Installation of effective heaters is not enough to maintain warmth in winters. . Appropriate insulation of home is also very important to keep it warm in winters and also save upon your electricity bills. Cold drafts must be kept out and for this you need to insulate every exterior crevice of your home, through which heat can escape or cold air can creep in. Insulating doors and adding weather-stripping is a good way to conserve energy but the areas which homeowners often fail to insulate include are under the covers of exterior wall electrical outlets and switch plates. Experienced electricians registered with electrical contractors association in NJ and NY can help in complete insulation of these electrical systems.

Electrical outlets and wall plate insulators are made with thin dense foam and are designed to provide a snug fit directly under the cover plate. They are not very expensive and your electrical contractors can help you in purchasing the best ones from hardware or renovating supply outlets.

Most insulators are designed for single electrical boxes, but skilled electricians in NJ and NY registered with electrical contractors association can customize them to fit under double or triple electrical box covers. At times electrical contractors overlap three insulators to provide a tight seal under a triple cover plate, rather than trimming them to size that would leave a gap between them. Installing electrical box insulators involves removing the cover plate, inserting the foam insulators and replacing the plate. This needs to be done safely and this why it is essential to entrust the task only to a contractor registered with electrical contractors association.

Insulation of electrical plate covers may not seem to be very significant in reducing loss of heat but it is only after the installation that you realize its effects. Energy conservation offered by this device does help in reducing costs of keeping your home warm. Electrical outlet and switch plate insulators to prevent thermal loss can also be used in commercial premises especially in cold storages and factory areas for preserving frozen food. An industrial electrical contractor can be contacted for same.

Centrim Electric is registered with electrical contractors association in NJ and NY and is known for its residential and industrial electrical contractor services. We help you in cost effective installation and maintenance of electrical systems. Contact us for affordable and quality rich electrical services in NJ and NY.

It may be winter or summer, electricity bills do make for significant part of monthly expenditures. Cost of using room heaters in winters and air conditioners in summers makes for big portions of the bill. Contacting licensed and registered residential contractors for electrical maintenance can help in optimum performance of electrical systems and some reduction in bill. At the same time, you should also be aware of the phantom loads at your home and make conscious efforts to eliminate them.

Phantom load is the electricity consumed by a device while it is turned off or in standby mode. It is the power that maintains your TV settings and keeps the clock going on your music system and microwave, but this power comes at a price. A joint study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and few other environmental agencies around the globe put this price at a full 10 percent of your monthly electricity bill.

Some of the devices that we keep plugged into sources of electricity even when they are not in use include:

• Televisions
• VCD, DVD players and music systems
• Cell phone chargers
• Computers and printers
• Coffeemakers
• Microwave ovens
• Clock radios
• Answering machines
• Any device with a remote control

To ensure that these phantom devices do not impact your bills, you can make some simple changes in the way these products are used. As per residential contractors in NJ and NY you should

• Unplug things like mobile, laptop and digital tablet chargers that continue to drain energy even when they are not supplying a 'charge' to the concerned device.
• Consider leaving your microwave, coffee machine and VCD player unplugged till the time you actually need them.
• Plug all of your computer components – CPU, scanner, printer, and others – into an efficient power strip. Then, flip the strip off the power supply once you are done using the computer system. Do the same for your TV, DVD player and other home entertainment devices that are kept close to each other.

Electrical devices need to be used safely and efficiently – regular maintenance by residential contractors registered with electrical contractors association in NJ and NY does prove helpful – a proficient residential contractor also informs you about the most economical ways to use electrical systems at home.

Centrim Electric is a reputed residential contractor and commercial electrical contractor in NJ and NY. Contact us for any electrical services or information that you need for the appliances used in your home.

Ready to remodel your kitchen? Today’s kitchens are the most used rooms in the house. Everyone seems to always congregate around the kitchen for good reason. It’s really the heart of the home.

Remodeling your kitchen will not only improve the look of your cooking corner, but will also make your kitchen a more convenient place to work by upgrading the electrical circuits.

In some of the older homes around New York and New Jersey as well as other Tri-State homes, wiring was not setup for all of the modern gadgets that are installed and used frequently in kitches these days. This is why it is important to upgrade electrical circuits during kitchen remodeling. While looking for electrical engineering services for kitchen remodeling in NJ and NY, you should make sure that the concerned electrical contractor is registered with a respected electrical contractors association.

When remodeling your kitchen, it’s important to keep some things in mind when it comes to the electical portion of your remodel:

Basic Lighting – A 15-amp, 120-volt circuit can power the ceiling fixtures, recessed can lights, and task lighting in the kitchen. Lighting circuits can be run with 14-2 and 14-3 electrical wire.

Refrigerator Circuit – With changing food habits and need to store convenient food, large sized refrigerators are used in most NJ and NY homes. Also, as against older models, modern refrigerators have built-in ice makers and water/ice dispensers. As these massive glorified ice boxes use a lot of power, the circuit should be a dedicated 20-amp, 120 volt circuit.

Cooking Range Circuit – Many home owners prefer to install an electric cooking range in their remodeled kitchen. A 50-amp, 240-volt dedicated circuit can effectively supply power to a cooking range through a 6-3 electrical wire.

Microwave Circuit – Big microwaves demand more and more power due to the amount of wattage use. It is quite common to have 1,200-watt draws from such appliances. They call for a dedicated 20-amp, 120-volt circuit, wired with 12-2 cable. Electrical engineering services registered with electrical contractors association in NJ and NY should be contacted for such jobs.

Dishwasher Circuit – New dishwashers may be a prime requirement in a remodeled kitchen. The required circuit for an electric dishwasher should have ratings of 15-amp, 120-volt and is wired with 14-2 cable.

If you are looking for trusted electricians to help during your kitchen remodel, you can always rely on the certified electrical services from Centrim Electric. We provide electrical installation and electrical maintenance services at affordable rates across NJ and NY. Best of all, we are reliable electrical contractors with a great track-record of successful residential and commercial projects across the area. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for your kitchen remodel.

For the safety of electrical systems it is important to have earthing for receptacles in a house. For the installation of new receptacles and after the repair of any damaged ones, it is advisable to employ an electrical contractor registered with electrical contractors association in NY and NJ. Licensed electricians recognized by electrical contractors association have appropriate equipment and essential know-how pertaining to testing of electrical receptacles.

There are typically two types of receptacles installed in a house – polarized receptacles and a three-slot receptacle. A neon tester, a receptacle tester, a voltage tester, or a multi-meter can be used to test these receptacles.

Here are some of the testing procedures used for polarized and three-slot receptacles by electricians approved by electrical contractors association:

Polarized Receptacle Power Check

While testing a polarized receptacle, the electrician first checks for power to the receptacle by placing the red lead of the tester in the smaller slot and the black lead into the larger slot.  If the tester lights it is established that the receptacle is powered up and the testing can be continued.

Polarized Receptacle Center Earth Screw Test

Once the electrical contractors verify that there is power, they remove the black lead and touch it to the screw in the center of the cover plate.  If the tester lights up or registers, the outlet has earthing and is wired correctly.  If not, there is another test that should be tried.

Polarized Receptacle Reversed Wiring Test

To perform the test, the electrician places the red test lead into the long slot and the black lead on the center screw of the cover plate.  If the tester lights, it shows that the receptacle is wired incorrectly.  The hot and neutral wires are reversed and need to be switched to make a correct connection. This can be properly done only by licensed electrician registered with electrical contractors association.

Three-Slot Receptacles Power Test

To test a three-slot receptacle, electrician checks for power between the large and small slot by placing the red lead into the small slot and the black lead into the larger slot.

Three-slot Receptacle Center Earth Screw Test

If power is established, the electrical contractor takes the black lead out of the large slot and moves it to center screw of the cover plate. The tester should light if the earth connection is good and the receptacle is connected properly.

Three-slot Receptacle Reversed Wiring Test

The red test lead is placed into the long slot and the black lead on the center screw of the cover plate.  If the tester lights, the receptacle is wired incorrectly and need to be rectified by a licensed electrician.

Centrim Electric is a group of respected, experienced electrical contractors registered with electrical contractors associations. Contact us for testing and repair of electrical receptacles at your home or office.

Timely and periodic electrical maintenance proves very helpful for continual and proper working of electrical equipment at home. In NJ electricians certified by electrical contractors association check all wiring, fuses and also the sub panels installed in buildings for thorough electrical maintenance.

Sub-panels are electrical panels, of a size smaller than the main service panel. These are used to extend a feed for multiple branch circuits to another area or building a considerable distance away from the main panel. A garage, or separate storage building can be the right place to put a sub-panel. The basic idea is to run a single set of feeder wires from the main panel, through a two-pole breaker, and extend them out to a sub-panel, which will then feed multiple branch circuits in that area of a house, garage, or out building. From that point, the sub panel connects to outlets, lighting and other loads via individual circuit breakers, just like the main panel in electrical supplies. In NJ electricians registered with electrical contractors services can install sub panels in residential we well as commercial buildings.

It can become quite costly to run each and every required circuit from one end of a house to the other and then to the main panel By placing a sub-panel in the area where a majority of the wiring exists, electricians cut down on the overall expense of the project, and when a breaker trips, there is no need to walk all the way to the other side of the building to reset it. Once a sub-panel is fed from the main service panel, it is ready to distribute its own power, but remains protected from the breaker in the main panel that it is connected to. Electrical maintenance also becomes easy if there is a sub panel in the building.

Sub-panels require two live wires connected to a double-pole breaker in the main panel. They also require a neutral and ground wire extended to the sub-panel. Although the neutral wire is bonded to the main panel, the sub panel is not bonded with a green bonding screw.

Centrim Electric is a one of the most respected electrical engineering services in NJ and NY. We have successfully handled different residential and commercial electrical projects including installation of electrical sub panels and electrical maintenance. Contact us for any residential, commercial or industrial electrical installation or maintenance work.

If you have started decorating your home for Christmas, getting help from proficient NJ electricians may be a good idea to safely put up all those lights. An electrical contractor registered with electrical contractors association in NJ can make it easier for you to light up your home and yard without the hazards of electrocution or short circuits.

One thing that homeowners need to remember while working around Christmas lights is to avoid adding too many strings of lights to any one circuit. Too many lights can cause a circuit overload and a possible electrical fire. Too often, homeowners are tempted to add several strings of lights on Christmas trees, windows and roofs of homes.

Electric circuits are designed to handle limited amount of load and the massive bulk of cord connectors protruding from the outlet also becomes a possible fire hazard. If the weight of the plugs draws them away from the outlet, it can expose the contact terminals of the plugs.

By checking the box that the lights came in, you can determine the amperage draw of the light set. According to NJ electricians registered with the National Electrical Contractors Association, most receptacle circuits at home are rated for at least 15 amps and generally are 20-amp circuits. The rule of thumb is not to load a circuit over 80 percent. This implies that a 20-amp circuit's safe usage is 16 amps.

Similarly, by checking the box that the Christmas lights came in, you can see the maximum recommended end-to-end connection for the sets of lights. Loading lights more than the recommended limit can result in an electric fire.

If lights still don't work correctly after following all directions and safety recommendations, you need to check the circuit breakers and fuses. There may be a problem with the light bulbs too – they could be loose in their individual sockets.

Your search for the most reliable electricians in NJ ends with Centrim Electric. Registered with the National Electrical Contractors Association, we have successfully handled some of the most complex projects and also offer electrical maintenance services to residential and commercial customers. Feel free to contact us for the installation and repair of Christmas lights!

Electrical conduit is metal or plastic pipe through which electrical wires are passed. The conduit protects electrical wires and is generally used in exposed locations. Hence if wires need to run along an outer surface of wall, they can be safely covered by a conduit. In NJ electricians registered with electrical contractors association are trained to install conduits and work around wires that are enclosed by them. 

Conduits are used in basements, garages, barns, laundry areas, and other exposed areas in homes and commercial premises. Stranded or solid wire is usually pulled through conduit and this is either THHN or THWN type wire. The size of the wire may vary, as per the amount of amperage required to supply the point being fed, and this ultimately determines the size of the conduit that the electrician will need to install.

An electrical conduit installed outdoors should be specifically rated for ‘exterior use’. A skilled NJ electrician typically uses PVC conduit in underground and wet location applications. Such conduits have their own PVC fittings, connectors, couplings, and elbows. They can be easily attached to one another with a cleaner and PVC glue. As PVC conduit is not conductive, electricians always run a green ground wire in the conduit for proper grounding methods at connection points. Commercial electrical contractors also use PVC conduits for wiring in industrial facilities.

Besides PVC conduits, NJ electricians also use flexible metal conduits. These typically come in 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch sizes and are used in spaces where rigid, non-flexible conduit is hard to install. Flexible metal conduit is great for places that call for tight bends and close quarters would make it difficult to bend regular conduit. Water heaters, can lights, and attic vents are few good examples of typical flexible conduit installation.
 
Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) conduit is also used for protection and routing of electrical wiring. These are lightweight, easy to bend, and are used within the walls. However, these may be damaged easily and are considered inferior to IMC conduits.

Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) is a thicker conduit that also is galvanized, and this makes it a great choice for outdoor installations. Experienced NJ electricians are trained to install such conduits. IMC is suitable for exposed walls in basements, garages, outbuildings, and areas where conduit where can be hit or damaged.

Those looking for NJ electrician services for installation of conduits in homes and offices can contact Centrim Electric. We are the most reputed residential and commercial electrical contractors in NJ and NY and offer the widest range of quality services to our esteemed customers.

If a circuit breaker trips at your home, it can be reset; similarly, a blown fuse can be replaced. But if such problems occur frequently, it is important to analyze and understand the root cause and take appropriate action to rectify the same. Skilled electricians in NJ and NY registered with electrical contractors associations mention three basic reasons for tripping of circuit breakers and blowing of fuses. These include: overloaded circuit, short circuit, and ground fault.

An overloaded circuit is the most typical reason for a breaker tripping and occurs when a circuit has a heavier electrical load than it is supposed to have. If more current flows through the circuit than what was intended for it, the circuit breaker will "break the circuit.”

According to electricians registered with electrical contractors association, circuit breakers trip when there are too many appliances and other electrical fittings plugged into one outlet or multiple outlets connected to one circuit. To prevent this, lamps, heaters, irons, hair dryers and other heavy power consuming devices should be moved to a different circuit that is not being heavily used. The circuit should also be checked for loose connections and they should be tightened by a proficient electrical contractor.

Short Circuit is a more serious reason for tripping of circuit breaker. This happens when the hot wire (black) touches another hot wire or touches a neutral wire (white). It may also be caused if a wire is broken within the circuit. Shorts are difficult to diagnose as they are caused by defective wiring at your home or because of something that you might have plugged into an outlet. This is why only licensed and experienced electricians registered with electrical contractors association must be contacted for diagnosing and rectifying the problem. They can effectively replace the wires and switches damaged due to short circuit.

Ground Fault conditions exist when the hot wire (black) touches the earth wire (bare copper) or the side of a metal outlet box (since the metal box is connected to the earth wire). The ground fault is also a type of short circuit and can therefore be repaired suitably only by licensed and experienced electricians.

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) provides valuable information, education, government representation and business assistance to electricians in NJ and NY. An electrical contractor registered with the association uses the most effective techniques to diagnose and rectify electrical issues.

Centrim Electric is a reputed residential and industrial electric contractor registered with National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Contact us for any new electrical installation, repair and maintenance of electrical systems at your residential or commercial premises.

One thing that needs to work really well for comfort during winters is the heating system. Electric heaters make it possible to enjoy the day even during the coldest days of December and January. In NJ and NY residential contractors registered with electrical contractors association can install electric heaters in different rooms of large and small houses.

An electric heater that does not work when required can be very irksome. The possible causes for an electric heater not working include:

Loose or disconnected wiring connected to heater unit
A tripped circuit breaker
Blown fuse
Incorrect thermostat setting
Obstructed airflow from unit
Defective heating element in the heater

Repairs for defective electric heaters can only be entrusted to experienced residential contractors. If the circuit breaker is tripped, it can possibly be reset by anyone, but it is also essential to check the reason for tripping of the circuit breaker and this why the services of residential electrical contractors are important. Similarly, if the fuse is blown or popped, it is replaced with appropriate fuse but the electrical contractor also checks the system to ensure that there are no other defects that can cause the problem to reoccur.

If fuse and/or circuit breaker are good but the heater is still unable to provide any warmth to the room, the heater may need to be repaired. For this the residential contractors have to turn off the power and check the heater control knob. If the unit has a separate thermostat, they need to remove the thermostat knob, the knob stem nuts and face plate mounting screws and remove the unit from the wall. The wiring connections are then checked and any loose or disconnected connections are set right. The thermostat setting should also be checked to make sure that it is not set too low.

Sometimes there may be a problem with the heating element of the electric heater and it needs to be replaced by the residential contractor.

At Centrim Electric we have a team of efficient residential electrical contractors in NJ and NY. We are registered with respected electrical contractors associations and are known for the quality for our services. Contact us today for the installation or repair work for your electrical heaters at most affordable rates.

Track lighting that was earlier notorious for clunky tracks and heads has come out of age. 

These fixtures can now be selected in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. These lights can be the perfect options when you want to accent objects with light or work under a directional task light. Tracks can be installed while remodeling or renovating a room, as power is usually available in the wiring of an existing ceiling fixture. In NJ and NY an electrician registered with electrical contractors association is the best person to employ for the installation of track lighting systems in homes and commercial premises.

Tracks are versatile and allow for flexibility in sizing, placement and fixture styles. An efficient electrical contractor installs track lighting to maximize its functional and aesthetic superiority for the rooms. Tracks prove very effective for a room that has existing electrical box in the ceiling but needs additional light directed throughout the area.

An experienced electrician certified by electrical contractors association can help homeowners to choose the best track lighting system for their rooms. Line voltage halogen bulbs (also referred to as PAR lamps) are good all-purpose bulbs for most applications. On the other hand, TMR16’s also called low voltage halogen bulbs are best for accent lighting and also require transformers either on each fixture head or installed into the ceiling.

It needs to be remembered that while purchasing track lighting fixtures, all parts should be bought from the same manufacturer as parts are not interchangeable. NJ and NY Electricians registered with electrical contractors association have a good understanding of quality parameters for track lighting systems and ensure that they install only durable and safe lights for their clients.

Once a track light is used power runs through the track to run each light head that is clipped into the track. The heads of lights can be pointed in any direction, rotated up or down or sideways as required.

Track lighting is a special form of lighting and cannot be used for general or primary lighting in the room. This should not be used in rooms with low ceilings. Electricians registered with electrical contractors association help to determine the suitability of track lighting for different rooms in a home.

Centrim Electric is a NY and NJ based electrical contractor, registered with electrical contractors association. We have handled some of the most complex industrial electrical projects and also cater to the residential market. Contact us for any electrical installation, maintenance or repair work.