Tag Archives: electrical problems

Infrared Testing

Schaffhouser–The One Scan that Can Save You a Ton of Money

Commercial Electrical, Electrical Safety, , , ,

Schaffhouser Infrared Testing

Business owners, plant supervisors, and building managers all have plenty to worry about. Payroll, scheduling, repairs, upgrades, the list goes on.

Often in the hassle of everyday business, potential electrical problems are overlooked. Most of these problems develop slowly over time, hidden in the walls of the building. Out of sight, out of mind, and there seem to be a million other things to demand attention.

Unfortunately, these unseen issues can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage when they emerge. Equipment damage, interruption of business, even fire — all of these things can be the result of un-diagnosed electrical issues. And many of these issues go undetected in routine inspections, making the whole problem even scarier.

Thankfully there is a solution!!

Infrared and thermal testing has a lot of uses. The technology detects heat through walls and floors, and since the first sign of an electrical malfunction is a rise in temperature, it’s a good way to catch problems early. Using a small device similar to a camcorder, the inspector scans a building and is able to “see” problems before they become catastrophic.

An infrared scan can prevent massive system failures and shutdowns, saving a business lots of money in lost revenue or repairs. But what systems should be tested?

At Schaffhouser, we have the capability to test any and every system that could experience problems. These include:

  • Substations, transformers, and feeder poles
  • Distribution panels and disconnects
  • Electrical power supplies
  • Main electrical incoming services, transformers, and capacitor banks
  • Switchboards and disconnects
  • Motor Control Centers
  • Service electrical disconnects for motors
  • Generator controls and transfer switches
  • Main I-Line electrical panels
  • Lighting and receptacle electrical panels

When you call Schaffhouser Electric, we’ll schedule your inspection and provide you a report of all your systems. Using this report, you can plan and prepare for any upcoming maintenance that needs to be done and avoid any of the catastrophes that could arise. And we’ll do the inspection without any interruption to your daily business.

It’s recommended that property owners have an infrared inspection done annually. This time of year is perfect, helping you plan expenditures and maintenance for the rest of 2015. Keep in mind, though, industrial plants and other companies that use a lot of electricity might benefit from quarterly scans because electrical systems can change with the seasons. You could develop a problem in the fall that isn’t there during your first quarter scan.

Infrared testing is a quick, painless way to protect you, your business, and your employees from catastrophic electrical problems. Give us a call today and we’ll get you started.

Schaffhouser Electric Wall Outlet

Signs of Possible Problems with Your Home Electrical Wiring

Home Electrical, , ,

The electrical system is something that is very scary for homeowners, and they do everything they can to avoid dealing with it. However, remember, you do not have to address the problems yourself; you just need to know how to spot them so you can call in an electrician to help you fix them. Here are some common electrical warning signs and want they mean.

  • Flickering Lights in Windy Conditions – more than likely, there is frayed wiring where the outdoor wiring comes into the home. This is called the weatherhead. This is not only annoying, but it is also very dangerous, as it can start a fire if left alone. Your first contact should be your utility company, as the weatherhead should fall under their responsibility.
  • Not Enough Outlets – if you find that you are constantly using extension cords and power strips, you may want to check around your home to make sure that you actually have enough outlets throughout the home. Newly constructed home are required to have an outlet every twelve feet, but older homes will be grandfathered in. There is no real danger here, but you do run the risk of injury with so many extension cords lying around.
  • Constantly Popping Breakers – if you find that your breakers are popping with normal use, there may be too many electrical lines wired to a single breaker. There may have been some short cuts taken by a previous homeowner or contractor. Each room should be wired to its own breaker. If this is something you are unable to check on your own, call in a licensed electrician to inspect the home wiring.

These are just a few of the basic challenges homeowners will find when dealing with their home electricity. Older wiring, as long as it is still in good condition, is still safe in your home. However, if you are seeing signs of wear, it may be time to call in a professional to address these issues and get your home up to current code.