When it comes to electrical projects in and around the house, a do-it-yourself approach could put you and your home in jeopardy.
As a licensed and insured electrical contractor, Erik Dent, of Dent Electric LLC, has spent more than 30 years climbing around in hot, dusty attic crawlspaces, cluttered garages and jam-packed closets to fix electrical issues for homeowners, and he has seen it all.
He often gets calls from homeowners who are having some electrical issue, only to discover incorrectly wired switches, electrical panels or lighting that needs remediation or updating. He advises homeowners to be aware of the health of their electrical system.
Several factors can affect your home’s electrical system that homeowners don’t necessarily consider and that do-it-yourselfers can’t easily fix. Such factors include the deterioration of wiring due to age and wiring capacity to handle the increased electrical loads of our connected world.
“If your home is more than 25 years old, the wiring may not be able to handle all the appliances and devices we use today, like computers, wide-screen TVs, video and gaming players, microwaves and air conditioners,” Erik said. “Older breaker boxes can have worn or failed connectors, allowing the circuits to become overloaded, increasing the risk of an electrical fire.”
According to a report from the U.S. Fire Association, about 8 percent of residential fires nationwide originate in electrical wiring.
Even newer homes have issues. There are new homes wired with stranded aluminum for 240-volt circuits that handle stoves, ovens and air conditioning systems—a practice used when the cost of copper wire is too high. Erik is cautionary about aluminum wiring. “Under an electrical load,” he explained, “aluminum wire expands and contracts at a higher rate than copper wire. This increased expansion causes the connection at switches, outlets and at splices to become loose and overheat. What’s more, all connectors and devices in your electrical system must be compatible for use with aluminum wiring and should be checked for evidence of overheating.”
Homes wired with aluminum are up to 55 times more likely to have one or more connections become loose, overheat and reach a fire hazard state, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If your home inspection report indicates the presence of aluminum wiring, it is prudent to consult an experienced electrician who has a record of success monitoring and remediating aluminum wiring issues.
Erik suggests before hiring an electrician, it is important to do your homework. Check to ensure the electrician has an active license. Go to the Register of Contractors and look for complaints under their contractor number, look at online reviews, and ask for references.
When the electric service goes out to a restaurant, it is an emergency. That is what happened at the Thai Food Corner, in Mesa. A panicked Justice Srisuk called an electrician, but after waiting for two hours, no one showed up. “I called Dent Electric, and Erik was on site in five minutes,” Justice said. “Not only was he attentive and great to work with, but Erik went above and beyond to restore our power quickly. He is a real lifesaver. We are opening a new location in downtown Mesa, and Erik will be evaluating our electrical system.”
Dent Electric LLC is a Better Business Bureau accredited business covering Maricopa County, providing full-service electrical contracting for residential dwellings and commercial businesses. “We provide new and remodel system-wide upgrades for wiring and panels, interior and landscaping lighting, ceiling fan installation, code violation remediation, troubleshooting and charging docks for electric vehicles,” Erik stated.
Bent on changing the public perception of electrical contractors, he works hard to get glowing reviews that extol his professionalism, attention to detail and his experience. Foundational to his superior work is the reputation he has built as an electrician who provides exceptional service to protect you and your property. Erik’s philosophy of customer service is based on his desire to help others. “I am a consumer, too,” he quipped. “I like to treat people the way I want to be treated.”
Tracy Stevens, a Mesa homeowner, found Dent Electrical LLC online. “I made the decision to engage Erik based on his impressive reviews,” she said. “I needed some wiring moved for a kitchen remodel. Erik showed up when he said he would. He came and took care of my needs, and I like that,” Tracy continued. “He is very polite and professional. He did an amazing job.”
When Erik is not saving the day for business or homeowners, he enjoys spending time with his two teenage daughters and cats, Celery and Juno.
To discuss your electrical upgrade, schedule your electrical equipment installation appointment, or to find out about the full range of services, call Dent Electric LLC at (480) 834-8160, or visit the website at electriciansmesa.com.