CWC Electric, LLC Electrician in Topeka, Lawrence & Surrounding Towns
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Stay Safe! Protect Yourself from Electrical House Fires.

12/23/2014

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Last week, CWC Electric, LLC began work as a sub-contractor on restoring a home after it suffered a major electrical fire. The home sustained significant damage and had to be "gutted" to be properly brought up to the International Building Code. The General Contractor on this project is Golden Rule Remodeling located in Topeka, Kansas. (http://www.goldenruleremodel.com).

Thankfully, the homeowner and family were not injured in the fire though they suffered the loss of their residence and possessions. 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (http://www.usfa.fema.gov/data/statistics), approximately 366,900 residential building fires are reported in the United States each year and cause an estimated 2,465 deaths, 13,400 injuries and $7 billion in property loss. 

Residential building fires occur most frequently in the cooler months, peaking in January. Cooking fires account for the largest number of house fires, followed by heating and electrical malfunction. In other words, something too hot got too close to something flammable. Whether it's a pan of bacon left unattended, an electrical heater or an overloaded circuit, the results can be life-threatening. 

The home on this project sustained major damage as evidenced by smoke and fire damage in the attic (pictured above). By coincidence, while inspecting this home and laying out the new electrical system for this home, we heard fire engine sirens. As we were leaving, we observed another home a block away on fire with firefighters in full gear battling the flames!

CWC Electric, LLC is owned by a retired firefighter who has witnessed the tragedy of residential fires personally. We urge all of our family, friends and clients to please test your smoke alarms monthly at a minimum and to change the batteries semi-annually!

If you need smoke/carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, please contact CWC Electric, LLC at 785-215-8775 for a personal estimate.
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Service Call to Install Under Cabinet Lights in Topeka

12/15/2014

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Under cabinet lighting became popular in the 1990's. In the 90's, most under cabinet lighting consisted of T-12 fluorescent fixtures with magnetic ballasts. These fixtures have a limited life span, are slow to warm up and sometimes flicker or buzz. These fixtures were also large and often visible from a distance.

Other options at the time included halogen or xenon fixtures which create a great deal of heat, making it impossible to store sensitive food items on lower shelves. If your home has under cabinet lighting that is more than 10 years old, there are now much better lighting options available.


LED lights provide a bright, white light which is perfect for such tasks as reading a recipe or chopping vegetables. Most LED lights are also dimmable and make a great night light. CWC Electric, LLC recently installed the above featured under cabinet lighting in a Topeka home. 

We recommend positioning the LED lights slightly back from the front of your cabinet. Placing the LED lights too close to the front may result in a harsh shadow visible on your counter top rather than a pleasing wash over the entire surface.

Under cabinet lights are an essential component to any well-lit kitchen. They eliminate shadows and add dramatic accent lighting. Good-bye Grandma's drab, dark dungeon! Hello contemporary, state-of-the-art gallery!

Call CWC Electric, LLC today at 785-215-8775 to get an estimate on installing LED under cabinet lights in your kitchen.

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Service Call to Install Chandelier in Topeka, Kansas

12/12/2014

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This week, CWC Electric, LLC, performed a service call to replace an undersized, outdated light fixture. 

To determine the proper size of a dining room chandelier, add the length and width measurements of the room together. For example, a 10' x 20' room = 10 + 20 = 30. Based on this method, a 30" diameter chandelier would be the proper size for the room.  

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However, if you already have a table, it’s more important to size the chandelier to the table than the room. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your chandelier is one-half to two-thirds the width of your table.

For the right hanging height, position the bottom of the chandelier about 30-32 inches above the table, adjusting to work with the size of the table and the overall scale of your space.



Updating, and making sure you have a properly sized chandelier, is a great way to update your dining room. Chandelier's are like jewelry for  your home so feel free to add a little bling!

Call CWC Electric, LLC today at 785-215-8775 to schedule the installation of your new light fixtures!

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Electrical Service Replacement

12/3/2014

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This week CWC Electric, LLC replaced an electrical service on a classic, older brick-and-stucco home which was originally built in 1938. It's so wonderful to see an older home retain it's beautiful original features such as arched doorways, crown moldings, built-in cabinets and wood flooring. It's not so wonderful to see the original 1938 electrical panel which has been added on to numerous times over the decades. 

As in many cases, such a dangerous condition is detected when a home is sold and a whole house inspection is performed prior to finalizing the sale. Most banks and insurance companies require a home's electrical components be brought up to the minimum National Electrical Code requirements before financing or insuring the house.

It was also required to extend the service mast and point of attachment so the utility drop maintained a 10 foot clearance above ground at all points. Prior to raising the drop, it was possible to reach the energized electric line while standing at ground level. 

This home is now beautiful and safe! A big Thank-you to all the CWC Electric, LLC electricians who braved the cold weather to make this job a success. How cold was it? Cold enough to bend metal according to a well-wrapped Chad!
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    Author

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

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