Blog Posts - CWC Electric, LLC Electrician in Topeka, Lawrence & Surrounding Towns

Best of Topeka & Northeast Kansas - "Best Electrician"

9/14/2015

Thank you to all of our valued customers who voted for CWC Electric, LLC in the Topeka Capital Journal's "Best of Topeka & Northeast Kansas" competition. To be ranked at number two out of the many qualified electricians in Topeka and Northeast Kansas was truly an honor and certainly makes us want to strive just a little harder next year to reach number one.

Once again, thank you to our wonderful clients, our hard working employees and to the Topeka Capital Journal for sponsoring the competition. It was a wonderful surprise to discover we had placed in the top five "Best Electrician".

CWC Electric, LLC Restores 88 Year Old Light Fixture

4/6/2015

A Topeka, Kansas, customer recently requested CWC Electric, LLC, to restore her 88-year old outside light fixture. It was a one of a kind fixture which was impossible to replace. The heavy brass and glass coach light fixture, which was original to her home and part of a matched set, had not been working for some time.

Pictured above is Chuck Hogan, owner of CWC Electric, LLC, troubleshooting the non-functioning light in the CWC shop. Chuck found the fixture had been repaired at least twice before in it's life. The fixture was so rusty it took several weeks of using penetrating oil before the fixture could be disassembled. Others had attempted to repair the fixture and determined it was unfix-able.

At one point, someone had "notched" a hole in the arm of the fixture and then filled the hole with wood putty. Once the wire failed for the third time, it was impossible to thread a new wire into the fixture to repair it. Chuck had to remove the wood putty patch, then used a vacuum to pull a string through the fixtures' arm. Once the string was in place, he attached it to the electrical wire and was able to slowly pull the wire through the fixture. Once the wire was replaced, the fixture was reassembled and the notched hole refilled.

The fixture was tested and then re-installed at the customers classic home.

Have you been told something is impossible or unfix-able? Don't give up until the experts at CWC Electric, LLC have looked at your project.

It can't be done, until CWC Electric, LLC, says it can't be done!

LED Lighted Mirror Installed by CWC Electric, LLC

3/6/2015

CWC Electric, LLC recently began selling and installing LED lighted bathroom mirrors. The mirrors, which are similar to many professional make-up mirrors, contain LED lights and are motion-sensor activated (or can be hard-wired to a switch if preferred). The mirrors also have an anti-fog feature so more trying to shave or put on make-up through a steamy image!

Dimensions: 19.68"W x 27.56"H x 2"D
Energy Efficient White LED Lights - 6000K (LED light source is approved for IP44 and tested and approved for bathroom use)
UL Certified 110V Hard Wired Power Supply (Requires hard wire installation)
CE Certified 110V On/Off Sensor Switch - Located bottom right hand side of mirror (If desired, sensor switch can be bypassed which allows you to turn the mirror on/off via a light switch)
White Painted Steel Base

The mirrors sell for $359.00 plus the cost of electrical installation (varies upon your home's electrical set-up). Call 785-215-8775 today for a personal estimate on installing one of these new LED lighted mirrors in your bathroom.

CWC Electric, LLC Performs Service Call on Back Stab Outlet

2/7/2015

Recently, CWC Electric, LLC has seen multiple near-miss fires related to back- stabbed devices. While back-stabbing is not a code violation when using 14 AWG wire, most licensed and insured electricians will only connect wires by firmly screwing them to the receptacle.

If back-stabbing is easier, faster and allowed by the National Electrical Code, why do electricians opt for the more difficult, time consuming job of bending the tip of each wire into a loop and then tightly screwing the wire directly to the device?

It's simple. Back-stabbed wires are more likely to come loose, creating a poor connection, than wires anchored firmly around screw terminals. At a minimum, loose wires can cause a receptacle or switch to stop working. At worst, as shown in the above pictures we took at a recent service call, they can start a fire.

Inside each device is a small, integral spring clamp that the device depends upon to maintain contact with the conductor. When wires repeatedly heat up and cool down, as occurs with a loose or poor connection, eventually the spring holding the wire will experience metal fatigue. The device may either stop working or in a worst case scenario, overheat to the point of catching fire.

A homeowner may notice a loose connection when they have to "jiggle" a plug in order to get the device to work. But often the homeowner has no idea they have a potential problem, even on a back-stabbed device, until a circuit becomes overloaded or near overloaded (such as when a 1500 watt space heater and a 1500 watt hair dryer are plugged into the same circuit).

Devices, especially wall outlets, often experience a lot of "hard usage". For example, think of all the times you have seen someone "rip" a power cord from the wall rather than walking up and unplugging it.

For these reasons, best practices in the electrical industry include securing all wires under the terminal screws rather than using the back-stab method.

Charlie Campbell Interviews Chuck Hogan on "Around Your Kansas Home"

1/1/2015

On December 27, 2014, Chuck Hogan, owner of CWC Electric, LLC was interviewed on the popular WIBW radio program, "Around Your Kansas Home. The program is hosted each Saturday morning from 9am to 10am by local radio personality Charlie Campbell, who has over 25 years of construction and broadcasting experience. The show is geared to the specific needs of Kansas consumers. Listeners are encouraged to call in to the program and ask questions. If you are thinking of buying a home, remodeling an existing house or just have a DIY question, don't miss this fascinating weekly home show!

A big thank you to WIBW and Charlie Campbell for inviting CWC Electric, LLC to be a guest on the program. We discussed everything from how to repair a damaged electrical mast to the benefits of installing LED lights. Thanks again to Charlie and all who tune in each week to "Around Your Kansas Home".

If you missed the show, please feel free to listen by clicking the link below:

Stay Safe! Protect Yourself from Electrical House Fires.

12/23/2014

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.

Service Call to Install Under Cabinet Lights in Topeka

12/15/2014

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.

Service Call to Install Chandelier in Topeka, Kansas

12/12/2014

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.

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!

Electrical Service Replacement

12/3/2014

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!

CWC Electric, LLC Commercial Fan Installation Project

10/20/2014

Recently CWC Electric, LLC completed a commercial fan installation project at The Toy Store located at 2100 SW 21st Street in Topeka, Kansas. You may also be familiar with the The Toy Store's second location at 936 Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, Kansas or online http://www.thetoystoreonline.com/. The Toy store is a second generation, locally owned Topeka landmark.

If you have never had the pleasure of visiting one of these delightful stores, you need to make time. There is nothing more pleasant than spending an afternoon at one of these bright, cheery stores chock full of unusual, educational and entertaining toys which are reasonably priced. Who doesn't want to feel like a kid again?

Be sure and check the stores calender of events which include Music Fun with Singing Sarah, Kids Drum Circle, Mad Scientist Mel, Story Time with Mrs. Marj and much more.

We just can't recommend this fun store enough and while you are there be sure to launch one of the foot powered air rockets. While you watch it shoot high into the air, take a moment to admire those new ceiling fans installed by the big kids at CWC Electric, LLC!

Flat Screen Television Installation in Topeka, Kansas

10/6/2014

Since wire could not be ran through the solid masonry wall, a raceway was constructed using material as close as possible to the size and color of the existing grout in order to "fool the eye". The needed outlet was placed around the corner in an inconspicuous place.

The customer was thrilled our electricians figured out a way to install her television in the place desired. CWC Electric, LLC installs televisions, related components and surround sound systems.

Call CWC Electric, LLC today at 785-215-8775 for a personal estimate on installation or any electrical project!

Most of the work performed by CWC Electric, LLC is the result of referrals from our existing customers. Last week, we received a call from a lady saying one of her friends had highly recommended CWC Electric, LLC to install a flat screen television set in her home. Knowing our customers feel comfortable recommending us to their friends and family is important to our company and one of the reasons our company has had to engage in only limited advertising.

Our customer wanted to install her flat screen television on the face of the brick wall surrounding her fireplace. Most electricians would say this could not be done because there is no way to run electrical wire through a solid masonry wall. Other challenges include attaching an extremely heavy object to an uneven surface and installing an electrical outlet in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

CWC Electric, LLC's Expert Electricians complete another Kitchen remodel with pendant lights in Topeka, Kansas

9/1/2014

CWC Electric, LLC recently worked with Leslie Hunsicker Interiors on a kitchen remodel located in the Eagle Point Subdivision, Topeka, Kansas. Leslie Hunsicker Interiors can be contacted at 785-969-9229 or by email at leslie@lhunsicker.com. The change was spectacular!

CWC Electric, LLC installed a new ceiling fan, LED undercabinet lighting, pendant lights, recessed lighting and a dinette light during the project. Notice the pendant medallions which add an elegant design feature.

There are no hard and fast rules when installing kitchen lighting. Most experienced electricians simply take into account the brightness or darkness of the decor in the room, the type and wattage of light being used and the purpose of the lighting (general, task or accent). It is important to not place recessed lighting either too close or too far apart and the "can" should be an appropriate distance from the wall.

A well designed lighting layout will have the effect of making a room feel larger and brighter. Poor lighting design can make a room feel smaller because it creates the visual effect of lowering the ceiling.

A dimmer can be added to any light to either increase brightness when completing detail oriented tasks such as cooking, then dimmed to eat that romantic dinner!

Call CWC Electric, LLC for all your electrical needs at 785-215-8775. We specialize in residential service calls!

Electrical Inspection in Topeka, Kansas

8/14/2014

CWC Electric, LLC recently performed an electrical inspection on an older Victorian style home. The house was built around the turn of the twentieth century in 1905. The home is located near the exclusive Potwin area of Topeka, Kansas.

1905 was an exciting year....Theodore Roosevelt was President of the United States, Albert Einstein wrote a paper introducing the theory of relativity (E=mc2), the Wright brothers managed to keep the Flyer III airborne 24 miles and the United States celebrated the 100 year Centennial of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Technology has changed significantly since 1905!

One of the first things noted was not a problem at the home being inspected but rather at the home next door. The neighbors electrical drop point of attachment was not high enough,allowing the live wire to sag significantly. By code, the wire must be at least 10 feet off the ground at its lowest point.

In the picture to the right, Chuck Hogan, owner of CWC Electric, LLC is holding the telephone drop wire. The main electrical service drop wire is just a couple of feet above his head, within easy reach of all but the shortest adults, creating an unsafe condition.

On the home being inspected, it was discovered the electrical drop had pulled away from the building and it was recommended it be reattached. An unattached drop creates an unsafe condition because all the weight of the wires now rests on the conductors. Wires are not rated to support themselves. Worst case scenario, this can cause a house fire. This type of damage is common after ice storms.

More problems were found in the basement of the home, including knob and tube wiring. Knob and tube wiring was in common use in the United States from the 1880's to the 1940's. Knob and Tube wiring is considered obsolete and can create safety concerns.

Knob and Tube wiring consists of copper wire secured along it's length by porcelain "knobs". The cloth covered wire is threaded through porcelain "tubes" when it needs to pass through combustible wood joists or studs. The wire dissipates heat into the air and it is important no insulation come into contact with the wire or a fire can occur. In this particular home, the almost 110 year old wire had deteriorated and it was recommended it be replaced. It is not uncommon for the cloth surrounding the wire in a knob and tube system to literally turn to dust when touched due to the wire's age. The knob and tube system also presents a significant shock hazard due to it's lack of insulation.

Additional problems noted were open splices, a permanent circuit being plugged into an outlet rather than hard wired and a chimney being used as a wire chase way! All of the noted items are violations of the National Electrical Code and are potentially life and property threatening. It was recommended all of these issues be repaired immediately.

If you have concerns regarding the electrical service in your older home, please contact CWC Electric, LLC today at 785-215-8775.

Electrical Trim Out on Room Addition in Topeka, Kansas

8/5/2014

This week, CWC Electric, LLC has been finishing the electrical trim-out on a room addition built by Passow Remodeling (http://www.passowremodeling.com) in the Lake Sherwood area of Topeka, Kansas.

Working as a subcontractor for Passow Remodeling, CWC Electric, LLC installed a new 200 amp Square D Homeline panel, outlets, switches, phone jacks, bath fan, traditional can lighting in the owner's basement workshop, smoke detectors and exterior coach & floodlights.

An exciting aspect of this project was the installation of new LED Sunstar 50 can downlights (white) in the bathroom and Sunstar 50 rotatable LED can lights (silver) in the bedroom. These lights are much smaller than traditional can lighting but offer all the benefits and more! The lights which are produced by Sunlite Technologies headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas (http://www.sunlitest.com) offer brightness equivalent to a 55-60 watt incandescent bulb while consuming only 6.5 watts of power. The lights provide a very clean, modern look and are small enough to fit in your hand. The lights also come with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer.

If you would like to set up a personal consultation on installing LED lighting in your home, please call CWC Electric, LLC at 785-215-8775. CWC Electric, LLC serves the Topeka, Emporia, Manhattan, Lawrence and Kansas City areas.

Electrical Panel Replacement in Topeka, Kansas

7/24/2014

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

Residential Electric Service Call in Topeka, Kansas

7/16/2014

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.

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.

Bath Remodel Electrical & Heated Flooring Installation in Lawrence, Kansas

7/9/2014

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.

Commercial LED Lighting Project in Topeka, Kansas

7/7/2014

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.

Outdoor Living Space Electrical Wiring in Topeka, Kansas

7/2/2014

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.

Pool Electrical Upgrade in Topeka, Kansas

7/1/2014

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!

Topeka, Kansas Whole House LED lighting update

6/16/2014

Last week, CWC Electric, LLC, completed a whole house LED update on a home located in the South Pointe Bay subdivision in rural Shawnee county, Kansas. On this particular job CWC Electric, LLC worked as a subcontractor for Castlewood Construction, 631 NW Tyler Court, Topeka, Kansas 66608 (www.cwctopeka.com).

The homeowners could not have been nicer and were a delight to work with throughout the project!

Prior to the update, the home featured shiny glass-and-brass fixtures which were extremely popular in the recent past. Inside the breath-taking home which sits directly on South Pointe Bay and has stunning views of the water, the homeowner choose beautiful superior fixtures by Quorum. With just a change of a few light fixtures, the interior of the home underwent an amazing transformation.

In the kitchen, we retro-fitted the existing recessed standard incandescent lighting to LED lighting. We added above-cabinet and under-cabinet LED accent lighting with dimmers. Above the sink were installed three small LED "puck" lights.

Prior to the update, the kitchen back splash contained 15 outlets, switches, cable TV and phone openings! All openings were eliminated by installing wire mold boxes hidden under the kitchen cabinets. The kitchen now has a clean, uncluttered back splash.

The chandelier in the entryway of the home was also updated. Due to the 21-foot height of the chandelier over the grand staircase of the home, it was necessary to erect scaffolding in order to install the new fixture. This stunning chandelier is one of the first things to catch your eye as you enter the home.

The homeowner choose high quality LED security lights for the outside of the home. These lights are made in the USA by Melissa lighting and will provide years of maintenance free lighting.

The post light on the front lawn had previously been a gas fixture. We were able to replace the fixture with minimal damage to the homeowners lawn by using techniques we have developed through years of experience. You can barely notice where the ground was disturbed to run electricity to the new fixture.

The LED lights on the back of the home are three stories high and provide widespread lighting when turned on.

New fans and LED light fixtures were installed throughout the home, including flush mount fixtures in utility areas to provide greater lighting.

A recessed, adjustable and dimmable LED "eyeball" fixture was installed in the living room to highlight the homeowners artwork over the fireplace.

All fixtures were purchased from Long Lighting Studio located at 2111 Belle, Topeka, Kansas (www.longlightingstudio.com).

Low-Voltage LED Landscape Lighting in Topeka, Kansas

6/12/2014

Last week, CWC Electric, LLC completed a large low-voltage LED landscape lighting project in the Prospect Hills subdivision located in Topeka, Kansas. This beautiful home is surrounded by old growth Bradford Pear trees. By adding superior quality Kichler LED uplights, we were able to highlight the texture of the trunks as well as, the upper canopy of the trees. This type of lighting, while enhancing the beauty of the home, also serves as unobtrusive security lighting.

Downlights and pathlights highlight the gorgeous flower beds and landscape statuary that surround the home.

The home also features a small stream with an island as the centerpiece of it's front lawn. In order to provide this accent lighting, it was necessary to run approximately 500 feet of wire from the lighting control unit to all the lights. The challenge was to provide the wiring without damaging the grass. Using techniques and tools we have developed over years of experience, we were able to run the wire with no damage to the lawn. The job also required the wire be routed to the island underneath the existing stream bed.

The LED landscape lights are controlled by a timer and photo cell.

LED coachlights were also installed on the home and garage. Though the fixtures look like traditional coachlights, they do not have a visible light bulb and will require no maintenance. The decorative lighting on the garage and at the front door are hand made in the USA by Melissa Lighting.

All fixtures were purchased from Kellie Long, owner of Long Lighting Studio located at 2111 Belle, Topeka, Kansas (www.longlightingstudio.com).

A big thank-you to the homeowner for choosing CWC Electric, LLC to perform this incredible job and being such a wonderful customer!

Installment of New Electrical Panel in Topeka, Kansas

6/11/2014

Last week, CWC Electric, LLC removed an electrical panel located in a bathroom.

The panel had to be moved and replaced for multiple reasons. This particular panel was a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel. Federal Pacific lost their Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listing some years back (see our website for more information on Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panels) and are no longer considered safe or insurable by most Insurance Companies.

The home, which was built in 1977, had at some point in it's past had a bathroom added in the basement where the panel was located. The panel was hidden behind a hinged shelf. It is a safety issue if an electrical panel is not easy to locate or access in an emergency situation.

The National Electrical Code states in article 240.24(e) states:

" In dwelling units and guest rooms or guest suites of hotels and motels, overcurrent devices, other than supplementary overcurrent protection, shall not be located in bathrooms". In common language, an electrical panel cannot be located in a bathroom. This code has been in effect since 1993.

The Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel was gutted, left in place and used as a junction box so we could extend the branch circuits to the panel location in an adjacent unfinished utility room. A new Square D Homeline panel was installed.

This is not an uncommon occurrence. We have actually replaced panels located inside shower stalls!

New Underground Service in Topeka, Kansas

5/28/2014

This week we have been working as a subcontractor for Passow Remodeling, 1900 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66615 (passowremodeling.com) on a home addition located in Topeka, Kansas. The home sits on Lake Sherwood. You could not have asked for a prettier work location!

It was necessary to relocate the electrical service due to the location of the new addition. The home had the original Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel. CWC Electric, LLC always recommends this brand panel be replaced due to safety issues (refer to our website for additional information).

This job required a 95 foot long, 30-inch deep trench from the utility pedestal to the new meter can location. Trenching can be difficult because you do not know what you will find below ground. It is not uncommon to hit cement, large rocks, tree roots or improperly marked utility lines. On this job we had a very narrow, downhill area within to trench with several utility lines to avoid.

Once the pipe has been laid, the trench is back filled and compacted.

The new General Electric 200 amp panel has been installed and the home is now ready for construction to begin on the new addition.

Commercial Electrical Work on Energy Management System at Family Dollar Store

5/20/2014

Last week we did some work at the Family Dollar Store located in Topeka, Kansas. We installed new control panels for the store's energy management system. These type of systems are controlled remotely but can be over rode locally when necessary. These systems manage the interior and exterior lighting of the store depending on store hours and local light conditions. The purpose of these systems is to manage and reduce energy costs.

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