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. 

 

Imagine needing someone to give you special medical care. Calling a general doctor or one who is not versed in that particular specialization would be wrong. It’s like calling a nurse for surgery when in fact, you need a surgeon. You run unreasonable risks. Worst still, you’ll eventually hire the specialist. That’s the same situation with hiring a local electrician when in fact, you need an emergency electrician. What are the benefits of hiring an expert for the problem?

Expertise

An emergency electrician is a professional who is fully equipped to deploy expert electricity-related services. Hiring one is like hiring the guy who knows what to do and the best way possible to do it. When you hire an emergency electrician, his professional manner of work helps solve the problem in time. This saves you valuable time and removes the risk of having the electrical trouble escalate beyond minor issues.

Safety

Regardless of the benefits of electricity, it continues to be a dangerous source of energy and is capable of fatal accidents if not managed properly. Even minor mishandling of naked wires or a wrong connection of wires can electrocute you when you try to handle electrical emergencies yourself. Hiring an emergency electrician helps protect you and your loved ones because he is an expert handling wire. He is also less likely to make mistakes that can prove fatal since he is a professional.

Professional gear

Emergency electricians are experts. Since it’s their nature to handle electrical emergencies, you can ensure they come with all their tools. Unlike you or your local electricians, they will hardly improvise or try to manipulate the wrong tools for a particular work. They understand the nature of their jobs. They leave nothing to chance. They come prepared for every possibility.

Respond immediate

As emergency electricians and experts in electricity matters, they understand that electrical emergencies require the utmost sense of urgency. They are aware from work experience too that electrical problems must be fixed as soon as possible because of the risk associated with electricity. For these reasons, the electricians at Brunelli Electric are available for you 24/7! 

Cost-effective

Delays in fixing electrical issues can cause serious problems. Hiring an emergency electrician to “nip it in the bud” before it becomes a big issue can help to save you some bucks. Their services help you avoid unnecessary expenses when you hire them to fix minor problems on time.

Hire Emergency Electricians in Franklin, MA

Do not court electrical dangers. Call Brunelli Electric to deal with that emergency. We are specialists in matters of electrical emergencies. Our experts understand the urgency of the situation. Our prices are competitive, and our desire to keep you safe is high. We’re available 24/7 for all emergency electrical services. Give us a call today or write down our number to keep it handy if you have an electrical emergency! 508-400-5571

People usually use the term short circuit in the wrong context. They refer it to as a wiring issue in an electrical circuit. However, in actuality, the short circuit occurs due to exposure and damage of the wire connections or electrical circuit wires. Here is some important information that will provide you a better understanding of the short circuit:

What is a Short Circuit?

A short circuit occurs when one wire carrying electric current contacts another wire or other electrical conductor. When this happens, a new path for electricity opens up, leading it to that alternate path. Because energy, in this case, electricity, flows to the path with the least resistance, it leads to amplify the electric charge. When the flow of current exceeds in a path, it raises safety issues. As a result, it generates heat and a large amount of power causing disruption to the connected appliances.

Why is Short-Circuiting Dangerous?

A short circuit may rise in both AC and DC circuits and both situations are dangerous. But you may wonder why a short circuit is dangerous? Well, due to the fact that a large amount of energy travels through a single circuit, it produces high temperatures. In this condition, heat can cause fire and power failure. 

For instance, when there is a short circuit in a 9v battery, it instantly discharges generating heat. The heat occurs due to a large flow of current. Keeping this example in mind, when the high current flows through a charged capacitor causing a short circuit, it results in power failure causing wire explosion. 

How to Prevent a Short Circuit?

Here are some tips, suggested by experts, to prevent short circuits and save your home:

• Switch off the appliance when they are no longer in use.
• Installing protective devices such as fuses can help indicate a short circuit. The fuses will blow out with an exceeding current preventing any damage. 
• Monitor a load of current by installing magneto-thermal switches.
• Install grounded outlets and prevent short circuits especially when you connect devices that can cause an internal short circuit.

Contact Brunelli Electric in Franklin, MA

When a short circuit happens, you should immediately look for the obvious problem. However, this can be a challenging task because a short circuit may arise inside the wall. Therefore, you should contact a licensed electrician and let them deal with the problem. 

At Brunelli Electrician, we provide a professional and highly qualified electrician to inspect and solve short circuit problems eliminating the risk of fire. Simply, contact us at 508-400-5571, if you smell smoke or melted plastic and save your family and home from a serious problem.

Solar generators are a portable option for harnessing solar energy. They comprise a solar panel battery, an inverter, and solar panels along with battery chargers. The solar generators are responsible for capturing energy from the sun’s radiation and then storing it in the batteries attached to it. 

What is a Solar Generator?

There is a significant rise in the demand for solar energy equipment as the world is starting to realize the potential for “green” sources of energy. Consider the sun as the primary source of power for solar generators to produce energy. People usually consider portable solar generators when it comes to using electricity from solar energy.

Solar panels in the solar generators harness the energy using batteries for storage. Moreover, solar generators are capable of storing varying amounts of energy to produce electricity and heat. In addition, they are not suitable for powering an entire structure individually but are suitable for RVs, camps, tents, boats, etc.

How Does a Solar Generator Work?

When the sunlight reflects on the solar panels, they harness the energy from the radiation using complex mechanisms. Following that, the harnessed energy moves into a charge controller which is responsible for voltage regulation.

The charge controller stores the energy as today’s solar generators contain lithium-ion batteries. Subsequently, when you require the use of the backup solar energy for running appliances and more, the inverter regulates the current from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current).

Similarly, solar generators run depending on their capacity to store solar energy. Some of the modern solar generators have USB ports along with AC outlets that enable you to charge multiple devices from them as well.

Normally, a general portable solar generator can provide electrical power up to 2 kWh while the bare minimum could range to 0.1 kWh. Therefore, they are not suitable for large-scale energy consumption purposes.

What are the Common Pros of Using Solar Energy?

There are various benefits of using solar energy including an environmentally friendly impact along with and lesser carbon footprint. Furthermore, take a look at some of the main benefits of making use of solar generators for backup power. 

Nearly Free Energy

Commonly, all it takes is for you to purchase a solar generator to harness solar energy and using electricity from it. Unlike the traditional gas-run generators, you are void of the expensive electricity/fuel bills.

Low Maintenance and Sound-Friendly

You might have an idea regarding the traditional method of electricity production. Well, unlike the large-scale machinery and equipment for fuel-generated electricity, solar generators barely make sounds when harnessing the sun’s energy.

Overall, they also require lower maintenance and provide an opportunity to lower your skyrocketing local energy bills. 

Solar Generators in Franklin, MA

For unhindered solar energy supply and power generation, contact Brunelli Electrician at 508-400-5571.  

If you are a restaurant owner, one of our main goals is to guarantee guests a great experience every time they dine with you. You want your guest happy and fully satisfied, but it’s not simply about the quality food that you provide them. There’s more to a great restaurant experience than what is on the menu and the final product that reaches a guest’s table. If you’ve never really given much thought to light being a huge factor, consider it now. Your choice in restaurant lighting can transform your space for the better or worse and impact your guests’ experience. Here are some simple tricks and tips to consider when adding restaurant lighting to your restaurant.

Keep Lighting Balanced

Functional restaurant lighting prevents glare and eye strain and this can be achieved by minimizing brightness to the right level and bringing balance to your lighting taking both surfaces and colors into consideration. A lighting imbalance in your restaurant can cause your guests’ pupils to adjust dramatically as their eyes move from surface to surface. This adjustment causes eye strain which can lead to headaches and discomfort. Aim to keep your restaurant space evenly and brightly lit. It’s best to use more than a single light source to illuminate a space with a dark surface that doesn’t reflect light well. Improper balance of lighting can cause discomfort for your guests.

Be Smart When Choosing LED

LED lights are a great investment that can help you to save on energy costs, leaving you with more money to put into growing your business. The type of LED lighting and where they are placed are typically dependent on factors, like the mood you want to create, your restaurant’s interior design and external facade, the menu, and whether or not you want to create a focal point. If you would like first impressions to help you gain new guests and keep them, the right LED lighting design in your restaurant can be impactful. The ambiance and accent lighting, for example, matters to guests and the sort of atmosphere and experience that they are seeking. 

Use Light-Colored Surfaces to Impact Restaurant Lighting

Look beyond lighting fixtures for a source of light for your restaurant space. Consider how to capitalize on reflected and diffused light to gain adequate, inviting, and comfortable illumination in your restaurant. This is where decor becomes important to restaurant lighting. When it comes to painted surfaces, from countertops and tabletop to walls and bars, selecting lighter-colored paint can do wonders to reflect light, while creating a much calmer and inviting space for guests to enjoy. Keep in mind that dark-colored surfaces will throw off the lighting balance in your restaurant since they absorb rather than reflect light. Preventing glare and eye strain are key factors in ensuring that guests have a great time as they dine.

Contact Brunelli Electrician for Restaurant Lighting

At the end of the day, you want guests at your restaurant to leave feeling completely satisfied with their experience and Brunelli Electrician can help you to achieve that end. If you have a restaurant lighting need, let our team of reliable lighting professionals help you make the right selection. Give us a call today to learn more about the lighting services that we provide and how we can help you.508-400-5571