Question 1

Can you tell me exactly how much this electrical job will cost me?

Accepted Answer

In our years of experience, we have found that our customers prefer an accurate price based on their exact electrical issue. Most phone quotes are subject to change once the technician sees the job. We don’t think that is fair to you. By allowing us to diagnose the problem in person, you will know exactly what it will cost to get the job done before we begin work. Contact California Electric today for a quote on all of your electrical repair needs.

Question 2

How can I save energy at my office?

Accepted Answer

The quickest and easiest way to save energy in any building is by making sure your lighting system is as efficient as possible. There are many options available to make your lighting more efficient, from retrofitting existing fluorescent fixtures, to replacing old fixtures with new energy efficient solutions. This could mean using fluorescent bulbs where high bay metal halide or high pressure sodium fixtures were used previously, or even using LED technology to improve lighting levels as well as reduce energy usage. California Electric can give you the right information and work with you of getting all the incentives available in your area to improve your lighting

Question 3

What is 277/480-volt wiring?

Accepted Answer

Industrial and commercial wiring can be delivered in 120/208-volt and 277/480-volt systems. Heating and ventilation systems are run at 480 volts while industrial scale lighting runs off 277 volts. The 277/480-volt system powers the industrial and commercial equipment at 480 volts while the branches of 277 volt wiring keep the lights on.

Question 4

What is UL listing?

Accepted Answer

The UL stands for "Underwriters Laboratory". It used to be an Insurance Industry organization, but now it is independent and non-profit. It tests electrical components and equipment for potential hazards. When something is UL-listed, that means that the UL has tested the device, and it meets their requirements for safety - ie: fire or shock hazard. It doesn't necessarily mean that the device actually does what it's supposed to, just that it probably won't kill you.

Question 5

What is a GFI/GFCI?

Accepted Answer

A GFCI is a ``ground-fault circuit interrupter''. It measures the current current flowing through the hot wire and the neutral wire. If they differ by more than a few milliamps, the presumption is that current is leaking to ground via some other path. This may be because of a short circuit to the chassis of an appliance, or to the ground lead, or through a person. Any of these situations is hazardous, so the GFCI trips, breaking the circuit.

Question 6

Is aluminum wiring a fire hazard or is my aluminum wiring safe?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum wiring was used in the late 1960s and into the mid-1970s in many homes across North America. Aluminum wiring itself is not dangerous to have in your house. The issue with aluminum wiring is in faulty terminations either in receptacles and switches, or light fixtures and equipment. Due to expansion and contraction of the conductor itself and the fact that aluminum will oxidize over time, heat can be generated at points where the aluminum wiring is improperly terminated. One of the main issues with aluminum wiring is that while everything may appear fine with your wiring, it could be deteriorating behind devices, creating a dangerous fire hazard. If you have concerns about aluminum wiring in your home or business you should have it inspected by a licensed electrician who has experience working with aluminum wiring.

Question 7

What is the difference between a regular breaker and an Arc Fault breaker?

Accepted Answer

All breakers are designed to prevent the wire in your home or business becoming overloaded. All breakers are designed to automatically turn off if the circuit is carrying too much load or if there is a short circuit present. Arc Fault breakers have the additional ability to sense arcing in a circuit. Arcing is the sparking you might see between 2 damaged conductors, and is a fire hazard as this arcing is extremely hot. An arc welder uses electrical arcing to weld steel. A regular breaker may not sense that because it does not always create the load needed to trip the breaker, but an Arc Fault breaker will sense it and shut the circuit down before it can cause a fire. These devices are designed and required to be tested on a monthly basis to ensure proper and safe operation.

FAQ