Question 1

When is it time to call a Pittsburgh electrician?

Accepted Answer

It's time to call a Pittsburgh electrician when you are resetting circuit breakers or changing fuses too often, when your lights dim or flicker when you turn on appliances like your air conditioner, when you can smell burning electricity, when you have too many devices plugged into one outlet or use multi-plug strips excessively, when you need to use adapters for three-prong plugs, when you need to prepare for winter's electricity demands, or when you have to run extension cords to plug in electrical devices. It is always recommended to have licensed professionals handle wiring and electrical issues.

Question 2

What size service do I install in my home?

Accepted Answer

Most states require a minimum of 100 amps, but with the increasing number of electronic devices, air conditioning, and electric heat, 200 amps is suggested, especially for new homes, to allow for future additions. This is not a job for an unlicensed person and typically involves replacing everything from the service loop to the main panel, requiring a licensed Pittsburgh electrician.

Question 3

How much should I attempt on my own?

Accepted Answer

While some states allow homeowners to do electrical work on their own property, it's a significant gamble. Electrical work requires extensive training, and even small jobs can be safety hazards. Attempting DIY electrical work could void your homeowner's insurance coverage in case of damage or fire, as insurance typically only pays if work is done by a licensed contractor. It's best to hire a professional to avoid costly mistakes and ensure safety.

Question 4

How many convenience outlets in each room?

Accepted Answer

In every kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, parlor, library, den, bedroom, or similar room or area of dwelling units, receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more than six feet from an outlet. Outlets are usually placed about 18 inches above floor level, and switches about 48 inches from the floor. For estimating purposes, single receptacles are figured for 1.5 amps and duplex outlets for 3 amps on a single branch circuit. Air conditioners should be on a dedicated circuit.

Question 5

How should outlets be installed in a kitchen area?

Accepted Answer

All 15 and 20 amp receptacles installed within 6 feet of a kitchen sink or wet bar must have GFCI protection. Countertop receptacles should be supplied by at least two 20 amp branch circuits for small appliances. Each fixed appliance (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher) requires its own dedicated circuit. On countertops 12 inches or wider, outlets should be spaced no more than 24 inches apart. Receptacles on island countertops should be installed above or within 12 inches below the countertop, with no more than 24 inches from the center line of the countertop. No receptacle should be installed face up on a sink countertop.

Question 6

What is an AFCI?

Accepted Answer

An AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a device required by the National Electrical Code to protect branch circuits supplying 125V, single-phase, 15 and 20 ampere outlets in dwelling unit bedrooms. It shuts off a circuit in a fraction of a second if arcing develops, which can cause fires. Unlike GFCIs that protect against shock, AFCIs reduce the likelihood of fire caused by arcing faults. Combination AFCI/GFCI devices are available and can be installed in 15 or 20 ampere branch circuits.

C W Electrical Services Inc

C W Electrical Services Inc