How would your life be affected if you didn’t have any electricity? You would probably be late to work because the clocks wouldn’t function. You wouldn’t be able to cook dinner using an oven, or charge your phone. Electricity controls practically everything in your house. Unfortunately, one small mistake could result in a huge problem. Attempting to undertake many common electrical repair tasks without the help of a professional could be both expensive and potentially dangerous. Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that you avoid any major problems and are never left in the dark.
Unfortunately, not all electrical contractors are created equal. Some are just in the business to make money off of unsuspecting homeowners by overcharging and saying that unnecessary work needs to be completed. To keep you from getting scammed by an unqualified electrician, here are four tips to help you hire a reputable electrical contractor in Trumbull, CT.
Check that they are licensed, insured and bonded
The state of Connecticut requires that all electricians obtain a license. This license indicates that they have the proper training and experience to handle a variety of electrical issues. Always check that the electrical contractor is properly licensed with the state before you even consider consenting to having any work done. An unlicensed contractor might cause additional problems, including broken safety elements on an electrical panel or overloading the circuits. You’ll also want to make sure they carry legitimate insurance to ensure you’ll still be covered in case something goes wrong.
Ask about specialization
While most electrical contractors can handle most basic jobs, some tasks require a more specialized approach that is gained through years of experience and training. Many companies offer specializations in different scopes of work. Don’t waste your valuable time calling commercial electricians who might not be as well versed in wiring a home.
Inquire after experience
A boss wouldn’t select their newest employee to make the big presentation. The same goes for electrical contractors. As a homeowner, you always want to select the company that has ample experience in whatever job they’re about to attempt. In addition to ensuring they are licensed, ask how long the company has been in business and what additional education and training they’ve received in that time. The longer they’ve been in the business, the more experience and on-the-job training they’re going to have.
Ask who will be doing the work
Oftentimes, homeowners may think they’re getting the most experienced employee when they hire an electrical contractor. Unfortunately, you might be getting an apprentice or someone other than the person who originally provided you with an estimate. To make sure you get the best work possible, check to see whether the owner, a licensed electrician or an apprentice will be doing the job. If it’s an apprentice, inquire who will be supervising them.
Thankfully, there’s not too much need to stress about hiring a reputable electrical contractor in Trumbull, CT, as the professionals at New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. are on hand to provide you with reliable electrical services. Call us today to schedule a repair!
Are you thinking that business security cameras might be a good idea, but are still on the fence? Here are five reasons to hire a commercial electrician in Trumbull, CT to install surveillance cameras at your business location:
- To reduce theft: Unfortunately, people steal from retail businesses everyday, and it’s not just customers taking things they didn’t pay for. In fact, reports show that each year employees make up a staggering percentage of product and cash thefts. Clothes, jewelry, electronics and food items are just a few examples of common stolen goods. Whether the theft is internal or external, placing surveillance cameras in plain sight can deter sticky fingers from going through with a crime.
- To improve customer experience: Especially in restaurant and retail settings, good customer service is incredibly essential if a business is to stay operational, but even more so today with all the competition out there. With cameras, you can review how your employees are treating customers at the register and out on the floor when you’re not present. It only takes one bad experience to lose a customer to the competition—keep this in mind. In addition, visual evidence of which products are selling and which are not can help you in your efforts to increase customer satisfaction.
- To discourage unprofessional behaviors: While the workplace is a great place to make new friends, the workday is not the time to horse around with one another—and it’s definitely not okay to sexually harass other employees. Setting up surveillance cameras can discourage this type of inappropriate behavior, which is not only embarrassing for the harassed employee but also for the customers who witness it. Let your employees know that one reason for the cameras is because you care about their wellbeing and wouldn’t want anyone to feel hurt or uncomfortable while at work.
- To boost productivity: When you are not acting like a spying helicopter, employees don’t feel pressured to do their job a certain way, which can lead to a more natural work ethic. Instead of spending time micromanaging your employees, consider installing cameras around the inside and outside of your business. Also, you are likely to boost your own productivity, because when you leave the observing to the cameras, you are free to conduct other aspects of your business—such as catching up on bookkeeping or seeking out new ways to improve sales.
- To protect your business from false claims: There are people out there who are not above taking advantage of others, so it’s no surprise that one of the top reasons business owners install security cameras is to avoid false lawsuits. For example: A customer walks into a grocery store, then pours liquid dish soap on the floor before pretending to slip and fall. If you get slapped with a lawsuit, you can pull up the footage as proof of a false claim.
If you’d like to install professional surveillance cameras in your business, give the team at New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. a call to speak with a knowledgeable commercial electrician in Trumbull, CT.
Suppose the deciding factor on the purchase of your dream home was a perfect space for a home theater. While many electronics stores include installation services when you purchase the components for your new movie-watching paradise, you may be better off hiring an electrician in Trumbull, CT for your home theater system. Here are five reasons why installation by an electrician will result in a better home theater experience:
- Multiple components: You and your guests will focus on the large hi-definition TV, but there are several components to a home theater system, including a DVD or Blu-ray player, a cable box, stereo system and the speakers. These items will require electrical connections, and plugging them into the same surge protector may not be the best idea. When you have an electrician on board, you can add outlets and take steps to prevent system overloads. This will lead to cleaner wiring systems and fewer tangled cords, which could become a hazard.
- In-wall wiring: Wireless is all the rage in electronics. However, wired components still produce superior sound. They are also easier on the budget. Electricians have extensive experience hiding wiring behind walls and even hiding power sources. If you decide to go wild and install a 16-speaker surround sound system, your electrician will wire it up correctly and make it so the sound is noticed more than the appearance of wires strung about everywhere. The result will be an attractive area for enjoying movies.
- Surge protection: Full-home surge protection offers additional assurance against lightning, but also keeps your electronics safer. Even if you cannot budget for your entire home, installing additional surge protection in your home theater room is well worth the expense. This is often not a service provided by the store installers, and your usual surge protectors may not work with all your different components. Installing this protection along with your home theater will preserve your investment.
- Additional circuit breakers: If you live in an older home, there is a good chance the wiring has not been updated in 20 or 30 years. This was before homes contained the electronics we enjoy today, including home theater systems. A movie that is demanding on electrical systems could leave you in the dark. In addition to installing your theater, an electrician can also add circuit breakers or adjust your system in other ways to better accommodate your theater. Just like surge protection, this will also keep your electronics running more smoothly.
- Better sound and pictures: With good connections for all your equipment, there will be no compromise on sound and picture. Your TV will receive the power it requires, as will your sound system. Adjustments will keep both at peak performance so you will enjoy your movie experience much more. Home theater components are often very sensitive, and professional installation that takes into account their electrical needs will make a big difference.
If you require an electrician in Trumbull, CT for a home theater or sound system, contact New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. We look forward to making your home theater dreams a reality.
Today’s homes contain more electronics than ever before. That leaves them vulnerable to lightning and one good jolt could shut down your computers, sound systems and home theaters in a literal flash. If you are looking at a fresh or upgraded electrical installation in Trumbull, CT, consider adding whole-house surge protection. Here are some reasons why this is the best way to keep your electronics safe:
- Protects for the long term: The plug-in surge protectors many people use for their computers and other electronics offer protection for only one surge. They sustain the damage that would otherwise be inflicted on your valuables. With a whole house surge protection system, you will enjoy protection through multiple incidents. Considering that most surges are often generated by homeowners and not always due to lightning, this adds reassurance.
- Electronics are more vulnerable now: If you have LED lighting, your bulbs each have a circuit board. Washers and dryers also have circuit boards, as do dishwashers and other appliances. This makes them more susceptible to surges than their counterparts from the past that did not contain advanced parts or computer technology. Whole-home surge protection is a new reality with these technologically advanced appliances.
- Works for all appliances: A plug-in surge protector only protects the items connected to it. Homeowners often insist on surge protectors for computers, but may not do the same for air conditioning units or washers and dryers. These appliances run on their own circuits, but if there is a surge, they will push additional surges back through the interior wiring. That damages items not using surge protectors, as well as most of the electrical system. Whole-house surge protection keeps this from occurring.
- It is double-layered: Whole-home surge protection systems protect the interior wiring and the appliances plugged into it. While having your computer, for example, plugged into a surge protector will protect it, that will not prevent the surge from damaging your electrical system. In fact, it is very possible for your wiring to be shot but your appliances to remain functional. However, that does not help you if you need to arrange for a home rewiring.
- There are many options: You can find whole-home systems rated up to 80kA. Your contractor can help you determine the best level of protection depending on the frequency of lightning in your area and the vulnerability of your appliances. Surges over 10kA in homes are very rare, but some homeowners feel better erring on the side of overkill—especially if work or hobbies rely on functioning electronics.
- Reasonable price: A whole-home surge protection system is very cost effective, especially when compared to what you would pay to replace electronics and appliances. Even if you can claim the damages on a homeowner’s policy, it still takes time to repair the wiring and receive new items to replace those damaged by the surge.
If you would like to add surge protection to your electrical installation in Trumbull, CT, contact New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. today.
Landscape lighting in Trumbull, CT can give your yard a stunning look for the outdoor activities of summer. People often remark that it turns nighttime yards into glistening fairy lands. The benefits go way beyond appearance. Installing the right lighting also enhances safety so you and your guests can explore your property unscathed. Here are areas of your yard where you should consider extra lighting:
- Stairs: Homeowners often believe their porch lights are sufficient for stairs. However, while your visitors see the stairs well enough to know that they are there, the lights will not give many suggestions as to number or depth. By installing small lights on each stair or just running a line of them up and down stairways, you create a safer staircase that is easier to see. Since nothing will disrupt a party or get-together quicker than a 911 call and an insurance claim, this investment is more than worth it.
- Pathways: If you put in the effort to install pavers, you likely want to highlight them with colored or embellished lighting at night. It can make your pathway glow and give your yard a magical look. This also makes it easier for your guests to use the pathway. The extra lights will allow people to see where there is uneven terrain or loose stones so they do not trip on them.
- Water features: That fountain or fishpond is likely the highlight of your yard. It offers peace, and if you install a waterfall or riverbed, you get to enjoy the sound of running water. Unfortunately, these features also have a dark side. Small children can drown in them, and when the sun sets, it can make it harder for adults to supervise them. Adding lights helps you see potential disaster before anything bad occurs. Many homeowners also consider a lighted fence to prevent this hazard.
- Pools: Homeowners choose to light pools for the same reason why they light water features. You do not want people walking into the pool because they do not see where the cement ends and the pool begins. Also, if you choose different colors, you make it into a water feature on its own, even if people are not coming over to swim.
- Doors and doorknobs: No one enjoys fumbling with door locks after a late night out. People unfamiliar with your home may also appreciate seeing a knob or latch more easily. This type of landscape lighting is more about convenience than safety. However, considering that there are circumstances where you or a family member may need to get into your home quickly, adding extra light helps in that endeavor.
- Safety railings: If you enjoy a second-story porch, you likely have railings already installed. You can draw attention to the railings and the edge of your porch by adding lights along them. Depending upon the height of your railings, there is still a chance that someone can fall over them, so making them visible is always a prudent precaution.
New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. is available to transform your ideas for landscape lighting in Trumbull, CT into a reality. Call us today to see how we can enhance the beauty and safety of your property.
