short circuit

What Is Considered An Electrical Emergency?

There’s never a good time for an electrical issue to arise, so it’s a good idea to be prepared in the event that one comes up at an inopportune time. One of the easiest ways to do this is to know ahead of time what constitutes an electrical emergency and what can wait until a better time to address it.

It is also important to keep in mind that most electrical work requires a level of expertise and can pose a serious risk to anyone who tries to tamper with it. Not only that, but certain electrical issues can put your home and loved ones at risk if left unaddressed, so it’s good to know when to call in a professional for an emergency.

1. An unexplained power outage

Most power outages have a relatively simple explanation. Whether it’s inclement weather, infrastructural work, or an accident that has knocked out power to an area, your utility company should be able to explain why your power is out. 

However, if your home has lost power, the utility company can’t explain it, and the problem is isolated to just your home, you can consider this an electrical emergency.

2. You find a burnt outlet

If you see brown or black marks surrounding an outlet, this is a clear sign that it has been overloaded. When an outlet is overworked, it heats up and can reach a point where it actually begins to burn. An overloaded outlet should be addressed right away, so be sure to call an electrician about the issue immediately, no matter the hour. 

3. A new noise coming from your circuit breaker

If you notice that your circuit breaker is suddenly making a noise that you’ve never heard before, this could be indicative of a larger issue. The biggest risk in this situation is that your breaker isn’t tripping properly. 

It can be frustrating when a circuit breaker trips, but when this happens it’s actually a good thing. Circuit breakers trip when they sense something is wrong, so the tripping mechanism works to prevent further harm.

If the breaker isn’t tripping, it can leave your home vulnerable to electrical damage. There’s no doubt this is an electrical emergency, so don’t hesitate to contact a professional if this is happening in your home.

4. An electrical issue that can’t be fixed with simple troubleshooting

Sometimes fixing something electrical is as simple as unplugging it and plugging it back in again, wiggling a cord, or ensuring everything is plugged in where it’s supposed to be. But if these easy steps don’t do the trick, you may be dealing with an issue that requires professional help.

If an outlet, appliance, or light fixture isn’t functioning as it should and it’s putting off an unusual noise or smell, it should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. 

Leave it to the professionals at Phillip M. Brunelli Electric

There’s a reason electricians go through intensive schooling, apprenticeships, and additional training. Electrical work can be quite dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing and it’s easy to make a situation go from bad to worse if you try tinkering with the problem in an attempt to fix it. 

Our team at Brunelli offers 24/7 support for any electrical emergencies you may experience. If you are in the midst of an electrical emergency do not wait! Contact our team today.

home office lighting

Power-Saving Tips for your Home Offices

As working from home is being normalized more than ever, electricity consumption has increased in home offices rather than commercial office buildings. Turning your homes into offices is undoubtedly a comfortable option, but great responsibility and added expenses come with comfort.

While electricity bills might still be lower in some areas, they have significantly increased for more people and in most areas. Working from home increases your energy consumption and hence the power charges. For this reason, here are some efficient power-saving tips for your home offices that can help you save your electricity cost to a great extent: 

Use Energy Saving Bulbs and Natural Lights

If your home office is prone to natural lighting, use it for most of the day, as long as it’s available, so you don’t have to switch on any lights. If your home office has a darker setting, use specific LED or CFL bulbs due to their low power and energy consumption with less heat production while still providing exceptional light coverage.

 

Control Your HVAC Systems

Now that you spend more time at your home office than your commercial office, your HVAC system needs to work double to maintain your desired temperature. In this case, consider an investment in a smart thermostat, as these units keep your temperature comfortable while optimizing your HVAC system’s performance and efficiency. 

 

Use Efficient Technology

Commercial offices primarily work 24/7, so they use efficient technology for decreased power consumption. The exact needs to be opted for your home office, as you can opt for a laptop instead of a desktop, as it consumes less energy. For monitors and other devices, you can switch to more efficient alternatives to save your power consumption.

 

Remember to Turn Off Your Devices

When not in use, electrical devices still consume electricity power. For this reason, you should turn off your electrical devices such as laptops, printers, LCDs, and chargers to stop electricity consumption when the devices are not in use. Shutting the devices off on time ensures no excess power and energy usage by any device.

 

Use Printers Only When Necessary

With technological advancements and many viewing and digital options available, printers are not much in use now as they used to be. In such cases, printers should be used only when necessary as they consume a surprisingly higher amount of power and energy consumption, shooting your energy bills to a great extent.  

 

Bottom Line

With all other added expenses, cutting down on as many things as possible is necessary. The above-mentioned power-saving tips can significantly help you manage your electricity consumption for your home office. 

Some skilled professionals can help you manage your power consumption efficiently. If you are looking for credible electrical services, contact Brunelli Electric for a reliable experience. 508-400-5571

office electrical work

Signs Your Office Needs Some Electrical Work

It is no news that for an office to run effectively, there is the need for proper management and maintenance of electrical current. Employees must feel comfortable in an office to effectively discharge their duties. With the number of office appliances relying on electricity to function, it is only logical that there is proper attention on the electrical work. Activities disruption can lead to low productivity.

This post will expose you to 4 signs your office needs some electrical work. 

4 Signs Your Office Needs Electrical Work

It’s disappointing when the power goes off while in the middle of some important tasks. You can avoid this just by fixing some electrical issues in your office. But how can you know when your office needs some electrical work? Here are signs to look out for:

Bulb Flickering

We often pay less attention when our office light bulb flickers. However, it is one of the earliest signs of needing a technician. Flickering occurs due to overload when it’s becoming unbearable for the outlet. Failure to reduce the circuit load may result in a fire outbreak in the office. That may lead to the loss of valuable equipment and documents. It would be best if you got an electrician to sort the issue immediately. 

Wire sparks/ Electrical Noises

A wire spark indicates that your office space might need some electrical work. Be wary of liquid substances directly contacting your electrical devices, especially during plugging or unplugging. Sparks occur mainly when the live circuit becomes exposed to water. Failure to address these sparks could melt the insulation, causing electricity hazards. Never should you ignore sounds made by circuits.

Frequent Power Outage

Loss of power can be frustrating, especially for office users. When you discover that you often experience power outages in your office compared to other buildings, you have a sign right before you. It may be due to various factors, including power surges or older breakers. Older circuit breakers are prone to frequent tripping, requiring that you address the problem as soon as possible. Delaying the electrical work will increase your workload if you can get an alternative source to complete your tasks.

Melting odor

You may discover a particular section of your office filled with a rotten melting odor. Do not take this lightly, as more danger may just be heading your way. This burn can be due to an overheating socket or adapter, a short circuit, or improper electricity on your power supply. It is advisable to switch off the socket or abandon every electrical appliance until an electrical expert reviews the problem. Your valuable asset may be at risk if you don’t do the needful on time.

Professional Electrician in Franklin, MA

Fire outbreaks are one of the most typical forms of recurring hazards in today’s world. It is primarily due to negligence on the part of the electricity users. It is advisable to have a regular electricity status review on your offices, especially when one or two signs pop up. If you would need further help with your office electricity, Brunelli Electric is the best hand for the job. Contact us today! 508-400-5571

Shed electricity

Can I Get Electricity in My Shed?

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

short circuit

How To Prevent A Short Circuit

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

 

recessed lighting in kitchen

Why Should I Install Recessed Lighting In My Home?

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

GFCI Outlet

What’s A GFCI Outlet?

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

circuit breaker

Are Fuses And Circuit Breakers Different?

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!

How to Avoid Electrical Problems in the New England Winter

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

circuit breaker

Why Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?

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.