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!

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!

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)

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!

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 3^rd 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.

Ever since Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity, the energy source has been utilized to power new advancements in technology for centuries. One can imagine what the world would be like without electricity – no light bulbs to brighten up a dark room, no outlets to charge a cell phone and no HDTV for watching favorite shows. In today’s society, using electricity is a way of life – especially for commercial industries to operate and expand. But, the leisure of electric applications can also be a safety hazard if they are not handled properly. That’s why state regulations are put in place for commercial buildings, in an attempt to keep people safe from the damaging effects of defective electrical systems.

Electrical Inspections Conducted by Third Party Agencies

The electrical requirements for commercial spaces in Pennsylvania vary according to the type of dwelling and what kind of work is being done. Any commercial building structures that are not one to two family dwellings having electrical work performed are required to have a permit. This counts for dwellings mixed with both commercial and residential spaces, as well as buildings with three or more units.

Commercial buildings have strict electrical code enforcements because more lives are at stake in the event that an electrical system is faulty. It is important that the electrical system in a commercial space be checked to ensure that it is safe to operate. However, the electrical system can’t be examined by just anyone. The electrical inspection must be conducted by certified third party agency, such as A-1 Electric.

Obtain a Letter of Certification for Commercial Property

Commercial properties on the market must be inspected for the sale to go through, while commercial properties undergoing construction plans need to be inspected in order to obtain a permit for the work to be conducted. Most authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ’s) require a Letter of Certification (L.O.C.), which is a letter written and signed by the third party agency explaining the condition of the electrical components and stating that they have been examined, before a permit for work can be issued. Our experienced technicians can provide L.O.C.’s for the electrical inspections required for commercial spaces.

Select a Trustworthy Third Party Agency

The third party agency has to be licensed by the local municipality to have authorization to perform electrical inspections for commercial buildings (as well as industrial and residential buildings). Our company has years of experience conducting thorough electrical inspections for commercial buildings in the Montgomery County, PA region and we are recommended first for electrical inspection by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Whether you are a seller, property manager or real estate agent of a commercial property, you can depend on us to provide you with an honest electrical inspection. We are a reputable third party agency accredited by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Underwriters Laboratory (UL).

When people shop for a home, the first judgement they make is based on what their eyes can see: the color of the wall paint, the size of the rooms and the layout of the structure. It’s easy to fall in love with a home very quickly, but making a fast decision can lead to unforeseen defects that will put a hole in your pocket. Although the process for purchasing a residence can be tedious, certain aspects shouldn’t be overlooked – like the electrical wiring of the building.

Let’s face it, even though a real estate agent will have the dwelling inspected prior to showing the property, they aren’t always truthful about every aspect of the home because they want to make a good sale. That’s when you need to hire a qualified electrical inspection company in Montgomery County, PA accredited by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, such as us at A-1 Electric. In fact, we are the most recommended company by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for electrical inspection and we are listed first on the Certified Third Party Agency Listing on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website.

At first glance, a house can appear to be in good condition. That’s why it is important to pay attention to what’s inside the walls. Old dwellings tend to have outdated or incorrect electrical wiring systems that need work done. By hiring an experienced electrical inspector to pinpoint faults of the home ahead of time, you can dodge the possibility of buying a home that is not safe, nor affordable. However, along with the electrical inspection, there are a couple warning signs you can look out for on your own during the showing. When you are given a tour of a house on the market, be aware of these electrical components:

The Electrical Panel – Locate the electrical panel and open it up. Does it have incorrect or no labeling? Are there any loose or disconnected wires popping out? If so, these factors signal a red flag. Don’t hesitate to ask the real estate agent or current homeowners about the condition of the panel.

The Outlets – The places that are most likely to contain faulty outlets are the kitchen, bathroom, garage, basement and outside exterior because they are more susceptible to getting wet or damp. Take a look at all of the electrical receptacles and check if they are cracked, are missing a ground or are lacking in plug tension. You can even bring in something small like a cell phone charger during the tour to test the outlets and see if they work properly.

Wires – All wires should lead to something, so if they don’t, they could most likely pose a problem. It may be difficult for you to determine if the wiring is installed correctly, so it may be beneficial to consider hiring an electrical contractor to inspect it. Take note of any strange smells of burning or acid – it could be coming from the wiring.

Circuits – There are a couple tactics you can use to check if the circuits are fully functional. One method is by testing the light sockets to see if they turn on and off. If the light doesn’t turn on, then there may be a problem with the circuit. If you notice that the lights make a buzzing noise, flicker or dim, it is possible that the circuit has underlying issues.

Fortunately, if you find any electrical elements you’d prefer to have checked, the home can be examined by one of our electrical inspectors according to your list of requests to obtain a Letter of Certification (L.O.C.). The L.O.C. is actually required by the AHJ before the sale can go through and can also be performed if the electrical problems were concealed at closing, in which the failed inspection can be used as evidence to seek legal action.

Buying a new home can spark an influx of emotions – but it shouldn’t do that literally! By having the electrical system examined by a professional and being aware of these components, you can make the best decision on whether the house is right for you. Also, don’t hesitate to ask about the history of the building – chances are, the information will include if the electrical system was ever replaced or repaired.