Electrical Services
Serving east Bay Area and neighborhoods. See service area list.
Residential Electrical Services
You want your home’s electricity to be in reliable hands. WIRE TECH ELECTRIC understands that your home is one of the biggest investments of your life, if not the biggest, and is your top priority. We troubleshoot to find the electrical problem quickly and repair it correctly the first time. We handle all home electrical services from new electrical panel upgrades, new installations, remodeling/renovations to troubleshooting and from minor light receptacle replacement to completely rewiring your entire electrical system.
WIRE TECH ELECTRIC is ready to help you with electrical service and repair at your convenience 24/7 Sometimes installing new appliances such as ovens, dryers, cook tops, air conditioning units and heaters require additional 120V or 240V circuits. WIRE TECH ELECTRIC and our professional, certified and licensed electricians will install any electrical appliance and any additional circuitry needed. Proper maintenance of your electrical system is essential to avoiding problems and keep your family and home safe.
New Construction
We provide full electrical wiring for new construction. Our electrician experts are licensed and trained to do the job for the quoted price efficiently and safely.
Remodeling
Looking to spruce up your home with a new look and need the electricity to be up to par?
You’ve come to the right place! Our electrician experts know exactly what it takes to come up with the remodel plan that you need for a smooth-running home. Our remodeling skills and results will leave you with no worries, no stress, and no regrets! Let WIRE TECH ELECTRIC help you do the job.
We understand that struggle of waiting for a remodel. That is why we will work quickly, allowing you to continue to live your life rather than waiting for an extensive period of time for your remodeled home or facility.
Whole House Rewires
For most home and business owners, understanding and completing electrical wiring projects can be complicated and beyond their comfort zone. It is also messy, labor-intensive, and if done by a person with no experience, can lead to damage and might compromise your property’s safety. Having a certified professional for electrical wiring services means that you can rest assured knowing that wiring projects are completed to the highest standard. Here at WIRE TECH ELECTRIC, we are experts when it comes to electrical wiring projects.
We make sure that our electrical wiring service is up to code and our work guaranteed to pass all inspections. From new wiring to replacements or upgrades, we will make sure that the project is compliant with state electrical standards. With a team of experienced and talented technicians, we will complete the electrical wiring project on time or even earlier. Of course, we do our job quickly, however, we will also take strict safety precautions to ensure that your property and our workers are always safe. Our workers are fully licensed, insured, and bonded.
Electric Panel Upgrades
We will inspect your electrical panel to make recommendations for repair or replacement. If you are experiencing one or more of the following issues in your electrical system, then you need to take action.
WHEN TO REPLACE OR REPAIR AN ELECTRICAL PANEL:
Humming Noises from Panel
Burning Plastic Smell
Smoking Circuit Breakers
Overheated Electrical Panel
Flickering Lights
Discolored Bus Bar
Constant Tripping of Breakers
Overloaded Electrical Panel
Storm or LIghtning Damage
Damaged Panel
Partial or Full Power Loss
Electrical Power Surges
Remodel or Addition
Outdated Electrical Panel
Electric Home Inspection
We are the “Home Safety Experts,” and it is our job to make sure your home is electrically safe for you and your loved ones. More fire damage is caused in homes each year by faulty wiring and negligence than any other cause. That is why we look for ungrounded systems, flying splices, old knob and tubing wiring, overloaded circuits, aluminum wiring and much more in every home we visit. It is our goal to address current problems, detect potential problems, and prevent future damage. We believe that by the time we leave your home, you should know without a doubt that your home’s electrical system is safe.
Sometimes repairs need to be made right away, sometimes they can wait a while, and other times it may just be a future project to think about. Our electricians are trained to look over your home and educate you about the safety of your home’s electrical system. Sometimes a home may need a lot of electrical work, other times it may be in excellent condition. Our friendly electricians take it upon themselves to make sure that you know the condition of your home’s electrical system.
Knob and Tube Wiring
Knob and tube wiring were the earliest standardized method of electrical wiring in buildings. It consisted of single insulated copper conductors placed across interior walls or within ceiling cavities, passing through joist and stud drill-holes via protective porcelain insulating tubes, and supported along their length on nailed-down porcelain knob insulators.
SHOULD I REPLACE THE KNOB AND TUBE WIRING IN MY HOME?
Homeowners should have any active knob and tube wiring inspected for safety. WIRE TECH ELECTRIC recommends the removal and replacement of all knob and tube wiring be upgraded to current electrical standards. We can do this inspection for you and provide an expert opinion on replacement of your knob and tube wiring.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPLACE THE WIRING?
A typical replacement for a full house will take approximately two weeks. During this time, there will only be a short span of no more than 2-4 hours when the home will be without power. We will fully disconnect and remove (where accessible) the knob and tube wiring and replace it with a modern electrical system.
As a homeowner, you should have the peace of mind that your electrical system is safe. If you decide to replace your knob and tube, you should be aware that in some cases we may need to cut into some ceilings and walls. This will mean that you may have some minor repair work to be done. Our goal is to contribute the minimum necessary damage to your walls and ceilings.
Aluminum Wiring Replacement
Most electrical wiring is copper. In the early 1960’s the price of copper began to rise, and aluminum wiring was commonly used for residences from the late-1960s through the mid-1970s. There are several million homes in California with aluminum branch circuit wiring.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF ALUMINUM WIRE FAILURE?
Signs of trouble in aluminum wiring systems include warm-to-the-touch face plates on outlets or switches, flickering lights, circuits that don’t work, or the smell of burning plastic at outlets or switches. Unfortunately, not all failing aluminum wired connections provide such easily detected warning signs; aluminum wired connections have been reported to fail without any prior indications or problems, and these are the same symptoms found in problems with copper wiring. If you detect any of these symptoms, call WIRE TECH ELECTRIC immediately for a complimentary consultation.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS WITH ALUMINIUM WIRING?
There is no problem with the aluminum wire itself within the walls; the problem is at the connection points. First, aluminum expands and contracts more than copper when it heats and cools. This can cause fasteners to loosen. More importantly, aluminum oxidizes easily, and the oxide is a poor conductor. This causes overheating at the connection points (the main source of trouble). A further problem with some aluminum wire is fatigue. The wire becomes brittle and breaks if bent back and forth only a few times. Do not pull outlets and switches out of the wall to examine them yourself. WIRE TECH ELECTRIC can conduct an assessment of any potential risks and upgrade any problematic wiring that might be found.
These problems can create overheating and arcing at connection points which have led to fires resulting in injury and deaths. Research shows that homes wired with aluminum wire manufactured before 1972 are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach “Fire Hazard Conditions” than are homes wired with copper. “Post 1972” aluminum wire is also a concern. A change in the aluminum wire alloys in 1972 did not solve all of the problems.
Problems with connections are not normally visible on the face plate. You need to check every connection throughout the house to know if a hidden problem is lurking somewhere (this is not included in a standard home inspection). Even if the home inspector does not report any other problems with the aluminum wiring, it is prudent to consult with a licensed electrician who is thoroughly familiar with aluminum wiring problems for a more extensive evaluation. A standard home inspection is only a first step in reducing risk.
WHAT IS THE METHOD OF CORRECTION?
Currently, only two solutions have been recommended. The first and most sound solution is to replace the aluminum wiring with copper. The second solution uses a special connector to splice a short piece of copper wire (called a pig-tail) between the aluminum wire and the electrical device (receptacle, switch, light, etc.). Proper use of this method requires specialized training, and WIRE TECH ELECTRIC has years of experience in correcting aluminum wire failure.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPLACE THE WIRING?
A typical replacement for a full house will take approximately 2 weeks. During this time, there will only be a short span of no more than 2-4 hours when the home will be without power. WIRE TECH ELECTRIC will fully disconnect and remove (where accessible) the aluminum wiring and replace it with a modern electrical system.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BE AWARE OF?
As a homeowner, you should have the peace of mind that your electrical system is safe. If you decide to replace your aluminum, you should be aware that in some cases WIRE TECH ELECTRIC may need to cut into some ceilings and walls. This will mean that you may have to some minor repair work to be done. Our goal is to contribute the minimum necessary damage to your walls and ceilings.
Electric Vehicle Charger
Want to charge your electric car battery faster and more efficiently? You’ll need to add a 240-volt electric vehicle charger next to your parking space. WIRE TECH ELECTRIC provides EV charger installation by experienced, licensed electricians.
Adding a home charging device is the final piece of the puzzle for making electric vehicle ownership as convenient and energy-efficient as possible. For your safety and to make sure everything is up to code, let us perform the installation.
GFCI Breakers / Outlets
WHAT IS A GFCI BREAKER?
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) can help prevent electrocution. GFCI senses if a person’s body starts to receive a shock and cuts off the power before he/she can get injured. GFCIs are generally installed where electrical circuits may accidentally come into contact with water.
WHAT IS A GFCI OUTLET?
GFCI outlets are used in areas like the kitchen, bathroom or garage where the risk of electrical shock is greater. They can be identified by the “test” and “reset” buttons located on the receptacle. These outlets help protect you from electrical hazards by monitoring the amount of electricity flowing in a circuit and tripping the circuit if an imbalance is detected. Once detected, the outlet stops the flow of electricity.
HOW TO OPERATE AND TEST A GFCI OUTLET?
If your GFCI outlet stops the flow of power under normal operating conditions and it is safe, the GFCI can be manually reset by pressing the “reset” button to restore power. GFCIs are much more reliable than depending on the circuit breaker in your electrical box to trip and stop current flow, as they are sensitive to even small variations in current. In fact, they are designed to operate before electricity can affect your heartbeat. Because of this function, it is important to check all of the GFCI outlets in your home monthly.
- Press the “test” button to see if they are operating properly.
- Use a night light or other portable device that uses a minimal amount of electricity to ensure current is no longer flowing through the receptacle.
- Press the “reset” button after confirming this to return power to the outlet.
WHERE ARE GFCI OUTLETS REQUIRED?
GFCIs have been required in homes since 1971, when they were mandated for use on the exterior of homes and for use with swimming pool equipment. There are many areas of your home where GFCI outlets are required to meet code, commonly in areas where the risk of electrical shock is increased due to possible exposure to risk factors such as water. GFCI outlets are required in:
- Bathrooms since 1975.
- Kitchens since 1987.
- Laundry and utility sinks since 2005.
- Wetbars since 1993.
- Garages since 1978.
- Crawlspaces and unfinished basements since 1990.
- Your home’s exterior since 1973.
- Spa and pool areas since 1968.
- Limitations of GFCI receptacles
GFCI outlets should not be used as receptacles for refrigerators, freezers, or other appliances, as they could trip without your knowledge.
Many older homes have lacked GFCI outlets for quite some time, putting their occupants at increased risk of electrical shock. Don’t wait on installing these inexpensive, potentially life-saving devices. Contact WIRE TECH ELECTRIC and protect yourself and your family with the addition of GFCI receptacles.
Afci breakers
Ceiling Fans
As much as people worry about energy savings, there’s a simple solution — right over your head. Ceiling fans provide efficiency and comfort for a wonderful return on investment. It’s also a stylish update for your home or office.
When you hire an electrical contractor to install a ceiling fan, you get the best results. WIRE TECH ELECTRIC handles wiring and installation for ceiling fans and light fixtures in San Francisco areas through the Central Valley in California. We’ll be happy to provide you with fast, friendly, and top-quality service.
Whole House / Attic Fans
Attic Fans play an very important role in your home or business, especially during the summer months. Attics fans greatly reduce the heat inside the attic which significantly lowers energy costs.
It’s a common misconception that attic fans are not needed, considering that most people aren’t spending time in the attic, and the heat produced up there may not be of any real concern. However, an attic fan can drastically affect the comfort level in your home or business. The greatest benefit of using an attic fan is the fact that it removes strain off of your air conditioning system.
When the attic is extremely hot, heat will radiate down into your home, through wooden beams, supports, and so on. This can make the temperature in your living space rise even higher, putting unnecessary stress on your system. It can also add up to higher cooling costs. The use of an attic fan can help you to cool your home more efficiently, while reducing strain on your system and cutting down on cooling costs. Attic fans can also increase the life of your roof and over-all safety of the home by greatly reducing high temperatures during summer months.
Bathroom Exhaust Fans
In the bathroom, a wall or ceiling mounted exhaust fan improves comfort after showers. Add or upgrade your exhaust fan, and you can cool down and use that foggy mirror again.
Exhaust fans also protect your home from moisture damage. Ceilings, cabinets, and tile all need a dry environment to stay in good condition.
Bathroom exhaust fans can also help reduce air conditioning costs. Remove the steam and humidity quickly and your A/C won’t have to kick on to cool and dehumidify.
We can replace old basic fans with properly ventilated exhaust fans that run more quietly and efficiently. We can also repair wiring problems that may be hazardous or hurting performance.
Spas / Hot Tubs
If you’re installing a hot tub, or spa in your home, it’s very important to make sure that all of the necessary electrical wiring is installed professionally and is thoroughly safe. At WIRE TECH ELECTRIC, our electricians have extensive experience working with these systems, and we can guarantee thorough and safe repairs and installations.
Because of the obvious problems that arise from having water so close to electrical components, making sure that the wiring for any Spa installation is done professionally and up to code is a major priority. It’s very important that you hire a qualified electrician for this task, or you could not be able to pass code inspections, or might even incur serious or fatal injuries. If you’re installing a hot tub, or a spa in your home, contact our licensed, trained, and extensively experienced electricians.
Home Safety Services
Carbon Monoxide Detectors & Smoke Alarms
WHAT FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CAN I TAKE TO PROTECT MY HOME?
One of the most overlooked safety devices in your home is a smoke detector. Simply put, a smoke detector is a device that is used to detect smoke. There are basically two types of smoke detector systems, one that has smoke detector wiring that issues a signal to a monitored fire alarm system and the other, known as smoke alarms, generally issue a local audible and/or visual alarm from the detector itself.
Smoke detectors are typically housed in a disk-shaped plastic enclosure, but the shape may vary by manufacturer or product line. Most smoke detectors work either by optical detection (photoelectric) or by physical process (ionization), while others use both detection methods to increase sensitivity to smoke. Smoke detector wiring can be powered by a central fire alarm system, which uses a battery backup, or as is the case in many single families detached and multi-family homes, a smoke alarm is powered only by a single disposable battery.
Installation and placement
Smoke detectors are generally placed where they will do the most good. In the United States, most state and local laws regarding the required number and placement of smoke detectors are based upon standards established in the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA 72) fire code. Laws governing the installation of smoke detectors vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The United States requires smoke detectors on every habitable level and in attics that are accessible, and within the vicinity of all bedrooms. In Canada, it is required that a structure have a working smoke detector on every level.
In new construction, minimum requirements are typically more stringent. All smoke detector wiring must be hooked directly to the electrical wiring system, be interconnected and have a battery backup. Some jurisdictions also require smoke detectors in stairways, main hallways and garages.
Wired units allow a dozen or more detectors to be connected, so that if one detects smoke, the alarms will sound on all the detectors in the network, improving the chances that occupants will be alerted, even if they are behind closed doors or if the alarm is triggered one or two floors removed from their location. Smoke detector wiring with interconnections may only be practical for use in new construction, especially if the wire needs to be routed in areas that are inaccessible without cutting open walls and ceilings.
Battery Backup
Most residential smoke detectors run on 9-volt alkaline or carbon-zinc batteries. When these batteries run down, the smoke detector becomes inactive. When the battery is low, most smoke detectors will signal with a chirping sound at regular intervals. In regions that observe daylight saving time, public awareness campaigns suggest changing the smoke detector batteries when they change their clocks.
Some detectors are also being sold with a lithium battery that can run for about 7 to 10 years, though this might actually make it less likely for people to change batteries, since their replacement is needed so infrequently. By that time, the whole detector may need to be replaced. Though relatively expensive, user-replaceable 9-volt lithium batteries are also available.
Lighting, Outlets and Switches
Wire Tech Electric provides professional installation of the folowing types of lighting for your home or business:
- LED recessed lights
- Low volt lighting
- Landscape lighting
- Pendent and chandelier lights
- Sconce and coach lights
- Security lighting
- And more
We also install outlets and switches:
- Single pole switch
- Three-way switch
- Four-way switch
- Dimmer switch
- Timer switch
- Occupancy sensor switch
- Moisture detector switch
- GFCI outlets
- Appliances outlets
As a business owner, you have to think about what to do about the power outages which may be caused by weather or mechanical failures thereby leaving your tenants or employees highly disadvantaged. Safety in both the living and working conditions are assured by adhering to the set code standards. Creating a safe environment for your employees, clients and tenants is the primary function for us.
The need to cut the ever increasing energy costs is a must for all business owners and this can be achieved through occupancy sensors. There are a number of different rooms in which the occupancy sensors can be installed to ensure that energy costs are brought down in your house as well as business premise. Some of these rooms in which these sensors could be installed and thereby enjoy reduced energy as well as maintenance costs include hallways, conference rooms and restrooms.
The outside of the building should not be ignored when you are making the inside a safer environment. The outside of your building is just as important as the inside your building. When power outages occur, all the occupants of the building at that moment will look for safe exits to leave the building and this can only be made possible by installing emergency lighting along the walkways. Emergency lighting in walkways should never be overlooked if your desire is to give your tenants, employees or clients a safe passage out of the building during power outages.
A number of business and building owners tend to overlook the parking lot area forgetting the very important role it plays in terms of convincing the client to do business with you. The parking lot lighting plays a very significant role by telling the client that this is a business or building which cares about all its clients and keeps the property well maintained at all times. If you desire to see a drastic reduction in your energy consumption within your building or business, the installation of the new LED lighting remains the best option. Its night friendly features make it even more ideal for use in the parking lot.
There is no more reason as to why your business should be disrupted or your services be brought to a standstill instantly as a result of power outages. A standby generator is the one piece of equipment which you need to make sure is installed in your business premise or building to facilitate the smooth delivery of services. It should be installed in the areas considered to be the most crucial so as to ensure that the fundamental areas of work are kept functioning. This simple step will go a long way in making your customers flowing and happy.
- Panel upgrades
- Breaker installation
- Lighting control panel
- Lighting upgrades
- New construction
- Electric repair