ground fault surge connects a hot wire to a ground wire. This can cause a fire, discoloration surrounding the outlet, or overheating appliances. Before any significant damage can occur, the breaker should trip. 

Again, the circuit breaker tripping acts as a fire preventative measure, but it is not wise to rely on it. For the safety of your home and those in it, you should seek professional help immediately if you suspect a ground fault surge. 

Overloading the Circuit

As mentioned, too much electricity is a common cause of tripping the circuit breaker in your home. This is the least dangerous of the reasons and can be solved by eliminating the amount of electricity in use. If you have multiple appliances and devices plugged in and running in the same corner of the kitchen, you are likely putting too much electricity through your wiring. An air fryer, the microwave, a lamp, and a slow cooker going simultaneously are not great for your electricity. Instead of doing everything at once, try to space out your usage. If you have to use each item at the same time, spread them out so that the currents are not originating from the same outlets. 

 

Brunelli Electric in Franklin, MA Can Help!

When your breaker won’t stop tripping, and you aren’t sure what the cause is, Brunelli Electric can help! Identifying the issue may be a safety precaution that you should not ignore. Contact us today for help with your circuit breaker concerns. Fill out a contact form or give us a call at 508-400-5571.

Your bar or restaurant lighting should be determined by the unique mood that you want to create inside the establishment The lighting you choose for your bar or restaurant will have an immediate effect on the atmosphere. Lighting plays a significant role in your customer’s mood and overall experience inside your establishment. 

There are several factors that should be considered when selecting the lighting inside your establishment. These factors include your unique consumer demographics, hours of operation, and the mood you are trying to create. 

The following informational guide was developed to provide design ideas to assist bar and restaurant owners in choosing the best lighting for their establishment.

Light Fixtures

The wisest thing that bar and restaurant owners should do is to install light fixtures that can be manipulated easily based on their current lighting needs. Doing so will allow you to use different types of lighting without having to make extensive design changes in the future. 

Natural Lighting

Using natural light to your advantage is a visually appealing and cost-savvy way to lighten up a space. Optimize your natural lighting during daytime hours with windows, in outdoor spaces, and certain fixtures.

Accent Lighting 

Accent lighting is a great way to draw attention to specific areas and still keep the overall ambiance of a room intact. There are several types of accent lighting that can be used.

Pendant Lights

These lights hang from a chain or cord and are generally used to create functional, ambient light over bars and tables.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers can be used for general or accent lighting and are generally used in higher-end establishments.

Wall Lights

Wall lights can make a space appear larger and the mood inside your establishment feel brighter. 

Cost-Efficient Lighting

The following types of bar and restaurant lighting are the most cost-efficient options:

• LED Lighting
• Smart Lights 
• Utility Lighting

Utility lighting is also a great choice because it distributes light efficiently across large areas. This is ideal for businesses with large, open floor plans and in dark locations. 

Hours of Operation

Which hours your business is open is an important factor in determining which type, and how many different types, of lighting that you need. 

Morning

If your restaurant is open during the morning hours you have the benefit of natural light. You should use natural, warm lighting that mimics the sunlight. 

Afternoon

Dimmable lights are the best choice for afternoon hours because of the inconsistency of outside sunlight at this time of day. Natural light will also vary based on the time of year. You should also use lamps to add to your ability to manipulate the lighting this time of day.

Nighttime

Bright accent lights are a great way to illuminate specific areas throughout a bar or restaurant but keep a generally relaxed environment. This will allow part of the establishment to remain dark and provide light where it is needed. 

Professional Lighting in Franklin, MA

Contact a lighting professional to learn more about the best lighting for your bar or restaurant. The professionals at Brunelli Electric are knowledgeable and experienced in lighting design. Reach out to us today for more information. 508-400-5571

As with most problems that can happen in the home, prevention is key when you’re dealing with electrical issues. If signs of electrical issues are ignored, however, dangerous electrical fires could result. To avoid the damage, cost, and inconvenience, follow the following tips to prevent home electrical fires. 

Unplug the Appliances

Appliances that produce heat can quickly become a fire risk if left on for a long time or if they aren’t functioning correctly. Small heat-generating appliances like curling irons/straighteners, toasters, irons, and electric kettles should always be unplugged when you’re not using them. 

Extension Cords are Temporary

An extension cord is useful for bringing electricity closer to where you need it if an outlet is too far away. However, you should only use them as a temporary solution to power issues. If you don’t have enough permanent access to power, check with an electrician to see about getting it installed. 

Make Sure Your System is Up-to-Date

If you have an older home, updating your electrical system could be a good idea. Older systems may include knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, which is more prone to overheating. Getting a more up-to-date system with copper wiring will discourage overheating and lower the risk of electrical fires. Additionally, older systems tend to be 60-amp, so when updating, make sure your new system has at least 100 amps. 

Don’t Cut the Third Prong

The “ground,” or third prong on a power cord helps to protect the appliance from electrical malfunctions and power surges. In the case of a short circuit, the ground prong allows electricity to travel safely through. If you cut it, you eliminate that safe passage and run the risk of fire or electrocution. 

Always Follow Directions

When you buy a new appliance, don’t throw away the instruction manual right away. The manual will contain important directions and safety information. Make sure to follow those directions carefully to prevent risk of fire. 

Don’t Use Damaged Cords

If you notice that an appliance’s power cord is cracked, broken, loose, or otherwise damaged, stop using it immediately until you can get it repaired. To keep your power cords in good shape, make sure to store them properly. Make sure any cords on the ground aren’t damaged by vacuum cleaners, doors, or furniture. 

Pay Attention to Indications of a Problem

Overheating – which can quickly lead to an electrical fire – can be spotted if you know what to look for. Keep an eye out for any of these indications of a potential problem: 

• Power cord feels hot
• Burning smell from an appliance or power cord while in use
• Flickering lights
• Breakers tripping frequently
• Fuses blowing often
• Small electrical shocks or sparks when plugging in an item
• Burn marks near lights, switches, or sockets

Electric Company in Franklin, MA

Keeping an eye on your electrics throughout the house is a great way to stay on top of any potential problems. If you think you might have an electrical issue, give the experts at Brunelli Electric a call for immediate assistance and high-quality service. 508-400-5571

Decorating – or redecorating – a home can be as fun as it is challenging. After all, there are so many choices to be made – fabrics and paint colors and flooring types, for starters. It can all become overwhelming. When it comes to lighting, you may be tempted to just throw up a standard bulb and call it a day, but taking the time to choose your lighting carefully will help you create the home ambiance that works for your and your family. 

Recessed lights and ceiling lights are both excellent options, but to decide which one you want, you’ll have to look at the pros and cons. Luckily, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about recessed lights vs. ceiling lights right here. Read on to learn more!

Recessed Lights

As the name implies, recessed lights are tucked away up into the ceiling as opposed to hanging from it. Also called can lights, recessed lights are usually three to six inches in diameter. They are perfect for home theaters, basements, kitchens, and spaces with a low ceiling. 

Pros: 

• The lightbulb itself is hidden away, keeping the ceiling profile flat and streamlined. 
• They make your room appear larger than it is, thanks to the more open ceiling area. 
• Recessed lighting can be aimed in specific directions, so it can be used as a spotlight over art or souvenir displays. Or, they can be arranged to illuminate the entire room in a wash of light.
• They’re ideal for wet or steamy rooms, like the kitchen and bathroom. 

Cons: 

• While the lights can be installed anywhere in the ceiling, the bulbs themselves will always point downwards, so it could take a lot of lights and plenty of time arranging them to light up a large room. 
• Installation requires holes to be put in the ceiling, which could weaken your ceiling or lead to air leaks. 

Ceiling Lights

These are the more traditional lights you probably have n your home. Ceiling light types include pendants, chandeliers, track lighting, and ceiling fan/light combos. 

Pros: 

• Make a statement with any number of designs to match or contrast your room’s style. 
• It’s easier to light up a large room with ceiling lights since many options have multi-bulb functions, and the bulbs can be more exposed. 
• Instead of several down-ward facing lights, you may only need one large light to light up an entire room. 
• You only need to cut one hole as opposed to many to install a single ceiling light. 

Cons: 

• Your lighting can quickly become a distraction if the light is too bright or the fixture too large. 
• Depending on the room’s shape, using a single ceiling light may leave shadows or unlit areas. 
• Using more than one ceiling light in an attempt to brighten the whole space can make a room look small and cramped
• If your light hangs too low, it could become hazardous for taller people. 

Contact Brunelli Electric

Whether you’re going for recessed or ceiling lights, the light experts at Brunelli Electric are here to help. From choosing the right style to getting it installed in no time, our professionals will ensure your home is illuminated the way you want. Give us a call today at 508-400-5571 or fill out a contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.