Electrician in Bend
All-Systems Electric, LLC has been proudly serving the Bend community since 2004. Our locally-owned, locally-operated electrical company is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can rest assured that our stellar reputation is backed by quality service and workmanship. Whether you need traditional electrical services, a modern retrofit, green energy upgrades, or another commercial or residential service, our team is here to help. There is truly no commercial or residential project too big or too small for us to manage, so reach out to our humble team with any inquiries or service requests you may have.
Our local electricians in Bend are as seasoned as they are dedicated to exceeding our customers’ every expectation. We are honored to have been selected as the winners of many prestigious awards, including the People’s Choice Award and accolades from the Central Oregon Builders Association. We take your trust seriously, and that’s why we back all our work with a warranty for your complete peace of mind. With your busy schedule and budget in mind, we’ll take great care of you and your hard-earned property. Give us a call today and let us show you what places us at the top of the list of the best local electrical companies in the Bend region!
Learn About Your Electrical System
If you’re already an All-Systems Electric customer or you intend to call us for electrical services, you can be confident that your home is in the best possible hands. However, it’s also a good idea to know the ins and outs of your own electrical system. After all, the wiring, fixtures, outlets, switches, and other electrical components in your home can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking at.
As a prudent homeowner, acquainting yourself with the fundamental details of your electrical system will empower you to make informed decisions that impact the safety of your home, the features you enjoy every day, and the maintenance routine you plan to adopt. When it comes to navigating the complexities of your electrical system, look no further than the seasoned professionals at All-Systems Electric. We stand ready to provide expert advice and guidance, ensuring that you have the insights you need. Your peace of mind is our priority, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Approximately 51,000 electrical fires take place in American households every year. When you know the ins and outs of your system and you have a trusted electrician on standby, you can enjoy enhanced safety. You can also speak with your favorite Bend electricians about upgrades that can make your home more modern and convenient. With routine maintenance, your residential electrician can help you prevent a number of costly problems and keep your system in tip-top shape.
Allow your trusted electrical contractor to give you some basic information about some of the most important electrical components in your home, some general information about keeping everything in the best possible condition, and some things to consider for the future of your home.
Consider Making Your Home More Self-Reliant
You’re probably familiar with the most common source of power – electrical companies. However, planning for emergencies and unexpected outages can prove to be an incredibly smart decision. It’s also a great idea to consider solar power for the sake of minimizing your carbon footprint and reducing your energy bills.
Generators
A whole-home generator is a great backup energy source for homeowners who like to have a solid emergency plan in place. Powered by propane or natural gas, generators can give you a dependable energy source if a power outage, storm, or other disaster occurs in your area. Your licensed electrician can help you choose a generator that works for your home and budget, complete professional installation, and answer any questions you might have.
Solar Energy
Solar panels aren’t just a responsible and environmentally friendly way to reduce your energy use – they’re also a great way to save money long-term. If you’re considering the transition to solar energy, the experienced electricians at All-Systems Electric would be delighted to consult with you on the various types of solar panels available and tailor a system that not only aligns with your environmental goals, but also makes your home more self-reliant. With our expertise, you can harness the power of the sun to enhance your energy efficiency and contribute to a sustainable future.
Know Your System’s Limits – And Your Own!
Be Safe
When you need electrical work done, it’s best to leverage the expertise of your go-to electrician in Bend – All-Systems Electric. Working on your system can be dangerous – particularly if you aren’t familiar with intricate wiring or if you forget to turn off the circuit at the breaker box.
Never Overload a Circuit
When you trip a circuit breaker, it’s because you overloaded the circuit. If this happens often, speak with your electrician about upgrades that will increase the maximum load of the system.
Prioritize Quality
Inexpensive replacement parts or components – like surge protectors, extension cords, outlets, or switches – might seem like a cost-saving measure initially. However, this frugal approach could lead to significant issues down the road and lead to dangerous or costly repercussions.
Schedule Regular Inspections & Maintenance
Our Bend electrical services are all-inclusive, which means we’re always delighted to perform routine maintenance and inspections. We’ll check for frayed wiring, cracked outlets, faulty switches, and more, ensuring that your entire system is safe and working properly.
Outlets
Many types of outlets cater to specific needs across your home or commercial property. Join us in examining the most common electrical outlets you might encounter in your home or business.
125-Volt 15A Outlets
These are the outlets you’ll probably encounter most frequently in your home, and there are two versions: grounded or ungrounded. Distinguishing between them is simple – the grounded kind features an opening for the plug’s ground pin beneath the two vertical slots. While these outlets work well for general purposes, considering an upgrade in areas like the kitchen or bathroom could enhance safety and overall functionality.
125-Volt 20A Outlets
Made to accommodate substantial power demands, these outlets prove ideal for operating large appliances or power tools. They can be identified by the inclusion of a small, horizontal slot on one of the vertical slots.
250-Volt Outlets
These specialized outlets are designed for high-voltage devices or appliances, such as dryers, electric ranges, and more.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Outlets
This type of outlet is equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that activates in response to abrupt power surges. This precautionary measure proves especially crucial in areas prone to water exposure. Essential (and required by building code) for outdoor outlets, kitchens, and bathrooms, these outlets are also prudent in garages and other spaces where the risk of water contact is present.
AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) Outlets
By preventing arcing (the phenomenon of sparks jumping between loose wires due to wiring faults or overheating), these outlets contribute an additional layer of safety to your household.
USB Outlets
These outlets are modern, convenient upgrades that allow you to plug chargers directly into the wall without a charging block.
Smart Outlets
Smart outlets are linked to apps or remote controls, allowing you to power your smart home devices, lighting, garage door opener, fans, and so much more. They can be programmed or controlled remotely to automatically turn power off and on, and they are an incredibly convenient addition to any modern household.
Switched Outlets
These outlets are linked to specific outlets within the home, giving you the convenience of remotely powering devices and granting you the ability to effortlessly turn them on or off when they are plugged into the outlet.
Switches
You’re already familiar with the large number of switches throughout your home, which control power flow to ceiling fans, outlets, lighting, and devices. Switch types depend on the electrical circuit in which they’re installed.
Smart Switches
Harness the power of your home’s Wi-Fi network to effortlessly manage the lighting in each room using specialized apps, courtesy of smart switches.
Motion-Sensor Switches
These switches activate your lights when movement is detected. They conserve energy and they also enhance safety in stairways, driveways, or home entries.
Dimmer Switches
Tailor the ambiance of your space with dimmer switches, which enable you to effortlessly adjust the brightness of overhead lights for a simple, yet effective home upgrade.
Three-Way Switches
Make it easy to control a single device – like a ceiling light or another electrical fixture – from two distinct locations with three-way switches. This type of switch is commonly found at either end of a hallway or at the top and bottom of a staircase.
Single-Pole Switches
Single-pole switches, which are probably located in nearly every room of your home, efficiently manage individual outlets or devices.
Circuits and Devices
Within your home, electrical devices encompass everything powered by electricity. Certain items, such as wall-mounted electrical outlets and overhead lighting, are seamlessly integrated into your home’s electrical system. On the other hand, devices like blenders or toasters derive power from electric outlets. The journey of power through your home’s wiring is facilitated by one of two distinct circuit types.
Dedicated Circuits
These circuits are reserved for individual devices, powering appliances such as furnaces, heaters, water heaters, or dryers. This setup allows for the installation or maintenance of these devices without disrupting power to other parts of the home, which also diminishes the likelihood of a circuit overload.
Multiple Device Circuits
This type of circuit distributes power to various outlets, fixtures, and/or switches. If you’ve ever found yourself resetting a circuit breaker after a room’s outlets and lights shut off abruptly, you’ve encountered this multiple-device circuit arrangement.
Wiring
It may be hidden behind your walls, but wiring is an important part of any electrical system. Based on building codes and wiring locations, your business or household wiring might exist inside plastic or metal conduits and might be metallic or non-metallic. When your residential or commercial electrician installs wiring, we do so with industry standards and building codes at top of mind. We must choose cables that are well-equipped to handle the job at hand.
Homes built between 1956 and 1972 often feature aluminum wiring, which is a substantial fire hazard when compared to copper wiring. If our electricians near you find aluminum wiring in your commercial or residential property, we’ll recommend replacement because your safety is our top priority.
Breaker Panels
Beyond the electric meter, the dispersion of electricity throughout your residence ensues, catering to switches, appliances, outlets, and various powered devices. Initiating this journey is your breaker panel, recognized by several common monikers such as distribution panel, service panel, or breaker box. In older homes, a comparable function may be fulfilled by a fuse box.
Main Circuit Breaker
At the forefront of your home’s electrical system is the main circuit breaker. Serving as the gateway for the power line entering your residence, this pivotal switch regulates the power flow to the branch circuit breakers housed within the breaker box. A simple flip of this switch to the OFF position severs the power supply to your entire home.
Branch Circuit Breakers
The journey of power from the main circuit breaker continues through an intricate network of branch circuit breakers. Each of these switches oversees the power distribution to a specific part of your home, with the ability to trip and cut off power if they detect an excess of current. For instance, a branch circuit breaker might manage the electricity flow to your kitchen lights and outlets, while another directs power to your electric range.
These branch circuit breakers come in two types: single-pole or double-pole. Single-pole breakers govern the flow of 125-volt current, powering wall outlets and lights, while double-pole breakers manage the flow of 250-volt current, catering to appliances like electric vehicle chargers, electric ranges, or clothing dryers Their amperage ratings determine the capacity to handle electric loads, with a higher number indicating greater capability. Typical household 125-volt circuits are often rated at approximately 30 amps.
Sub-Panels
Sub-panels are found in certain homes, and they are essentially supplementary service panels linked to the primary breaker panel. Characterized by their smaller size and lower breaker count, they commonly serve purposes such as accommodating new additions, outbuildings, or integrating a backup generator into the overall home electrical system.
Disconnect Switches
Some homes have a disconnect switch close to the electric meter, which turns off all the power to the home when it’s thrown. When an emergency strikes or our team is working on an extensive electrical repair, these switches prove particularly handy. We can still turn off power at your main service panel if you don’t have a disconnect switch, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have one.
Electric Meter and System Connection
If your home is off the grid or at least partially self-sufficient, you might not need to think so much about where your electricity comes from. If your home is like the vast majority of those in the United States, your home is powered by electrical services that enter your property through mains that are owned by the electric company. Mains might be buried underground or located above the ground.
Prior to electricity use, your local power company will want to know how much power your property utilizes. Your electric meter will give them this information by measuring the amount of power consumed by the home, and this meter is typically found between your home and the electric main. The most essential thing to note is that the electric meter is the property of your utility company, so they will be responsible for its installation and maintenance. Our electricians are happy to share advice or tips, but your electric company should be your point of contact if you have concerns or questions about the electric meter.
Three main types of electrical meters exist:
Bi-Directional Meters
For those generating their own power – such as households equipped with solar panels – bi-directional meters are very useful. While conventional meters simply gauge power consumption, bi-directional meters hold true to their name by measuring both the power influx and the surplus of energy you might be contributing back to the power company. These meters are integral for those involved in power production.
Smart Meters
Smart meters feature electronic components, and they establish a direct line of communication with the power company. This advancement allows for precise monitoring of your exact power usage, facilitated by digital displays that make remote readings easy.
Electromechanical Meters
Distinguishable by a set of dials and a spinning disc encased behind a glass cover, electromechanical meters require manual readings by power company personnel to gauge your home’s power consumption. Although these meters rely on older technology, they remain prevalent – in fact, nearly 3/4 of American homes are still equipped with this type of meter.
At All-Systems Electric, we have the expertise and capability to address any repair or enhancement of your electrical systems. Whether the task is straightforward or more extensive, we are prepared to assist you in assessing your needs and ensuring the job is executed with precision and care. We eagerly await the opportunity to connect about your electrical needs and give you a free estimate.
