Category: Electrical Rewiring

an image of electrical outlet

Don’t Believe These Myths About Home Electrical Wiring!

24Jul
by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner  
0

As the leading experts in home wiring installation in Northern Virginia, we often find ourselves addressing misconceptions about electricity. There are numerous myths and misinformation about home wiring, which can be problematic and even dangerous for homeowners. In this article, we aim to debunk some of the most pervasive myths and explain why they’re incorrect or risky.

1. Low-voltage shocks are harmless

One dangerous myth we encounter is the belief that low-voltage shocks aren’t harmful, so occasional shocks from outlets or wires are inconsequential. While minor shocks may not always cause harm, the risk remains.

When your body comes in contact with live electricity, the shock travels through your entire body, potentially causing muscle seizures or brain disruptions. If an individual has pre-existing neurological vulnerabilities, even a minor shock can be detrimental. Moreover, secondary injuries may result from a person’s reaction to the shock.

Always treat live wires and outlets with caution.

2. New wiring is immune to problems

A common falsehood is the notion that new wiring cannot fail; only old wiring can. However, wiring of any age can have issues. Poor wiring installations, rodents chewing on cables, or damage from water leaks are just a few examples. While thicker, well-insulated cables offer better protection, electrical problems in your home could still arise from wiring infrastructure, regardless of its age.

3. Flickering lights are always due to power shortages

Although power shortages can cause flickering lights or brownouts, they’re not the sole culprit. Other causes include wiring issues, faulty light sockets, or problematic light bulbs. Recently, we’ve even seen poorly configured “smart lights” causing problems.

If a lightbulb flickers, try replacing it and ensuring it’s screwed in securely. If the issue persists, consult Northern Virginia electrical specialists to investigate the problem.

4. Thicker wires carry more electricity

Another misconception is that thicker power cords contain more electricity than thinner cords.

In reality, the amount of power in your wiring depends on your power supply and how electricity is distributed throughout your home. The difference between thin and thick wires lies is resistance; thinner wires have greater resistance, making electricity flow less efficiently and potentially causing heat buildup or reduced power to connected devices. However, the current remains the same regardless of wire size.

5. Ordinary safety gear is adequate for handling electricity

It’s crucial to emphasize that working with electricity at home is extremely hazardous, and professional assistance is strongly recommended. However, in case of emergencies, only use rated safety gear.

For instance, not all rubber gloves can prevent electrical conduction; many contain conductive materials, especially low-quality ones. Similarly, wood is not guaranteed to be safe, as even small amounts of moisture can make it conductive. Rely on professionals like RD Matthews Electrical Contracting for handling live power.

With over 25 years of experience, RD Matthews Electrical Contracting offers expert home wiring installation, electrical repair, and other electrical services across Northern Virginia.

Don’t let myths and misinformation put your safety at risk—trust the professionals to ensure your electrical needs are met safely and effectively. Call RD Matthews Electrical Contracting to solve your electrical issues.

Overloaded Electrical Outlet With No Room For More Plugs

Common Electrical Wiring Problems and Solutions

08Mar
by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner  
0

Your home’s electrical wiring is the network powering almost everything in your life, from the lights you use to the appliances you depend on. Without it, life would be much more difficult. Unfortunately, electrical wiring problems can occur over time due to a number of factors. In order to keep your home safe, it’s important to be aware of common electrical wiring problems and solutions.

Let’s go over the most common electrical wiring problems, their consequences, and how professional wiring installation can help solve them.

The Potential Risks of Electrical Wiring Problems

There are several serious risks that most people never think about until it’s too late. Personal safety is the biggest concern when it comes to electrical wiring problems. Poorly maintained wiring is a fire hazard that can cause extensive property damage, injury, and even death if not taken care of.

For example, if your outlets are loose, there is a risk of an electrical short or spark. This can cause a fire or shock, both of which can lead to serious injury or death.

In addition to the safety concerns, electrical wiring problems can also lead to reduced efficiency. If your wiring is old or damaged, it won’t be able to deliver the power required to run your appliances. This can cause them to overheat and break down, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Finally, faulty wiring can also lead to increased energy costs. Wiring problems can cause your electrical system to be less efficient, leading to higher energy bills.

Lights Flickering When It is Windy

One of the signs you have a serious problem with your electrical wiring is if your lights flicker when it’s windy. This is a sign of loose wiring and could be a potential fire hazard.

Lack of GFCI’s (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters)

GFCI’s are designed to sense ground faults and shut off the power to the outlet when a problem arises. Without them, you’re leaving yourself open to the possibility of shock or electrocution.

Your Panel is Overheated

This is a sign of an overloaded electrical system. When too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit, it can cause wiring to overheat, creating sparks or a fire hazard.

Junction Boxes Aren’t Covered

Exposed junction boxes can be dangerous because they can easily be damaged or tampered with. It could be something as simple as inclement weather that causes the next major electrical issue in your home, knocking out the power or even starting an electrical fire.

Overlamping (Bulb Has Higher Wattage Than the Fixture)

Using a higher-wattage bulb than the fixture is rated for can cause excessive heat to build up, which can lead to a potential fire hazard.

Not Enough Outlets

If you don’t have enough outlets, it’s likely that you have too many appliances plugged into the same circuit. This can cause wiring to overheat and create a potential fire hazard. If you are using many extensive cords or outlet extenders, this is probably a sign that you need more outlets to distribute the electricity more evenly among your appliances and electronics.

Receptacles Are No Longer Holding Plugs

If your receptacles are not holding plugs, this is a sign that your wiring has become loose and needs to be re-tightened or replaced.

Receptacles are Ungrounded (Only Two Prongs)

Two-pronged receptacles do not provide the necessary protection from ground faults and can create a potential shock hazard.

Backstabbed Connections

Backstabbed connections are created when the wires are connected to the wrong terminals on the receptacle such as being pushed into small holes in the back of an outlet instead of being anchored down by screws. This can create hazards for sparks, shocks, or even fires.

Your Wiring is Aluminum

Aluminum wiring can become loose due to oxidation, which can create a potential fire hazard. This cheaper option for wiring was used in the 60s and 70s as a cost-saving measure, but is no longer considered a safe option.

How to Protect Your Circuit Panel

To protect your circuit panel from overloading, you should use a circuit breaker to limit the amount of electricity that can enter your home. You should also review how many outlets you have in each room and make sure that appliances are plugged into individual circuits. Additionally, you should check to make sure all of your outlets are grounded and that you have GFCI’s installed in areas where there is a potential for shock or electrocution.

Only Hire Professionals for Electrical Wiring Installation in Northern Virginia

It’s important to hire a professional electrician for any electrical wiring installation services in Northern Virginia. Professional electricians are trained and certified to safely install and repair electrical wiring to ensure your home is safe and up to code.

Get Service for Wiring Installation from RD Matthews Electrical Contracting

For wiring installation and electrical services in Northern Virginia, look no further than RD Matthews Electrical Contracting. Our experienced electricians can help you with all your residential and commercial electrical needs, from wiring installation to repair.

Our professional home wiring installation services will have your home’s electrical system running safely in no time. Contact us today to get started with a quote or request a service.

10 Tips to Find the Best Electrician in Northern Virginia

10Feb
by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner  
0

Whether you are looking for an electrical construction contractor to assist in building a new luxury home, or you have an existing electrical system that needs repair, there are several electrical contracting services to choose from in Northern Virginia. Unfortunately, not all electricians provide the same level of service or have the right qualifications for the job, and you may not be happy with the results if you do not know the right questions to ask. In rare cases, electricians may even commit fraud by providing unrealistic estimates if homeowners do not do their research.

At RD Matthews Electrical, our team has 25 years of experience serving residential properties in Northern Virginia. We are proud to offer top-rated services, fully licensed contractors, and extensive experience in the field. There are a few important things to keep in mind before hiring a qualified electrician in Northern Virginia. Below we have provided our top 10 tips on how to find the best electrician for the job.

Tips for Hiring Electricians in Northern Virginia

  1. Consider the specific requirements of the project

Depending on the contractor’s specific areas of expertise, not all electricians in Northern Virginia are able to perform the same work. If you are building a new home from the ground up, for example, you will need to find an experienced electrical construction contractor in Northern Virginia. An expert in this area should be able to cooperate with builders to achieve the best result in a timely manner and explain their plans for electrical routing throughout the home. If you require installation services, you may want to look for an electrician who specializes in electric wiring installation. Our electricians at RD Matthews Electrical specialize in a variety of electrical services, and we are happy to discuss the requirements of your project with you.

  • Consider other factors aside from the cost

Although it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest electrical services in your area, it is essential to find a professional who is well-versed in the type of project that you are planning, and one who is fully licensed and insured in Northern Virginia. Uninsured electricians normally provide the least expensive quotations, however, homeowners risk damaging their property at their own expense if these types of services are used. Our contractors at RD Matthews Electrical are fully covered, should an electrical issue or injury occur.

  • Ask people in the field for recommendations

Perhaps the most reliable recommendations will come from people who frequently work with electricians in Northern Virginia, and have a basic understanding of their duties. These people include builders, developers, and other contractors. If your home is under construction or renovation, you may want to ask some of the workers on-site if they know a reputable electrician in the area, and whether they may be fit for the job.

  • Review the electrical contractor’s qualifications before hiring

A simple way to assess an electrician’s standard of service and workmanship is to review their qualifications. At RD Matthews Electrical, we hold a Master’s electrical license, as well as a state contractor’s licensure, ensuring our contractors are fully equipped to take on any project. We also follow a strict employment process, which ensures our contractors have the appropriate experience and capabilities to perform a variety of tasks. We organize our employees into level one and two mechanics, which allows us to assign the right jobs to the appropriate electricians.

  • Talk to previous clients

If you can get in contact with previous clients of a specific contractor, it may be worth asking whether or not they were happy with the service. This will give you a good idea of what to expect before hiring someone for a job.

  • Make sure the contractor holds a valid license in Northern Virginia

While electricians may claim to be fully licensed in the Northern Virginia area, it is always best to double-check with your municipality before hiring a contractor’s services. If a contractor provides an especially low quotation, they may be attempting to distract you from their lack of licensure. Checking with your municipality will help you avoid hiring illegal services.

  • Ask homeowners in your area for referrals

As with any contracting service, it is always best to ask people you know for recommendations before hiring an electrician. Ask several people in your area about the cost, timing, and quality of the electrical work they have had done and compare as many contracting services as possible. A reputable electrician should be able to provide testimonials as well as a portfolio of field photos so that you can get an idea of their work before hiring them for a project.

  • Ask for proof of insurance coverage

Insurance is one of the most important factors to consider when hiring a contractor in Northern Virginia. Electricians constantly run the risk of property damage and injuries. The last thing you want is to be responsible for covering these costs should something happen on the job. Each of our electricians is fully covered for liability, workman’s comp, and auto.

  • Compare estimates

While cost should not be the only consideration, it is still an important element of a good contracting service. To ensure your electrician is proposing a fair quotation, you may want to compare quotes with several reputable contractors in the area.

  1. Be critical of online reviews

Not everything you read online can be trusted. If you are basing your decision to hire a contractor on online research alone, ensure the material you are looking at comes from reliable websites.

Experience the RD Matthews Electrical Difference

At RD Matthews Electrical, our team believes that professionalism, communication, and quality workmanship are the keys to a successful project. We are proud to offer Northern Virginia homeowners a variety of services from our reputable, fully insured electrical contractors. From ceiling fan installation to electrical construction, we are happy to discuss any project with you and provide a quotation. Contact us today by filling out our online form or call us at 540-840-2933!

Ten Ways to Know if Your Home Needs Electrical Rewiring

19May
by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner  
0

Not all homes are built equally. As technology and construction continues to advance and improve, older homes may not have the same level of technology as newer homes. This is especially true when it comes to electrical wiring, as outdated, lower-quality, or faulty electrical outlets and components are a cause of residential home fires every year.

At RD Matthews Electrical Contracting in Northern, VA, we want to ensure that all residents have the information they need to be able to identify potential electrical safety issues. So, we have provided a list of things to watch out for that may indicate your home needs electrical rewiring services.

Signs You Need Electrical Rewiring

  • Do You Smell Burning?

While it may seem like an obvious sign, in the event you smell burning near an outlet, switch or fixture, this could possibly be the result of faulty or loose wiring. Be sure you turn off any light switch involved and the circuit breaker for the device as well. Unplug any appliances connected and immediately call a Northern, VA electrician for further help.

Pro Tip: Never try to resolve an electrical issue yourself, especially one where you can smell burning from an outlet, switch or fixture.

  • Flickering Lights When Windy

If the wind blows, do you notice your home’s lights flicker? If you answered yes, this is possibly a sign there is frayed wiring where the power grid and your home’s electrical system connects. The flashing/flickering lights could mean there is a short or loose connection causing your lights to blink.

  • Electrical Panel Overload

If you have put too much of a burden on your electrical panel, the components can overheat and cause a short circuit. When you put too much demand on your circuit panel breakers (more than is intended), it can cause damage to your panel and be a potential fire risk/hazard.

If you are unsure of your panel’s limit or have questions, an electrical contractor can answer all of your concerns.

  • Lack of GFCIs

While it would be a building code violation today, not having a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) can be a common problem for older builds. Briefly, GFCI/GFIreceptacles and breakers can cut off a circuit instantly and help lower the potential of electrocution in wet or moist areas near a circuit.

  • Stained Switch Plates

Have you noticed if your switch plates are discolored or stained? Discolored plates can suggest the overheating of the plastic and/or the wiring connection. There could be a connection that is loose or a grounding issue.

  • Does Your Home Have Aluminum Wiring?

If your home was built in the 50s through the 70s, it may have aluminum wiring as it was a popular choice due to its affordability over copper. Check to see if there is “AL” written on your home’s wiring as this would indicate copper contacts and aluminum wires that could corrode more easily over time. Unlike copper, aluminum will expand and contract much more when heated.

  • Shocks

If you are getting an electrical shock from plugging something into an outlet at your home, call an electrical contractor immediately. Getting shocked can mean there is an issue with your earth grounding connection; electrical rewiring may be needed in situations like these.

  • Insulation Damage

While cracking and damage can be caused by dried out insulation, it can also possibly be caused by old wiring. In either event, faulty wiring and compromised insulation is not a good combination and can be dangerous. This could indicate the need for a complete electrical rewiring of your home in Northern, VA, in cases like this.

  • Problems with Light Fixtures

Issues with a light fixture can often be solved by replacing it, but this is not always the case, and it can be difficult to know the true cause of the electrical issue. It is always best to consult with a professional to understand your best option and what needs to be done.

  • Constant Visits to Your Circuit Breaker

Have you noticed your circuit breaker has been tripping constantly? The use of excessive extension cords, circuit overload and/or faulty wiring can cause this problem. For cases like these, you will need a Northern, VA electrical contractor to visit your home and go through an inspection to gauge the electrical loads of your home.

RD Matthews Electrical Contracting Has You Covered

With over 25 years of industry experience, we’re proud to bring you fully insured and certified electrical contracting services and solutions in Northern, VA. If you need a whole-house rewiring job or just some new recessed lighting, our team can help. We offer solutions to homeowners, builders, and contractors alike. All our rewiring and electrical work is fully compliant with all local building codes and ordinances. We also provide warrantied work and services and we are fully licensed and insured in the state of Virginia.

Electrical contracting work is something that should not be a DIY project and can be dangerous to both your property, you and your family. To learn more about our electrical services, and for a free consultation, please contact our team today!

Mon-Fri 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM

Free Phone Consultations

540-840-2933

© 2022 RD Matthews Electrical Contracting, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Services Area

Services Area
Bristow
Haymarket
Gainesville
Manassas
Warrenton
Catlett
Centreville
© 2022 RD Matthews Electrical Contracting, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Services Area

Services Area
Bristow
Haymarket
Gainesville
Manassas
Warrenton
Catlett
Centreville