When a homeowner purchases a new appliance or discovers outlets that are arcing, it can be a sign that the home's electrical system needs more than a simple replacement. Electrical installations that have been modified over the years can also leave behind outlets, switches, or wiring that don't meet current installation standards.
Smiley Electric, Inc. recently completed a series of electrical upgrades for a home in Milwaukie, Oregon, addressing several concerns throughout the house.
The project included installing a new circuit for a range, replacing multiple outlets, installing GFCI protection, and correcting electrical devices that had previously been installed incorrectly.
New Range Circuit and Outlet
The homeowner had purchased a new stove to replace an older unit. The previous stove was hardwired, while the new appliance required an appropriate outlet connection.
Our electrician installed the necessary circuit for the range and provided a new outlet for the appliance. This gave the homeowner a proper electrical connection for the new stove instead of relying on the previous hardwired configuration. A range is one of the larger loads in a house, which is why it gets its own circuit sized for the appliance rather than sharing one.
Replacing Problematic Outlets
The homeowner also reported that several plugs were arcing, making outlet replacement an important part of the project. Arcing is not something to wait on, and our guide on a burning smell at an outlet covers when it becomes urgent.
In total, five outlets were replaced as part of the electrical upgrades. Replacing worn, damaged, or improperly installed receptacles can help improve the safety and reliability of the home's electrical system. If you have an outlet that stopped working or one that feels warm to the touch, those are the same family of problems.
The work also addressed existing electrical devices that had been installed by the homeowner. There were approximately 14 outlets and five switches throughout the home that required evaluation because they were not correctly installed.
Rather than simply leaving those installations in place, the recommended work included returning to replace the affected devices and make the necessary corrections.
GFCI Installation and Kitchen Safety
GFCI protection was another important part of the electrical work.
The project included installing a new GFCI in the bathroom, which required a new circuit. Additional GFCI upgrades were also identified for the kitchen, including two kitchen GFCI installations.
GFCI protection is designed to help protect people from electrical shock by monitoring the flow of electricity and disconnecting power when a ground-fault condition is detected. If yours keeps tripping, that is usually the device doing its job and worth having looked at.
For areas where GFCI protection is applicable, making sure the devices are properly installed and connected is an important part of maintaining a safer home electrical system.
Addressing Older Wiring and Electrical Concerns
The original scope also called for replacing existing aluminum wiring as needed during the electrical upgrades.
Older wiring and improperly installed electrical devices can create concerns that aren't always obvious during everyday use. Issues such as arcing, loose connections, incorrect installation, or outdated wiring can become more significant over time.
Having these conditions evaluated by a licensed electrician gives homeowners an opportunity to address problems before they turn into larger electrical repairs.
A Safer, More Functional Electrical System
This Milwaukie project combined several electrical improvements into one coordinated upgrade, from the new range circuit to outlet replacements and GFCI installation.
For homeowners planning a kitchen appliance upgrade, dealing with outlets that spark or arc, or correcting electrical work that was installed incorrectly, a professional electrical evaluation can help identify what needs to be addressed. New circuits are permit-and-inspection work in Oregon, which our permit checklist walks through.
If your home in Milwaukie, Portland, or a surrounding Oregon community needs electrical repairs, circuit installation, outlet replacement, or GFCI upgrades, Smiley Electric, Inc. is ready to help.
Need Electrical Upgrades in Milwaukie, OR?
Contact Smiley Electric, Inc. for professional residential and light commercial electrical service throughout Milwaukie, Portland, and surrounding Oregon communities. Call (503) 484-7556 or email josh@smileyelectric.net.
Smiley Electric, Inc. · Licensed & Insured · Oregon CCB #227116
We also offer financing options to help make qualifying electrical projects more manageable.