DATA wiring Archives - Custom Electrical Services IA

Check for Overheating Appliances

Appliances with a high power demand can overheat, causing strain on your electrical panel and eventually tripping the circuit breaker. The following home equipment is the most likely to overheat:

Dishwashers
Ovens
Refrigerators
Air conditioners
Microwaves

Often, the culprit is a newer appliance recently added to an older electrical panel. When analyzing if an overheating equipment is responsible for your tripped breaker, consider the following questions:

Are you loading the appliance correctly?

Failing to load a dishwasher or dryer correctly may cause excess pressure on one specific area, causing overheating.

Does the appliance feel hot to the touch when in use?

If the side of your refrigerator or air conditioner feels hot, it’s a sign the equipment is under strain and overheating.

Does the appliance have a blocked vent?

A blocked vent in a clothes dryer may prevent the release of heat buildup, causing internal heat levels to rise beyond their capacity and tripping the circuit breaker.

Watch for Overloaded Circuits

Overloaded circuits are another of the most common causes of a tripped breaker. This occurs when too much power goes through one area of the electrical circuit. For example, using a toaster, hairdryer, and coffee maker with an extension cord. The extension cord alone won’t cause the tripped breaker, but using one may place too high a load on one area of a circuit by plugging in multiple devices or appliances.

Watch for the following signs of an overloaded circuit:

Lights frequently dim when using high-power appliances
Warm outlets and switches
Buzzling outlets and switches
Sluggish performance from appliances and power-connected devices

How to Address an Overloaded Circuit

Avoid Overusing Extension Cords

Extension cords are generally designed as a temporary measure to allow you to plug in an appliance for a specific period of time. Avoid over-using extension cords, particularly with high power demand appliances such refrigerators or clothes dryers.

Plug Kitchen Appliances into Different Outlets

Spread kitchen appliances such as toasters and microwaves around the kitchen and plug them into separate outlets to avoid overloading one circuit when cooking family meals.

Unplug Items When Not in Use

Many larger appliances can be unplugged when not in use to avoid potential overloads. For example, you can unplug your microwave and toaster oven or turn off your furnace during the summer to avoid a potential overload.

Identify Short Circuits

Electricity will flow in the direction of least resistance and take the shortest path. The longest distance requires the power to flow through a ground wire on the specifically designed circuit. When there’s a shorter route available, the electrical flow will travel in that direction. This is called a short circuit and is one of the primary causes behind a tripped circuit breaker.

Short circuits are generally caused by:

Loose connections in the electrical box
Water coming into contact with electrical wiring
Damaged outlets, switches, or wiring
Electrical surges
Faults in a new appliance

How Do I Know If I Have a Short Circuit?

If a short circuit is the cause behind your frequently tripping breaker, there will be many signs, including:

Sparks, Buzzing, and Popping Sounds

There are audible and visual signs of a short circuit. When you notice an outlet sparking, buzzing, or a popping sound when you plug an appliance in, you should immediately call an emergency electrician to prevent electrical damage.

Charred Wiring and Outlet Plates

If the short circuit has been ongoing, you may notice signs of past damage to your electrical structure, including charred wiring and burnt outlet plates.

Burning Smell

During an ongoing short circuit event, you may notice a distinct burning smell in the area of your appliance. Turn off the power immediately and call an electrician to review the equipment and your breaker.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tripped Circuit Breakers

Why Does the Breaker Trip If I Have Nothing Plugged In?

If there’s no equipment plugged into the circuit and the breaker is still tripping, you likely have damaged wiring leading to the breaker, degraded insulation, or a ground fault. When your breaker continually trips without any electrical load, book an inspection with an electrician to get to the root cause.

How Can I Tell If a Breaker Has Been Tripped?

There may not be one specific sign of a tripped breaker. You may find an outlet stops working or a rarely used appliance loses power. Go to the electrical panel and open the door. When one switch faces a different direction than the rest, you may have a tripped breaker.

Will Upgrading My Electrical Panel Stop The Breaker Tripping?

In older homes with frequently tripping breakers, the problem is usually related to an older panel with insufficient amperage to match the demand. However, upgrading your electrical panel should only be decided on after consultation with an electrician. They may find a fault within your wiring or an appliance issue they can fix without replacing the entire panel.

Call Custom Electrical For Tripped Breaker Repair Throughout Iowa

Serving Central and Eastern Iowa homeowners, our electricians at Custom Electrical Services have several decades of experience diagnosing and fixing tripped breakers in homes throughout the state. Our 5-star electrical service rating is due to our focus on communication and our speed of response to potential electrical safety hazards.

Don’t attempt to fix a continually tripping breaker without an electrical license! If you are considering upgrading your electrical panel to resolve breaker performance issues, book a home visit via our online form with our 24/7 electricians or call 515-669-3418 for urgent electrical services in response to tripped breakers and electrical safety concerns.

What is a “Ground Fault”?

In a properly functioning electrical circuit, current flows from the hot wire to the neutral wire. When the current takes an unintended path through a ground wire, any connected equipment or a person touching the equipment completes the circuit. Ground faults result in a sudden reduction in resistance as the current flows unimpeded to the conductor.

How Does a GFCI Work?

A GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) shuts off the power in the event of a ground fault within 1/40th of a second of the fault detection. They detect incoming and outgoing current levels and cut off the power when current levels. When the outgoing and returning current differ by more than five milliamperes, the GFCI stops the flow.

Which Rooms of the Home Require GFCIs?

The 2023 version of the National Electrical Code requires GFCIs in all kitchen receptacles, bathrooms, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and garages. If you have an older property and are reviewing GFCI upgrades, begin with these property areas and any part of the home where electricity might accidentally contact water.

Since 2020, the NEC also required GFCIs for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits, rated 150 vaults or less to the ground. This requirement usually impacts clothes dryers and outlets throughout basements.

What is an Arc Fault?

An arc fault occurs when loose or corroded wires cause electrical sparking or arcing, which creates heat in the circuit and can potentially cause electrical fires. Arc faults often happen when construction work damages wiring behind a wall, allowing current to leak from the wire and generate heat.

How Does an AFCI Work?

AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) continuously monitor current flow and trip the internal contacts to stop power to the circuit and mitigate the risk of electrical fires. While conventional circuit breakers respond to power overloads and short-circuits, AFCIs use electrical waveform analysis to check charge variations, frequencies, and timing to distinguish between everyday arcs that occur due to the operation of switches and plugs and dangerous arcing that can quickly cause fires.

Where are AFCIs Required in the Home?

For new construction, the NEC requires AFCIs in dining rooms, laundry rooms, and all sleeping areas, including bedrooms, living rooms, guest rooms, and dens. The NEC also mandates AFCIs for 5- and 20-ampere branches and 120-volt, single-phase circuits for devices and outlets.

Answers to Common GFCI Vs. AFCI Questions

Can I Install GFCIs or AFCIs Myself?

No. Qualified electricians should install GFCIs and AFCIs. Only licensed electricians should complete home installations involving wiring and connected circuits. Electricians follow specific

safety measures installation and ensure your GFCIs and AFCIs operate safely afterward.

What are the Most Common Causes of GFCI Tripping?

Your GFCI will trip when there’s a quick disconnect in the circuit. You may experience frequent GFCI tripping in the event of:

Moisture in the area and wet wiring
Defective appliances
Improper wiring installation
Multiple pieces of electrical equipment improperly connected on one circuit, causing an overload

How Common Are Electrical Fires?

While recent innovations in electrical safety and upgrades to the National Electrical Code have reduced the number of fires across the country, data from the Electrical Fire Safety Institute shows there are 51,000 electrical fires across the U.S. each year. The latest data also shows electrical fires cause nearly 500 deaths, more than 1400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage annually.

Custom Electrical Services Set the Standards for Electrical Safety

Protect your older home by installing the latest GFCIs and AFCIs with Custom Electrical Services. We set the standards for Iowa electrical safety, undergo regular training on the newest technology, and offer flexible scheduling to visit your home on short notice in the event of an electrical safety concern. Contact our team today at 515-669-3418 to discuss electrical safety options for your home!

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters

Arc fault circuit interrupters detect and block arc faults occurring when electricity jumps from one conductor to another. This type of electrical fault is the common cause of about half of the electrical fires across the country, according to the NFPA. Installing Arc fault circuit interrupters also helps protect your home devices by preventing wiring from overheating and melting. With overwhelming evidence proving the value of AFCIs, the National Electrical Code now requires their installation in all new builds. For your older property, an AFCI is one of the best-value safety upgrades in 2024.

Hardwired Smoke Alarm

Your battery-powered smoke alarm generally provides sufficient protection during a home fire. However, reliance on battery power for smoke alarms creates an elevated level of risk. For example, you may miss the chirp alerting you to low battery levels. In addition, battery-powered smoke alarms will only detect a fire within that specific home location. This lag time risks a fire breaking out before you can react.

Hardwiring a smoke alarm ensures that when one detector detects smoke, the system alarm sends a signal to all interconnected detectors throughout the property. In addition, because the alarm is hardwired and draws power from a household circuit, the system offers superior reliability compared with battery-powered smoke detectors. Hardwired systems only rely on batteries as a backup in case of power failure.

Electrical Panel Upgrades

Your electrical panel is your home’s operational control center. When your home appliances and devices draw too much power, the system fails and causes power outages. In addition to supporting the power demand throughout your home, an upgraded electrical panel can help reduce the risk of electrical fires by preventing circuit overloads and reducing the potential for overheating.

New Outlets

Another common cause of electrical fires is the reliance on extension cords, which may include too many appliances plugged into one cord. Or a cord being used unsafely and outside of its intended application. For example, fire risks occur when an extension cord only rated for indoor use is in use outside and when cords run under rugs and other household items.

Installing new outlets throughout the home can prevent the overuse of extension cords. The latest electrical outlets also include USB connections, helping free up outlet space for other equipment as you charge your cell phone or tablet.

Surge Protectors

While electrical fire protection is a critical consideration when creating a home safety plan for 2024, data safety and device protection are also paramount. Whole house surge protectors cover these vital areas of home electrical safety. Surge protectors protect against sudden rises in voltage caused by lightning, short circuits, and power company malfunctions. These systems detect high voltage surges and immediately block the path to internal circuits so the excess power cannot damage your home appliances and electrical equipment and to minimize the risk of dangerous wire overheating.

Make Custom Electrical Your Iowa Electrical Safety Partner

Custom Electrical Services combines decades of electrical services experience with access to the newest electrical safety technology to tailor safety upgrades specifically to your home. We offer 24/7 access to licensed and experienced electricians for your home safety upgrades. Begin your upcoming home upgrade project today by calling our team at 515-669-3418 or booking online to discuss your service options.

Why Are Zinsco Breakers Considered Dangerous?

The issue with Zinsco breakers goes back to World War 2 when updates to the National Electric Code allowed the temporary use of aluminum in manufacturing electrical breakers in panels due to low copper supplies. While most manufacturers continued to use copper, Zinsco chose a specific type of aluminum prone to electrical oxidation.

As a result of oxidation, the aluminum acts as an insulator instead of a conductor. This then leads to electrical fires and burnouts due to a combination of issues with the following components:

Breakers can fail while in the “on” position, which leads to the switch appearing off but still allowing a current to flow through the system.

The older Zinsco bus bars and circuit breakers don’t pass UL standards.

The oxidation issue can lead to a poor connection between the breakers and the bus bars, which prevents the breaker from tripping, potentially melting the insulation and wires and causing a fire.

Many models of Zinsco breakers feature a two-wire system with no grounding, which is exceptionally dangerous as ground wires help safely discharge the power supply to the earth.

How Do I Know If I Have Zinsco Breakers In My Home?

To help you identify whether you have a Zinsco breaker within your home, consider the following elements:

Blue and White Zinsco Label

Many models feature the blue and white or green and white Zinsco label. Zinsco was famous for this style of coloring and branding.

Magnatrip Label

Your breaker may also have a “Magnatrip” label, as Magnatrip was the brand name for Zinsco brand breakers produced between the 1940s and 1970s.

However, because of the age of the breakers and the potential for labels to wear over time, it might not be obvious from just looking at the breaker panel that you have a Zinsco brand breaker. An electrician can identify the Zinsco brand by the circuitry design and use of components. So, if you have any concerns your home has a Zinsco circuit breaker, you should book an electrician’s inspection as soon as possible.

Questions to Consider When Replacing Your Zinsco Breaker

What is the Future Electrical Demand in the Home?

Many homeowners only consider the current level of demand when upgrading older electrical panels. But you may want to update your kitchen with new appliances or renovate a basement and add an in-law suite, which places a higher demand on your panel. While 150 amps are suitable for most household use, you may consider a 200 to 400 amp panel with future renovations in mind.

Will I Need Other Electrical Work?

An electrical panel replacement is a large-scale electrical upgrade. It may be most cost-efficient to hire electricians for other required electrical work during the change over from the Zinsco panel. Whether it’s a lighting upgrade or a faulty outlet, taking on these tasks during the panel upgrade will help meet all electrical safety and performance needs after your panel replacement.

What is the Timeline for the Breaker Replacement Project?

Book an electrician as early as possible for any electrical work that impacts the safety of your home. You may be fortunate enough to get a same-day visit for this urgent electrical service, specifically so an electrician can inspect your panel and provide swift guidance on the replacement steps.

Call Custom Electrical for Urgent Zinsco Panel Replacement In Central and Eastern Iowa

Our Des Moines-based electricians provide Central Iowa with urgent responses to Zinsco panel upgrade service calls. We also offer electrical panel upgrades throughout Eastern Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Davenport, IA. Call our electricians any time, 24/7, via 515-669-3418, or book online to confirm your panel upgrade appointment

The Types of Electrical Outlets

Before exploring common outlet repair problems, let’s review the types of outlets in your home.

USB Outlets

USB outlets help save time and space in homes with a smaller footprint by allowing you to plug in multiple devices simultaneously.

GFCI Outlets

GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are one of the safest forms of electrical outlet and help prevent electrical shocks by cutting off power to the outlet when a rapid change in voltage is detected.

Recessed Outlets

Recessed outlets are a design option for homeowners who wish to place furniture flush against a wall without cords and outlet covers in the way.

WiFi Outlets

Wi-Fi outlets allow you to control the flow of electricity from the outlet to connected devices via your Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

Tamper-Resistant Outlets

Tamper-resistant outlets feature built-in safety shutters that block foreign objects from being inserted into the receptacle. Since 2008, the National Electrical Code has required tamper-resistant outlets in any new build or renovation project.

Common Outlet Repair Issues and Their Causes

Problem: Outlet Has No Power

You go to plug in your cell phone charger and discover an outlet has no power and your device is not receiving a charge. To test whether the problem is with your outlet, device or charger, plug your device into another outlet. If it charges, test the initial outlet by plugging in other appliances.

Cause: Wall Switch is Turned Off

The reason your outlet is not providing power might be that it’s connected to a turned off wall switch. Before calling for help from a licensed electrician, check all connected switches are in the on position to rule out this cause.

Cause: GFCI Needs to be Reset

Ground fault circuit interrupters are becoming more common in homes across the U.S. They feature a reset button, which, when pressed, resets the circuit after it’s been tripped. Press the reset button on the front of the GFCI to see if it restores power to the outlet.

Cause: Wiring is Loose

Over time, the wiring connections behind the outlet may become loose due to structural shifting, insulation breakdown, and other environmental factors. If you’ve tried a GFCI reset and checked your wall switches are on, call an electrician to check for loose wiring connections.

Electricians can tighten the connections and then test your outlet. At this stage, they may look into further wiring problems if tightening loose connections doesn’t fix the problem.

Problem: Breaker Trips When Using an Outlet

If your breaker continually trips and causes a power loss when using a particular outlet, the issue is likely a power overload with too much demand on the connected electrical panel. Below are some of the causes behind persistent breaker trips:

Cause: Too Many Items Plugged In

Plugging in several appliances to the same outlet can exceed the voltage rating for that outlet and lead to a tripped breaker. Unplug several appliances and try the outlet again to see if the outlet works. Speak with an electrician if you unplugged devices and the outlet still trips regularly.

Cause: Arc Fault or Ground Fault

A persistently tripping breaker connected to a GFCI could result from a hot wire within the circuit contacting a ground wire. There may also be a loose wire leaking electricity behind the outlet. If you suspect a ground fault, call an emergency electrician immediately because the fault within the circuit may cause an electrical fire and represents a significant electrical hazard.

Cause: Short Circuit

When a non-GFCI outlet trips, the problem might relate to a short circuit with the electricity not following the intended path. Usually, you’ll notice other signs of an electrical fault in the impacted home area, for example, flickering lights.

Problem: The Outlet is Loose in the Wall

When you plug in your device and notice the outlet moves, you may have an electrical safety problem that requires an inspection. The most common causes for a loose outlet include:

Cause: Contact Points in the Receptacle Are Loose

When the outlet face plate is secure, but the plug is not tight within the socket, the contact points in your receptacle are probably loose. Worn contact points can potentially cause an electrical arc and fire hazard. Have a licensed electrician inspect the outlet to confirm a problem with the contact points.

Cause: Loose Outlet Face

A cracked or loose outlet faceplate may expose the wiring and cause the electrical connections to shift each time your family uses the outlet.

Outlet faceplates stay in place with screws, which you can tighten. However, you should call an electrician before taking on this task, as there may be other electrical concerns (such as exposed wiring) that make tightening and screwing in the faceplate further a potential electrical hazard.

Book Outlet Repair, Installation, and Wiring Services in Greater Des Moines

Custom Electrical Services serves homeowners and business owners throughout Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa with outlet installation, repair, and wiring services. You can call our licensed electricians any time, 24/7, for your outlet requirements.

Don’t attempt any outlet repairs without contacting our electricians first! Call 515-669-3418 to speak with our team!

What Are Standby Generators?

A standby generator is a permanent backup power source installed outside your home to restore power in local power loss events such as storms. Standby generators use natural gas or propane and require no additional refueling.

Standby generators help your home maintain access to the following during a local power outage:

Air conditioning during hot weather
Furnace during the winter months
Home internet to maintain communications during emergencies and keep home businesses online
Security systems to retain 24/7 protection when you’re away from home

The Benefits of Standby Generators Include:

Automatic Power Generation

One of the leading advantages of standby generators is they provide power automatically. You don’t have to be present in the home to turn the generator on. This is ideal for Iowa homeowners concerned about stormy weather impacting their homes while away on vacation. With a standby generator, your home retains access to power, so your sump pump and security system, for example, stay online and operational.

Runs Persistently

Because standby generators run on natural gas or propane, there’s no need to refuel. You can run a standby generator for up to 500 hours in an emergency.

Provides as Much Power As You Need

Standby generators deliver as much power as your home needs. While you may require multiple portable generators for home power generation, a standby generator can power all home appliances. You won’t have to pick and choose which systems to protect. Using standby generators, your home is protected from every angle against power loss events.

Why You Need Electricians For Standby Generator Installation

When you’re in the process of selecting a standby generator, a qualified electrician can help you determine the best fit for your home and application. Electricians can help you to:

Determining Generator Size

Home standby generators are rated by kilowatt, which measures the generator’s power output. One kilowatt is equivalent to 1,000 watts. A licensed electrician will review your home and power demands to determine the size and capacity of the generator you require. The appliances that consume the most power in the home include dryers (up to 6,000 watts) and air conditioners (up to 2000 watts).

Integrating Switches

Automatic transfer switches turn your generator on the moment you lose power. They also help protect your family and your home against the risk of electrical fires from potential surges when restoring power. The use of a transfer switch ensures electricity travels in the right direction, preventing potential electrical risks for utility workers repairing overhead lines.

Only a licensed electrician can install the transfer switch for your generator. Electricians understand the integration process and can ensure the switch is built specifically to handle the load for your generator and to perform as required within your property location. An electrician can also match the amperage of the switch to your home’s breaker, ensuring seamless power transitions.

Ensuring Safe Performance

Your standby generator will run on either natural gas or propane, and electricians train for many years to safely connect generators to the fuel source. They also know the safety considerations for choosing the generator location and ensuring the generator exhaust faces away from home living spaces. Electricians also work within the NFPA guidelines and follow the electrical code to the letter for safe generator installation. It’s an area where you cannot compromise, and why choosing qualified, experienced electricians for the generator installation work is essential.

Select Custom Electrical Services for Decades of Experience in Generator Installation

Custom Electrical Services is Iowa’s leader in standby generator installation and repair services. Our team trains regularly with the latest equipment from Generac and Kohler and harnesses this hands-on technical experience in each area of our work in customer homes. We’re also Iowa’s foremost factory-trained and authorized Generac Dealer and our electricians have proven expertise in the company’s latest standby generator models.

Leave nothing to chance with generator installation and backup power services within your home. Call our electricians today at 515-669-3418 to learn more about our generator installation work and the latest options for your family home.