California is doing away with Gas Stoves!
by Gary | June 14, 2023 | Panel Upgrade
California's Transition to Electric Appliances: The Importance of Hiring Certified Electricians
As California moves towards phasing out gas-powered stoves and heaters and embracing electric alternatives, it is crucial for residents and restaurants to recognize the significance of hiring certified and licensed electricians. With the state's commitment to achieving ambitious climate and clean energy goals, ensuring a seamless transition to electric appliances requires professional expertise and adherence to safety standards. Let's explore why engaging a certified electrician is essential during this transformative period.
Meeting Safety Regulations and Codes
The installation of electric stoves and heaters involves intricate electrical work that must comply with specific safety regulations and building codes. Certified electricians possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to navigate these requirements effectively. By hiring a licensed professional, residents and restaurants can be confident that their electric appliances will be installed safely, minimizing the risk of electrical hazards, fire, or other safety concerns.
Understanding Electrical Infrastructure and Load Requirements
Transitioning from gas to electric appliances places additional demands on the electrical infrastructure of a property. Certified electricians are equipped to assess the existing electrical systems and determine if they can support the increased load from electric stoves and heaters. They can recommend necessary upgrades or modifications to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the new appliances. Understanding load requirements is vital to prevent overloading circuits, which can lead to power outages or electrical malfunctions.
Proper Wiring and Circuit Installation
Installing electric stoves and heaters involves wiring and circuit installation, which requires expertise in electrical systems. Certified electricians possess the knowledge to determine the appropriate wiring specifications, including wire size, voltage requirements, and grounding. They can ensure that the electrical circuits are properly installed, reducing the risk of electrical faults and optimizing the performance of the electric appliances.
Ensuring Compatibility and Appliance Selection
Certified electricians can provide valuable guidance when selecting electric stoves and heaters. They understand the electrical specifications and compatibility requirements of different appliances. By consulting with an electrician before purchasing new equipment, residents and restaurants can ensure that they select models that are suitable for their electrical systems. This proactive approach helps avoid issues such as inadequate power supply or incompatibility between the appliance and the electrical infrastructure.
To ensure that the increased demand for electricity is met with sustainable sources, the state has been investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure. California is offering many solar incentives, tax credits, and rebates. At Hillside Expert Electrical we design and build solar solutions for a wide variety of commercial and residential applications. Call Today!
Safe Transition and Appliance Integration
Transitioning from gas to electric appliances involves more than just installing new equipment. Certified electricians can assist in safely disconnecting and removing gas-powered stoves and heaters, ensuring that gas lines are properly sealed and inactive. They can then seamlessly integrate the electric appliances into the existing kitchen or heating systems, making the transition smooth and efficient.
Adhering to Warranty and Insurance Requirements
Engaging a certified electrician to handle the installation of electric appliances is often a requirement to maintain warranties and insurance coverage. Manufacturers and insurance providers may stipulate that installations be carried out by licensed professionals to ensure compliance with safety standards. By hiring a certified electrician, residents and restaurants can protect their investments and avoid potential issues related to warranty claims or insurance coverage.
California's commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future through the transition from gas to electric stoves and heaters is commendable. To ensure a safe and successful conversion, it is essential for residents and restaurants to prioritize hiring certified and licensed electricians. Our Hillside Expert Electrical electricians possess the expertise to navigate safety regulations, evaluate electrical infrastructure, and properly install electric appliances. Don't wait until the last minute, let us put your home or business on track with California's zero emissions protocols by installing your electrical appliances. Call Today!
Zinsco Electrical Panels
by Gary | Jan 27, 2023 | Panel Upgrade
Zinsco Panels in Older Homes
Zinsco Electrical Panels, commonly installed in older homes up until the 1970s, have been known to cause fire hazards and may need to be replaced. If your home still has its original wiring, electrical panels, and appliances, you may need to replace these soon to prevent possible fire danger and other issues. Be especially cautious when dealing with older wiring. A panel upgrade may be needed if your home still has the original Zinsco panel.
Are Zinsco Panels Safe?
According to the American Housing Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than half of all homes in the country were constructed before 1980 and would contain these panels if not replaced already. Zinsco panels often fail to function properly, putting homeowners and their homes at risk of electrical shock and fire. As many as 25% of Zinsco circuit breakers could fail to trip in response to an overcurrent or short circuit, creating a potentially hazardous situation.
Zinsco Box Breaker Box Problems
The electrical boards that have circuit breakers or fuses for all of your home's electrical circuits are referred to as circuit breaker panels. Circuit breaker panels are an essential home safety component. In the event of a power outage or overload, the breaker stops the flow of electricity. If a breaker can no longer trip in the event of an over-current or short circuit, an enormous quantity of power from the outside electrical supply surges into a home's panel and circuits. Once this occurs, it cannot be halted or turned off manually. Electricity will continue to burn until the fuel runs out or the wires melt. The panel could overheat and catch fire, endangering the home and its residents.
Zinsco Electrical Panel Fire Hazard
The old Zinsco panels are problematic due to the usage of aluminum bus bars. If a breaker melts to the panel's bus bar and can no longer appropriately trip in the event of an over-current or short circuit, an enormous quantity of power from the outside electrical supply surges into a home's electrical panel and circuits. Once this occurs, it cannot be halted or turned off manually. Electricity will continue to burn until the fuel runs out or the wires melt. The panel could overheat and catch fire, endangering the home and its residents.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes the National Electrical Code(r) (NEC (r) to give advice for residential and commercial electrical safety requirements in the United States. It is updated every three years to guarantee that people are safe from electrical shocks, fire hazards, and other electrical hazards. However, since aluminum is utilized in these older circuit breaker boxes, the safety requirements do not apply to the Zinsco panels. It cannot assist people who are currently in danger.
Are all Zinsco Panels bad?
According to tests, approximately one-third of Zinsco panels did not trip, according to InspectAPedia. This could be a risky situation given that circuit panel is crucial to regulate the flow of electricity into your home. An older home's Zinsco panel might not be able to handle additional issues that will spring up as you begin upgrading your appliances. For example, the Zinsco panel would not be able to handle the power needed for a new air conditioning unit. When you anticipate needing a lot of power, it's critical to check that your electrical system is current otherwise you may need a panel upgrade.
Zinsco Panel Recall
The issues with the Zinsco electric panel should have led to the recall of the Zinsco panels. However, the company did not recall the panels. Instead, the business was sold in 1973. Then eventually the business shut down, so you can't get in touch with them to get your electrical panel upgraded.
Does your home insurance cover your electric panel?
Please contact your insurance agent if you have any queries about your coverage or if your home cannot be insured because of your panels and circuit breakers.
Zinsco Class Action Lawsuit
In a 2002 class action lawsuit over their hazardous electrical panels, Zinsco and Federal Pacific Electric were found guilty of fraud by the New Jersey Court for failing to test their circuit breakers to ensure they operated by the required standard. According to the Consumer Fraud Act, businesses are required to be transparent and upfront about the testing and goods they use. Companies were unaware of the breaker's existence because of its high failure rate.
New Insurance Policies will consider all Risks
When an insurance company, is presenting you with a policy, they must take all risks into account. Due to the potential for electrical shock, Zinsco panels have a history of starting fires or seriously hurting people. As a homeowner, you are liable for any injuries that occur on your property. This is especially true if you were aware that it was possible that someone could be injured, but you did nothing about it. Zinsco panels are a dangerous product and need to be upgraded.
A Zinsco electric panel can be used to increase the cost of insurance on your home. Even if you locate a firm ready to sell you a policy, your premium for home insurance will most likely be greater than you anticipated. Home inspectors pay special attention to a house's electrical panel since it may pose a safety risk. The inspector will look at the wiring, electrical panels, and outlets. Zinsco electrical panels, which are no longer approved by the electrical code, may cause you to fail a home inspection.
Zinsco Breaker Panel Replacement Cost
A new electric panel costs between $5000 and $7,500. However, if you have an older home, you may require further work. A licensed electrician should replace a Zinsco circuit breaker panel to ensure safety. Replacing the Zinsco circuit breakers may be less expensive than dealing with the added dangers. Licensed electricians should be insured and bonded to ensure that you can trust their services. The safety of your family is more important than the cost of the work. It is critical to make sure that your home is not a fire hazard and that you have adequate insurance coverage. While it is impossible to predict every possible consequence, you can reduce this risk by getting a panel upgrade.
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