Everyday life depends on electricity. Businesses run on it, families live by it, and it powers most of our entertainment and everything else we do, even medical care. When it fails, the repercussions range from minor inconveniences to regional shutdowns. Even though power company crews work overtime to restore power after a major outage, the economic and personal impact can range from inconvenient to grim.
Outages due to storms, earthquakes, a vehicle hitting a pole, or overhead lines damaged by a tree are unforeseen events that can’t be prevented. But many electrical failures can be. Inspections are the smart way to identify and prevent electrical problems. Electricraft, Inc. has been providing electrical solutions, including advanced electrical inspections, to San Luis Obispo communities since 1984.
Common, preventable electrical failures
Common reasons for residential electrical failures are overloaded circuits and loose or deteriorating wiring connections. If you are experiencing any of the following, it’s time for an inspection to determine the necessary repairs to protect your investment and keep your family safe.
- Reliance on extension cords.
- An older home built before 1970.
- Frequently tripping breakers.
- Flickering lights and burning smells.
- Worn or aging electrical components.
- Damage to the home that may have affected the electrical system, such as an earthquake or storm.
Industrial and business electrical failures can be more complex, depending on the kind of equipment in use. In addition to the signs listed above, common industrial issues include:
- Loose connections.
- Inadequate maintenance.
- Environmental contamination such as dust, moisture, and even rodents.
- Overloading circuits.
Electricity generates heat, and some industrial equipment generates extreme heat that can become dangerous. Aside from the safety implications of overheated equipment, electrical failures can also damage expensive equipment.
Coming home or going back to work after a major electrical failure and flipping on the lights can also create problems. Depending on the damage caused by a natural disaster, there may be unseen damage to the electrical system, or the public utility may not have completed repairs to the public side of the grid. An electrical inspection may be in order before turning on the lights or powering up equipment.
Electricraft’s San Luis Obispo electricians have years of experience in a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and public works inspections. The team is licensed and certified for state-of-the-art technologies that help make inspections run smoothly and efficiently.
The value of electrical inspections
Inspections are the most effective way to identify and repair electrical issues before they become a problem. Regularly scheduled inspections can identify issues before they become a serious and expensive problem. Inspections:
- Ensure safety and code compliance.
- Prevent costly downtime.
- Help avoid electrical fires and possible electrocution.
- Help protect valuable equipment and appliances.
Electrical inspections protect your investment in your home and business.
Protecting your investments
Routine inspections are essential to ensure safety, code compliance, and prevent costly downtime. Today’s inspection technologies reduce the time of inspections compared to the past. Advanced inspection technologies are transforming how electricians diagnose, predict, and prevent electrical failures.
Not only do the advanced inspection technologies used by the San Luis Obispo electricians substantially reduce the time needed for thorough inspections, but they also collect data and deliver accurate diagnostics that can be applied to cost-effective and safe repairs.
- Ultrasonic testing detects arcing, tracking, or corona discharge sounds that often occur before visible damage.
- Power quality analyzers measure voltage fluctuations, harmonics, and load imbalances that can shorten equipment life or cause inefficiency.
- Digital insulation resistance testers quickly assess the integrity of wiring insulation to prevent current leakage or shorts.
- Circuit analyzers with data logging capture detailed performance metrics over time to evaluate system stability.
- Underground locating and fault finding.
- Fluke – Copper and Fiber Optic Data Cable Testing
- Fiberoptic cable testing via OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer)
- High Potential Testing for medium voltage cables and terminations.
- Infrared cameras provide a digital map of electrical heat distribution, allowing an instant assessment between normal and abnormal operations. The Electricraft team has Level 1 and Level 2 trained thermographers.
The local, reliable experts
Electricraft is committed to delivering the highest level of customer service, prioritizing time and expense-saving technologies. From residential wiring to solar installations, complex industrial electrical systems, and new construction, Electricraft, Inc. delivers:
- Time and labor savings.
- Unmatched diagnostic accuracy, repairs, and upgrades.
- Improved electrical safety.
- 24/7 emergency service. Call (805) 544-8224.
