Installed knob and tube wiring in a home

What to Know About Knob and Tube Wiring

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How to Spot and Replace Knob and Tube Wiring

Knob and tube wiring was an electrical wiring method used by electricians from the late 1800s to the mid-1990s. It was considered to be revolutionary for home electricity at the time. However, as time has passed and technology has advanced Knob and tube wiring is no longer used or supported for current-day technology. Its lack of compatibility with current technology and home appliances can lead to numerous problems in your home.

How to Spot Knob and Tube Wiring

If you are currently unsure if you have knob and tube wiring in your home it’s not too late to check. The best areas for spotting knob and tube wiring are within your basement or attic. Simply look around the joists for small ceramic tubes and knobs. If you spot the wiring, you should begin to think about how to replace it. If you do not spot any wiring in these areas that does not mean you are completely free of knob and tube wiring. Sometimes knob and tube wiring can be behind walls from previous homeowners trying to cover up the problem rather than resolving it. The only way to truly tell is by creating a hole in the wall to view the wiring in your home. While this may seem like a tedious task it can help you save thousands in the future by helping you avoid a major incident.

Potential Knob and Tube Wiring Hazards

Going out of your way to spot knob and tube wiring can feel unnecessary or like an overreaction. However, this is not the case knob and tube wiring can present a number of possible hazards for your home. The biggest hazard is the risk of a fire in your home due to wear and tear over time or too large electrical loads from modern appliances. Another common risk associated with knob and tube wiring is the lack of electrical ground. Not having a ground wire can lead to your devices and yourself being severely damaged. Whilst knob and tube wiring isn’t necessarily illegal it definitely has its cons that make it worth avoiding.

Knob and Tube Wiring Effects on Home Value

Knob and tube wiring is obsolete and carries many risks. Therefore, most insurance companies do not insure or renew homes that have knob and tube wiring. Nor, do they make it easy for you to finance a home with knob and tube wiring. Overall it becomes a financial headache that you may have to deal with for quite some time. Knob and tube wiring can potentially lower the overall value of your home as well. Since the cost of rewiring a home is very expensive you would need to deduct the additional cost from your selling price. Since many people stay away from knob and tube wiring it’s important to be transparent with any interested buyers. If you’re thinking of selling your home that contains knob and tube wiring just be prepared for a longer selling period.

How to Replace Knob and Tube Wiring

Knob and tube wiring replacement throughout a home is not an easy job. An ordinary electrician may find many complications and can do more harm than good if not experienced. That’s why it’s important to choose a trusted electrician for the job. Someone like Brunelli Electrician who has been in business for decades has the experience your home needs. With great prices and customer service, it’s no wonder why our customers keep coming back. If you want to replace knob and tube wiring in your home make sure to call Brunelli Electrician today!

5 Things to Know About Home Rewiring

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Rewiring a home, particularly if it is an older structure, can be quite a challenge. If you’ve never dealt with electrical wiring before, you probably have a lot of questions about whether or not you can handle a rewiring project on your own or not. After all, wiring can be dangerous and you certainly want to make sure you and your family are safe; safety concerns might have even been the catalyst for your upcoming project in the first place! As you read this guide, you’ll find five key things you need to know regarding home rewiring. 

Local Regulations

Many homeowners don’t realize that municipal building codes often extend to wiring. Your city or town probably has regulations regarding the number of outlets any given room should have based on its size, what sorts of wiring materials are acceptable, and even whether or not rooms are required to have a certain number of lighting fixtures. Professional electricians should know this information for the areas in which they operate, but it can be significantly more challenging for homeowners to make sure they are meeting all necessary codes on their own. 

A Solid Plan 

There’s a lot of mapping and preparation that goes into successfully rewiring any home. For starters, you will need to “chalk” the positions of any new outlets onto your walls. Then, you will have to determine how the current wiring system needs to be altered to account for these new plug-ins. This entire process typically requires expertise and can be difficult if you’ve never dealt with residential electrical planning in the past. 

Being Aware of Existing Systems

Remember, your home’s walls already have electrical and plumbing infrastructure inside of them. If you don’t know where these various lines are located, there is a risk of damaging them when you start making changes to your wiring. Being careful is absolutely key for both do-it-yourselfers and professionals when it comes to rewiring a house of any age!

A Single Appliance on Each Breaker 

It is wise to only have one appliance per breaker when you rewire your home. Otherwise, the risk of blown breakers is greatly increased. Furthermore, you will need to account for situations in which multiple outlets can control the same light fixtures or appliances; this can complicate rewiring. 

Considering Your New Hardware 

When a home is rewired, new outlets, outlet covers, and switch plate covers are typically also installed. Selecting this hardware can be tougher than homeowners are expecting due to all of the options on the market today! In addition to choosing styles that work with your home’s decor, you will have to, for instance, decide if you want your new outlets to be equipped with standard plugs only or USB ports as well. 

 

When all is said and done, the best choice is to work with Brunelli Electrician & the team to rewire your house. You will be able to rest assured that your project is in good hands and that your family’s safety is not at risk of being compromised. We offer exceptional customer service and take great pride in our work. Contact Brunelli online to discuss your residential wiring job!

Everything You Need to Know About LED Lighting

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In today’s home design industry, trends come and go just as they always have, but certain features seem to have staying power. LED lighting certainly falls into this category. Once LED bulbs hit the scene, their popularity skyrocketed and has not dropped-off since. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading the lighting in your house, now is a great time. As you read on, you’ll learn more about the perks of LED lighting and why you should choose it for your upcoming project.

 

The LED lighting is extremely energy efficient.

 

More homeowners than ever before are trying to go green when they remodel their houses. LED light bulbs are more energy efficient than any other bulb option. As a matter of fact, in regard to municipal usage, certain cities have found that they can save about 75% of their typical electric expenses simply by switching their street lights to LED bulbs. Imagine what will happen to your own residential electric bill by making this simple change!

 

LED’s last for many years.

 

Changing light bulbs is a pain, especially if you have high ceilings or a significant number of recessed fixtures in your home. LED bulbs virtually eliminate this chore, as they are generally rated to last for approximately 50,000 hours of use. To put this in perspective, CFL bulbs last about 8,000 hours, while traditional incandescent have to be replaced after around 1,200 hours. This alone is reason enough for many homeowners to considering making the switch to LED lighting throughout their residences.

 

LED lights are more customizable than other options.

 

One of the biggest perks of LED lights is that they allow for customized lighting schemes that are designed specifically to suit homeowners’ unique needs. They are easy to dim and brighten as needed, making them ideal to create different ambiances in versatile spaces, such as master bedrooms. They are also available in a variety of colors; some bulbs can even change from one hue to another. This is fun for kids’ playrooms and can add a unique touch in other types of spaces, like walk-in showers.

 

Here at Brunelli Electrician, we enjoy working with new residential clients who are interested in using LED lighting to change the overall look and feel of their homes. When you choose to work with our team, you will have guidance every step of the way as your home’s lighting scheme is put together. We can’t wait to hear from you and look forward to meeting you soon!

What You Need to Know About Knob & Tube Wiring

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If you’ve ever lived or worked in a house that was built between 1900’s and 1950’s, it’s very likely you’ve come across knob & tube wiring. Back in the day, this technology was considered a breakthrough for the electrical industry, but the norms and standards have evolved since then. Today, knob & tube wiring that has never been replaced or upgraded is considered unsafe. Old wiring can violate legal electrical codes and may decrease the value of your property.

 

So, what are the dangers associated with the outdated knob & tube wiring? First and foremost, knob and tube wiring consists of two separately stranded wires, that run through your walls and attic, but not through the ground. Knob and tube wiring runs through the open-air splices inside your walls under your insulation, yet there is no electrical box. This offers virtually no protection from electric shocks, overheating, or even igniting a fire. Additionally, the buildings with knob & tube wiring usually have an outdated insulation layer, and the circuitry may be impacted by plumbing or external water leaks, risking to shock the building’s occupants. Furthermore, older electrical systems didn’t carry high ampacity loads, and these extra loads that a modern home consumes might become a source of a full spectrum of electrical hazards. Over the years, if occupants wish to add more outlets to the house, electrical overvoltage is at a high risk of happening.

 

If you consider selling your property, make sure the original knob & tube wiring is replaced with a more modern solution, as it might cost you a potential sale. The reason is, home insurance companies will refuse to cover the homes with the outdated circuitry. If you are purchasing real estate with an outdated knob and tube wiring, make sure to negotiate an agreement where a seller would provide a licensed electrician to rewire a house as soon as possible.

 

Do not think of replacing knob and tube wiring on your own, an expert should inspect the condition of the wires, connections, devices like receptacles, switches, and overcurrent protection by fuses or circuit breakers. Because of the dangers involved, we urge you to contact Philip M. Brunelli Jr. master electrician to detect and correct all knob and tube wiring in your home or commercial business. Contact us today to get a quote for full knob and tube rewire. Having the peace of mind, knowing your electrical system meets the modern electrical code for safety, goes a long way.

 

Take a look at a recent knob & tube rewire we did:

 

Top Interior Lighting Trends of 2018

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Interior lighting is one of the essential elements of your home’s design. The atmosphere of a room can change dramatically depending on how the lights are positioned and what kinds of fixtures or light bulbs are being used. Needless to say, lighting also varies from room to room to accompany the functions and the feel of each space. The trends in interior lighting keep varying as the technology advances and preferences of new generations change. If you’re planning a remodeling this year, there are several new trends that might help you better understand your lighting needs and choices.

Industrial Lighting

As we know, fashion is a recurring cycle. Recently, we’ve noticed an industrial style reincarnating into a more elegant modern industrial. Rustic finishes, neutral colors, and other metal elements, associated with the traditional industrial style, tend to have an unfinished and warehouse-like feel. Industrial is coming back as a modern industrial, upgraded with the elements of elegance in a form of sleeker metals and new designs. Pendant lights and wall lighting fixtures in modern industrial style are perfect for kitchen and dining areas.

 

Retro Lighting

Similarly to the industrial style, retro is bringing back the nostalgic designs in an upgraded form. Vintage Edison-style lightbulbs are one of the most trending, timeless designs, that now also come with LED lighting. They can add cozy and warm yet slightly industrial feel to your living area and kitchen.

 

Art Deco Lighting

Unlike in lighting trends, the elements of Art Deco have been a consistent hit in the interior design. The early century modern art style is making a comeback with clean and sharp lines, the balance of art and form. Art Deco lighting fixtures are instantly recognized for their unique designs, combining geometric and functional features. Ultimately, this lighting style can make a bold art statement in any size, from an overhead centerpiece chandelier to a minimalistic accent table lamp.

 

LED Lighting

Over the past few years, LED has been pushing the old-fashioned lighting off the market. Typical light bulbs are wasteful and incandescent compared to an efficient and environmentally-friendly LED lighting. Its advantages are incomparable; LED is a long-lasting lighting option that saves power and money. It comes in a wide array of unique designs, styles, shapes, colors and extra features. The only drawback is that by saving money in the long run, the LED installation is more expensive compared to other types of lighting. Luckily, LED cost is expected to lower in 2018, so more homeowners will be able to afford it moving forward.

 

No matter what the trends dictate, choose what you love and what fits your home best. If you need a consultation on different kinds of lighting options you consider for your new home wiring or remodel, contact the office of Philip M. Brunelli Jr Master Electrician online or call 508-400-5571!

electrical wires

Should I Replace My Electrical Wiring?

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Old wiring isn’t necessarily dangerous, but you should make sure that your electrical system is up to date. If you’re not sure on the condition of your wiring, it’s worth it to hire a licensed master electrician to inspect your electrical system.

Warning Signs

If you notice any of these signs in your home, you should consider having your wiring replaced.

  • Breakers or fuses blow constantly
  • Dimming or flickering lights
  • Discolored outlets
  • Switch plates that are warm to the touch
  • Outlets only accommodate two-prong plugs

Replacing electrical wiring is part of making an old home safer, more modern, and more livable. Your electrical wiring should be up to code, as many insurance companies will charge a higher rate if your home has out of date or knob & tube wiring. Since knob and tube wiring is an older electrical system, it has a lot fewer circuits and lacks ground wire for the circuits. These problems can cause wires to short circuit or overheat.

Here at Philip M. Brunelli Jr. Electrician, we replace electrical wiring in homes and businesses. Call us today to schedule an appointment! 508-400-5571

electrician working with wires

How to Avoid the Most Common Electrical Code Violations

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You depend heavily on electricity throughout the day, but is your home’s electricity safe? Electrical code violations can put your home and family in danger. Make sure you avoid these common electrical code violations and keep your family safe by hiring a reputable electrician to make repairs.

 

Knob & Tube Wiring

Knob and tube wiring is considered very dangerous in today’s day-and-age. The wires aren’t grounded, so the circuits support a lower amperage than what is needed today. The wires used in this type of wiring, feature insulation that disintegrates over time. Many insurance companies won’t insure buildings with knob and tube wiring.

When to Hire an Electrician to Avoid This Code Violation: If your home was built before 1950 and the wiring has never been updated.

 

Old Wiring

A very common wiring mistake is running new light fixtures with old wiring. New fixtures often run at a hotter temperature, overloading wires if they’re older.

When to Hire an Electrician to Avoid This Code Violation: If your home has wiring from before 1987.

 

Overcrowded Wires

Overcrowding wires is when four or five wires are shoved through a ⅞ inch hole in the wall. This can be extremely dangerous as it leads to damaged wires. When the wires rub against each other, the insulation can be torn off of them, leaving them exposed and a fire hazard.

When to Hire an Electrician to Avoid This Code Violation: If your home has more than three wires running through the same ⅞ inch hole in the wall.

 

Illegal Splices

One of the worst code violations is a splice. This is a connection between two or more wires and is extremely dangerous if not contained inside a junction box.

When to Hire an Electrician to Avoid This Code Violation: If you have any wire splices in your home that are not through a junction box.

 

Need an electrician to fix these problems in your home? Call Philip M. Brunelli Jr. Electrician today! 508-400-5571

LED recessed light trim

The Benefits of LED Recessed Light Trims

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LED recessed lights are quickly becoming a popular option for lighting fixtures in homes because of their longevity and energy savings. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which means they have a computer chip semiconductor diode that emits light. We provide quality LED all-in-one trims that last. These all-in-one trims are LED light bulbs with the trim already attached, making installation a breeze.

These all-in-one trims are not obtrusive, illuminating a room with lighting that can be controlled for the task at hand. They can also have the option of being dimmable in order to change the intensity of the light to suit your needs. The dimming of LED lights uses a solid-state technology to eliminate flickering.

This lighting option is a great choice for those who are interested in environmental concerns and keeping electric bills low. LED lights are known for conserving energy, which can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. They can save up to 85% of the electricity that incandescent light bulbs use.

LED lights have a longer lifespan than conventional light bulbs because they burn at a much cooler temperature. This is also a great safety feature because you can install LED lights where other light bulbs are unsafe. They can last about 50 times longer, meaning less maintenance and time spent on changing out light bulbs.

Here at Philip M. Brunelli Jr. Electrician, our highly trained technicians neatly and safely install LED light trims in residential and commercial buildings. We make sure to protect your floors and leave no mess behind. If you’re in need of LED recessed lighting, give us a call today! 508-400-5571

office lighting

Does Your Office Lighting Need Improvement?

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Many people do not understand the effect that lighting has on us. Our body clock is set by Circadian rhythms, which are determined by light and dark. This is why our body’s are accustom to sleeping when it’s dark out, and staying awake when it’s light out. If we are in a room that has poor lighting, our body naturally becomes tired. Good office lighting has been shown to improve productivity; which is why it is important to have suitable task lighting, ceiling lighting, and even wall lighting.

The intensity and type of light that we use during the workday can have a major impact on our health. It’s easy to understand why employees don’t want to be in a working environment that’s too dim; it can negatively affect worker productivity and the quality of work they produce.

Symptoms caused from poor lighting in the office include:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Eye strain
  • Watery or burning eyes

To find out if your office is suffering from poor lighting, ask your employees if they suffer from any of these symptoms. Do they find themselves squinting throughout the day in order to see things more clearly? Do they have a headache at the end of the day after staring at their computer screen? Maybe it’s time for your office to improve its interior lighting! Contact Phillip M. Brunelli Jr. Electrician today for more information on interior office lighting! 508-400-5571