Electrical issues can be a pain, especially when they happen at home. There are many things that may go wrong with your electrical system, but there are also ways to fix them! In this article, we will discuss some common electrical issues and how to solve them.

A Broken Light Switch

There are many reasons why this could happen, but the most common reason is because of a faulty or jammed breaker in your fuse box. To fix this problem follow these steps:  First shut off power to the switch and go to your circuit breaker panel and locate the breaker that is controlling the area.  Inspect the breaker for any abnormalities.  If there are no visible problems try to reset the circuit breaker by fully turning it off then back on.  If this does not solve the problem it may be time for an electrician!

Flickering Light

Flickering lights can be a result of several different issues such as too many light bulbs or dimmers on the same circuit. If you have more than one bulb flickering it may also mean that there is an issue with your electricity or a bad connection that could result in arcing – loose/corroded connections making irregular contact that might cause sparking, overheating, and fire.  Flickering lights can also be caused by loose wiring connections, deteriorating insulation around the wire or corroded wires, damaged switches and receptacles.  To fix flickering lights you can try checking the wiring connections and insulation.  If these do not work, it could be time to call an electrician!

Dead Outlets

Dead outlets are typically caused by loose connections, corroded wires or damaged outlets. The first thing you should do when your outlets stop working is check to see if the switch has actually been turned off.  If it has not then check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped.  If the circuit breaker is intact try resetting it to restore power, but if that does not work then you will want to inspect your outlets for loose wiring or corrosion and replace any damaged items.  If you can’t find the problem it’s time to call an electrician.

A Circuit Breaker Trips Frequently

This could mean that there are too many appliances or devices being used on one circuit, or it may also be because of faulty breakers – they have gone bad.  First unplug some of your appliances and devices on that circuit, if it still trips then you will want to contact an electrician.

Smoke alarms serve an important purpose: they keep your family safe. Despite their importance, few people think of them as often as they should, which leads many to wonder who to call when a smoke detector needs to be replaced.

While it’s possible to install a battery-operated smoke detector yourself, hardwired units should be done professionally. By hiring an electrician, you’ll get your smoke detectors installed in a code compliant manner.

Can an Electrician Install Smoke Detectors?

When building homes, electricians install smoke alarm mounting boxes and wiring so everything is up to code. If you decide to repair or replace them, it’s best to hire an electrician to do the job. There are a few reasons to hire an electrician to install a smoke detector instead of doing it yourself, including:

• Installing new units that do not fit existing hardware
• Rewiring existing units or putting in new ones
• Working with a connected alarm system
• When you are unsure of how many alarms you need or where to put them

Because we’re familiar with all local requirements and building codes, we’ll do the job right. Call or click today for smoke alarm installation services in your area.

Electricians Install All Sorts of Smoke Detectors

The need for professional smoke detector installation depends on your abilities and the type of detectors used. Allied Electric’s team members can install:

• Hardwired smoke alarms. Because these devices are connected to your home’s electrical wiring, it’s best to have us replace a hardwired smoke detector.
• Battery-powered units. If you are installing battery-powered carbon monoxide or smoke detectors, the process is a little easier. There’s no need for a power source or electrical knowledge, but we can still install these for you if you’re unsure of how to do it.

Whether you’re installing battery-powered or hardwired smoke alarms, consider hiring a pro to do the job. We’ll do all the hard work and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home and family is protected.

Testing Smoke Alarms

According to the United States Fire Administration, it’s best to test smoke detectors once per month. This recommendation applies to all types of alarms, no matter their power source (lithium-ion batteries, 9-volt batteries, or hardwired). To perform the test, push the button on the outside of the case. If the alarm doesn’t sound, replace the battery or the unit itself.

When Should You Schedule Smoke Detector Installation?

The Fire Administration also suggests that residential smoke detectors be replaced every ten years. When changing batteries, consider checking each unit’s manufacturing date. If it’s time for replacement smoke detector installation, call us to schedule an appointment.

Are Smoke Detectors Hard to Replace?

If you are able to find the same brand and model, it should be easy to replace a smoke detector; simply snap the new unit into the existing housing. If that model has been discontinued, however, you may need an electrician to rewire new mounts.

If your home has an interconnected smoke alarm system, your electrician will ensure that all new units are from the same maker. When interconnected alarm systems are built using mix-and-match components, they may not work as intended. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t know how to work with interlinked smoke alarms. That’s why we’re here! Call today to schedule an appointment to install a fire alarm.

Smoke Detector Installation: Whose Responsibility Is It?

Smoke alarms are considered home safety devices, which means they are heavily regulated, and someone will be held liable if they do not work as designed. In most instances, homeowners or landlords are held responsible when failures arise due to:

• Poor placement and installation methods
• Insufficient maintenance
• Broken, missing, or dead batteries
• Disconnection
• Tampering

If a property owner does not ensure that a home’s smoke detectors are functional and code compliant, they may be held legally liable for tenants’ losses. Therefore, if you’re in a rental home and its smoke alarms aren’t working, notify your landlord and call an electrician as soon as possible.

No matter who is held liable for the function and presence of smoke detectors, it’s your family’s safety at risk when they don’t work right. That’s why it’s so important to test these devices regularly and have them serviced and installed by licensed professionals.

Get the Job Done Right: Schedule Smoke Alarm Installation With Allied Electric

Whether you’re installing one smoke alarm or hiring a handyman to install an entire house full, it’s crucial to hire the right company for the job. Your family’s safety is too important to leave to chance, which means DIY methods aren’t the best option.

When it’s time to install or replace your home’s smoke alarms, we want to help. Call Allied Electric at (928) 232- 4028 to learn more about our services or to schedule a smoke alarm installation visit.

All electricity coming into the home does so through the home’s main electrical panel. The electrical panel works to split the electricity to the various circuits in the home, sending it where it’s needed at the time. At some point, homeowners will likely wonder, should I upgrade my electrical panel? There are numerous situations when this may be recommended. Our team at Allied Electric can provide assistance for any homeowners wondering if an upgrade is a good idea.

Should I Upgrade my Electrical Panel? When to Consider It

When there are issues with the electrical panel, it’s outdated, or it just isn’t sufficient for the home’s energy use anymore, it may be time to have it upgraded. Issues with the electrical panel, like breakers that trip regularly, can often be repaired. If the issue keeps occurring, though, it’s time to consider an electrical panel upgrade. If the home has old wiring that needs to be updated or if the electrical panel doesn’t provide sufficient power for all of the energy use in the home, a new electrical panel is recommended.

Benefits of Upgrading an Electrical Panel

Homeowners may want to consider upgrading the panel for numerous reasons. No matter what the reason for the upgrade is, though, there will be many benefits. Some of the benefits homeowners can expect include the following.

Reduce Potential Risks

Older electrical panels may start having issues, which can lead to electrical shocks or the risk of an electrical fire. An upgrade replaces the panel with a new one, which means it’s much less likely to cause shocks or a fire in the home. Lowering the risks helps to keep the home much safer.

Increased Power to the Home

Homes in the past did not use as much electricity as they do today. There are more TVs and computers in homes, a larger number of kitchen appliances being used, and many devices that need to be charged. Older panels may not be able to handle the power usage in the home. An electrical panel replacement can help increase power availability in the home.

Prevent Repeated Repairs

Older electrical panels will start to deteriorate over time. If the home has the older fuses in their main panel, they may experience issues more frequently and may find they’re spending a lot of money on repairs. Even newer electrical panels with circuits, though, will start to break down as they age. Replacing the panel can help prevent the need for future repairs and reduce the potential risks that come with an aging panel.

Make the Home More Energy-Efficient

Older panels tend to use more energy to provide power throughout the house. An upgraded panel will use less energy and cost less to run, which can help save on energy costs for the home. Homeowners interested in saving as much money as possible can consider an upgrade to help make their electrical system more energy-efficient.

Increase Resale Value

There isn’t going to be a huge jump in the value of a home with a new electrical panel, but it can help. Upgraded electrical panels provide numerous benefits, so if you’re planning to sell the home, it can be used as an added incentive for potential buyers. They’ll appreciate the increase in power that can be provided through the panel as well as the reduced energy usage and reduced potential for any issues.

Get an Insurance Discount

Some insurance companies will offer discounts when certain work is done to improve the safety of the home. An upgraded electrical panel can decrease potential risks like shocks or an electrical fire, so the insurance company may be able to provide a small discount on insurance premiums when the upgrade is complete. It is worth calling the insurance company to ask about a discount.

Do I Need a Permit to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?

Permits are designed to make sure any projects done in the home comply with local codes and are done in a way that meets or exceeds safety standards. For this reason, a permit is needed for an electrical panel installation or upgrade. Doing the upgrade without a permit can lead to fines or the panel needing to be reinstalled, so it is always recommended to have the permit for the job. An electrician can get the permit before beginning the work.

Should I Upgrade my Electrical Panel? Getting Expert Assistance

It’s not always easy to tell if upgrading the electrical panel is necessary or a good idea. Homeowners wondering about whether this is the right option for them will want to speak with an expert. An inspection of the home and a conversation about any concerns can help determine whether an upgrade is a good idea at this time.

Electrical panels provide energy to the home, making them essential for all homes. If your home’s electrical panel isn’t working right or isn’t providing enough power for your needs, it’s time to talk to the pros at Allied Electric for help. Serving Prescott and Prescott Valley, we offer expert assistance and can help determine if an electrical panel upgrade is needed for your home. Call us now at (928) 232- 4028 to schedule a consultation.

You go to plug something in, but nothing happens. Is it the plug? If you try something else and that doesn’t work either, it’s likely the outlet that has stopped working. When an outlet is not working, it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue and make sure it’s fixed properly. There are numerous reasons why an outlet can stop working, and Allied Electric can help with fixing any of them. Below are just a few of the reasons why your outlet may have stopped working.

Outlet Not Working: Half-Hot Outlets

Some homes have outlets that only work if a switch is turned on. The switch may also control the lights, or it may be only for the outlet. If the switch is turned off, the outlet won’t work. This is called a half-hot outlet. If an electrical outlet is not working, try looking around the room for a switch that doesn’t seem to go to anything and flip it on or turn on the lights in the room. If the outlet starts working, it’s a half-hot outlet operated with a switch, and the switch must be on for it to work.

Circuit Breaker Tripped

Electricity comes into the home through the electrical panel, where it is then split between various circuit breakers and sent to where it’s needed at the time. If there is too much of an electrical current flowing through a circuit, the breaker could trip. When this happens, anything on the breaker will turn off to help prevent potential damage. In some cases, it can lead to multiple outlets not working.

If an outlet has stopped working, check the breakers in the electrical panel to see if any are tripped. It can be difficult to see which one has tripped, so it may be a good idea to try each one and see if there is one that’s not fully turned on. If one is found, turn it to the off position, then flip the circuit breaker on again. This should fix the issue, but if it begins to trip regularly, a call to an electrician is needed.

Fuse Has Blown

Older electrical systems may have fuses instead of breakers, but they work in a similar way. Instead of a breaker tripping, the fuse can blow. If this happens, the glass will look discolored, or the metal pieces will be melted. The fuse will need to be taken out and replaced before the outlet starts working again. If this happens again, it is necessary to have an electrician do an inspection, and it may be recommended to upgrade to a circuit panel. Fuses are outdated and can start to have regular issues due to their age, so upgrading the panel can prevent this from happening again.

GFCI Outlet Not Working

If the breaker has not tripped, it may be that the outlet has stopped working because it’s on a GFCI circuit. Even if the outlet isn’t a GFCI outlet, if it is on the same circuit as one, the GFCI outlet could trip if it detects a short. This is done to help protect against electrical shock if water comes into contact with the electricity. These are generally located in kitchens and bathrooms and may be near the microwave, sink, or other places that require electricity in a room that also has plumbing. Pressing the reset button on the GFCI outlet should get it working again.

Connecting Wires are Loose

If the outlet isn’t working, but the room has power, it may be that the connections to the outlet aren’t working properly. This can also be the case if the outlet isn’t working properly, but the light switch does. Loose wiring can be dangerous and can lead to shocks or an electrical fire because of arcing electricity, so it is necessary to have an electrician take a look and fix the connecting wires. In most cases, reconnecting the outlet to the wires will fix the issue, and it should not reoccur.

Outlet Has Burned Out

When there are strong electrical currents, it can cause an outlet to burn out due to a small electrical fire. Though the fire may not last long or damage anything other than the outlet, it is important to avoid using the outlet until it can be repaired or replaced. Burned-out outlets can happen if there is a surge in electricity when plugging something in or when there are issues with the outlet itself. An outlet that has signs of burning, like scorch marks, can be a fire hazard, so it is important to have it fixed as quickly as possible.

Outlets are relied on daily to run appliances, charge electronic devices, and more. When an outlet stops working, Allied Electric can get it working again. We help residents in Prescott and Prescott Valley, and we’ll be able to do a thorough inspection to determine why the outlet stopped working and what is needed to get it working again.

Contact us today at (928) 232- 4028 to schedule an appointment or to get fast help for an outlet that has stopped working in your home.

Electrical problems can range from minor to severe, but they do always need to be handled as quickly as possible. If there are any Electrical Problems in the Home, Prescott, AZ, homeowners will want to make sure they’re fixed by an electrician as quickly as possible.

Issues are only going to get worse over time, so what could be Flickering Lights that are just bothersome now can become a much bigger issue if they’re ignored. Are there Rodents Issues? Or something else? Look for the signs of electrical issues to know when to call for help.

Electrical Problems in the Home

When it comes to any electrical problems, it’s important to make sure they’re fixed as quickly as possible. Any sign that something is wrong should be dealt with quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse.

Over time, even minor issues can end up causing an electrical fire, shocks, or other major problems within the home. By working with an electrician to fix the issues as soon as they’re noticed, homeowners can keep their homes safe and make sure the electrical system always works as expected.

Circuits Tripping

Circuits trip when excess power goes through them. Most of the time, this is a one-time issue, and once the circuit is flipped back on, it’ll stay on. However, if it trips consistently or routinely, it’s important to find out why. There could be a much larger issue that is causing it to trip a lot.

In older homes, this can happen if the electrical panel needs to be updated because it’s no longer working properly or can’t provide enough power to the home. If it keeps tripping when the same appliance is plugged in or used, it may be an issue with that appliance.

Lights are Flickering

Flickering Lights are often a sign that the power is having issues, whether that’s going off and on in a storm or because there is an issue with the wiring in the home. If the lights continue flickering, even when there’s no storm or other issues, the problem may be with the wiring.

It’s a good idea to look for faulty wiring signs, like loose electrical connection symptoms, as this can cause the lights to flicker with use. When there are any loose electrical connection symptoms like flickering lights, help from an electrician is needed to prevent sparking and overheating, which could lead to a fire.

Outlets are Scorched or Warm

Outlets that are warm or that have scorch marks can be faulty wiring signs, as they may indicate that the wiring behind the outlet is no longer secured. These are major signs of a problem and should not be ignored, as a bad connection can build up heat that can melt the wires or cause an electrical fire. If the outlet stops working, it should be checked out as soon as possible, as it can also be an indication that there is something wrong with the wiring.

Burning Smell in the Home

A Smell of Burning inside the home should never be ignored. If the area near the electrical panel or outlets smells like it’s burning, it’s necessary to call an electrician immediately for assistance.

The Smell of Burning indicates that there are wires melting or that an electrical fire is starting, so fast help is necessary to prevent an electrical fire that can damage or destroy the home. Stop using any electrical appliances and turn off the circuit that’s having issues or the power to the home, then call an electrician to have it fixed before it gets worse.

Minor Electrical Shocks

Tingling or mild shocks when touching an appliance or plugging something in can be a sign of an electrical issue. It can indicate that there is defective wiring or that there is a ground fault in the outlet or appliance. While the electrical shock may be minor, it’s a good idea to have it inspected right away, as the issue can get worse over time.

Frayed or Damaged Wires

The wiring should be in good condition, but as the home gets older, it can start to fray. It can also be damaged by rodents or other pests. Are there Rodents Issues? If the wiring in the home appears like it has been chewed, it could be damaged by rodents.

However, it can be hard to tell that they’re in the home because the rodents and the damage will likely be hidden in the attic or insulation. If there is Messy or Tangled Wiring in the home, it can also lead to potential issues, as it can end up damaged or pull away from where it’s connected. Any wiring issues should be handled quickly, whether it’s Messy or Tangled Wiring or damage from rodents, to prevent fires and electrical shocks.

Have you noticed anything unusual with the electrical system in your home? If you notice any of the above issues or other Electrical Problems in the Home, it’s important to get help fast. Prescott, AZ, homeowners can contact Allied Electric for fast help with any electrical concerns. Call today at (928) 232- 4028 to schedule an inspection and repairs.

A constantly tripping circuit breaker isn’t just a minor annoyance; it can also be risky. If there’s no power in part of the home, it’s best to call for professional advice, as working with electrical current is dangerous. Below, we will explain the importance of circuit breakers and outline the steps to take when they trip continuously.

What’s the Purpose of a Circuit Breaker?

Circuit breakers are components that moderate the flow of current through a Prescott, AZ home’s electrical circuits. They serve an important purpose; they prevent fires, shocks, and other electrical issues. On wiring diagrams, circuit breakers typically appear as breaks in electrical lines.

What Happens When Circuit Breakers Trip?

If a circuit breaker trips, it means that too much current is coming through at one time. When that happens, the breaker does its job, cutting the flow of current. An excess of electricity may overheat a home’s wiring or its electrical devices, which increases the risk of electrical shock. A few of the most common reasons for breaker trips are:

• Circuit overload. If a circuit is overloaded, it means that it’s receiving more power than it can safely handle. This happens when there are too many appliances plugged into a single circuit, which causes underpowering and breaker tripping. Circuit overload is quite common in older homes and leaving the problem unaddressed increases the risk of electrical fire.
• Short circuits. When a short circuit occurs, it’s usually due to branches, wires, or water meeting a circuit. Electrical current always takes the path of least resistance, and short circuits allow more current to pass through than the circuit can typically handle. This problem is a dangerous one that increases the risk of fire and fatal electric shock.
• Ground faults. Here, current unintentionally flows from an electrical circuit to the earth. Ground faults often occur when a circuit touches a conductive surface that’s touching the ground. These situations are risky, and in some cases, they can even be deadly. Many of the area’s homes have GFCIs or ground fault circuit interrupters installed, which reduce these risks.
• Appliances. Electronic devices and appliances may cause breakers to trip due to overheating, poor connections, broken wiring, or excessive current draw. A short in a specific appliance is a major inconvenience, and it also increases the risk of future electrical outages and appliance damage.

It’s crucial for us to find out why the breaker is tripping, as it will allow us to take preventive steps. If you suspect a ground fault or a short in a specific appliance, call to schedule service immediately.

Signs That It’s Time to Call for Help With Electrical Problems

Many people tend to ignore the occasional breaker trip, but frequent occurrences indicate problems. Call us to evaluate the condition of your home’s electrical system if you notice:

• Scorch marks on outlet covers
• Strange burning odors
• Appliances, outlets, switches, and plugs that are hot to the touch
• Damaged wiring
• The presence of an old fuse box

Regardless of the reason why your circuit breakers are tripping, we’ll get to the bottom of all electrical problems. Call us now at (928) 232- 4028 or click now to schedule breaker service in Prescott, AZ.

Steps to Take When Breakers Trip

If you’ve tripped a circuit breaker, try to find the cause by:

• Turning off the electrical circuit and disconnecting all connected devices
• Flipping the breaker switch back on
• Plugging in appliances and turning on lights one at a time until the problem reoccurs

If a circuit breaker tends to trip when certain lights and appliances are used, those components may be the cause. Whether you have a faulty light fixture, a broken appliance, or an outdated fuse box, we’re here to solve all your electrical problems. Keep your home and family safe by calling our Prescott team today.

Do You Need a Reliable Electrician in the Prescott Area?

All home electrical problems are serious and making mistakes during DIY repair attempts can pose risks to people, pets, and property. While it is tempting to try to diagnose and resolve these issues without professional intervention, it’s not a good idea. An electrician in Prescott, AZ can solve a long list of electrical problems, including:

• Broken outlets
• Faulty electrical wiring
• Reoccurring power surges
• Tripping circuit breakers
• Lights that keep burning out
• Flickering lights
• Overloaded electrical circuits
• A lack of outlets

We’re Here to Help

Most people take their electrical systems for granted, only noticing them when issues arise. If your home’s circuit breakers keep tripping, don’t ignore it; seek professional help immediately.

Allied Electric is proud to serve the property owners of Prescott, Arizona and surrounding towns. With our reputation for superior customer service and our honest, upfront pricing, there’s no reason not to get the electrical services your home needs. Learn more about our company’s services online or call u now at (928) 232- 4028 today to schedule a consultation with a licensed electrician.

Many homeowners are familiar with standard breakers and what they do. But do you know what an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Breaker is and that they can protect your home and family from the ravaging effects of electrical fires?

Unfortunately, electrical fires are somewhat common throughout the United States. The US Fire Administration actually reported that residential electrical fires caused nearly 50,000 fires between 2017-2019, resulting in hundreds of deaths and more than one billion dollars in property loss.

Having Arc Fault Breakers in the home can prevent that. An Arc Fault Breaker (or as we like to call them, Fire Guard Breakers), does everything a conventional breaker does. But it goes a giant step further by detecting arcing conditions (aka sparks), caused by things like improper electrical installations, faulty appliance cords, or mis-wired devices.

According to afcisafety.org, these sparks or arcing conditions are so incredibly dangerous because a conventional breaker was not designed to detect them. An arcing condition can exceed temperatures of over 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a fire. This is why arc fault breakers benefit both new and old homes alike.

Arc Fault Breakers are so effective at preventing fires that the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 50% of electrical fires that occur every year can be prevented by Arc Fault Breakers.

Because of their extreme efficacy and safety attributes, the National Electrical Code issued Arc Fault Breaker requirements in 1999. The current 2022 NEC code states that Arc Fault Breakers must be installed in all livable areas of a residential home. For example: in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, sunrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Not every county enforces it, which is why not all homes in the Prescott area have them in all the areas of the home. But they are required and highly suggested at the National level and it’s easy to see why.

Just as smoke detectors are critical to have in your home as a defense against house fires, so too are Arc Fault Breakers. You may never be able to see what’s going on in the wiring behind your walls but having every fire prevention tool available to you installed, can increase your peace of mind and act as a form of insurance. You can think of an Arc Fault Breaker like having a little fire fighter in your breaker panel!