Blog

How to Program your Intermatic ST01 Solar Timer

By Electric Company of Seattle

The Truth About Arc Fault Circuit Breakers:

By Electric Company of Seattle

 

InspectApedia the free online encyclopedia of useful information for Realtors and Home Inspectors

By Electric Company of Seattle

InspectAPedia Encyclopedia of Home Maintenance Information

 

 

How to test a receptacle with a plug in tester:

By Electric Company of Seattle

Informative Video explaining the Advantages of Upgrading Your Baseboard Heater to an In Wall Fan Heater

By Electric Company of Seattle

 

This is an important and informative video demonstrating how to turn off your home power during repairs or in an emergency.

By Electric Company of Seattle

How to Reset Your Circuit Breaker: Really Clear Directions about how to reset a tripped circuit breaker. I am happy to talk you through the steps if you are still unsure after watching this excellent video presentation. Please call me right away at 206 633 3896 if the breaker trips off or “pops” or will not reset when you follow these simple directions:

By Electric Company of Seattle

 

 

LinkedIn Get 10

By Electric Company of Seattle

Special offer for Real Estate Friends on LinkedIn.
Save 10% on your next service call, electrical home inspection.
or new wiring installation  up to $150 off your invoice.
Please provide the code Get 10 when you pay your bill.
This Promotion limited to our Real Estate Agents Friends on LinkedIn.

Understanding the Home Electrical System for Realtors, Home Inspectors, and Homeowners – Lesson 1: The Electrical Service

By Electric Company of Seattle

The electrical service for a home is analogous to the motor of a car. It provides the power to drive the home’s electrical usage — from the refrigerator to the lights — just like a car’s motor provides power to the wheels. Both consume energy and provide us with modern comforts or transportation.

The Electrical Service for a home is comprised of four main components. Understanding them is useful when buying, selling, inspecting, or maintaining a house.

1. The Meer Loop and Meter Enclosure: This is the beginning of the home’s electrical system. The house connects to the utility wiring at the Service Point which is the taped connections at the weatherhead, in an overhead service and the underground splices at the hand hole, or vault in an underground service. It is important to observe the age and condition of this equipment when buying or selling a home.  Check that the meter ring has the utility seal and verify that the overhead connections are the permanent type made by the utility company and not the temporary ones made by an electrician.

2. The Service Entrance: This is the conduit and wire that connects the meter to the home’s electrical distribution panel. Check that conduit is installed to protect the entrance wires and the penetration into the building is caulked.

3. The Electrical Panel: “The breaker box” as it is commonly called protects the home and its occupants from the consequences of overloads and shorts. Red Flags are electrical panels that have fuses rather than circuit breakers; and Zinsco; Federal Pacific; Pushmatic; and Split Bus type breaker boxes.

4. The Grounding and Bonding System: 

  •  *Part A* the grounding system can route high fault currents from the utility company or a lighting strike away from the house and may have other benefits.
  • *Part B*  the bonding system in a properly wired home will protect people from electrocution and house fires.  A properly installed bonding system, which includes three-pronged “grounded” receptacles is far more important than the grounding system of a house. The grounding system may divert a surge away from electronics saving some financial loss. The bonding system will shut down the home’s electricity when there is a ground fault or an overload to the wiring.

Zinsco Circuit Breakers on Sale

By Electric Company of Seattle

Attention: Electricians, Home Owners and Apartment Managers

Contact us now for a huge selection of all of the hard to find Zinsco Circuit Breakers at special pricing.

All breakers come with fast free shipping and a one year guaranty!

Free local delivery in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Lynnwood, Everett and surrounding areas.

Call (206) 633-3896 or email service@elcose.com.

We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover cards.