Electrical advice from our master electricians on our blog
Electrical advice from our master electricians on our blog
Minneapolis 612-385-7864
Saint Paul 651-587-5512
Lic. EA005137

Archive for the ‘Circuit Panel Repair’ Category

Your Electrical Panel Tells a Story

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

When our electricians make a service visit to your home they may ask to take a look at your electrical panel.  The reason for this is to gain more knowledge of your electrical system and wiring methods.  Obvious things we are initially looking for are tripped circuit breakers, blown fuses, signs of heat, corrosion, loose connections and other safety concerns.  But a knowledgeable residential electrician will take notice of more.

The model and make of your electrical panel (sometimes referred to as a circuit panel) is significant because it can signify if the panel is a Zinsco or Federal Pacific which are hazardous and should be replaced.  If it is a Push-o-matic or a Wadsworth panel our electricians may also recommend a circuit panel replacement, something required frequently in Minnesota homes.

Another reason the model of the electrical panel is important is because the removable circuit breakers installed inside your panel should be the same model and make as your specific electrical panel.  Many times different brands of circuit breakers are jammed into panels to which they don’t belong.  When our electricians see this they know that someone who didn’t know their stuff was performing work on your system.  When we see poor craftsmanship such as this it tells us to expect the unexpected.

If your electrical panel is in an unfinished area of your Minnesota home, our electricians are able to get a feel for the age of visible wiring and take note of obvious alterations to the original electrical system.  These observations combined with years of experience in residential electrical work allow us the information to make the best recommendations to you, our customer.

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Posted in Circuit Panel Repair, Electricial Panels MN, Minneapolis Electricians, Residential Electricians St Paul MN | No Comments »

A Few Ways To Lower Your Electric Bill- Part I

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

With gas and electric costs so historically high during this point in time, we can all use a few reminders on how to save a little here and there in order to deal with the situation until it turns around.

1. One of the best things to do is assess the condition of your electric panel and major appliances to see if you are running at peak performance. Often time’s homes have been remodeled to accommodate higher end appliances, but the homeowner overlooked upgrading the electric panel as well. This imbalance could be costing you dollars.

2.  Shop for an appropriate size appliance. Many people automatically think ‘bigger is better’ when in fact, too big often leads to waste. For example, an inappropriate sized window unit will not only draw more electricity, but will not be very effective at reducing humidity. Check with Energy Star’s consumer guide to find the right appliance for you.

3. Keep your stuff clean. Clean filters, vents and pipes will always contribute to efficiency that will in turn reduce electric costs.

4. Get a programmable thermostat. This is one of the best ways to control one of the largest electrical expenses in the home. By turning the heat and air way down during the day when nobody is home, this will reduce an electric bill in no small way. These can be programmed to save hundreds of dollars over the year, maybe even thousands depending on the size of your home, and they install with ease.

So if you are serious about making the most of what you have, these are just a few ways to tackle the issue head on. If you would like to know more about how to make your home energy efficient, and safe, call Edison Electrical Contractors in Minneapolis, we will be able to give you the help you need.   612-385-7864

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Posted in Circuit Panel Repair, Minneapolis Electrical Remodeling and Additions, Minneapolis Electricians | No Comments »

Older Circuit Panels Can Be Easy To Spot | Electricians Serving Maple Grove MN

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

While not all electric problems are easy to see, there are some that are a dead ringer. An old electric panel that still uses fuses is definitely something that needs to be upgraded with a new panel and breakers. These fuse panels have usually been in service for 50 years or more and at the very least should be inspected by a licensed electrician.  It is common to see fuse panels where “over fusing” creates a fire hazard on older wiring.

Federal Pacific and Zinsco electric panels are also well known for being potential fire hazards. These 2 brands were developed at a time when manufacturing companies were looking for the cheapest way to assemble an electric panel.  Many of the conductive components in these panels were made of aluminum because of the high cost of copper at the time.  This is why it is important that as a property owner, you take the initiative in finding out what kind of electric panel you have.

When you reach out to Edison Electrical Contractors in Minneapolis Serving Maple Grove Minnesota, you can be sure that you will get an honest and straight opinion about the condition of your home. We are committed to providing the best service in order to earn your trust, so that we can remain your first choice for electrical repair for as long as you are in the area. We will find the right materials to suit your needs, and not try to load you up with unnecessary equipment that you don’t need. We carry the Eaton Certified Contractor label that carries with it a lifetime transferable warranty on our panels and circuit breakers.

When you use an Eaton certified mn electrical contractor, you can be sure that this technician has the very best in education and professionalism. With continuing education classes available for recertification, Eaton contractors are up to date on policies and procedures, so you can be sure that you have the very best in current commercial and residential electrical services and materials.

So if you are at all concerned about the condition of your electric supply, give us a call so we can help show you what to look for, and how to maintain a safe and efficient electrical system in your home or business. We are only a phone call away. Edison Electric 612-385-7864

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Posted in Circuit Panel Repair, Minneapolis Electrical Remodeling and Additions, Residential Electricians St Paul MN | No Comments »

Is Your Electric Panel Still In Compliance? | Serving Edina MN

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

The electric panel is the hub of your electrical system supplying power and safety to your home.  If your panel is older, or malfunctions somehow, it could be putting you and everyone inside the building at risk. Replacing or repairing electric panels is very common place in the electrical business, and having yours checked should be on your to-do list at least once every couple of years.

Certainly if your panel has fuses, it is time to upgrade to breakers. Fuse panels are an indicator of older wiring which may not be meant to handle the heavier loads that typically flow through each property these days. If yours has breakers, but is over 10 years old, this is another reason to have it checked out as it could be in need of some preventative maintenance. The  heat which is generated by everyday use of electricity can wear down connections, age wires, and generally break down your electric panels efficiency over time.

Breakers are designed to ‘trip’ or turn off if there is a short circuit or an over current condition.   If any of your breakers are tripping by themselves it is a sure sign that something is wrong.  Maybe that circuit is overloaded, maybe connections have worn down over time and are shorting, whatever the reason, it can be dangerous, and should be checked out.

Don’t assume that because nobody ‘messes’ with your panel, it is alright. Just by virtue of doing their job, electric panels get worn down. Nobody has to touch it or do anything to them in order for this to happen. By ignoring your electric panel and assuming that everything is alright you may be opening the door for a problem to continually get worse and worse.  A panel tune-up and inspection can go a long way to spotting problems early and avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

Make sure you are doing all you can to keep you house safe and sound, give us a call at Edison Electric, so we can make sure that your property is up to code for at least the next few years. We also offer 24- hour emergency electrical services when you need them. 612-385-7864

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Posted in Circuit Panel Repair, Electricial Panels MN, Minneapolis Electrical Remodeling and Additions | No Comments »

Remodeling in MN? Remember To Upgrade The Electric Panel

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Many remodeling jobs involve adding a room to an existing home. If this room is a larger kitchen or bath, the room is going to need a fair amount of electrical work, and need all new wiring installed up to code. This is not normally the do-it-youselfer’s speciality.

Adding more plugs and switches to a new space may require additional circuit breakers. If the homes electric panel doesn’t have any more room for a new breaker, there is still the option of adding a sub panel, but this is fairly involved and will take the skills of a professional electrician. It is also important to remember that plugs within 6 feet of any water source need a Ground Fault Interupter (GFI plug). GFCI receptacles need to be installed correctly in order to prevent shock.

One way to insure that your remodel is done right the first time is to contact a great Minneposlis electrical contractor to get the job done. While many men can easily frame walls, do roofing, and hang drywall, hiring out the electric and plumbing will be one of the best expenditures you will ever make. Facing off with unforseen electrical issues is not a job for the novice. In many cases, it can even be danergerous.

If you would like to k now more about how to get the help you need, and a warranty as well, give us a call at Edison Electric in Minneapolis. We are a full service electrical contractor available 24- hours a day, to help you with any electrical needs you may have. From adding a room, or just a ceiling fan, we have the skills and tools to get the job done right. Give us a call, and see what we can do for you. 612-385-7864

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Posted in Circuit Panel Repair, Minneapolis Electrical Remodeling and Additions, Minneapolis Expert Trouble Shooting | No Comments »

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