CWC Electric, LLC Electrician in Topeka, Lawrence & Surrounding Towns
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Electrical Panel Replacement in Topeka, Kansas

7/24/2014

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This week, CWC Electric, LLC replaced a Bulldog Pushmatic panel for a local Topeka homeowner. Bulldog Pushmatic panels were the "Cadillac's" of electrical panels in the 1950's and '60's. As their name implies, the breakers were reset by being pushed rather than flipped. 

Unfortunately, everything made by man has a life expectancy, including electrical panels. When this electrical panel was installed in 1961, most of today's electronics did not exist. A 100-amp panel was sufficient to power a few small kitchen electrical devices, the house lights and if you were lucky, maybe a small black and white television in a gigantic cabinet 
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Today, many homeowners own a air conditioner, large screen television, multiple computers, microwave oven, dishwasher, electronic games, washer and dryer, hair dryer, hot iron, space heaters, over-size refrigerator in the kitchen plus a beer refrigerator in the garage, induction cooktops, hot tubs, heated floors and much, much more! An older 100-amp electrical panel was not designed to handle these kinds of electrical loads.

So how do you know if your panel needs replaced? Unfortunately, it is not obvious when a panel has exceeded it's life expectancy. Electrical panels can stop functioning properly - meaning tripping a breaker to prevent electrical overload - but continue to still "work" as far as the homeowner is aware. The homeowner may have lost her panel's protection while everything within the home continues to receive power and function.


Any electrical panel installed more than 20 years ago, should be inspected to ensure it has the minimum amperage, is properly grounded, does not have double taps (two wires terminated in a lug rated for only one) and has the proper wire size and breakers.


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While a Bulldog pushmatic panel is not as dangerous as some older panels (see our website for information on Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels), they are considered obsolete as parts for the panels are no longer manufactured.  In addition, Arc Fault Circuit Interupter (AFCI) breakers were never available for Bulldog panels. AFCI breakers, which new panels are required to have by the National Electrical Code, sense arcing within an electrical circuit, a common cause of house fires in older homes. Immediately upon sensing the arc the circuit breaker will trip, de-energizing the circuit, minimizing the risk of a house fire.

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The homeowners (pictured right) seemed satisfied to be rid of the "Bulldog" panel and have a new Square D Homeline panel set in it's place. Only one difficulty was encountered during the installation of the panel. While installing new outlet plates, some parts were stolen. The parts were later recovered and properly installed. 

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While the electricians at CWC Electric, LLC said they had heard of "cat burglars", they indicated they had never actually encountered one on a job site! This furry fiend nabbed an electrical plate and carried it back to his den in his mouth.   

This is one inside job we which we wish would have caught on video!

Contact CWC Electric, LLC at 785-215-8775 for a personal consultation on replacing your home's electrical panel. 





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Residential Electric Service Call in Topeka, Kansas

7/16/2014

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This week CWC Electric, LLC performed a residential electrical service call at a home located in Topeka, Kansas, which had suddenly lost half of it's power.

Upon inspection, our service electrician discovered the home's meter can needed to be replaced due to damage and arcing within the meter enclosure.  The meter can was approximately 60 years old and beyond it's normal lifespan.

At some point, a bird had gained access to the enclosure and built a nest which later caught fire.  
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The nest did not cause this problem. While a missing knockout allowed the bird to gain access to the enclosure, the fire was caused by a loose connection which allowed arcing.

In the picture above, the lug on the far right is discolored due to extreme heat. The lug would have had to be red hot (900 to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit) to cause such extreme discoloration. According to witnesses, the wren family that occupied this nest escaped without injury. 

Both birds and the homeowner are fortunate this arcing did not end in a house fire.

Newer meter cans are more weatherproof. While the meter can is the responsibility of the homeowner, the local utility company has jurisdiction over the can size, style and installation.

Meter can defects may include:


1. Moisture, water or rust inside the meter base;
2. Missing knockouts on the meter base;
3. Broken or cracked conduit at the meter;
4. Loose connections within the meter base, the base pulling away from the           building wall or loose mounting screws;
5. Inadequate fastening of the base or mast to the building;
6. Evidence of tampering;
7. Evidence of burning or arcing;

8. Broken meter glass.


The meter was moved to a new location in order to meet current electrical code. The entire job took less than three hours and the power was restored the same day.

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Bath Remodel Electrical & Heated Flooring Installation in Lawrence, Kansas

7/9/2014

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CWC Electric, LLC recently worked as an electrical subcontractor on a bathroom remodel project located in Lawrence, Kansas. 

The General Contractor, Jason Kellogg, hired CWC Electric, LLC to install bathroom can lighting, a new vanity light fixture, a shower can light, silent bath fans, a hidden drawer outlet for hair appliances, heated shower seat and the pictured pendant light over the free standing tub.

CWC Electric, LLC also installed "warm tiles", a form of heated flooring. This system is an ideal solution for floors with a non-rectangular layout. The warm tiles cables which can be installed under concrete, subfloor, ceramic, stone or engineered wood floors are designed to supply at least 12 watts per square foot when installed. The heated floor provides a comfortable walking environment. No more cold toes!

For more pictures of this elegant bathroom created by Interior Designer Sarah Kellogg, visit www.kellogginteriors.com. 

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Commercial LED Lighting Project in Topeka, Kansas

7/7/2014

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CWC Electric, LLC, an electrical contractor, recently completed a commercial LED lighting installation project at the Family Dollar Store located in Topeka, Kansas. Before starting the project, CWC Electric, LLC performed what is called a "Design Build" in the electrical trade. 

The client wanted increased lighting in the parking lot of their existing location. Our job was to visit the store site, evaluate the existing lighting layout and design a plan to increase illumination levels in a cost effective manner. 

Our on-site lighting survey determined there was no existing pole to which additional lighting could be attached. The store front was also too low to attach lighting fixtures at an adequate height to achieve increased parking lot light illumination. 

The store did have an existing 30 foot tall sign at the front of the building. CWC Electric, LLC proposed welding a pole tenon to the top of the sign and attaching a bull horn to which three LED parking lot flood lights could be attached.

The work required using a boom lift to reach the top of the existing sign and welding the pole tenon into place. The job required pulling wire from the back of the building to the front of the store. The wire was ran through conduit to the top of the sign. The entire project took one day to complete. 

The new LED parking lot flood lights are 166 watt and are equivalent to a 400 watt metal halide light fixture. The new LED parking lot flood lights will provide the same lighting as a metal haide fixture while using half the energy. The LED lights are also maintenance free.

We specialize in all types of commercial and industrial LED lighting installation, repair and maintenance. Please call 785-215-8775 to schedule an appointment.


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Outdoor Living Space Electrical Wiring in Topeka, Kansas

7/2/2014

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CWC Electric, LLC recently completed a rewire of an outdoor living space.

The homeowner contracted to install a beautiful outdoor living area complete with a patio kitchen and fire pit. The stonework is amazing! 

Unfortunately, the living area had electrical problems which began less than a year after installation. Upon investigation, we found multiple installation problems which were creating the malfunctions. 

The National Electrical Code requires all electrical junction boxes be accessible. The wiring on this project was not placed in the proper type of boxes and was buried under stonework. The project also had several open splices (open wires not contained in a watertight junction box as required by code).

Code requires outdoor wiring be UF rated, which allows the wire to be buried either underground or in the direct sunlight. The original contractor had used household romex wire which is not watertight or rated to be used in an outdoor setting. The wiring was not GFCI protected which posed a potential safety hazard.

The National Electrical Code now requires all exterior outlets have "in use" covers. These covers close over the outlet and are designed to retain their watertight qualities even when being used.

To repair the project, it was necessary to remove all the existing wiring and replace it with the proper UF rated wire and watertight junction boxes. The electrical portions of the project now function as designed. 

To avoid problems of this nature, when completing an outdoor landscaping project, always check to make sure the electrical work is completed by an experienced, licensed & insured electrician.
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Pool Electrical Upgrade in Topeka, Kansas

7/1/2014

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Last week CWC Electric, LLC began work on a pool electrical upgrade located in Topeka, Kansas. The pool has a beautiful view of downtown Topeka and the Kansas State Capital Dome to the North and a gorgeous nature view including pond to the East. It is truly one of the most beautiful pool locations we have ever seen!

The homeowner decided to upgrade their existing pool by installing a motorized pool cover, heat pump and outdoor LED lighting. In order to provide power to the new equipment, it was necessary to install one electrical sub panel in the garage and another sub panel at poolside which will be hidden from view by fencing. 

CWC Electric, LLC installs and repairs pool and spa pumps of all kinds. We would be happy to provide a personal consultation or estimate on any pool or spa installations or repairs you may need. Please call 785-215-8775 to set up an appointment.

Stay tuned for pictures of the above finished job soon!
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    Author

    Natalie Hogan, Office Manager and Co-Owner, CWC Electric, LLC

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