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Knob and tube wiring is obsolete and carries many risks.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!

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!

Top Lighting Trends for 2019

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If you’re in the mood for something new in your home but aren’t ready to make big modifications yet, then consider making changes to your lighting. It’s a quick transformation that doesn’t have to break the bank and can make a huge difference. Here are the top lighting trends for 2019, to use as suggestions for any lighting improvements happening in your home.

 

Brass

Brass as a fixture material is very in for 2019. If gold is too much for you but you love the warm tone, consider brass. Unlacquered brass is the way to go – it will take on a lovely patina as it ages. If you do a little searching, you could find some really amazing vintage pieces in brass to brighten up your space.

 

Natural fibers

Lighting with natural fiber shades is very desirable this year. Woven wicker or rattan can either feel vintage or beachy, depending on the fixture and the vibe of the rest of the room. Another plus: natural fibers filter light in a soft, lovely way for a diffused feel for your space.

 

Sculptural

If form and function both appeal to you, consider going a more sculptural route in your lighting. These fixtures can be so much more than just a light source – they can be statement pieces that tell you what space is all about.

 

Indirect

In an opposite realm, lighting can also be subtle and hidden. Indirect lighting is a hot trend in 2019 if integrating your lighting with your space is something that is important to you. By tucking lighting under counters, behind mirrors, or along molding, you can light spaces without calling attention to just how you’re lighting it. Indirect lighting can feel soothing and bring calm to otherwise chaotic spaces.

 

Pendant

Especially in open-concept spaces, the pendant light can serve as an anchor. If you live in a loft or otherwise open space, consider using pendant lights to help create a sense of place. Pendant lights can either be bold, or more sensible, depending on your tastes.

 

Island chandelier

Island chandeliers are very current for 2019, and take the concept of the pendant light and turn it up a bit. If your kitchen features a stand-alone island, consider putting a large island chandelier above it to make space feel more complete. Don’t let the word “chandelier” fool you – these don’t have to be the formal crystal affairs of traditional chandeliers. Island chandeliers can take many forms but are often modern or industrial in feel.

 

Changing your lighting is an easy step toward making your space feel new again. Consider these six trends in indoor lighting in 2019 when shopping for your next lighting statement! Contact Brunelli Electrician for a free estimate!

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!

Benefits of Installing a USB Outlet

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Thanks to the popularity of smartphone technology and tablets, electronic charging devices all run by USB power ports. For years, many of us have had to plug our phones and tablets and other devices into converter devices that would connect to a traditional outlet, but times have changed. While there are many charging options, and all of them still work well, USB wall chargers are gaining more popularity than ever before.

USB outlets are small and accommodating, and the cables not only carry power but also data. They’re beneficial for smart grids, convenient storage, and even solar power. And they’re universal. The benefits are clear. Many people consider USB to be the future of electricity, and it’s easy to see why. But in case you aren’t sure yet, here are some major benefits of installing a USB outlet into your wall.

Convenience

While some rechargeable devices require you to wait until their battery is full again before using it, USB ports allow you to charge and use the device simultaneously. That’s pretty convenient. Some laptops and PCs have limited ports, reducing the options for using these methods. But a USB wall charger will allow you to make use of its functionalities anytime you need it. Also, many detached USB ports can be bulky, thereby covering up other unused outlets. You won’t have to worry about that with a wall charger.

Efficiency

Using a normal USB power outlet to charge your device through a laptop or desktop computer can provide you with a current of roughly 500 amps maximum. This could sometimes take a bit longer than plugging your device into a cord that connects to a traditional outlet – a not-so-convenient method sometimes. But having a USB wall outlet will allow you to charge faster with about 20 amps more than a desktop or laptop. This is especially beneficial to devices that are larger and have bigger batteries. The stronger current will allow for a minimal charging time of just a few minutes, making it much more efficient.

Durability

Because of their sleek and lightweight designs, many USB ports currently on the market are easily lost or damaged. But a USB wall charger is much more durable – it doesn’t go anywhere. Sometimes a home office might require several things to be plugged in at once, creating a potential fire hazard with several USB ports, which can become costly. The wall port will last you for years to come and is made of durable, quality materials.

If you need more information or assistance from a qualified technician who can install a USB wall outlet for you in the greater Franklin, MA area, get in touch with us today. Philip M. Brunelli Jr. has been a residential and commercial electrical contractor since 1997, and we’ve wired over 600 brand new homes locally and serve our customers, large and small. Our technicians are highly trained, respectful, timely, and guarantee satisfaction.  

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

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