Current Electric Blog From Southeast Wisconsin

Solar panel systems provide a clean and renewable source of energy for residential buildings. They can also help homeowners lower their energy bills, leading to considerable savings over the years. If you are interested, consider the following information.

Types

Solar panel systems for residential buildings are available in two main types, off-grid and grid-connected. Off-grid systems are stand-alone ones that are not connected to a local utility company. Grid-connected systems are ones that are connected to a local utility company. These systems are able to use the grid for power when they are unable to produce enough energy on their own. The utility company arranges to purchase any excess power that grid-connected systems produce. Some grid-connected systems also have a battery backup in place to ensure a steady supply of energy.

Design Considerations

• Roof Age & Condition: we like to see roofs with at least 15 years of service life remaining.
• Roof Slope: 30-35 degree slope is ideal, but a larger or smaller angle works just fine too.
• Roof Orientation: due south is ideal. Any orientation will work, but the further north the solar array faces, the lower the solar production.
• Types of Solar Modules: we like to use crystalline type modules consisting of 60 or 72 cells.
• Types of Inverters: there are a handful of different inverters that we prefer to use. We’ve installed String Inverters, DC Optimized Inverters, and Microinverters. All have slightly different functions, different price points, advantages and disadvantages – but ultimately, they all convert sunlight into electricity.

 Features

Solar panel systems feature panels containing solar cells, which use photovoltaic technology to absorb sunlight and convert it into energy for household use. Since this energy is in DC form, these systems require an inverter to turn it into AC electricity.

Advantages & Benefits of Solar Panel Systems

Solar panel systems provide important benefits and advantages compared to other energy systems, especially those that run on fossil fuels.

• Clean energy: They offer a clean source of energy that is renewable and will be for many years to come.
• Minimal maintenance: These systems are also relatively easy to care for since they do not need as much maintenance as other energy systems.
• Incentives: When it comes to cost, homeowners can take advantage of financial incentives that are available for investing in solar power. This includes tax credits and rebates from utility companies.
• Quiet energy production: Solar panel systems run silently, which can be a big advantage in more populated areas.

Requirements

Homeowners can determine their energy requirements by taking certain factors into consideration. These include household’s energy needs, the number of sunlight hours they get and the number of solar panels that would provide them with the hourly wattage needed. Keep in mind that professional solar panel system installers typically perform these calculations for homeowners. Another requirement to consider is roof load, which refers to how much weight a roof can support. Most roofs can support solar panels as long as their weight is distributed evenly. Other requirements include having a roof that does not have extensive wear and tear or existing problems.

Common Parts & Construction Materials

Residential solar panel systems have the following parts:

• Solar cells: These parts convert solar energy into electricity. Solar cells can be made from the thin film with semiconductor materials or various forms of silicon, such as monocrystalline silicon.
• Solar panels: These panels, which contain solar cells, absorb energy from the sun.
• Arrays: Solar panels connect to form arrays, which are mounted to a home’s roof or to the ground or a pole for freestanding arrays.
• Balance-of-system parts: Different balance-of-system parts include mounting racks, batteries, inverters, and wiring. Inverters turn DC power into AC power, while batteries can be used for storing energy.

Mistakes to Identify

Solar panel systems are designed to last for many years as long as they are installed correctly. When they have been improperly or poorly installed, homeowners should watch for the following warning signs

• Water damage: Roof leaks can occur when solar panels do not have proper flashing around them, as well as a watertight sealant. This helps prevent water from getting through the roof.
• Loose racking: The use of low-quality materials and poor installation can cause racking to become loose, especially in windy conditions.
• Fire hazard: Poor installation can lead to fires due to faulty wiring or other electrical problems. Potential fire hazards can be harder to detect, but homeowners should have their system inspected if they experience any problems with power, such as frequent fluctuations.

Call Current Electric today for information about solar panel systems!

Outdated wiring can cause problems to occur that inconvenience you. You may find yourself in the dark a lot due to frequently tripped circuits or blown fuses. You might not have enough power to run all of your appliances, lights, and devices at the same time. You may receive shocks frequently. You may notice your electric bill is becoming increasingly high for no apparent reason, which may attribute to old wiring. Outdated wiring has the potential to do more than just complicate your life. You could find yourself without a place to call your own once the faulty wiring sparks and starts a fire. Get a step ahead and avoid an electrical emergency, read on about the signs of outdated wiring!

Benefits of Rewiring

If you opt to rewire your home, you could find yourself saving money. Although it sounds hard to believe you can save money by spending it, it’s true when it comes to electrical service. A bad breaker box will increase the amount of energy you consume. Additionally, the electric doesn’t always flow as smoothly through the wiring. Leakage in underground wiring will cause you to use more electric as well. All of this can be repaired to save you money on your electric bill.

If you have an electric furnace, your home might not be heating as efficiently as a result of the outdated wiring. Homeowners notice their home’s furnace heats more efficiently when the wiring is up-to-date, meaning winters will be much warmer as a result of the update. Lights are brighter with newer electric wires, changing the entire ambiance of your home.

Your electronic devices will thank you for updating your wiring since outdated wiring isn’t adequate and may damage the equipment. Sixty amps were once enough for all major devices in a home. Today, homes require 200 or more amps for TVs, computers, air conditioning units and other electronic devices. When the voltage drops, it’s hard on the electronics and can cause them to quit working prematurely.

Here are some signs that your home has outdated wiring:

1. Dimmed ceiling lights

Dimmed ceiling lights aren’t just a sign a light bulb is preparing to burn out. Oftentimes, it’s an indication there isn’t an adequate amount of electricity flowing through your wiring to power it, so it doesn’t illuminate as strongly.

2. Smoking from Outlets, Lights or Appliances

When your appliances, lights or outlets begin smoking, you need to take action immediately. The smoking indicates something is burning, and when it continues to do so, you could find your whole home going up in flames.

3. Noisy Electrical

The electric in your home should run without making any noise. What you might be blaming on paranormal activity usually signifies outdated wiring. Noises like buzzing, crackling or sizzling signal issues like a short, a faulty electric panel or fuse box or an overloaded circuit.

4. Burning Smell

You might notice a burning smell around your electrical, or you may just start smelling a burning smell in your home that you can’t identify the source of. It tends to smell like a burning candle. You might just notice the smell occasionally. The odor means wires in your home are starting to melt.

5. Discoloration Around the Outlet

One sign of old wiring is discoloration around the outlet on the cover or even up the wall. The area may appear scorched with black or brown discoloration. This is a sign the wiring behind the wall is getting too hot.

6. Warm Spots

Your outlets shouldn’t get hot from your electrical for any reason. The electric runs behind the walls through coated wiring that protects the electrical current from escaping. Unfortunately, as the wiring ages, the coating doesn’t trap the current like it should, which will cause the electric to escape and heat the wall. Usually, these spots arise on the outlet. Ultimately, this puts your home at risk of catching on fire.

7. Aluminum Wiring

Today, copper dominates as the most reliable and conductive material for electrical wiring. However, during the 1960s and 1970s, homes were commonly built using aluminum wiring. It’s a safety hazard since the connections loosen over time. The loose connections cause overheating and are a fire hazard, especially when you plug appliances into them.

8. Knob and Tube Wiring

Originating in the 1880s, knob and tube wiring is highly outdated. It was only used until the 1970s and consisted of rubber, which breaks down over time to expose bare wires. Without the protective coating on them, the moisture and air reach the wires, which increases your risk of a short or fire.

9. Frayed Wiring

Age comes problems with your wiring. For instance, the wires may fray and cause electrocution. They also lead to faulty operation of electric devices and fire.

Call the electricians at Current Electric today for more information on outdated wiring! 

Circuit breaker replacement can be an economical investment in protecting your home while avoiding damage to your appliances and fixtures. In addition, you can rest easy knowing that your family will be safe. They are a valuable first line of defense in home safety but are often overlooked as a solution to real problems.  Your electrical panel is likely hidden in the basement or in a utility closet, well out of sight and thought. If you ignore the warning signs, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Flickering Lights: How annoying is it when you’re eating dinner with the family and the lights keep raising and lowering like in a haunted house? While distracting, you figure you can live with it. This could be troublesome.
• Poor Performance from Appliances: Your stove may bake unevenly or never seem to reach proper temperature. The dryer might shut off in mid-cycle. You may be convinced that all your kitchen appliances need to be replaced due to strange and inconsistent performance. Instead of purchasing new appliances, you could replace your breaker.
• Damage to Essential Lights and Appliances:  When circuit breakers fail to control the electrical currents properly, you may experience bulbs that constantly burn out or a microwave that barely functions. Overheating can occur, causing lasting damage to coils and computer boards.
• Potential of Smoke, Fire and Water Damage: When too much power is drawn through a power cord, an electrical fire can occur. Your home could be severely damaged by smoke, water, and fire. The cost of failing to check your electrical panel for problems continues to skyrocket as does the likely hood of an electrical emergency.
• Lower Property Value: When you experience a fire, no matter how small, the integrity and value of the property is lowered. Failing to upgrade electrical service to your home can result in a potential buyer hesitating to put in an offer.

5 Warning Signs of Circuit Breaker Replacement

1. Burning Smell In The Electrical Panel: If you smell a burning odor coming from the panel that means wires and insulation have become overheated and are failing to protect your home from an electrical short elsewhere. Don’t wait! Shut off the main power to the house and call an electrician immediately, before this becomes an electrical emergency.
2. Breakers Tripping Frequently: A circuit breaker is designed to trip when too much power is being drawn through it to protect your entire home. If a breaker is tripping every time you turn on a particular appliance like the microwave or vacuum cleaner, the breaker may be worn out and ready to fail. An electrician will be able to determine if it’s simply a bad breaker or if you need to add a circuit to your home
3. Physical Damage: If you notice scorch marks around the breaker, at an outlet, or appliances are failing due to melted wires, it’s a good bet that your electrical panel and breakers require immediate service. A melted wire is one step away from your entire house going up in flames. Place that emergency call to the electrician and unplug all fixtures from that circuit.
4. Breaker Will Not Stay Reset: Probably after several months of resetting a breaker, it simply won’t stay on for any period time.  The breaker has probably failed. However, your electrician will check the entire circuit to make sure further damage wasn’t done to the wiring.
5. Old Age: Circuit breakers are designed to last for decades of use. However, if you have a home where the electrical panel has not been serviced in ten years or more, there’s a good chance that there are several breakers ready to fail. Having an electrician inspect your panel is a wise investment.

A failing circuit breaker replacement does not take a lot of time or money. When you invest in electrical service maintenance on your electrical panel you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Peace of Mind: Your home is now a safe environment for your family. You will sleep better when you don’t worry about the house catching fire.
• Extended Life of Appliances and Fixtures: You can now expect your new refrigerator and cooktop to last for years until you are ready to renovate again.
• Improved Convenience: You never realized how much easier life is when lights, appliances, and electrical devices work each and every time–simply because you invested in a precautionary repair.
• Maintains Value of Your Home: Updated service to your electrical panel gives a buyer confidence they are making a good investment.

Call an electrician from Current Electric today for more information on the circuit breaker! 

It’s tricky being self-sufficient when you rely on public utilities. Utilities that provide everything from your air conditioning, to the water running in your faucet, to your plumbing, to the garbage you leave on the curb. Paying your utility bills can be a pain, and there’s not always much you can do to cut down on costs without compromising your lifestyle. There is, however, an option, install some solar panels. Solar panels utilize the sun, a 100% renewable resource, to generate electricity. A typical solar panel produces 200 watts of electricity, enough to power smaller appliances like your laptop or television. Depending on where you live, how many solar panels you install, and how efficient the solar cells inside the panels are, you can generate enough electricity to power your entire home. Here’s the best part, utility companies would be paying you for any excess electricity that makes it back to the grid.

Why You Should Install Solar Panels

Going solar means saving money, you as the homeowner, get to benefit in the immediate future and 20-34 Years down the road. Solar panels are renewable, which means they’re reliable, and you’re spending money at a fixed rate. Within the first year of installing your solar panels, you can expect to receive 30% of the cost back in tax returns. You’ll receive rebates from your utility company, and your house value will significantly increase. Here’s why you can really benefit from them.

• You have financial options. If you’re unsure whether your home is a good fit, or concerned about the initial costs of solar panel installation, there’s the option of a solar power purchase agreement (PPA). If you sign up a PPA, the solar installers will own the solar panels, but install them free of charge. They will take care of all the maintenance, monitoring, and repairs in exchange for a discounted price for the electricity generated. It’s basically leasing your roof for solar panels.
• You’re saving a considerable amount of money. Monthly savings on your electric bill can be anywhere from $100 and up. Homeowners on average can save up to $30,000 in 20 years. It depends on where you live. Residents of Hawaii can save up to $64,000 in 20 years!
• A ten year or less payback period. Any homeowners, who pay upfront to install their solar panels, can expect to see some serious savings in 10 years or less. Solar panels usually have a warranty of 25-34 Years, which means you’re possibly making money after the 10-year mark.
• Your home value will increase significantly. If you plan on selling your home than you would really benefit from solar panels. With solar panels, the average price of a home increased by $17,000 and sold 20% faster than homes with solar panels.
• There could be state incentives. On top of receiving 30% of the cost back in tax returns, your state could also provide Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs). SREC’s are incentives for both homeowners and utilities to generate power through renewable energies. Homeowners receive an SREC for every 1000 kilowatt hours produced by their solar panel system. They can then sell those certificates, and the value for them depends on the market. Residents in New Jersey, for example, can earn up to $5-7,000 a year.
• You’re cutting down your carbon footprint. It’s not often when something you do saves money and the environment, but that’s the beauty of solar panels. The average residential solar panel system can cut out 100,000 lbs of carbon dioxide in just 20 years.
• Your utility company could be paying you. Some states and utilities provide performance-based incentives (PBIs), meaning they pay you, a solar panel owner, a per-kilowatt credit for the electricity your panels produce. Unlike SRECs, you don’t need to sell PBIs through a market. Rates are usually determined when the system is installed.

How Good is the Warranty?

Solar panels typically last up to 25-34 Years, but it takes a long time for a solar panel to deteriorate. Over time, they produce less electricity, but just because your solar panels are past their warranty, don’t mean they’ll break immediately. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), solar panels past their warranty degrade at a rate of 0.8% per year. Your solar panels could last up to 50 years before ever getting replaced.

Solar panels do require maintenance, however, and can be prone to defects. Here are some problems you can encounter with them.

• Cracked or broken glass.
• Damaged wiring, such as loose solder connections.
• Fluctuations in power generated.
• The inverter breaking.
• Damages to your roof.

If you notice any problems with your solar panels, contact a professional immediately. A licensed solar thermal technician knows what to look for and can provide the best options for repair. The faster you act, the more damage you can prevent and money saved.

It’s Time to Start Saving Now

You may have a hard time being self-sufficient with everything, but your electricity no longer has to be one of them. The idea that not only can you save money, but make money with solar panels, is an amazing reality.

Don’t wait until you’re the last house on the block, install solar panels and call Current Electric today!

It’s likely that your home is at least 10-20 years old, which means you’re probably due for some serious home maintenance. When this happens, it’s understandable to groan out loud as you mentally list bill after bill, and where to begin? Does my home need new insulation? Are there out-dated appliances? What about bad plumbing? All legitimate concerns, but it’s also likely that you haven’t considered your electrical wiring as a potential problem. Checking for out-dated wiring isn’t as simple as reading a thermostat or looking for mold spots, considering the issue is literally inside your walls. Only licensed electricians can guarantee if your house needs rewiring.

So Should You Rewire?

If your house is old and you enjoy all the conveniences your house provides you, then yes, you should probably rewire your home. It’s not just for better convenience and lower utility bills- it’s an issue of safety. Older homes that are up to 40-50 years old typically have electrical wires with a rubber coating, which means they can deteriorate over time and expose the wire. Exposed wires trapped between drywall and insulation means a very dangerous fire hazard. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, in 2014, at least 23,900 residential fires were attributed to electrical malfunctions. But let’s say your home is only 34 Years or younger, the wiring might not be exposed, but it’s still likely designed not to handle the demands of your day-to-day life. Outdated wiring means there’s a good chance you’ll overload the wiring. If your electrical wiring can’t handle its current workload, it could either shut everything down or, again, overheat and start a fire.

Not Sure Where to Look?

Before you start hunting for clues, here are a few things you’ll want to consider:

• Is your home 40 or more years old? If so, it’s almost guaranteed that your home needs some serious rewiring.
• Are you constantly tripping over extension cords? If you’re relying on extension cords to power most of your appliances, then there’s a good chance your wiring is outdated.
• Did you recently make any major home improvements, like a brand new major appliance? If your house is old, and you’re trying to update everything inside and out, chances are good that you’re seriously straining your existing electrical system.
• Does your home have ungrounded, two-prong outlets? Two-prong outlets are your typical two slot outlets, usually common to find in most homes. If the outlet is ungrounded, that means that your outlet isn’t protected if there is an electrical fault.

 Concerned This Might Be You?

Being a homeowner means an overwhelming amount of maintenance and responsibilities. Keeping up with what needs to be fixed or replaced is a daunting task. Luckily when it comes to making the rewiring judgment call, there are several distinct signs. It’s always important to have a licensed electrician come inspect and fix the problem, versus trying to fix it yourself, as some faulty wiring is caused by homeowners trying to personally fix the problem. So what should you look for?

• Frequent tripped breakers or blown fuses. Let’s say you were in the kitchen, watching something on TV and heating some leftovers in the microwave when all the sudden, your TV screen immediately fades to black and you can’t hear that dull hum anymore. It’s not uncommon to blow a fuse, but if this happens more than once in at least a month, there’s a good chance your wiring is outdated.
• Dimming or Flickering Lights. Easy to spot, but also easy to mix up with a dying light bulb. If you were to, however, experiencing flickering lights in multiple rooms, it’s time to call in an electrician.
• Hot or discolored plugs, switches, or plates. Next, you reach to unplug a device, check to feel if it’s hot to the touch, or you might even see some brown spots blossoming around your outlet sockets.
• Light bulbs that frequently burn out of their socket. This indicates that the fixture can’t handle the current bulb wattage.
• Buzzing or sizzling sounds. Have you ever walked into a room with those big fluorescent lights and had to deal with that annoying non-stop buzzing sound? If you’re suffering from the same sounds at your home, so home maintenance is overdue.
• The smell of burnt vinyl or plastic. It’s a very different scent from burnt food. Please don’t hesitate to act if you smell something burning, as this can prevent a house fire.
• Seeing sparks from outlets when plugging or unplugging an appliance. If you see sparks, take extreme caution and call your electric power company immediately.
• Loose outlets. Check your outlets and see if any plugs wobble or pull out easily.
• Cracked, cut, or broken insulation. Your walls and insulation act like a suit of armor, covering and protecting your electrical wiring. If something’s exposed, this could lead to damaged wiring.
• If you experience an electrical shock when plugging something in or touch a cord. If this happens, don’t try to fix the problem yourself, call an electrician immediately.

 It’s Time for Rewiring and Reaping the Benefits.

Believe it, there are benefits to rewiring your home. Not only can you rest easy at night, knowing there won’t be any spontaneous house fires to worry about, but you’ll have an overall better functioning house, well-suited to fit your electrical needs. Rewiring your home also increases your house value, and for those interested in selling their homes, that requires a house capable of passing inspection. If you know your home has some old and faulty wiring, it’s best to act as soon as possible. Updating your electrical wiring could be as easy as having an electrician update your electrical panel, or more demanding like having all the old wires pulled out through the walls, and replaced with wonderful copper wires.

Home maintenance is important, and your electrical wiring is a top priority – call Current Electric today for rewiring services. 

Lighting upgrades are the perfect choice if you’re looking to enhance your home’s atmosphere this spring. The snow and sleet has melted, the days are growing longer, and the time for boosting home electricity is just right. With spring in full bloom, homeowners are looking for a change. Perhaps this comes in the form of spring cleaning, breaking out the mop and dust pan to eliminate any remaining traces of winter. However, spring cleaning isn’t just limited to household chores. It’s also a chance to make your home’s lighting work better than ever. There is a good chance you have some lights in your home that are in process of burning out. Your lighting problems may extend beyond flickering, and instead get to the point where it’s becoming difficult functioning in your home at all. A combination of poor lighting and reduced safety spells trouble for your property value and will keep potential home buyers far away.

That’s certainly not anything you’ll want to risk this spring, so now is a better time than ever to take advantage of the lighting upgrades. You’ll be able to live in your home comfortably without about a single light flickering or burning out. But most importantly, you will be able to live safely, with lighting that will help you navigate throughout the various rooms in your home easier. And don’t just settle for any service company to help you. Get help from Current Electric now!

How Can Current Electric Help You?

We should be your number-one choice for lighting design and installation. Our team of expert electricians will make your home look and feel brand new again, with a wide range of lighting options available. They will work with you every step of the way in guaranteeing you have lights speaking to your home’s aesthetic and assess what type of lighting will do wonders for in-home convenience. Our goal is to meet the needs of all homeowners across the local area. Thanks to our electrical services, your property value will be back on the upswing, and your home will soon become the most sought after by potential buyers. You will also be able to enhance home atmosphere, making it comfortable for any member of your household or houseguest. Your peace and relaxation this spring begins with a call our way!

The 4 Best Types of Lighting for Your Home

There are two main areas of the home where lighting upgrades are essential: the kitchen and bathroom. Since both rooms are in use several times a day, it’s highly important they remain well-lit with comfortable lighting to ensure members of your household can navigate through them safely. Here are 4 that will really liven up either space:

1. Bathroom Mirror Lighting: Lighting on your bathroom mirror is one of the best ways to bring light to your bathroom. It can offer an unrivaled level of appeal. Due to the complexity involved in installing these mirrors, you will need an expert at Current Electric with plenty of experience to help out. When trying to get the right backlit bathroom mirror, for example, a professional at Current Electric will need to conduct measurements ensuring you are getting lighting at the right fit.
2. Cabinet Lighting: Cabinets, both in the kitchen and bathroom, are one of the most poorly lit areas in the home. Trying to find anything in your cabinet without the proper amount of lighting can be nearly impossible. Installing under cabinet lighting is the best way to solve this problem. The team at Current Electric can give life to any shelves or cabinets with excellent lighting options.
3. Track Lighting: If you are looking to increase both the appeal and visibility in the bathroom or kitchen of your home, track lighting is one of the best types of upgrades to consider. Since it is quite easy to install, it’s a readily accessible choice if you’re looking for a higher degree of illumination as soon as possible. The addition of track lighting will allow you to point the lamps in any direction and increase the level of customization for any appliance.
4. Accent Lighting: In some instances, the reason for installing additional lighting in the bathroom and kitchen of a home is to highlight some of the structural features it has. Using accent lighting will allow you to draw attention to the best features in your home. For example, if there is any artwork in your home, accent lighting can really bring out detail in any colors and make it look like a true masterpiece.

Contact Current Electric today if you would like to learn more on how we can make your property shine brighter than ever before this spring with lighting upgrades!

It’s time for a little history lesson. Back in the 1960s, copper experienced a spike in price. For newly constructed homes, this proved inconvenient and aluminum became an acceptable, cost-efficient alternative, especially for electrical wiring. Due to its comparatively lower cost, aluminum saw a surge in popularity over the next decade as it became the go-to choice for reliable electrical wiring that wouldn’t leave homeowners with an empty wallet. But its glory days wouldn’t last forever. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, aluminum wiring was found to be the cause for many residential fires, which only proved one thing—cost-efficiency does not equal high quality. Much like the disco songs and bell bottoms of the era, aluminum wiring suddenly became out of style and copper wiring got back in vogue. However, several homes are still equipped with aluminum wiring, especially ones built 40 to 50 years ago. If this applies to your household, you need to call for electrical rewiring immediately. By keeping aluminum wiring in your home, you are immediately putting it at risk to experience electrical fires. Plenty of homeowners still aren’t aware of aluminum’s danger, so it’s best to make yourself more aware for the sake you and your family’s safety!

How Can Current Electric Help You?

Current Electric should be your first choice in electrical rewiring service. Your safety is our electricians’ highest priority. They will give your home a close inspection to determine where aluminum wiring is still present and devise a plan of action in equipping your home with modern, safer wiring instead. From there, they will work quickly and make sure your home’s electrical rewiring is completely updated. We can also conduct a full-scale home safety inspection to determine if there are any other areas in need replacement before you’re exposed to the possibility of residential fires and electrical shock. Thanks to our help, you can expect to live comfortably in your home without worrying over whether your home’s electrical system will backfire on you. Safe electrical wiring can go a long way in ensuring you stay at a better peace of mind and allow you to enjoy life in your home. Plus, with safer electrical features, you will also see your property value raised significantly.

Aluminum Wiring 101: What You Should Know

Before you go right ahead and call up Current Electric to replace it, here are a few things you should know in understanding why exactly keeping aluminum wiring in your home is incredibly dangerous:

• Though it’s widely no longer used due to the safety risk, it is still permitted to have aluminum wiring in your home.
• Aluminum wiring expands when it is heated, especially during temperature changes. This causes problems over time, especially where there are connections to outlets, lamps or electronic devices. It will cause the connection to become loose or unstable, which can lead to a loss of power or greater risk of a fire.
• If you continue to have aluminum wiring in your home, you may a difficult time looking for homeowner’s insurance. Insurance companies may charge higher premiums or refuse to insure your home at all.
• Aluminum wiring is much softer than copper wiring. This means that aluminum wiring is highly malleable, and can be crushed easily. Aluminum breaks down faster when bent in any shape, and this reduces the conductivity of the aluminum. When the wiring loses conductivity, heat can build up in the wire and cause a fire hazard.
• Unlike copper wiring, aluminum wiring is highly susceptible to rust, which can create problems with connections, increase the risk of fires, and cause the need for extensive repairs of the wiring system.

Signs You Need to Call Us Right Now

Here is what you should notice around the house to determine the time is right to give Current Electric a phone call for rewiring:

• Flickering Lights: Simply put, if someone is walking on your second floor, and your dining room light starts to flicker, it is time to get your electrical wiring system updated. Flickering lights can grow into a huge inconvenience the longer you wait on fixing the problem.
• Warm Electrical Outlets: Electrical outlets should not be warm to the touch, and this means that there is a problem with your wiring. It’s especially common when you have electrical wiring. When you ignore the problem, eventually the outlet will get so hot it will begin to melt the cords plugged into it, which will lead to a greater risk of an electrical fire.
• Increased Spending on Repair: Since most aluminum wiring in homes is now outdated, it may result in more issues with lights and appliances that will see you have to make more calls for repair. The amount of money you spend on repair can quickly get out of your control, so it’s best to eliminate that aluminum wiring as soon as possible to keep your savings intact.

Contact Current Electric today if you want to learn more on how replacing that aluminum wiring can make your home a safer place to live!

The year is 2017, and if you’re still living with knob & tube wiring, you may just as well be living in the age of the dinosaurs. Knob and tube electrical systems were common in homes built between the late 1800s and 1930s. While they were considered the norm for a long while, you also have to remember their popularity came at a time of lesser electrical demands in the average home. There were none of those fancy kitchen aid mixers, hot tubs, washers, dryers, and perhaps worst of all, no television for people to binge watch the latest Netflix series. Since they cannot possibly keep up with modern electrical demands, they are incredibly unsafe to have in your home. In fact, they are illegal in several counties across the United States. There are other risks as well like low circuit capacity, over-fusing, no safety ground conductor, etc.  Unfortunately, many older homes in the Milwaukee area are still equipped with it, making them immediately at risk for an electrical fire. If this applies to your household, you need to take action immediately. The safety of your family is on the line here, and you certainly can’t wait any longer in fixing any issues. When the time comes to modernize your electrical system, don’t get stuck in the past, or else the future won’t be so bright!

Why You Need to Call Current Electric

Fortunately, the team at Current Electric can provide you with electrical rewiring that will finally usher you into 2017. Our team of electricians value home safety more than anything else, and will stop at nothing to ensure security in your home. This includes replacing old knob & tube wiring and giving you better electricity won’t leave your safety at risk. We know just how much damage knob and tube wiring can do and without any help, it may lead disastrous, sometimes fatal, consequences. We can provide you with the latest and greatest wiring so you can use all of your appliances safely. With our help, you’ll be living in a home that’s truly modernized, especially with electricity that won’t put anyone’s safety in danger. Your lights and appliances will be able to work so much better for a longer period of time, meaning you will save tons of money on replacement. But most importantly, you can relax in your home knowing your family is being kept safe. We’re only making sure you have modern electricity; we’re making sure you stay at a better peace of mind.

4 Good Reasons to Replace It

Replacing that knob and tube wiring will cross one more worry off your list. Above all else, you should be getting rid of them for these reasons:

1. Make Your Home Safer: Knob & tube wiring isn’t just some old electrical feature ruining the quality of electricity in your home. It places the lives you and your family at risk due to the elevated risk of house fires. At Current Electric, our electricians will replace knob and tube wiring with more durable, efficient alternatives so you can continue to enjoy quality electricity without the safety risk.
2. You Will Avoid Short-Circuiting: Since knob and tube wiring can easily become overwhelmed by the intense electrical demands of your home’s appliances, you will face a higher risk of short-circuiting. Short-circuiting occurs when current is allowed to travel along an unintended path no or little electrical impedance. Replacement from the team at Current Electric, however, will ensure you’ll get more electricity for a longer period of time.
3. Improve Your Property Value: Living in an older home certainly has its charms, but it won’t be so charming when its electricity is putting your life in danger. No potential home buyer will want to take another look at a home still equipped with knob and tube wiring that’s on the verge of falling to pieces. Getting it replaced will make that older home of yours a place where people want to live, spiking interest from buyers immediately.
4. You’ll Be With the Times: You won’t be living almost a hundred years in the past thanks our replacement services. Remember: living with knob & tube wiring is illegal in counties across the United States. There’s nothing in preserving your home’s old school appeal, but it’s entirely when it’s putting your safety and functionality at risk. Replacing and modernizing your home’s wiring is just to be current; it’s also to be cautious.

Contact Current Electric today if you want to improve home safety by having one of our electricians replace your knob & tube wiring!

Circuit breaker replacement is necessary if you want dependable electricity in your home, especially during the winter when electrical consumption increases. Though your circuit breaker panel is your first line in home electrical safety and can last you a long time, refusing to call for replacement when the time is right can give you all sorts of trouble. This includes flickering lights that will disrupt life in your home in more ways than one. You’ll also risk damaging your most essential lights and appliances, meaning you may have to spend more cash on replacing them. Worse, when too much power is drawn through a power cord, an electrical fire can result from overheating. Your home could be severely damaged by smoke, water and flame. With the increased safety risk, you will also notice your property value eventually begin to dip. After all, no potential home buyer will want to take another look at a property where the possibility of an electrical fire is just a few flickers away. Before these problems snowball into one huge wave of stress, you need to identify the signs telling you to call for replacement in a hurry. But how? Since a circuit breaker is located in a less visible area of the home, you may not even realize any indication of a problem at all. However, all you need to do is take a closer look around the house so you’ll be spotting the warning signs like a pro.

How Can Current Electric Help You?

Current Electric should be your first choice in the event you need circuit breaker replacement. Our team of electricians works quickly in replacing the old with the new so you’re not spending a second longer with an outdated and unsafe circuit breaker panel. Before any work is done, we’ll consult with you about replacement to ensure to job is done to your specifications. You’ll receive plenty of benefits once we provide you with service. Perhaps you didn’t realize how much easier life is when lights, appliances and electrical devices work each and every time–simply because you invested in a precautionary repair. Our circuit breaker replacement service will ensure you experience greater convenience around the house, especially since it keeps those essential appliances working to the best of their abilities. More importantly, you will enjoy improved home safety that will your property away from the risk of electrical fires. Once you know you have a panel keeping your family safe, you will be able to achieve a better peace of mind. It’s not having to constantly worry over whether your electricity is safe, so why not call Current to relieve yourself from stress?

5 Warning Signs You Need Circuit Breaker Replacement

The next time you suspect your circuit breaker may be in its waning days, please take a look at these 5 warning signs:

1. Frequent Trips: A circuit breaker will become overwhelmed when there is too much power being drawn through it to protect your entire home. If a breaker is tripping every time you turn on a particular appliance like the microwave or vacuum cleaner, the breaker may be worn out and ready to fail. A licensed electrician at Current Electric will be able to determine if it’s simply a bad breaker or if you need to add a circuit to your home.
2. Old Age: Circuit breakers are designed to last for decades of use. However, if it’s older than 10 years or hasn’t been serviced in a while, you’re more at risk at having it replaced. There’s a good chance that your circuit breaker is ready to fail. Please call an electrician at Current Electric today immediately for inspection if this applies to your home.
3. Burning Smells: A burning odor coming from the area where the panel is installed is an immediate cause of concern. Shut off the power in your home before this leads to a fire and call an electrician for inspection. Allowing this problem to continue any longer can turn your home into a giant safety hazard, so call for help as soon as you notice it.
4. Breaker Will Not Stay Reset: Are you finding your circuit breaker unable to stay on for a prolonged period of time? This means the breaker has probably failed. However, an electrician at Current Electric will check the entire circuit to make sure further damage wasn’t done to the wiring.
5. Physical Damage: If you notice scorch marks around the breaker, at an outlet or appliances are failing due to faulty wiring, it’s a good bet that your electrical panel and breakers require immediate service. A melted wire is one step away from your house experiencing a fire. Please a call to an electrician and unplug all fixtures from that circuit!

Contact Current Electric today if you want to learn more on how to improve electricity thanks to circuit breaker replacement!

The New Year is here which means it is time for homeowners to consider electrical upgrades throughout their home to remain safe and secure. Why do you ask? Well, per the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 50,000 fires are caused by faulty electrical systems in homes each year. And unfortunately, 450 deaths have occurred, as well as up to 1500 injuries. All homeowners would like to believe that their electrical system is safe and sound, but can you really know for sure? Electrical upgrades need consideration especially at the beginning of the year and the only way to know if your family is safe is though these ten resolutions.

Why Take Advice from Current Electric?

Here at Current Electric, it’s our top priority to ensure that you and your family are safe from any electrical danger. All our electricians here have a lot of experience. So, when it comes to electrical systems, you can count on us to resolve the problem and get the job done. You will receive exceptional and immediate service ranging anywhere from installations or repairs to replacements or inspections. Our great electricians can handle any situation that you and your family might be experiencing.

Electrical Upgrades You Need to Make

1. Extension Cord Placement- No matter who you are, at some point you used an extension cord. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s just important to make sure your extension cord is in a safe place. Extension cords can be useful for taking one item from one room to another. However, make sure the extension cords you are using are far from doorways, under carpets, near heaters, or near any items that might damage the cord. It is important that you lay the extension cord in a safe place where it can constantly be used without worrying about it getting damaged.
2. Sockets Near Water- As we all know, water and electricity don’t mix, yet we still tend to use electrical appliances in water present areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. So to maintain your safety, try inserting a GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupter socket, which helps ground out the socket in case water gets in it. Installing these outlets in bathrooms, on kitchen counters, or in areas where water might be near, can help keep your home safe from potential danger.
3. Signs of Faulty Wiring- There are a lot of signs that your home might be trying to tell you if you have faulty wiring. For example, if your switches feel warm or you’re constantly dealing with blown fuses, tripping circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, then your system might need an electrical upgrade. It is important to contact a professional electrician who can pinpoint the problem that’s causing those problems.
4. Wattages- Wattage is on the inside of a lamp socket for a reason. It might seem like a hassle, but you really should take the time to check all your lamps and make sure that the bulbs inside them match with the recommended wattage. This can make a big difference because higher wattage bulbs are more likely to blow and can pose a threat to your family. High watt bulbs also take up more energy which ultimately runs up your electricity bill. So, handle them correctly because it will eventually help you out in the long run.
5. Damaged Cords- Checking for any damaged cords is also a must. Even a small tear on your electrical cord could be enough to start a fire. Take the opportunity to check every cord within your home and handle damaged cords with caution. Either call a professional who can repair it or have them replace the cord entirely if the tear is too much.
6. Install More Outlets- If you’re using an extension cord every day or far too often, you might want to think about installing more sockets. Even though you might have a safe extension cord that is in good shape, calling a professional electrician to install more sockets could save you the potential risk of an eventually damaged one.
7. Outlet Overload- People nowadays are either buying or using more outlet expanders or added extension cords to receive more socket space. And that’s okay. Over time, though, when an outlet overloads, it could overheat and pose a fire hazard. So, make sure to keep a close eye on them especially if you’re using them for awhile.
8. Energy Efficient Appliances- A great alternative to save money on your monthly utility bill is purchasing energy efficient appliances. These appliances are also safer for your home and can make a big difference in how it runs throughout your home.
9. Surge Protectors- Surge protectors are great for your home because they can help prevent future issues from arriving especially during large storms or power surges. Even if your home isn’t experiencing any power surges, one random spark from a power surge can lead to fire and can overload circuits, causing damage to your electrical system. So, I guess it’s better to stay safe than sorry, right?
10. Smoke Detectors- Make sure to check your smoke detectors and replace them if necessary. Smoke detectors are technically your first line of defense in case something goes wrong. So, if you truly want to protect your family and home, installing new smoke detectors can be very beneficial and can save you time, money, and potentially your home.

Don’t put yourself at risk to begin the New Year and keep your family safe with these electrical upgrades – call Current Electric today for help with all things electric!