Install the service panel at a convenient location that is also secured so that only authorized people have access to it. The electrical panel is sized according to the environment as well. In many commercial wiring schematics, where each tenant has separate cabling and metering, the panel should provide for this. All panels and metering are typically installed in one location with an outline of which components are related to each apartment, floor or condo. There should be adequate electrical outlets to avoid using extension cords. It is important to ensure the layout and spacing complies with the relevant electrical standards.

A tenant may carry out renovations and wish to add electrical outlets to other locations not served by the initial outlets. Before making the modifications, the tenant should confirm that the panel and conductors have the capacity to handle extra outlets, lights or additional loads. This can be confirmed by the building owner, a qualified electrician, or electrical contractor who carried out the initial wiring. If the wiring is not adequate, additional cabling and protection may be required.

Electrical Safety in a commercial building is usually very critical to any building owner or caretaker, as well as business owners or tenants. They must ensure the safety of the people working on the premises as well as the visitors and customers. To minimize the risk of accidents and injuries, the building owner should make sure that the electrical wiring is up to date. This includes regular maintenance. Three phase power should comply with all electrical and building codes for that area. In particular, the people responsible must focus on ensuring that:

A comprehensive inspection of a commercial installation of electrical wiring should be carried out every 5 years by a qualified electrician. However, it is important to have regular inspections in between that identify defects and enable prompt repairs. A building owner must ensure the safety of the tenants, employees, and visitors while also guaranteeing uninterruptible supply to the premises.

Home automation allows homeowners throughout the country to live with far more conveniences than ever before. In addition to being able to remotely control the comfort of your home, you can also make your home safer with security automation. Smart home security automation has numerous benefits and can incorporate a number of options into its design.

However, if you don’t understand how to utilize these features you may not be using your system safely or at least to the best of its ability. To ensure that you are getting the most from your home automation security system, be sure to consider the following tips.

Are you going on vacation and leaving a pet behind? Naturally, you want a pet sitter you can rely on. However, what if an emergency occurs or they are late? Be alerted by setting up a no-show alert so that you’ll be notified by phone or mobile device if they don’t show up. This is also a good idea to set up if you are home and there is a solicitor or sales person at your door that did not have a previous appointment.

As the weather begins to warm up, it’s easy to forget that you’ve left a window open. With contact sensors added to your window, paired up with the Sensor Left Open alert, you’ll be notified if they are left ajar at night or when your home is unoccupied.

With the integrated Amazon Echo, you can arm your system and manage all connected devices simply by stating a command aloud. You just need to invest in the Amazon Echo, and then download the Alarm.com Skill Alexa app on your mobile phone to start using this excellent feature.

Kolb Electric, here, and we wanted to discuss a fairly common topic we’ve noted with our patrons as of late. We’ve been getting a lot of “Is this normal?” Or “Is this a common problem?” questions on our projects and calls recently. This got us to thinking; maybe people would be interested in learning a bit about what electrical problems our Baltimore electricians encounter regularly.

What would we consider to be a fairly normal issue? And what would be an oddball? Answers to this and more today in:

No problem is ever “normal’, per se. That’s why it’s a problem! But there are certainly some issues we see regularly:

So why do we feel like it’s a good idea to clue you in on our most common repairs? Partially because information is fun, but mostly because problem is the key word here. Understanding that these common issues are indeed problems that should be looked into by our Baltimore electricians is important.

Any instance of poor wiring, flickering lights, under-maintained equipment or general electrical funny business should be addressed right away! Leaving them alone or ignoring them can be hazardous, or can lead to much larger electrical problems. So have them handled by a pro right away!

If you note any of the issues we mentioned today (or any other electrical problems), contact the certified Baltimore electricians at Kolb today! Our experts can have your electrical appliances and wiring in perfect working order in no time at all!

Do you have an electrical repair or a project you’re moving forward on, or you’re wanting to improve the look of your home or business?  Will you do it yourself, hire a handyman, or hire a qualified electrician?

Because of the rising costs of our island’s economic environment, many are looking for ways to cut costs when it comes to electrical repairs or additions. One way people are doing this is through their own attempts or choose someone who claims to be a qualified electrician working as a “handyman”. The current economy has left many skilled tradespersons unemployed and eager to offer their expertise as a handyman repair worker.

A “handyman” might be able to do the electrical job you have or they might not.  How are you to know?  Much of the work performed in an electrical project is covered up by walls, wire junction boxes, or in limited access locations.  I’ve  seen bad connections where the previous installer has connected wires using gift wrapping tape or paper clips or some other household items. Also, wires that carry high voltage were cut, pinched, and fully exposed to a shock or fire hazard (see above picture).  The owners knew nothing about this!  Following the electrical codes didn’t seem to be a priority in these attempts.  Codes need to be met or there’s a huge liability to persons and property.

Electrical wiring can be very dangerous! A handyman may have some electrical talent, but they are not recognized by the law as a licensed contractor. In other words, in Hawaii, they cannot pull permits on jobs where they are required or legally work on projects that earn $1000.00 or more for their services. The State knows the dangers of unlicensed work.  They are not just looking for other means for revenue.  If you hire someone who is unlicensed to save money, then you are taking a huge risk.  If something goes wrong,  you have  very little recourse.  You could end up paying more in the end.

Blue Sky Electric not only is licensed, but insured and bonded.  The State requires this for good reason….. The State of Hawaii has a fund for you that all licensed contractors pay into called the “Contractor’s Recovery Fund”. The purpose of the fund is to provide reimbursement to a consumer who has suffered a financial loss as a result of a licensed electrical contractor who has engaged in fraudulent, deceptive or dishonest practices, or failed to perform.  Injured parties my collect funds to recover damages.  Any unlicensed person can not offer you this protection.

To get the results that you expect, it is essential that you put appropriate effort behind finding an electrician matched to the specific requirements of your job – do not simply trust someone that puts you at ease or wins your confidence.  If a licensed contractor is hired one item to look into is their complaint record with the Hawaii Board of Contractors. Here’s a link to check the status of a person’s record: Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing Search Whoever you may hire, they should always come with word-of-mouth recommendations or testimonials of their peers.

Call us to discuss your project, and our expertise.  Let’s talk about doing it right the first time.