Regular electrical maintenance is vital for all businesses, whether big or small. Without a functioning electrical system, your business can’t operate. Follow these tips for commercial electrical maintenance to keep your business running smoothly, minimize costs, and ensure employee and customer safety.

Know the Warning Signs of Electrical Issues

Fixing minor issues before they become major problems is key to maintaining a working electrical system. To do that, you need to know what to look for.

Some common signs of electrical problems include:

• Flickering lights
• Frequently tripped breakers
• Overly warm outlets
• Scorch marks around outlets or switches
• Exposed or fraying wires

Watch out for these signs, and train your employees to do the same. Electrical problems are no joke. Fire hazards, electric shock risks, and potential power surges can threaten your building, equipment, employees, and customers. 

If you notice an electrical problem, contact a qualified electrician immediately. Never attempt electrical repairs independently, and always fix electrical issues as soon as possible.

Safeguard Equipment with Surge Protectors

Power surges can happen when you least expect it. A sudden spike in power can be caused by:

• Lighting
• Power outages
• Tripped circuit breakers
• Overloaded circuits

Even a minor power surge can harm equipment such as computers, machinery, and appliances. Installing surge protectors is a simple way to prevent damage and keep your business operational if a power surge occurs.

Keep Accurate Records

A significant difference between residential and commercial electrical maintenance lies in code compliance. Commercial spaces are subject to different regulations than residential ones.

Keeping accurate records of electrical maintenance, repairs, and upgrades will help protect your business. If you encounter any questions regarding codes or safety, you’ll have documentation to prove your compliance.

Additionally, thorough records can help you make financial and logistical decisions as your business changes. These records are instrumental for accurate tax filing, budgeting, and long-term planning. 

Test Emergency Systems

Emergencies happen, so emergency systems should be ready at all times. Regular testing is the best way to ensure full functionality. Your emergency systems should include backup power to support essential safety features and business operations such as:

• Emergency lighting
• Fire alarms
• Sprinkler system pumps
• Elevator functions
• Critical data backups

An emergency system is useless if it doesn’t work when needed. If testing reveals any issues, contact your electrician immediately to resolve them.

When you need an expert commercial electrician in Allentown or the area, call Estevez Electric LLC. We have over 10 years of experience providing comprehensive electrical services to regional businesses. From standard maintenance to emergency service, we are always here when you need us. Call today for all of your commercial electrical needs! Estevez Electric LLC—The Top Rated Electrician in Allentown, PA.

A standby generator can be a lifesaver during power outages. Having a backup in place means your family is protected even when the electrical grid is down. Trained professionals can help you select the right generator for your home and install it so your household stays safe when the power is out.

Standby Generator Benefits

A standby generator is different from a portable model. Portable generators are freestanding units that can be moved around and turned on when needed. They generally have a low capacity and aren’t designed to provide whole-house power.

In contrast, a standby generator is permanently installed and turns on automatically when your regular power goes out. Fueled by natural gas, propane, or diesel, standby generators have a high capacity and can usually power your entire home.

Access to consistent power is not just a matter of comfort. In many situations, losing power can be dangerous and possibly costly. Having uninterrupted power from a standby generator means:

• Essential medical equipment keeps working
• Security and alarm systems stay armed
• Indoor temperatures stay safe and comfortable
• Food stays fresh and edible
• Home appliances are undamaged by power fluctuations

Additionally, a standby generator offers peace of mind. Even if you only use it occasionally, you’ll always know it’s there to keep your family and home safe if the unexpected happens.

Generator Installation Basics 

If you’re ready to install a standby generator, contact a professional. Your local electrical contractor may offer generator installation services, so reaching out to them is a good place to start.

Generator installation is not a DIY project, as it involves major electrical work, fuel connections, and fuel management. Depending on the type of generator and fuel source, your electrical professional may work with a multi-industry team to ensure a safe installation.

Your contractor will go through several planning steps with you to determine the following:

• Generator capacity
• Fuel type
• Installation location
• Necessary permits

Once you address these elements, you’ll move on to the physical installation process.

The installation team will pour a concrete pad for the generator unit to ensure a stable, level surface. Once the concrete sets, they will secure the generator to the pad and connect it to the fuel source.

Next, the electrical contractor will install the generator transfer switch near the main electrical panel. During a power outage, this component will “switch” the power source from the grid to the generator.

Once the transfer switch is in place, your electrician will connect the generator to the electrical system. At that point, your generator will be ready to go.

For standby generator installation in Allentown or the region, call Estevez Electric LLC. Our team is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and we have over 10 years of experience providing electrician and generator installation services throughout the Allentown area. As a local, family-owned company, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding workmanship and exceptional customer care. Call us today for all your electrical installation, repair, and service needs! Estevez Electric, LLC—The Top Rated Electrician in Allentown, PA.

When it comes to improving your home’s curb appeal, safety, and functionality, outdoor lighting plays a crucial role. Whether you want to create a welcoming ambiance or deter intruders, the right lighting choices can make all the difference. Here are some ideas and tips for enhancing your property with outdoor lighting.

Highlight Your Landscape with Creative Lighting

Adding landscape lighting to your yard doesn’t just illuminate your outdoor space—it also highlights its best features. Consider these popular options:

• Pathway Lights: Line your walkways and driveways with low-voltage lights for both safety and aesthetics.
• Spotlights: Use spotlights to showcase trees, garden beds, or architectural elements of your home.
• Accent Lighting: Add decorative lanterns or string lights around patios and decks for a cozy atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Opt for LED bulbs for energy efficiency and longer-lasting brightness.

Boost Security with Motion-Sensor Lighting

Outdoor lighting isn’t just about beauty—it’s also about keeping your property secure. Motion-sensor lights are an excellent choice for deterring unwanted visitors.

• Floodlights: Install floodlights in key areas, such as driveways, backyards, and near entrances, to cover wide spaces.
• Smart Lights: Invest in smart security lights that you can control remotely via your smartphone.

Pro Tip: Position security lights high enough to prevent tampering, and aim them to avoid glare in your neighbors’ windows.

Set the Mood with Outdoor Living Space Lighting

If you have a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen, lighting can help you extend the usability of these spaces well into the evening.

• String Lights: Create a magical ambiance with string lights draped across pergolas or trees.
• Recessed Lights: Add recessed lighting under eaves or staircases for subtle illumination.
• Wall Sconces: Place sconces near seating areas or doors for a polished look.

Pro Tip: Use dimmable fixtures to adjust the brightness based on the occasion.

Consider Solar and Eco-Friendly Options

For homeowners looking to save on energy costs, solar-powered lights are a great solution. These lights harness the sun’s energy during the day and illuminate your yard at night without running up your electricity bill.

Work with a Professional Electrician for Custom Solutions

Installing outdoor lighting may seem like a simple task, but working with a licensed electrician ensures your lights are safe, functional, and compliant with local codes. Estevez Electric LLC specializes in designing and installing outdoor lighting systems that meet your needs and style.

With the right lighting choices, you can transform your property into a stunning, secure, and functional outdoor space. Ready to get started? Contact Estevez Electric LLC for a consultation today!

Older homes can have great charm, but their electrical systems aren’t always up to snuff. Here are some common electrical challenges older homes can present and what to do about them.

Overloaded Circuits

Houses built (or updated) in a different era have electrical systems designed for their time. Likely, the use of electricity was minimal compared to today.

Today, we have more electronic devices in our homes, which often draw more power than older houses designed to support. This increase in usage can quickly overload outdated electrical systems.

Overloading your home’s electrical system can cause numerous problems, including:

• Wiring and outlets that overheat and pose fire hazards
• Poor performance of electrical devices
• Flickering lights
• Power surges
• Frequently flipping circuit breakers

Electrical issues can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous. Put safety first, and call your local electrician if you encounter these or any other odd electrical problems.

Outdated Electrical Outlets

Outlets are another issue with outdated electrical systems. Many older outlets lack the modern safety features that keep everyone safe.

Non-Grounded Outlets

Older outlets typically have only two receptacles since two-pronged plugs were the norm for many years. Modern outlets have a third receptacle that makes the outlet “grounded.” Grounded outlets, mandated in all new constructions since 1962, minimize the chance of electric shock and help prevent power surges.

While some plugs are still two-pronged, many have three (making them grounded plugs). Removing the third prong or using an adapter to connect a grounded plug to an ungrounded circuit is unsafe.

In short, grounded is the way to go! If you have antiquated outlets, protect your home and family by contacting a licensed electrician to replace them.

GFCI Outlets

Outlets near water, such as those in outdoor locations, bathrooms, or kitchens, must have an additional safety feature called a Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor (GFCI). The National Electric Code first required GFCI outlets for outdoor use in 1971, and the regulations have become stricter since then.

GFCI outlets detect discrepancies in the flow of electricity out and back. Their sensitivity allows them to detect even minor differences that could signal an electricity “leak” through a person or object and into water. Within a fraction of a second, a GFCI outlet can shut off, preventing serious electric shock.

Hire a Licensed Electrician for Upgrades

You should call a licensed electrician if your electrical system needs assessment, upgrades, or repairs. Older systems can be tricky. They’ve likely been repaired, added to, or had isolated upgrades over the years. Even with some electrical system knowledge, you likely don’t have the experience or tools to upgrade an older system comprehensively. 

DIY electrical work can also be hazardous, putting you and your household at risk of electric shock. Electric shock can cause immediate injury, long-term health complications, and even death.

Licensed electricians are certified through a formal training program and/or a hands-on apprenticeship. They train for 4–5 years to safely and effectively work on residential electrical systems. When it comes to electrical work, leave it to the experts!

If you need help updating your home’s electrical system in Allentown or the surrounding region, call the team at Estevez Electric LLC. We are a local, family-owned company with over ten years of experience. We are licensed, bonded, and insured for your peace of mind, and the quality of our work is second to none. Estevez Electric LLC—The Top Rated Electrician in Allentown, PA.

How to Know When It’s Time to Rewire Your Home

Electrical wiring is the backbone of your home’s safety and functionality. But like any system, it doesn’t last forever. Over time, wiring can deteriorate, become outdated, or struggle to keep up with modern electrical demands. Here are some key signs and scenarios that signal it may be time for a home rewiring project.

1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

If your circuit breakers are tripping often, it could mean your electrical system is overloaded. This is especially common in older homes that were designed for fewer electrical appliances. Rewiring ensures your system can handle today’s power demands.

2. Outdated Wiring Materials

Homes built before the 1960s often used aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring, which are no longer up to modern safety standards. If your home has these types of wiring, rewiring is crucial for both safety and code compliance.

3. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights that flicker or dim when using other appliances might indicate poor wiring connections or an overloaded circuit. This is a clear sign that your home’s electrical infrastructure needs attention.

4. Burning Smells or Scorch Marks

If you detect burning odors or see scorch marks on outlets or switches, it’s a serious red flag. These signs suggest overheating, which could lead to electrical fires if left unchecked. A professional rewiring job can resolve the issue.

5. You’re Renovating or Expanding Your Home

Adding new rooms, appliances, or modern features like a home theater or EV charging station? Your existing wiring might not be sufficient to handle the increased load. Rewiring during renovations ensures your system is ready for the future.

6. Old Electrical Panels

Your home’s electrical panel is like its command center. If it’s outdated, your wiring likely is, too. Upgrading the panel often goes hand in hand with rewiring to meet modern electrical codes and capacity.

7. Buzzing Sounds or Hot Outlets

Outlets or switches that feel warm or emit buzzing noises indicate loose or faulty wiring. This is more than a nuisance—it’s a potential hazard that should be addressed promptly.

Call the Experts for Peace of Mind

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait to take action. At Estevez Electric LLC, we specialize in whole-home rewiring and other electrical services to keep your home safe and up to date. Contact us today for a consultation!