What is a Homeowner’s Electrical Exam?

 For several big or technical issues around your house, building departments need permits to get the work done. Most of these permits should be obtained by licensed professionals like plumbers and electricians.

But in several areas, homeowners could take a test in order to qualify to get a permit on their own and to do related work without hiring an electrical contractor. The electrical test of homeowners is a common test.

Where is the electrical exam offered?

This type of electrical test are provided by the local permitting office or building authority. This is generally part of the country or city building department. You could get in touch with your country or city office for additional information. You need to know that not every building authority provide homeowner exams or let homeowners to do electrical work on their own.

Is it hard to pass the homeowner’s electrical exam?

The exam contains only a few questions, usually between 10 and 30, there’s definitely a risk that you won’t pass it. It isn’t unusual for homeowners not to pass the exam on their first attempt. In case you fail a test, there could be a waiting period before you could retake it, even though it may be quite short.

Why are homeowner’s electrical exam offered by authorities?

There are several reasons for this. If the electrical job is complicated, it’s best to hire an electrician instead of taking on the job itself. But maybe the building authorities are just trying to be practical. They are aware that sometimes, homeowners would rather do the job themselves, sometimes with disastrous consequences. The electrical exam offers municipalities to establish some type of standard for newbie electricians Columbia.

What kind of work can you do after passing the electrical exam?

In most instances, homeowners are restricted to certain electrical projects within their own houses, and they could work on single-family homes. They can’t work on multi-unit dwellings, townhouses, and condominiums.

Electrical exams generally apply to certain kinds of projects that are covered by a certain electrical permit. Therefore, it’s crucial to get all of the details about what passing the test will allow you to do. You do not want to undergo the trouble of studying, taking, and passing the exam only to find out that you are not allowed or you can’t do the work that needs to be done. Don’t forget that permits have expiration dates, which means the qualifications you get for passing the exam is only valid for a short time.

What is the homeowner’s electrical exam based on?

It is based on the newest version of the NEC or the National Electrical Code as well as the local electrical code requirements. Since local authorities can make changes to the recommendations of the NEC, you may have learn about these alterations. The NEC offers a basis, but not a prescription of the electrical codes of each municipality.

Call CHS Electricians Columbia now if you need a professional electrician to help you with your electrical problems.

CHS Electricians Columbia
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 973-7324
http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

What’s the average cost of common electrical projects?

 Among the building trading professionals, one of the busiest ones are professional electricians. Homeowners get their services because they don’t want to risk their safety given the level of danger associated to any job that deals with electricity. Generally speaking, hiring an electrician is a good investment because this expert can do the job right the first time around. To avoid surprises later on, here are a few things you need to know about the average cost of common electrical projects.

Costs of the common Services Offered By Electricians

How much do common electrical projects cost?

The rate of professional electricians Columbia is generally a flat fee for the initial visit and then an hourly rate for the actual labor. The call out fee range from $50 to $100 depending on the location while the hourly rate range between $40 and $120 per hour.

It may be difficult to book an electrical contractor to do one small job because of the small profit margin. It’s better to have an electrician do a few tasks in the same service call so you can get the most out of the call out fee.

Repair or Replace a Switch or Receptacle Outlet

This is an easy job but the local electrical contractor will charge his or her minimum fee for it, aside from the call out fee. The costs may range between $100 and $150 so you may have to consider having several outlets replaced during this service if you wish to get the most out of the electrician’s visit.

Grounding an Outlet

In case you are living in an older home that still comes with outlet receptacles with only two slots, you should consider having it replaced with a 3 slot grounded outlet so it can handle plugs with 3 prongs. As long as the circuit breaker panel or fuse box is grounded, this task is easy to complete. It will take about 30 minutes and the labor plus the call out fee may amount to about $100 – $150. The costs may double if the electrician has to establish a ground at the main fuse.

Replace Standard Outlet Receptacles with GFCI

If the electrical contractor is just changing a standard outlet receptacle with a ground fault circuit interrupter, the project may cost between $120 and $150 for the service call and the labor.

Install New Switch or Outlet

The installation of a new switch or outlet where non exists means there’s a need to create an opening in the wall, fish brand new cables to the power source, install a new device and wall box, and establish the connections. The average cost for this type of work range from $150 and $200 because this relatively simple task can be performed in just 30 minutes.

Install a 220/240 Volt Outlet

The installation of a 220/240 outlet may be more expensive than wiring a standard outlet because the electrical contractor may have to run conduit, reorganize the circuit breakers within the main electrical panel, or install a brand new circuit breaker. The average cost may reach up to $300 for this type of electrical work.

 

Call CHS Electricians Columbia now and let our electricians help you install, replace, or maintain the components of your electrical system.

 

CHS Electricians Columbia
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 973-7324
http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

How Can An Electrician Help You?

 Electrical services depend on the kind of electrician you hire. An electrical contractor doesn’t just bring power to your house or establishment but also take care of electrical repairs and other electrical installation work. A reliable contractor can take care of different tasks and responsibilities. Apart from that you may want to hire an electrical contractor who is insured and licensed. Training and education are also crucial. Here are the things you can expect when looking for a suitable electrical expert.

What Can Electricians Do For You?

Installation, Electrical Repair and Maintenance

You might find that you do not have to hire an electrician until you have problems with your electrical system. An electrical contractor will help you with all electric-related issues in your home or office to make sure that everything is running smoothly and safely. An expert electrician can work with ceiling fans, lighting, circuit boards, generators, landscape lights, GFCI outlet installation, lighting systems, power upgrades, security lighting, wiring repairs, wiring installation, and all other lighting systems.

New Construction or Remodeling Work

If you are thinking of remodeling your home, you might want to seek out the help of an electrician because they could be able to guide you with any repairs, maintenance or installation of new lighting systems. In terms of the new construction, you have to make sure that all electrical features and parts of your house are functioning well. An electrician like CHS Electricians Columbia can assist in the installation or the repair of control or power systems, as well as temporary power.

Emergency Electrician

An emergency electrician offers a 24 hour service in case you encounter an urgent electrical problem outside normal business hours. If you are not sure if your electrical problem is an emergency, you can call an electrician Columbia for consultation.

A few warming signs that you have an emergency electrical problem is sparking or hot fixtures and outlets, non functional light fixtures, live wires, electrical problems causing appliances to malfunction, overloaded circuits and sockets, electrical failures, faulty connections, power surges, and water damage. If you encounter any of these, you should not ignore them and get in touch with your local emergency electrician.

Call CHS Electricians Columbia now if you have any electrical concerns or inquiries.

CHS Electricians Columbia
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 973-7324
http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

How To Prevent Electrical Fire and Hazards During The Holiday Season

The holiday season is just around the corner. Homeowners are starting to take out their Christmas lights and ornaments from their basement or garage. Many of them have started to decorate their homes for the upcoming holidays on their own while others have started to hire electricians to help them out.

Although holiday decorating is a fun thing to do, you have to remember that many of your favorite decorations are at risk of causing electrical hazards, fire or injury when not used correctly and carefully. Do not let a preventable accident prevent you from enjoying the holidays. Whether you are excited to prepare for Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Christmas, here are a few things you need to remember so you can decorate your home safely.

Lights and Decoration Tips From Professional Electricians

1. Buy lights, extension cords, and electric decorations that are UL-listed.
2. Use lights that are rated for outdoor use if you plan to install them outside.
3. Check all the lights, extension cords, and electric decorations for signs of damage to the bulbs, plugs, and wire insulation. If the bulbs have been damaged, you can repair them. But if the cords and the wire were damaged, you have to replace them.
4. Make sure that the lights are unplugged before you make any repairs, changes, or replacements.
5. Refer to the manufacturer’s guide on how to use the lights and decorations.
6. Don’t overload the extension cords. You have to know the extension cord’s wattage rating first as well as the lights or decorations’ power requirement before starting plugging them in. If you are not sure, call an electrician Columbia right away.
7. Always check the Christmas lights and make sure that they are not warm to touch.

Buying A Christmas Tree

Did you know that the Christmas tree that you choose will have an impact on its flammability factor. Dried out and older trees will ignite and burn a lot faster compared to those that are well hydrated and freshly cut. So, when you are looking for a live and natural Christmas tree, there are a few things you need to consider.

1. Before you take a Christmas tree home, be sure that its needles are green, fresh, and attached firmly to the branches. You should bend the needles using your fingers. The tree is too dry if the needles break. You should also check the cut surface of the trunk if it is sticky to the touch. Lastly, pull the tree up vertically and then tap its trunk against the ground. You should move on to another tree if the needles start to fall off.
2. Look for a robust variety of Christmas tree with thicker needles.
3. If you would rather have an artificial tree, you need to choose one that is fire retardant.

 

Call CHS Electricians Columbia now if you want to make sure that there are no electrical concerns that could lead to electrical fire and hazards as you set up your Christmas decorations.

 

CHS Electricians Columbia
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 973-7324
https://electricianscolumbiasc.com

Money Saving Tips On Electricians

The services offered by electricians are costly and for good reason. But that doesn’t mean you can’t cut back on the costs so you can make the expenses for getting an electrical service more manageable.

Make or Upgrade Your Circuit Directory

When electricians Columbia spend more time trying to figure out what’s wrong, you can expect to pay more for that. The electrical contractor arrives, check the service panel, and is faced with an outdated list of circuits, or worse, none at all. The electrical contractor will then spend at least an hour trying to figure out which circuits are responsible for which part of your home.

You can cut back on the electrical costs if you can do this instead. Before your expected electrician’s visit, create a document or spreadsheet and add two columns – one for the circuit number and the area of your home that it services.

Clean and Prepare The Work Area

Don’t turn your electrician into an expensive house cleaner. Clean the work area before the electrician arrives. The bare minimum work space is 6 feet. But it’s much better if you can provide a wider work space. Make sure that your electrician has enough breathing room to do the work it needs to do. But you can stay somewhere near the work area in case you have a question.

Know What You Want

If you don’t want to spend a lot, don’t spend at least an hour with your electrician just to talk about electrical outlets, switches, lights, or wiring paths. Talking to them about home theaters or future bathroom remodels isn’t what they in to do. Let them do their work right away.

Supply Your Own Tools

It could be an expensive problem if you were able to limit the time the electrical contractor spends in your home yet you still have a large bill. Perhaps, the electrician is using their own tools. For instance, if you wish to install an electric baseboard heater, then you can buy one ahead of time at a home center in your local area.

Find A Reliable Electrician

If the electrician has a good record with local authorities and they are licensed, don’t directly assume that they are good electrical contractors. Background checks as well as licensing would only weed out the worst electricians.

If you visit an online contractor matching service, you’ll be provided with a list of electrical contractors who are interested in taking your project. Begin by going through testimonials and reviews of the potential electricians. But don’t forget to check out other review sites and narrow down your list to only three electricians.

 

Call now if you are looking for an electrician in Columbia. Our team is always ready to take care of your electrical problems.

 

CHS Electricians Columbia
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 973-7324
http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

Tips For Dealing With Electrical Outlet Problems

 

Finding out that your electrical outlet is not working can be quite annoying. But did you know that you can easily fix an electrical outlet that’s not functioning properly? Professional and reliable electricians shared some tips on how to troubleshoot your non functioning electrical receptacle.

Always remember that a DIY electrical repair can be dangerous and may cause electric shock, fire or even electrocution. It’s better if you hire a licensed electrician Columbia to do the work for you especially if you’re not sure what to do.

Tips From Pro Electricians: Troubleshooting Your Busted Electrical Outlet

Test the appliance

Even though your problem may seem to be the concentrated on the electrical outlet, you should still test the appliance that you are trying to use because it’s also possible that it’s the source of the issue. If the appliance has a reset button, press it. Check the cord and the plug to make sure that it is in good shape. Double check that the plug is inserted properly in the socket. Connect the appliance to another outlet. If it turns on without any problem then you’ve confirmed that the outlet is the issue.

Check The Breaker

Find the fuse box or electrical service panel. It’s usually located in the outside wall, hallway, garage, or basement. If it seems like there’s no problem or if at least one breaker is partially tripped, then you should try flipping every individual breaker off and on again so you can be sure that all of them snap back properly into place.

Check The GFCI Outlet

The installation of a GFCI outlet is a must according to building code requirements. It should be installed in the area in your home where there is a water source like a faucet. It should be in the kitchen, outdoors, garage, laundry room, and bathroom.

GFCI is made to protect you against electrical shock. It is super sensitive. It will trip right away once it detects excessive humidity or a power surge. The GFCI outlet must never be in contact with water before you press the Reset button.  If it won’t resent, then you have to call an electrical contractor.

Check The Electrical Outlet

Inspect the electrical outlet. Sizzling and buzzing sounds, scorch marks, or too much heat when you place your hand close to the outlet are indications that you need the help of an electrician.  It’s inexpensive to replace a broken electrical outlet. If you are about to replace one, why don’t you consider using a GFCI or tamperproof outlet. You can also install a duplex outlet.

Check The Connection To Your Electrical Wiring

Is it possible that the electrical outlet hasn’t been working since you moved into your home? If so, then it’s possible that it wasn’t connected to your electrical wiring. It’s also possible that the wires have become corroded or loose over time. Whether it’s the former or the latter, the connecting wires should be cleaned and then reattached so the electrical outlet that’s currently not working will be usable.

Call CHS Electricians Columbia if you are looking for a reliable electrician who can help you repair your electrical outlets or deal with other electrical related problems that you may have at home.

CHS Electricians Columbia
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 973-7324
http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

When To Hire An Electrician

 

Your home connects to the grid through the electrical box. It is responsible for dividing up the electrical source from the box to the different parts of your home. This is just the basics of the electrical system of your home. Although most people have a good idea how to turn on a breaker switch if it has flipped, not all homeowners understand that it’s important to know how old their home’s wiring is, the existing regulations about the wiring, and the possibility of losing their house to fire due to an old fuse box. That’s why any concern related to your electrical system must be dealt with by a professional electrician.

The first question you need to ask yourself is the age of your home. Older houses are more at risk of fire hazards compared to newer houses, mainly because of the electrical system. Insurance firms generally don’t insure houses that still use an outdated circuitry and old faulty wiring.

The concerns that insurance firms have is that the home inspector cannot tear up the walls of a home for any reason, not for leaks, termites, or even for checking the electrical wiring. Because of that, a home inspector can’t determine the house’s wiring grade. But if you have two pronged outlets instead of the three pronged ones, then that’s a sure sign that your wiring is already outdated.

More than a decade ago, new rules have been imposed across the United States, which require homes to have an electrical box that should be attached outside the house. It was proven that having an electrical panel outside the house is better so that the fire fighters can easily turn off flow of electricity to the house on fire. Consequently, homes that are between 12 to 15 years old have breakers installed outdoors.

Given that most of the houses in the United States are more than 44 years old, this simply means most of the homes in the country require an electrical upgrade in order to carry the average electrical load specially in today’s technologically dependent era. Unless you’re an expert in this field, then you should hire a professional electrician Myrtle Beach.

Whether your electrical box is located inside or outside your home, you have to understand that the electrical panel and the wiring in much older houses were made for very low loads. In case your home is already two decades old, it probably had a TV, fridge, HVAC unit, water heater, dishwasher, and microwave. If it’s already 35 years old, then no microwaves were built during that time. The load amount that the fuse box of a typical home can carry back in the days was enough to manage, even if a microwave and television was added.

In case your home was constructed five decades ago, it’s probably struggling to deal with the addition of a microwave and a TV. Aside from that, it’s also having issues handling multiple computers, printers, coffee makers, game systems, food processors, and so on.

Upgrade Your Electrical System With The Help of A Pro Electrician

It’s important to get the electrical boxes of older houses to be upgraded. It is a must if your home has a fuse box. This is the kind of home improvement that you won’t be telling anyone but one that’s done and you’ve increased the electrical capacity of your electrical panel then you can show off your house for years to come. But if you fail to upgrade your breaker box then all it needs is bad luck to start a home fire that can destroy your entire home.

Call CHS Electricians Columbia if you are looking for an electrician who can help you with concerns related to your electrical system.

CHS Electricians Columbia
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 973-7324
http://electricianscolumbiasc.com

Hire A Professional Electrician Or DIY

 

Nowadays, a lot of people are starting to realize the advantages of DIY projects when it comes to home repairs. Although it is true that there are several advantages, particularly in the monetary aspect, it’s crucial to keep in mind that certain projects still need the expertise of a professional electrician.

One of these projects is electrical repair work. You might be able to deal with a minor electrical repair but that will basically depend on your experience level. Always remember that it’s better to consider hiring a pro electrician Columbia, when you’re not sure if your capable of handling the task safely. Keep in mind that electrical work that’s taken care of improperly can lead to disaster and be risk to your family and home.

Tips For Hiring An Electrician

There are many factors that has to be considered when deciding whether to hire an electrical contractor or do the job yourself. The first step is to assess the type and amount of work that has to be done. You might be able to take care of the task if it only involves changing out a light fixture. In case you want to remodel or add a new room, you may require the help of an electrician.

It’s also important to consider how many electrical outlets must be installed when you’re taking into account the scope of the electrical tasks. Many houses these days require more outlets than before because of the increasing number of electrical appliances and devices that homeowners use. It’s better to ensure that you’ve got enough outlets when you’re remodeling or building instead of finding out that you didn’t include enough.

In case you have decided to get the help of an electrician, make sure to do your research first. Don’t hire the first electrical contractor that comes your way. It’s important to ask questions and learn about their prior experience. You should also find out if they specialize in commercial or residential. Don’t forget to ask for a price quote, too. However, it must be a detailed estimate for the electrical work that needs to be done. Asking for references is a must and you have to follow up on them. You should also ask the electrical contractor if he can check the area in your place where work is needed.

Avoid going for the lowest bid. Although it could be tempting to choose the electrical contractor that offers the lowest bid, this decision may cost you in the end. Always remember that your home’s safety depends on the quality of the electrical components and the job done on your electrical system. You wouldn’t want to suffer a house fire because of a faulty electrical wiring, right? If the house fire doesn’t happen, you may still end up replacing the electrical parts again, which also means that you’ll be spending more. It’s better to pay a little bit more for quality electrical service and have the job done right the first time around.

Call CHS Electricians Columbia now and let our team of professional electricians take care of all your electrical problems.

CHS Electricians Columbia
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 973-7324
http://electricianscolumbiasc.com