ACI Northwest Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Electrical Repair’

Call Our Electricians for These Electrican Needs

Monday, July 18th, 2022
electricians-hands-fixing-electrical-panel

You don’t need to call an electrician to get every single task in your home handled. For example, lightbulb changes are more than likely something you can confidently handle on your own. But there are plenty of tasks for which you should call an electrician.

If you are looking for a reliable electrician who you can keep coming back to in the years to come, you can end your search here. Once you have our contact information, you’ll have a reliable resource for your electrical needs plus other home comfort services.

If you are wondering when you should reach out to one of our expert electricians, we’ve provided some information to help you figure out when to call us.

Continue Reading

Consider an Electrical Panel Upgrade

Monday, July 23rd, 2018

two electricians inspecting electrical panelThe circuit breaker panel of your home, known as the electrical panel, is probably not something you give a whole lot of thought to (even though you may walk past it a couple times a day). However, this component is the central hub of your electrical system, and plays a huge role in keeping that electrical system safe and fending off electrical repair in Cheney, WA .

The electrical panel is where incoming electricity gets routed to the different circuits that control the outlets, and subsequently the electrical appliances and equipment in your home, and switches. The breakers are designed to shut off circuits if and when there is a voltage overload. If this is occurring all the time, then it’s a pretty clear sign your electrical panel can’t take the demand being placed on it any longer.

Continue Reading

What Condition is Your Wiring in?

Monday, May 14th, 2018

electrician's hands working with wiresOf all the issues that can negatively impact your home, electrical problems are probably the most dangerous. Think about it—a plumbing problem can cause mold growth and property damage while an HVAC issue can leave you uncomfortable for a few hours while you wait for emergency repairs to get your system back in shape. But electrical problems can cause electrocution and house fires.

It’s essential that you have a professional electrician inspect the wiring in your home at least once every few years to see if you need Spokane, WA electrical repair. Otherwise, you could very well find yourself facing a problem or even an electrical emergency. Keep in mind, though, that even with regular inspections there’s still a chance that electrical issues can happen, so be sure to contact an electrician right away if you notice any of the following signs.

Continue Reading

Signs You Need Outlet Repair for Your Home

Friday, September 19th, 2014

The electrical system in your home is a complex network of circuits. However, you don’t see most of this: the primary way you access the electricity is through switches and power outlets. If the outlets in your home malfunction, the situation will develop into a major inconvenience… and it might even become a fire hazard.

Because outlets are one of the more visible parts of the electrical system, you will feel a temptation to grab a screwdriver, remove the outlet cover, and try to solve any problems on your own. Don’t do it! This is a job that you must leave to professional electricians. Amateur work on electrical systems risks high voltage shocks and it could cause a fire. Instead of reaching for the toolkit, reach for the phone and call for electrical repair service in Sandpoint, ID from ACI Northwest. We are available 24/7 for emergency repair service.

Here Are Some Signs of Defective Outlets That Need Repairs

  • Charring and discoloration: If you notice what appears to be burn marks or brownish discoloration on the outlet covers, it is usually a sign that an electrical fire has occurred inside the outlet, probably because of a loss of insulation along the wiring. Don’t ignore this: call for an electrician right away.
  • Warm or hot outlets: An outlet cover should not feel warm to the touch. This can indicate a number of different problems. One of the most likely is that there are loose or damaged wires behind the cover. It could also mean that the outlet is wearing down with age. Whatever the cause behind it, do not use the outlet again until you have had electricians look into the problem.
  • Sparking outlets: When you plug in an appliance to a wall outlet, you may see a momentary blue spark. This is the start of the flow of electrons, and isn’t anything to worry about if it is an occasional occurrence. If and outlet begins sparking frequently, and the sparks are larger than usual, it probably means there is a short in the outlet, and you will need electricians to deal with it.

When you call for professional electrical repair for outlets, you will often have the option to upgrade the outlets to GFCI models if you don’t already have them. For older homes, it is a good idea to have an update to these outlets because they will help protect everyone in your household from electrical shocks. We specialize in GFCI outlet installation at ACI Northwest, so when you contact us for electrical repairs because of faulty outlets, ask us about this service.

Continue Reading

Signs That Your Home Needs Electrical Repair

Tuesday, July 15th, 2014

Electricity is so essential to daily life, but it is also something we seldom think about because we are accustomed to receiving it with a flick of a switch or a touch of a power button. Your home may have electrical malfunctions that require repair, but unless you watch out for the signs you may not realize there are issues—until you suffer a major power loss or an electrical fire breaks out.

Should you notice any of the signs below, don’t ignore them and don’t attempt to fix the problem on your own. Call up professional electricians to handle the necessary electrical repairs. You can reach ACI Northwest any time of the day or night for emergency service from highly-trained professionals who will keep the electricity flowing safely through your home.

Watch for These Warning Signs of Electrical Repair

  • Flickering lights: If you spot lights in your home that occasionally flicker like candle flames, don’t dismiss the occurrences—especially if it occurs to a few lights at the same time. This indicates a power surge running through the electrical system, likely because a large appliance (the refrigerator, the air conditioner) has put excessive demand on the system. Small power surges like this will cause cumulative damage to appliances in your home, and could warn of bad circuits.
  • Warm or sparking outlets: Increased heat coming from outlets, or outlets that cause sparking whenever you plug an appliance into them, are suffering from bad wiring that can risk an electrical fire. Do not unscrew the outlet to look into it yourself; call for repairs.
  • Repeatedly tripped circuit breakers: The circuit breaker panel that has an occasionally tripped breaker is not usually a sign of a serious problem. But if you have tripped breakers occurring on a regular basis when appliances come on, then you may have repair issues within the panel itself (it may need a full upgrade) or trouble with the wiring. Call for an electrician to investigate the trouble and find a solution.

Remember, should you encounter any of these signs, turn off any of the affected appliances and unplug them. Do not attempt to use the suspect parts of the electrical system until after you have had an electrician examine and repair them.

Trust to Professional Electricians

Qualified electricians are a must for repairs: only trained electricians will know how to keep your home safe and up to local electrical code. Whatever your needs for electrical repair service in Coeur d’Alene, WA, you can put your trust in ACI Northwest. We provide comprehensive service for home electricity.

Continue Reading

Electrician Tips: Repair Issues from Faulty Wiring

Monday, June 23rd, 2014

People often take for granted that the wiring in their home is sufficient for their power needs and has no major faults that could make it either ineffective or dangerous. Although it’s true that modern homes are built with durable electrical systems, faulty wiring is still something that can occur, and it needs repair work the moment it’s detected. Poor wiring can lead to needless energy drain, power loss, and fire hazards. It’s especially important to watch for wiring issues in older homes where full electrical upgrades may be necessary.

Here are some of the repair issues that faulty wiring can cause in a home. Make sure that you call for professional licensed electricians for any of your needs for electrical repair service in Coeur d’Alene. Contact the experts at ACI Northwest any time of the day or night for the quality work you need.

Some Problems Due To Faulty Wiring

  • Power surges: Power surges are one of the least understood of electrical problems. They don’t only come from catastrophic events like lightning strikes; they also occur because the wiring in a home is incapable of handling the demands placed on it by more powerful appliances. If you notice flickering lights in your house every time that the compressor in the refrigerator or air conditioner switches, then you may have bad wiring that is leading to a power surge. These surges will eventually cause serious damage to the system and anything plugged into it, and you need to have electricians track down and fix the problem.
  • Charred and failed outlets: Faulty wires inside outlets are a frequent issue that can afflict even newer homes. When bad wiring causes a spark or a fire, it will char or discolor the outlet. Should you notice this, it means you need to have electricians replace the outlet and find out what went wrong with the wiring behind it. Outlets that cease providing electrical current also call for repairs.
  • Constantly tripped circuit breakers: An occasional tripped breaker is usually nothing more serious than a momentary large demand from a malfunctioning appliance. However, if the problem persists, you may have a serious issue with a circuit somewhere, and it could become an electrical fire hazard if it is left unattended.

Schedule Service with Licensed Electricians Only!

Never attempt electrical repairs on your own: the risk of a high voltage shock is too great, and you might create further trouble from faulty wiring. You need to rely on electricians who are familiar with the local electrical code and who can handle the work fast and right.

For any wiring faults in your home that need electrical repair, the Coeur d’Alene specialists can take care of you. We have staff ready 24/7 to keep your home safely wired.

Continue Reading

These Signs May Warn That You Need Whole-House Surge Protection

Tuesday, April 29th, 2014

Power surge. When you hear these two words, what first comes to mind? A lightning strike, a downed power line, massive wind gusts… these are what most people associate with a sudden burst of electrical energy into a home that causes the power to go out and deals unfortunate damage to computer hard drives. (You didn’t save that novel you’ve worked on for three years in only one place, did you?)

However, power surges also come in smaller sizes, and these types are much more common. They often happen when a large appliance, like a refrigerator or an air conditioner, suddenly makes a large demand on the power supply. Standard power strips that protect computers and high-end equipment do little good against these pulses that run through your electrical system. Although less noticeable than major surges, the cumulative effect of the smaller surges can cause injury to your appliances. To defend against power surges, you’ll need a whole-house surge protector installed.

For this service, and for all types of electrical repairs in Spokane, WA, call ACI Northwest today.

Watch for these indicators that you need a whole-house surge protector

  • Flickering lights: If your lights occasional dim and flicker, usually when you hear a large appliance turn on, then the demands along the power lines are triggering surges. This visual sign is a strong warning that damage is already occurring around your house because of the surges.
  • Constantly tripped circuit breakers: If a circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows because you plugged in a powerful device, than you know the cause of the problem. But if breakers continue to trip for no obvious reason, then it’s probably the fault of multiple small power surges. (You might also have an outdated fuse box or circuit breaker panel.)
  • Charred or discolored outlets: Call for repairs immediately if you see any indication of fire damage on one of the outlets. Power surges are probably at fault, but you need to have an electrician check the safety of the wiring. While the electrician is there, ask about whole-house surge protection installation.

You shouldn’t toss out your local power strips when you decide to go with whole-house surge protection; they will still serve a purpose as an extra layer of defense. And you should have all the defense you can to protect your home from the damage these electrical pulses can cause.

You will need the work of professional electricians to find a whole-house surge protector that meets your home’s needs and keeps you safe. Call ACI Northwest and talk to our experts in electrical repair service in Spokane, WA today to get started.

Continue Reading

What Could be Wrong with Your Generator

Wednesday, August 7th, 2013

Do you have a whole-house generator? Does it fail to back up your electrical supply during a power outage? Has it become unreliable over the years? Whatever the cause of your generator problem, you need to make sure that you get it sorted out sooner than later. The entire point of having a generator is that it functions like a practical insurance policy, protecting your home against the discomfort and inconvenience of losing power during a storm, blizzard, or flood. But like any other mechanical system, problems can develop over time. Unfortunately, because we use our generator only from time to time, we may not realize something is wrong until too late. Call ACI Northwest for quality electrical repair services.

So, what could be wrong with your generator? That depends on the symptom. While a generator problem requires professional, hands-on diagnosis by an electrician to figure out the cause, let’s take a look at a few potential issues:

  • Generator won’t start up. If you have an automatic standby generator, then it should start up immediately once it has detected a loss of incoming power at the service panel. A manual backup generator will have to be turned on by switch. In either case, if your generator won’t turn on, the result can be frustrating, especially in the dark. It may need to be reset if it has suddenly shut down, but if it won’t start up at all, there could be a problem with the fuel supply or the wiring itself.
  • Generator keeps overloading. When it was installed, your technician likely advised you on what types of appliances you can operate with your generator. Only high powered units are able to handle major appliances like dryers, HVAC systems, and dishwashers, so make sure you know what and what not to turn on when your generator is running.

When it comes to the reliability and integrity of your generator, you need to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to make sure it works in the event of an outage. Pro installation is the first step, but ensuring that the unit receives routine maintenance is also important. Call ACI Northwest today if you’re having generator problems and you need electrical repair services in Spokane, WA.

Continue Reading

Electrical FAQ: Do I need a fuse box upgrade?

Monday, March 25th, 2013

When the electricity comes into your home from the street it needs to be distributed properly throughout your home. In older homes, the electricity coming from your utility company enters a fuse box that acts as the distribution point for the light switches, appliances and outlets throughout the home. While fuse boxes do have some advantages, there are several important signs to watch for that could indicate you may want to consider upgrading to a new circuit breaker panel. Contact the electrical repair technicians at ACI Northwest if you’re having any issues with your fuse box and need repairs or replacement. These are some of the problems that could indicate that you need to replace your fuse box.

Frequent Blown Fuses

Fuse boxes protect your home from dangerous levels of electricity by using fuses. If the current of electricity flowing through the fuse gets too high it will heat up the fuse and melt it, thus destroying the connection and “blowing” the fuse. If you start to notice that your fuse box is blowing too many fuses it could be a sign that there are some problems with the box and it needs to be replaced. Contact the Spokane, WA electrical professionals at ACI Northwest for any electrical repair that you need.

Marks Around the Fuses

When you see burn marks, rust, loose connectors or discoloration on your fuse box it is likely a sign that there are big problems. This is probably a good time to have your fuse box replaced with a safer and more reliable circuit breaker. Contact the Spokane, WA electrical specialists at ACI Northwest.

Benefits of Circuit Breakers

While fuse boxes are actually more sensitive to dangerous amount of electrical current, it can cause them to be a nuisance. Instead of using fuses to protect your home from too much electricity, circuit breaker use magnets. When the current of electricity gets too high a magnet is engaged and it flips the switch. This is much more convenient because you don’t have to go out and buy fuses (which can be hard to find).

For all your Spokane, WA electrical needs call the friendly electricians at ACI Northwest. Call ACI Northwest today!

Continue Reading

Scheduling Professional Electrical Services

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Safe, dependable electricity is one of the most fundamental luxuries that we demand in our homes. It is inconceivable to most homeowners these days to imagine not having light in your home with the flip of a switch. From heating to cooking and providing the energy needed to operate your appliances and electronics, your electrical system is among the most important components in your home. It is also one of the most potentially problematic and, if not professionally installed and serviced, most dangerous. There is no reason that you should not be able to enjoy high-quality, safe electrical service in your home. Simply call the electrical experts at ACI Northwest to schedule electrical installation and repair services in Spokane.

The importance of scheduling your electrical system installation with a licensed, experienced electrician cannot be overstated. There are laws and regulations that must be met and complied with. More importantly, you must work with a qualified, professional Spokane electrician to ensure the safety and reliability of your electrical system. Electricity is a very common power source, and it can be extremely safe to use. In order to ensure this safe operation, though, you cannot cut corners during the electrical installation process.

The maintenance of your electrical system and all of its components is the most important factor in ensuring its continued reliability and safety of operation. Wires, electrical connections and other parts of the system will degrade over time. Only by allowing a professional electrician the opportunity to inspect and tune-up your electrical system can you hope to get the best performance possible from it. Routine maintenance is also a great opportunity for your professional electrician to discover, diagnose and resolve any problems with your electrical system early on. Waiting for a problem to come up with your electrical system is the worst way you can go about servicing it. Prevention is key.

To learn more about electrical services in Spokane call the experts at ACI Northwest. Our electricians are among the best in the business. Our goal is to ensure that you are able to use your electrical system confidently and safely. Contact ACI Northwest today for more information on installation and electrical repair service in Spokane, WA..

Continue Reading