Author Archives: electric

Why A-1 Electric is the Fastest Electrical Service Around

When you need to hire an electrical company or an underwriter, you want them to perform service based around your schedule and know that they can get to your home or business to fix your problem or perform an inspection fast.

Here at A-1 Electric, we’ve taken steps to make sure that our electrical contractors and inspectors are the fastest in Philadelphia; that way we can get in, get out and you can get on with your day.

You can rely on us to complete the inspection process quicker than our competition. This is because we’re the only company to communicate directly with our trucks, meaning we can complete a service quicker than competitors.

Most third-party inspection agencies rely on faxing approved inspections to the utilities. This process can take days, and you’ll be waiting longer for service. Once our inspectors are finished with their work, we submit the results electronically to all PA utilities via our Utilink system to make sure everything gets accomplished in under 24 hours. Our inspectors have made us a trusted third-party agency in Philadelphia, and we pride ourselves on providing you with great service at even better speeds.

When you have an electrical emergency, you need a service that’s reliable, knowledgeable and fast. With us, you can rest with the peace of mind knowing that a professional and knowledgeable master electrician will be at your door, ready to solve any issue that you have in 24 hours or less. We take pride in our community, and we give back to you by providing our customers with modern technology that ends in quick services at your door faster than the competitors.

Remember, we are both an electrical contracting firm and third-party agency but can’t perform both the inspection and electrical service on the same property. We can only provide you with one service or the other. We enforce this standard to remove any bias whatsoever.

If you wish to learn more about A-1 Electric, our electrical contractors in Bucks County, PA and inspection services, you can give us a call at 800-401-6114 or fill out a contact form on our website.

Reintroduction of Service Infographic

At A-1 Electric, we are proud to provide you with the finest services in the area. Our electrical contractors in Philadelphia are dedicated supplying you with quality work. One of these services is a reintroduction of service. View the infographic below to learn more.

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If you wish to learn more about what a reintroduction of service entails, we encourage you to contact the leading team of electrical contractors and inspectors in Bucks County, PA today!

Reintroduction of Service FAQ

What is a reintroduction of service?

A reintroduction of service is an electrical inspection performed by a certified third-party agency, which will determine if an electrical system is in accordance with the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC). This on-site inspection is necessary for property owners who wish to have electricity turned on in a building by an energy provider.

What is included in the reintroduction of service?

A reintroduction of service includes an examination of parts such as:

  • Service head
  • Meter socket
  • Panel
  • Sub-panel
  • Service cable
  • Structural integrity
  • Service disconnect
  • Circuit breakers
  • Grounding
  • Bonding
  • Other service equipment

The electrical underwriter will ensure that all components are in working order and are securely attached to the building.

Can the electrical contractor who did work on my system perform the reintroduction of service?

An electrical inspector in Philadelphia or any other Pennsylvania county can not be the same person or from the same company which conducted the electrical work on your property to avoid any bias.

What are some situations in which a reintroduction of service is necessary?

A reintroduction of service is necessary for situations such as the following:

  • Fire
  • Property damage
  • Electricity has been off for more than six months
  • Electrical system was replaced

How long does a reintroduction of service take?

A reintroduction of service takes only a matter of 15 minutes. Once the inspection is complete, the third-party agency will issue a certificate stating that the electrical system is in adherence with NEC requirements.

What makes A-1 Electric stand out from other companies when it comes to a reintroduction of service?

A-1 Electric is the only electrical company that is certified in every county throughout Pennsylvania, meaning they can perform a reintroduction of service or another electrical inspection anywhere in Delaware County all the way up to Erie County.

If you wish to learn more about A-1 Electric or schedule a reintroduction of service, please call 800-401-6114 or fill out a contact form online for a free estimate.

4 Electrical Tips to Remember This Winter

During the winter, you have to deal with inclement weather and prioritize keeping your home warm. Unfortunately, electrical considerations are not taken into account until it’s too late. With different devices and power supplies being used, it is important to practice safe electrical habits.

At A-1 Electric, we understand this importance and offer comprehensive electrical service in Bucks County and the surrounding areas to keep you safe. In addition to providing expert works for residential and commercial clients, we also believe it’s important to educate property owners about their electrical systems and some of the risks involved if they aren’t serviced. Here are four electrical tips that you should remember this winter.

Tip #1: Understand the hazards of electrical warming devices

For some people, their heating system just isn’t enough. They are still cold despite having the thermostat read 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Space heaters and electric blankets are used to provide warmth at home.  However, these items pose certain risks.

Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and avoid using extension cords as they can cause short circuits. Get rid of an electric blanket immediately if it has frayed edges as it is a fire hazard and can electrocute you.

Tip #2: Take steps to ensure your generator is used safely

Owning a generator is a useful luxury to have during the winter. You should take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Your generator should be located outdoors and should be 10 feet away from all doors, windows and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. It should also be located in a portable canopy or a shed to avoid rain, snow and sitting water which can cause electrical shocks.

Tip #3: Add electrical safety equipment

Electrical safety equipment such as circuit breakers, smoke alarms, surge protectors and hardwired detectors are perfect for preventing and alerting you of an emergency. These preventative measures are wise and cost-efficient.

Tip #4: Get an inspection

Our last tip is to get an electrical inspection. Do you remember the last time your home or business’ electrical system was inspected? At A-1 Electric, we perform a thorough assessment of your home’s wiring, fixtures, appliances and devices to ensure everything’s running smoothly. Just keep in mind, we can only do an inspection or another electrical service, not both for the same job.

If you wish to meet with an electrical inspector in the Philadelphia area or take advantage of one of our other services, we encourage you to contact A-1 Electric by calling 800-401-6114 or filling out a contact form on our website.

Thinking about Remodeling? Keep Your Property Safe this Winter with an Inspection

Having a project completed in the wintertime has its benefits. Since it is a less busy time of year for contractors, inspectors, and government agencies, the construction tends to move along much faster than it would if it was planned to be conducted in the spring or summer. Not to mention the rates on construction materials go down from the occurrence of seasonal sales. Now is a better time than ever to embark on a remodeling project in your home or business.

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However, it is important to keep in mind that no matter what construction project you engage in this winter, the electrical aspect of the property must be inspected by an accredited and licensed third party agency to receive a certificate of compliance. In the state of Pennsylvania, a permit is required for new construction.

 

To obtain a permit in Montgomery County, the project needs to undergo an electrical inspection during and after the construction to meet the requirements of the authorities having jurisdiction. The inspections ensure that the electrical system of the building is safe, which is defined by meeting the regulations of the local, regional, and national codes.

 

Undesirable consequences can ensue if an unauthorized construction project is discovered. Not only can a failure to obtain a permit result in hefty fines and penalties, but it can also bring about a hazardous environment. An exciting winter project can quickly turn awry if there is an error in the electrical system or the installation wasn’t done correctly. The faulty components of an electrical system could result in an arc flash and/or arc blast that may result in a fire.

 

This can all be avoided, however, if you hire a reputable third party agency to perform unbiased inspections on your project. At A-1 Electric, we are certified by the Commonwealth of PA as a third party agency and listed first as a recommended third party agency by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Let our experienced and licensed electrical inspectors make sure your home or business is safe this winter as your new construction project is underway. Give a call today for a complimentary estimate.

 

If we are hired as electrical contractors for your project in Philadelphia, we cannot also provide the inspections.