Category: Electrical Service

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.

electrical service work in Northern Virginia

Electrical Service Work in Northern Virginia: 4 Things to Consider When Hiring a Contractor

18Oct
by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner  
0

Electrical Service Work in Northern Virginia: 4 Things to Consider When Hiring a Contractor

Finding the right contractor for electrical service work in Northern Virginia will ensure that the job will be done correctly the first time around. That’s why RD Matthews Electrical recommends researching companies and choosing a residential electrical contractor that has the experience, reputation, credentials, and is within your budget.

Here are a few things to consider when in need of electrical service work in Northern Virginia

Experience

When researching prospective contractors, verify they have experience with residential electrical service work in Northern Virginia. Contractors with experience in the local area will have the knowledge and skills necessary to determine the cost, timeline, and permits needed for the project. RD Matthews Electrical has more than a decade of experience in the region, specializing in residential electrical service work. This means they’ve seen it all—and they know how to execute projects successfully and efficiently.

Reputation

Ask your friends and family about any companies they’ve used for electrical service work in Northern Virginia. Compile a list of their recommendations, then do your homework. Read customer reviews and request each company to provide you with contact information for client references. Execute internet searches, too, to ensure you have familiarized yourself with the best contractors in Northern Virginia for electrical service work.

Credentials

Any company conducting electrical service work in Northern Virginia must hold the necessary credentials, such as licenses, insurance, and permits, if needed, for the project. Check any prospective contractor’s website for this information and ask them during your appointment. You can also verify with the authorities to make sure they actually have the credentials stated. Failing to do this may result in property damage, legal issues, and more.

Estimate

Once you’ve compiled a list of contractors for electrical service work in Northern Virginia with experience, a good reputation, and all the necessary credentials—it’s time to evaluate their estimated timeline and rate for the project. Research local rates for similar projects, and then compare estimates from different companies. Finally, choose the contractor that seems the most qualified to you!

Get Electrical Service Work in Northern Virginia today!

RD Matthews Electrical is proud to have provided electrical service work in Northern Virginia for more than 10 years. Call our team of electrical service workers today to find out how we help homeowners, builders, and contractors with residential electrical needs.

man holding electrical wires

When Do You Need a Professional Electrical Inspection?

17Oct
by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner  
0

When Do You Need a Professional Electrical Inspection?

We rely on the electrical systems in our homes to enjoy our day-to-day life, but all that electricity can also be potentially dangerous. Electrical fires are the third leading cause of home structure fires according to Electrical Safety Foundation International – and they’re usually started by poor or damaged electrical components. It’s important to call for a professional inspection from experienced electrical service workers in northern Virginia to prevent any incidents.

Five Times You Need a Professional Electrical Inspection in Northern Virginia

1 – It’s been more than three years since your last inspection

There are so many things that can happen to wiring over the years, from over-burdened sockets burning out their contacts, to pests in the walls (such as mice) gnawing on wires. If it’s been more than three years since you’ve had an electrical inspection, it’s a good idea as a preventative measure. You really have no way of knowing the state of your in-wall wiring without professional help.

2 – Hot power sockets

Your power sockets may be a bit warm to the touch, but they should never truly feel hot. A hot socket is genuinely dangerous and could be close to starting a fire. This is a huge red flag that calls for immediate action.

Likewise…

3 – Burning smells

If you smell burning near an electrical outlet, that means something is burning. Immediately unplug everything attached to that outlet and call for Northern VA electrical service work ASAP. The outlet is not safe to use until it’s investigated.

4 – Frequent brownouts or lights flickering

As the years have gone on, we’ve added more electrical devices to our homes, which are drawing more and more current. This can easily over-burden older electrical systems, especially those installed in the 20th Century, leading to flickering lights or brownouts. You’ll want to have this checked out by a professional to find a real solution. 

5 – Frequently tripped circuit breakers

Finally, as with brownouts, frequently tripped circuit breakers are another sign that your home’s power system could be overloaded. Everyone will have a circuit breaker trip or burnout occasionally but that should be a yearly occurrence at most. If it’s happening on a monthly or weekly basis, you definitely need upgrades that can handle the increased power draw.

Electrical Service Work and Service

RD Matthews Electrical has over a decade’s experience doing residential electrical service work in Northern Virginia. If you think you’re having electrical issues, don’t risk a fire and major damage.

Call us for repairs and upgrades!

electricians in Northern Virginia

Common Electrical Issues in Old Homes: And How to Fix Them

30Jun
by Ryan DalPezzo, Owner  
0

Common Electrical Issues in Old Homes and How to Fix Them

If you’re like most people, you probably think of electricians as people who come to your house when there’s a power outage. While this is certainly one of the things electricians do, there are actually a lot of other services they offer. If you live in an old home, chances are you’ll eventually need to call an electrician for some repair work. Here are some of the common electrical issues in old homes and how electricians in Northern Virginia fix them.

Outdated Wiring

A common electrical issue in old homes is outdated wiring. This could be a fire hazard, so it’s important to have it checked as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to hire an electrician to come and inspect your home’s wiring. They’ll be able to tell you if it needs to be replaced and can do the job for you.

Loose Outlets

Another common problem in old homes is loose outlets. This can be dangerous because it can cause a fire if the wires come into contact with each other. The best way to fix this is to hire an electrician to inspect and tighten the outlet for you. They’ll also be able to replace any outlets that are too old or damaged to be safe.

Blown Fuses

If you have an old home, chances are you’ve had to deal with blown fuses or breakers at some point. This can be caused by a short circuit somewhere in the wiring. The best way to fix this is to hire an electrician to come and find the source of the short circuit and repair it for you.

Why Older Homes Have More Electrical Issues

There are a few reasons why older homes tend to have more electrical problems. First of all, the wiring in older homes is often not as good as it is in newer homes. Different construction methods were used back then and the wiring may not have been installed properly. Additionally, older homes often have outdated electrical panels that can’t handle the load of today’s appliances.

Call RD Matthews Electrical, The #1 Electricians in Northern Virginia for Electrical Issues in Your Home

If you’re dealing with any of these electrical issues in your old home, it’s time to call the experts. RD Matthews Electrical serves Northern Virginia to help fix electrical issues safely and quickly. We’re the #1 electricians in Northern Virginia and we’re ready to help you with any electrical issue you may have. Contact us today to request a service!

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