Author Archives: electric

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. 

Before You Buy That New Home, Get an Inspection Done from A-1 Electric

There is a boom in the real estate market during the fall. It is the perfect time to buy that home that you have had your eye on all summer. Before you place an offer, there are a couple of things you should do first. Now, what is the first thing you should do when purchasing a property, whether it is commercial or residential? The first thing to do is get an inspection done on the entire property.

 

Inspectors look at the structure, foundation and utility systems of the prospective property. One inspection that is crucial is an electrical inspection. The first thing you need to do is find a certified and qualified electrical inspector. Aside from being one of the best electrical contractors in the Philadelphia area, we at A-1 Electric are also a third party agency – which means we conduct inspections. We are a dedicated, family-owned and operated business that has been around for over 50 years. We have gained a strong reputation in the places we serve for being a safe, efficient and hard-working third party agency.

 

We take our work seriously and will provide you with an efficient and detailed inspection. We pride ourselves on maintaining safety for all electrical systems, technicians, and you – the property owner! We are legally certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and have a certificate recognizing our agency as an authorized third party electrical inspector.

 

Your electrician cannot perform the inspection because it needs to go through a third party agency to remain unbiased. It is important to get your electrical systems looked at regularly by a company like ours to make sure that it is safe to upgrade or repair them.

 

At A-1 Electric, we have the capabilities and equipment to meet all of your inspection needs. However, we are not just electrical inspectors; we can repair and replace your electrical systems as well. Legally, we cannot perform both duties at the same time. You would either need to choose us as the inspector or the electrician, but not both. We can provide you with electrical services in Bucks County and other areas in Pennsylvania.

 

Have you bought a home recently and had electrical work done? Once the wiring and the installation of the appliances, fixtures, and devices are complete, you are ready to move on to the next step, which would be a thorough inspection conducted by our underwriters, as we are an accredited third party agency. Once the inspection is finished, and no issues are detected, the electrical system and property components will be deemed safe and approved. However, if it is found that the project did not meet regulations or a safety hazard is found, the problem will need to be fixed by the electrician you hired and then re-inspected again by us.

 

Of course, if we deem the property to be safe, you are free to move in and start enjoying your new home or business property. We are a preferred third party agency in the Philadelphia region. Contact us today for all of your electrical inspection needs!

 

To learn more about our electrical inspection service and some of our other electrical services, browse our website. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your inspection done; call us now at 800-401-6114 for a free estimate!

 

Why Hire A-1 Electric to Inspect Your Electrical System?

There are tons of accredited electrical companies that are qualified to inspect your recently completed electrical project. So why choose A-1 Electric?

 

At A-1 Electric, our commitment to excellence goes beyond providing electrical service in Montgomery County, PA. There are three major aspects that set us apart from the rest: Our devotion to outstanding customer service, unmatched level of craftsmanship and vast experience in the field. You could say these three things are the main ingredients that make up the sauce for ensuring safety. But that’s not to be confused with A.1. Steak Sauce! You can save that for your steak.

 

Speaking of steak, that’s what you can become if you don’t have your electrical system inspected by a certified third party agency. If the system has an issue, or violates safety regulations, it could cause a fire or explosion. Or worse, electrocute someone! By hiring an electrical underwriter you can trust and depend on, you can be sure your electrical project — whether it’s rewiring, installation, extension, or maintenance — is safe for all who are present on the property.

 

Superb Customer Service

No one wants to deal with a third party agency that isn’t attentive to its patrons. We handle every inspection with a friendly and courteous demeanor, offering advice when approached with any question. We take pride in making customer service one of our top priorities! We will help you with your inspection needs and also handle the logistics of the billing for you.

 

Top Level Craftsmanship

To properly inspect an electrical system detail by detail, you’ve got to live and breathe electrical systems. Our vast knowledge of electrical systems provides us with the expertise to check that all the components function properly, are safe and comply with codes and regulations of the state. Thanks to the craftsmanship of our third party agency division and our electrical contractor division, serving the Philadelphia region, we were accepted as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 98 back in April.

 

Years of Experience

Our business is family-owned, with decades of experience in the electrical industry. You can be confident that we’ll thoroughly examine every element of your system to make sure it is safe for operation. We are accredited by the Commonwealth of PA, as well as certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

 

Call us today to have your electrical system inspected!