Electrical Services

It depends on the situation. If you are buying a new home, it is typically a good idea to have the electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician to ensure that it is up to code and safe to use. If you are experiencing problems with your electrical system or have not had it inspected in a long time, it may also be a good idea to have it inspected. In general, it is always a good idea to have the electrical system in your home inspected periodically to ensure that it is safe and functioning properly.

Safety: An electrical inspection can reveal potential hazards such as outdated wiring, improperly grounded outlets, and circuit overloads that can cause fires or electrocution.

Code compliance: Building codes change over time and an inspection can ensure that your electrical system meets current safety standards.

Insurance: Some insurance companies require an electrical inspection before providing coverage or renewing a policy.

Sale or purchase of a home: A home inspection is usually done as part of the buying or selling process, and the electrical system is a key part of this inspection.

Upgrading or remodeling: If you plan to remodel or upgrade your home, an inspection can identify any issues that need to be addressed before starting the project.

Age of the home: If your home is over 30 years old, it's a good idea to have an electrical inspection done as the wiring and components may have become outdated and may be in need of replacement.

Troubleshooting: If you are experiencing problems with your electrical system, such as flickering lights, circuit breakers tripping, or power outages, an inspection can help identify the cause of the problem and recommend repairs.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot electrical problems in your home:

• Identify the problem: Look for specific symptoms such as flickering lights, circuit breakers tripping, or power outages. Make note of when and where the problem occurs.
• Check the circuit breaker or fuse box: If a circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows, it can indicate an overload on that circuit. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse and see if the problem persists.
• Check for loose connections: Loose connections can cause arcing, which can lead to power outages or circuit breaker tripping. Check for loose connections in outlets, switches, and light fixtures.
• Check for damaged wiring: Damaged wiring can cause power outages or circuit breaker tripping. Look for signs of damage such as frayed or exposed wires, discoloration, or charring.
• Check for GFCI and AFCI protection: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) are safety devices that can trip and cause power outages if they detect a problem. Press the reset button on these devices and see if the problem persists.
• Test outlets and appliances: Use a voltage tester to check for power at outlets and test appliances to see if they are functioning properly.
• Consult an electrician: If you are unsure of the cause of the problem or are unable to fix it, it is best to consult a licensed electrician. An electrician can help diagnose and repair any issues with your electrical system.

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a safety device that is designed to protect people from electrical shock. It works by monitoring the amount of current flowing through the "hot" and "neutral" wires in an electrical circuit. If there is a difference, even a small one, between the two, the GFCI assumes that this difference is caused by a current leak and it immediately cuts off the power, thus protecting you from electrical shock.

GFCIs are typically installed in areas where electrical shock is a higher risk such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas. GFCIs can be installed as a circuit breaker in the main service panel or as an outlet receptacle. These devices can be easily identified by the "test" and "reset" buttons on them. It's important to test them periodically and reset them if the circuit is tripped.

GFCIs are an important safety feature that can help protect you and your family from electrical shock and electrocution. It is a requirement to have GFCI protection in many areas by the National Electric Code. If your home is older, it may not have GFCI protection and it would be a good idea to have an electrician install them.

An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a safety device that is designed to protect against fires caused by electrical arcing. Arcing occurs when electricity jumps through the air, instead of flowing through a conductor. This can happen when wires are frayed, damaged, or improperly connected. AFCIs are designed to detect arcing and interrupt the electrical current before a fire can start.

AFCIs are typically installed as circuit breakers in the main service panel or as outlet receptacles. These devices can be easily identified by the "test" and "reset" buttons on them. It's important to test them periodically and reset them if the circuit is tripped.

AFCIs are required by the National Electric Code to be installed in certain areas of the home such as bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas where people sleep. Like GFCI, it's an important safety feature that can help protect you and your family from electrical fires.

It's worth noting that, while GFCIs and AFCIs are similar in their function, they are not interchangeable. GFCIs protect people from electrical shock, while AFCIs protect against arcing fires. It is important to have both types of protection in areas where they are required by code.

Call SBS-NC, LLC today for all of your electrical needs! 

A circuit breaker is a device that automatically interrupts the electrical flow in an electrical circuit when it detects an overload or a short circuit. It is designed to protect electrical wiring and devices from damage caused by excess current.

Circuit breakers are typically installed in the main service panel, also known as the electrical panel or breaker box, which is usually located in a utility room or garage. The panel contains several circuit breaker switches, each of which controls the power to a specific electrical circuit in the home.

When an overload or short circuit occurs on a circuit, the circuit breaker "trips" and interrupts the flow of electricity. This can be easily reset by flipping the switch back to the "on" position. This will restore power to the circuit.

Circuit breakers come in different types and sizes, each with a specific ampere rating. The ampere rating determines the maximum amount of current that a circuit breaker can safely handle before tripping. It's important to use the right size circuit breaker for the electrical load it will be protecting.

Circuit breakers are an important safety feature that can help protect your home and appliances from electrical damage caused by power surges, overloading, and short circuits. They are also an important component of the electrical system in your home, and it's important to have them inspected and maintained by a licensed electrician from SBS-NC, LLC.

Call SBS-NC, LLC today for all of your electrical needs!

A short circuit is an abnormal electrical connection between two points in an electrical circuit that is not meant to be connected. This can occur when a hot wire comes into contact with a neutral or ground wire, bypassing the intended path of the electrical current. This causes an excessive amount of current to flow through the circuit, which can damage electrical devices and wiring, and potentially cause a fire.

Some common causes of short circuits include:

• Damaged or frayed wiring
• Loose connections
• Overloaded circuits
• Corrosion
• Water damage
• Rodents or other pests chewing on wires
• Wires coming into contact with metal objects

When a short circuit occurs, the excess current can cause the circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to blow, interrupting the flow of electricity and preventing damage to the circuit. It's important to locate and repair the cause of the short circuit to prevent it from happening again. If you are unsure of how to locate or fix a short circuit, it is always best to consult a licensed electrician from SBS-NC, LLC.

An overloaded circuit breaker is a condition that occurs when the electrical load on a circuit exceeds the capacity of the circuit breaker to handle it. This can happen when too many devices or appliances are connected to the same circuit or when a single device or appliance draws more power than the circuit can handle.

An overloaded circuit can cause the breaker to trip, which interrupts the flow of electricity to the circuit. This is a safety feature that helps protect the circuit from damage caused by excessive heat and can prevent electrical fires.

There are a few signs that a circuit breaker is overloaded. Some of them are:

• Flickering lights
• Warm-to-the-touch outlets or switch plates
• Frequently tripping breakers
• A circuit breaker that won't reset

To prevent circuit overload, it's important to distribute the electrical load among multiple circuits and to avoid overloading a single circuit with too many devices or appliances. If you're planning to install new electrical appliances or devices, consult a licensed electrician to ensure that you have the proper number of circuits and the right amperage of circuit breakers to handle the load.

It's also important to note that, if a circuit breaker trips repeatedly, it may indicate an overloading issue but it could also indicate another problem, such as a short circuit, a ground fault, or damaged wiring. In these cases, it's important to consult a licensed electrician from SBS-NC, LLC to diagnose and fix the problem.

There are several reasons why you may need to hire a licensed electrician:

1. Safety: A licensed electrician is trained to safely install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, and can identify and correct potential hazards that may cause fires or electrocution.
2. Code compliance: Building codes change over time and a licensed electrician is familiar with the current codes and regulations that must be met. They are responsible for ensuring that the electrical work is done safely, efficiently, and up to code.
3. Expertise: Electricians have the knowledge, skills, and experience to properly diagnose and fix electrical problems. They have the right tools and equipment and know how to safely use them.
4. Insurance: Some insurance companies require that electrical work be done by a licensed electrician in order to provide coverage or renew a policy.
5. Inspections and certifications: A licensed electrician can provide inspection, testing, and certification of electrical systems for compliance with local and national codes. This would be important for the sale or purchase of a home, or for insurance claims.
6. Efficiency and Savings: A licensed electrician can help you design an electrical system that is both efficient and cost-effective. They can recommend ways to reduce energy consumption and costs and ensure that your electrical system is running at optimal performance.
7. Legal protection: In case of an accident or injury related to electrical work, a licensed electrician carries liability insurance that would protect you from any legal actions.

In summary, while it may be tempting to try to tackle electrical issues on your own, it's important to remember that electricity can be dangerous and that the services of a licensed electrician are essential to ensure the safety, efficiency, and code compliance of your home's electrical system.

Call SBS-NC, LLC today for all of your electrical needs!

If your lights are flickering, it could indicate a problem with your electrical system and it may be a good idea to call a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the problem. Some common causes of flickering lights include:

• Loose connections: A loose connection in a switch, outlet, or light fixture can cause arcing, which can lead to flickering lights.
• Overloaded circuits: If too many devices or appliances are connected to the same circuit, it can cause the lights to flicker.
• Damaged wiring: Frayed or damaged wiring can cause flickering lights.
• Power fluctuations: Flickering lights can also be caused by power fluctuations from the utility company.
• Bad bulbs: If only one light is flickering, it could be the bulb that is faulty and need to be replaced.

It's important to note that flickering lights can also be a symptom of a more serious problem such as a short circuit, which could be dangerous and cause a fire. Therefore, if you are unsure of the cause of the flickering lights or are unable to fix them, it is best to consult a licensed electrician from SBS-NC, LLC to diagnose and repair the problem.

Call SBS-NC, LLC today for all of your electrical needs!

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it could indicate a problem with your electrical system and it may be a good idea to call a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the problem. Some common causes of circuit breaker tripping include:

• Overloaded circuits: If too many devices or appliances are connected to the same circuit, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip.
• Short circuits: A short circuit can cause an excessive amount of current to flow through a circuit, which can cause the circuit breaker to trip.
• Damaged wiring: Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a circuit breaker to trip.
• Ground faults: A ground fault can cause an excessive amount of current to flow through a circuit, which can cause the circuit breaker to trip.
• Aging equipment: Circuit breakers that are old or worn out can become less effective and more likely to trip.

It's important to note that a circuit breaker tripping repeatedly can also be a symptom of a more serious problem such as a short circuit or a ground fault, which could be dangerous and cause a fire. Therefore, if you are unsure of the cause of the circuit breaker tripping or are unable to fix it, it is best to consult a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair the problem. They will be able to check your electrical system, identify the problem and suggest the best course of action to fix it.

Call SBS-NC, LLC today for all of your electrical needs! 

A ground fault is an abnormal electrical connection between a hot wire and a ground wire, or between two hot wires, in an electrical circuit. This can happen when electrical current leaks through an unintended path, such as a damaged wire or an improperly grounded appliance. A ground fault can cause an excessive amount of current to flow through a circuit, which can cause damage to electrical devices and wiring, and potentially cause a fire.

Ground faults can be caused by a variety of reasons such as:

• Damaged or frayed wiring
• Loose connections
• Overloaded circuits
• Corrosion
• Water damage
• Rodents or other pests chewing on wires
• Wires coming into contact with metal objects
• Improperly grounded appliances or electrical devices

Ground faults are dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are safety devices that can detect ground faults and immediately interrupt the electrical current, preventing injury or damage. Ground faults can also cause the circuit breaker to trip, interrupting the flow of electricity and preventing damage to the circuit. It's important to locate and repair the cause of the ground fault to prevent it from happening again. If you are unsure of how to locate or fix a ground fault, it is always best to consult a licensed electrician from SBS-NC, LLC.