Author Archives: electric

The Importance of a Third-Party Agency

Why is a third-party agency necessary when doing electrical work? The answer is simple: to eliminate bias.

You may notice how one’s pre-existing bias can be a negative factor when it is involved in government, sports, education, contests and journalism. The fact is that you will always be biased whether you make a conscious effort to be impartial or not. It can result in poor decision making and cloud your judgment when working.

We at A-1 Electric, the premier electrical contractors in Philadelphia, make sure we take bias out of the workplace by doing our job and then getting a third-party agency to perform the ensuing inspection. This is because although we are also a third party agency, we can only do either inspection or contracting, but not both – so we can avoid a conflict of interest. When it comes to an inspection, either we will do it, or we will make sure a separate certified and unbiased agency takes care of it for you.

 

A-1 Electric as a Third Party Agency

When performing an inspection, we stick to the requirements enforced by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and are in compliance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These requirements include checking the service head, service cable, structural integrity, meter socket, panel, sub-panel, service disconnect, grounding/bonding, service equipment and circuit breakers.

 

Our examinations include the connecting and disconnecting of outlets, electrical replacements and removals, routine maintenance and repair and systems and wiring installations in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC) in the Philadelphia region. We are also a certified third party agency that can perform inspections and residential work in opt-in or opt-out municipalities.

 

Why a Third Party Agency is Essential

Having an unbiased inspector when you need upgrades or changes to wiring or existing electrical systems comes in handy when you require a letter of certification or a consultation. This work, which requires a permit, includes pool bonding and wiring, fire alarm systems, carnival generators, emergency lighting, emergency exit signs and outdoor electrical signs. Once the inspection is complete, the third-party agency will provide a certificate of compliance within a 48-hour timeframe.

 

Unmatched Level of Service 

Our craftsmanship and satisfaction guarantee result in electricians wanting to use our inspectors. We have worked tirelessly to become a leading and trusted third-party agency since 1955 and promise that our clients will be satisfied. Our dedicated team of contractors, generator inspectors, electricians and underwriters pay great attention to detail to ensure your property is safe.

 

We recently became an official member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 98, furthering our services into the heart of Philadelphia. We can now tackle projects in new environments like city high rises and skyscrapers.

 

If you are interested in one of our exceptional electrical services in Montgomery County, Bucks County or Philadelphia, or are in need of an inspection, be sure to call us at 1-800-401-6114.

We are Now an Official Member of the IBEW Local Union 98!

For over sixty years, we have been providing the Philadelphia region with quality electrical work and service as an electrical contracting firm and third party agency. We make safety a priority and operate with a skilled team of technicians who are certified and experienced. Recently our level of expertise and excellent workmanship has taken our company to new heights. On April 28, 2016, we signed with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 98 to be accepted as an official member. We are extremely proud to announce our new membership with the Local 98 union and look forward to embarking on future projects that were previously unavailable to us due to the requirements of benefits and wages.

 

Our workers pay attention to every detail to make sure the property is safe and secure. We take pride in being the electrical company our customers can trust. Making sure no job is overlooked, adhering to safety regulations, and providing quality service has allowed us to join the Local 98 as a member, being that their mission is to deliver the best level of electrical work. Our next electrical projects will entail work in new environments like city high rises and skyscrapers. As a certified union company, we will take on new projects in the heart of Philadelphia and expand our customer base. We will also be able to network with other members of the union and contribute to the chapter’s activism.

 

Through the union, many new benefits are offered to us, such as the right to address unsafe work environments, and the peace of mind in having employment security. While we will still be offering services such as electrical inspection in Montgomery County, PA, we are pleased to be able to service the city of Philadelphia as well. As we finish up our first week as an electrical union company, we have already signed contracts with customers and are embarking on our next phase of work. Those who need electrical inspection in Philadelphia, as well as electrical services and underwriting, can depend on our dedicated team.

 

The IBEW Local 98 was first chartered in 1900 and has gone on to enlist devoted electricians throughout the years who worked diligently to build the city with their skilled workmanship and union solidarity. The union continues to flourish and prosper with their unwavering mission to deliver their partners with the most skilled and trained electrical technicians of the field.

 

If you need electrical service or an electrical inspector in Philadelphia, you can count on us here at A-1 Electric! We operate as two divisions – as a third party agency and a contracting company that specializes in reintroduction of service, repair, installation, inspection, underwriting, and emergency service. Contact us today to have your control needs met! Dial 1-800-401-6114.

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Call us for Emergency Electrical Service in PA – We’ll Get it Fixed Fast!

In today’s society, electric is used for practically everything as a way of life, from our televisions and cell phones, to light fixtures and appliances. So when the electric service is interrupted, we lose most of the amenities we take for granted. Dealing with an electrical outage can lead to a discomforting and disastrous situation fast, whether it be in a commercial space, residential dwelling, or industrial warehouse. Projects and operations become delayed while homeowners are faced with a loss of power. Suddenly, life comes to a halt and the only way to restore productivity and comfort is to get the electric turned back on in a fast and timely manner.

 

But how?

 

Well, the answer is simple – first, contact your electrical utility company. If the company finds that the service interruption is a customer related issue, you need to get in contact with a reliable and certified team of electrical contractors located in the Philadelphia region. We at A-1 Electric operate with a contracting division that handles electrical emergencies, separate from our third party agency. Whether the power has gone out at 8 am or 3 am, we will arrive promptly to assess the situation with our 24/7 emergency service. It is crucial that a certified electrical company be called as soon as the power goes out so that if the situation is hazardous, it can be handled effectively to return the atmosphere back to a safe environment.

 

We tackle a wide variety of emergencies such as:

  • Power disconnections
  • Wiring has been replaced, compromised or repaired
  • Troubleshooting
  • Violation corrections
  • Lot lighting
  • Expedited projects
  • Storm outages
  • Failed equipment
  • HVAC system replacement

 

We are proud to say that we are a trusted electrical service company that is registered by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General as a recognized home improvement contractor. We have the required home improvement contractor number (HIC#), of which we display on all of our estimates and invoices. This credential lets our customers know that we are a reputable and trustworthy electrical company – which means you have one less thing to worry about when it comes to restoring your electric – the knowledge that you are not dealing with an unqualified or sketchy electrical company.

 

When you contact us for emergency service, our Hi-voltage crews set out to your location using our fleet of bucket trucks, fully equipped and prepared to take on any challenge. You can count on our experienced and knowledgeable contractors to take care of the electrical situation so that you can get back to your normal routine.

 

Since we are also an accredited third party agency by the Commonwealth of PA, we would not be able to provide electrical work if we are also performing the inspection. However, if we are doing the electrical work as part of the emergency service, we will get in touch with a certified (or other utility company) outside third party agency to have them conduct the inspection. This is especially done if the emergency service entailed a repair, installation, or rewiring and a valid permit from the AHJ is required for the property.

 

Call us if you have an emergency service that needs to be assessed – we’re here to help!

Reintroduction of Service in PA Minimizes Electrical Hazards

In Pennsylvania, an electrical inspection may be required to have electricity turned on by an energy company. This is because the electrical system needs to be deemed as safe before the power can be restored, so that people and buildings will be protected from hazardous circumstances. This type of electrical inspection is known as “reintroduction of service” or “re-intro” for short. There are various electrical situations that require a re-intro performed in both residential and commercial properties. If you are not familiar with what a re-intro is or why you need it, we are here to help!

 

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Re-intros must be conducted by a certified electrical underwriter (we are certified with the Commonwealth of PA) who will issue a certificate stating that the electrical system abides by the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. To make sure that the inspection is completely unbiased, the electrical underwriters of a third party agency are hired to complete the task in connection with the specific utility company. An electrical contractor would not be able to perform a re-intro because it would cause confliction between authorities having jurisdiction, especially if they are doing work on the same property.

 

To have your electrical service in Bucks County, PA restored, a reintroduction of service is necessary for multiple situations.

 

  • The electricity has been shut off for more than six months in a commercial building, apartment, or home
  • A fire has occurred in the dwelling
  • The property suffered damages due to a storm or other emergency
  • The electrical system was replaced (requires a permit for which the agency would be listed as the inspection company)

 

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A fee is charged for the inspection but the price varies depending on whether the building is residential or non-residential. During the inspection for the re-intro, components of the electrical system are checked for any issues or errors. The electrical underwriter will make sure that:

 

  • All components are firmly attached to the building
  • Electrical parts are in good condition
  • The meter socket and service entry cable are not worn or cracked
  • The breaker panel has used openings, correct breaker sizes or wiring, and double taps on breakers (unless manufacturer permits it)
  • Structural integrity is in place
  • The grounding and bonding are accurate and secure

 

The inspection for re-intro only takes about fifteen minutes and if the electrical system is approved, the required certificate will be sent to the utility company. However, if issues are detected and the inspection fails, a list of repairs required to comply with code requirements is provided. Once those repairs are fixed, another inspection must be scheduled. If you need reintroduction of service, give us a call today, as we are a certified third party agency in PA. In fact, we are recommended first by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for electrical inspection!

An Incorrectly Installed Generator Can Cause Multiple Hazards

Generators are a lifesaver when the power goes out, providing an alternative source of energy without any major disruption, but not if they are installed incorrectly. Permanent generators need to be installed by an experienced electrician because the task entails the handling of complex wiring and components. However, even experts make mistakes – and that includes electricians. That’s why there are state codes and regulations in place that require generators to be inspected before the installation can be initiated. Before a generator installation project can be approved in Pennsylvania, a third party agency must be hired to review the stamped set of plans so that a permit can be issued for the work.

 

To ensure the safety of contractors, residents and employees, permanent generators must be installed properly so that hazardous situations can be prevented. Third party agencies make sure that the permanent generator installation will be accurate and that the genset will operate safely in its location. If safety issues are detected or if a safety code is being disobeyed during the inspection, the problem can then be assessed promptly.

 

It may seem like having a generator installed is a lengthy and tedious process, but there is good reasoning for it. If generator installations are not inspected, an accidental error could result in injury or death. All it takes is for one of these dangerous outcomes to arise.

 

Back Feeding

A “back feed” is a hazardous electric current that can cause a serious arc flash and arc blast at the service equipment, which can critically injure people who come into contact with it, as well as damage utility equipment and personal property. This can happen when the generator’s electric wiring is not connected to the transfer switch and or service equipment correctly. This is just one of the many reasons why the installation of a genset – no matter what size – should be handled by a licensed contractor and inspected by an accredited 3rd party agency.

 

Poisonous Carbon Monoxide Gas

Backup generators exhaust poisonous carbon monoxide gas that, if breathed in, can be fatal. Therefore, the generator must be installed so that it has enough access to air and the exhaust is vented. Also, the state’s codes require the generator to be placed a certain distance from all vents, doors and window openings of a building.

 

Explosion and Fire

A generator that is improperly installed could explode or spark a fire. Some standby generators that have exploded or caught on fire were found to be a result of incorrect wiring. However, a thorough inspection by a third party agency can avoid such circumstances.

 

More and more residential and commercial property owners are choosing to invest in a permanent generator so that they can have continuous power. Don’t let your investment go to waste by letting an improper installation happen. We are a third party agency certified by the Commonwealth of PA that can provide your generator project with an inspection to ensure that the installation will be correct and safe. Call us at 1-800-401-6114.

 

**note: If we are hired to do the electrical work for the generator, we cannot also provide inspection services as a generator inspector in Philadelphia, as it will conflict with the AHJs.