In the late sixties, and early seventies aluminum wiring began to be used because most available copper was going to the Vietnam war effort. However, aluminum wiring is not ideal for small home electrical systems.  The electrical devices at that time were not designed to handle the high temperature coefficients of aluminum wiring. Aluminum wires can also expand in diameter and length as they get hot, they can actually back out the screw terminals, causing a loose connection. This, in turn, can cause heat, which can ultimately lead to a fire.

After problems with aluminum wire termination became known—including one notable house fire—the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and other agencies adopted new safety regulations and put more restrictive standards in place. However, many homes from the 60s and 70s still do not have safe aluminum wiring terminations. But there are a number of ways to solve this problem without having to rewire a home.

Consumer Safety Council Recommendations

According to the Consumer Safety Council, there are only two approved methods that splice aluminum wire to copper wire:

These standards have caused acceptance problems with home inspectors and insurance companies, which has led to homeowners paying 2 to 4  times as much as they should to have their aluminum wiring terminated.

Pendant lights are popular among many home designs. These versatile ceiling pendants unequivocally fit the bill in a variety of zones where points of light and design converge. Adding ceiling pendants over the kitchen island has been a design element we’ve seen and loved for a while, but interior designers and trendsetters are taking it a step further. We are starting to see designs incorporating unique, stylish pendants over dining tables, above the bath vanity, over the dressing table, by your favorite reading chair and over chic desks.

Whether your lighting design taste sways toward sparkling crystal or rustic farmhouse, selecting the correct size and number of pendants is key to creating a space that is both functional and beautiful.

In our previous blog, we mentioned the importance of understanding when not to DIY at a general level. Today, we will look at specific instances of when it would be wise to call upon the services of an emergency electrician. As always, we recommend all electrical work be done by a certified professional, but we do understand that the DIY culture created by internet interconnectivity has more homeowners than ever attempting to take home repairs into their own hands. The following instances are a few definite instances that require the attention of an electrician, more specifically the services of a 24 hour electrician. These examples include:

We hope you never need an emergency electrician, but it is likely that you will need electrical services of some sort while you own your home. If you ever finding yourself in need of an electrician in Des Moines, please contact our certified professionals for your electrical needs or emergency electrician services.

When the day comes for you to retire from work, you might find yourself with a lot more free time and a lot less money. Hopefully, you've planned your savings so you don't have to live your golden years on a shoestring budget, but in any scenario, it’s wise to rein in your spending once you're no longer receiving a regular paycheck. Read on for some advice on how to cut back on your energy usage after you retire and keep your monthly bills under control.

Combat Rising Utility Costs

Unfortunately, most people's energy bills actually go up after they retire. What's the difference? Now that you're home all day, you're paying to heat and cool the house and to power electronic devices during the hours you used to spend at the workplace. Essentially, you lost a little-recognized fringe benefit, since your employer used to pick up the tab for electricity and climate control eight hours a day.

To compound the issue, many retirees are recent empty-nesters as well. With the kids out of the house, you probably experienced a sharp downturn in your utility bills. Now, you'll be all the more likely to notice when they spike back up once you stop going to work.

You Have the Power to Save

You don't have to give in to sky-high utility bills, however. Check out these suggestions on how to save:

For a more thorough analysis of your individual circumstances, don't hesitate to contact an expert to conduct an energy audit on your house. You could see significant savings and enjoy your retirement all the more.

If you’re experiencing shocks when you pull a plug out of the wall, or if you notice a spark when turning a particular electrical switch on and off, a faulty appliance or bad wiring may be to blame. Be careful to make the distinction, however, between an electrical issue and a shock that might occur after, say, crossing a carpet. The latter is caused by static and is not a serious issue.

Flickering lights are irritating, but they aren’t always cause for concern. They may just be flickering because of a faulty or loose bulb, so try swapping out the bulb in a flickering light before calling in a professional. If that doesn’t work, the wiring in your circuit breaker may need to be reworked, or there may be an issue with the connections in your light fixture.

If a bad burn-like odor emanates from the outlets and switches in your home, the first step you should take is to turn off the power from the electrical panel. The second step should involve placing a call to your electrician, who can tell you if the problem is with a particular device or a potentially serious wiring issue. Don’t ignore a burn smell – if left unassessed, it could lead to an electrical fire.

While some of these signs don’t always indicate a serious problem, others are cause for concern. When it comes to electricity, it’s always best to err on the side of caution, so if you’re experiencing any of these issues and can’t determine the cause, it is time to make a phone call.