Bolt Electric Blog

Post-Storm Electrical Inspection Guide San Antonio

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:02:54 GMT

Post-storm electrical inspection guide: what to check, safety risks, common mistakes, and when to call a licensed electrician.

Springtime is in full swing...

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:00:38 GMT

Spring Electrical Projects

Spring has officially sprung here in San Antonio and South Texas!

The sun is shining, the temperatures are climbing, and spring cleaning is about to commence!

Out with the old and in with the new! Ah, the joy of cleaning out our closets, garages, and sheds.

Typically, during this time of year we like to address spring electrical safety. This year we thought to share a list of

electrical projects folks might like to consider, before moving into the warmer months of the year!

Things to Consider....

Ceiling Fans – When the temperatures heat up; ceiling fans give us a nice cool breeze on our skin to cool us down. Upgrading those older ceiling fans to add some new flair to your decor; or installing new ceiling fans in addition to your current fans, will keep you cooler in the warmer months to come. Inside or outside, they do help with keeping us cool.

Interior Lighting - If you haven’t made the switch to LED Lighting yet, you should consider it. Not only is LED lighting tons more energy efficient than incandescent or fluorescent lighting, it’s also better for the environment, saves you $$ on your electric bills, illuminates better and brighter, and lasts longer too! New LED lighting options can really give your home decor an updated look as well.

Exterior Lighting – LED lighting for the exterior of your residence is also an upgrade that not only provides amazing curb appeal, but also adds that extra layer of safety for your family at night, as well as the perfect lighting for any evening or nighttime entertaining!

Electric Vehicle Car Charger – The perfect idea for that new Electric Vehicle you’re looking to purchase! Installing a personal EV charger at your home; brings the convenience of overnight charging and potential cost savings right to your door.

Whole Home Surge Protector – Have major appliances? Computers? AC? Then you should consider installing a Whole Home Surge Protector.

Surge Protection has been part of the NEC electrical Code since 2020. This very important device should be installed in all residential dwellings; to protect against power surges coming into your home and throughout your electrical appliances, causing damages to them.

We here at Bolt Electric hope the above mentioned electrical upgrades are beneficial for anyone

looking to spruce up their electrical systems a bit this spring.

If you’re looking to have new ceiling fans installed or replaced, give us a call! Wanting some new LED lighting options?

We can assist with new LED lighting installations. All it takes is a quick call to get on our schedule.

Needing your electrical panels upgraded or replaced? Look no further! Bolt Electric, in San Antonio can assist with panel replacements or upgrades, depending on what is required for your electrical system to be electrically safe and up to electrical code.

Contact our office staff and get on our schedule for an Estimate Service Appointment, for one of Bolt Electric’s trustworthy electricians to come out and inspect your electrical system to know what your specific needs are. We’re here for it!

The San Antonio Electricians you can trust!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

What was that noise?

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:44:32 GMT

Is there something in the attic?!

Most residential homes built here in San Antonio and South Texas will have some type of an "attic space".

The attics in South Texas may not be terribly large in most homes, but they are the perfect space of a any dwelling to house the electrical wiring for the residence.

Electrical wiring is typically located in an attic area; to provide an accessible space to run wires in and throughout the residence, allowing for the most convenient and efficient way to connect any and all electrical fixtures; while remaining hidden from view.

The electrical wiring is usually attached along the joists and/ or rafters of the attic space, keeping them secured and out of the way, to avoid any dangers of damaging these wires should they be stepped on, pulled on…etc. , which would require electrical repair ASAP.

But what about the hidden dangers we can’t see right away? What about those nearly silent intruders looking for a place to nest?

Here in San Antonio and South Texas, spring comes fairly early. Temperatures start climbing in March, and the local wildlife begins their life cycles about the same time. They may be cute, but they can be downright pests when it comes to nesting in attics, walls and in some cases under the flooring of a home.

The majority of these animals have teeth that never stop growing, and as a result, these critters have to gnaw on something to wear those teeth down. That’s right, they chew on pretty much anything they can. They'll chew wood and electrical wiring in the attic and walls of a home, all the while causing damages we aren't aware of.

Often, they will chew electrical wires completely down to the metal, which can then cause electrical issues, or lead to a fire, so do not hesitate to take action if you know there are critters about!

Mice, Rats, Raccoons, Squirrels, and Possums are a just some of the culprits to look out for. They can be very difficult to remove without some type of Pest Control Assistance. Let's assess ...

Some signs you may have rodents nesting in your home:

· Scratching sounds behind your walls

· Rodent droppings in your attic, walls of the residence, or cabinets in bathrooms or the kitchen.

· Bite marks on wiring and/ or cables

· Flickering lights

· Malfunctioning appliances (they chew cords as well)

· Frequently tripped circuits

· Appliance failure

· Frequent power fluctuations

· A burnt, decay smell (indicating the presence of an electrocuted rodent)

· Rodent sightings on or about your property

Being proactive on the front end will give them no reason to stay. Some things you should do to prevent pesky critters is:

· Seal up any cracks, holes, and entry points as well as you can

· Keep things tidy. Put away leftover food right away

· Regularly take out the trash and keep a tight lid on your garbage cans

· Keep your tree branches trimmed to prevent pests from making their way onto your roof

· Use rodent traps or contact an exterminator to get rid of unwanted critters

· Call an electrician if you have any of the above listed electrical issues or know you have had an infestation, just to be on the safe side.

Being proactive is the absolute best way to protect your home’s electrical equipment.

Regular visual inspections of wiring or appliance cords is an important step in ensuring your wiring stays safe.

If your electrical wiring has been damaged by rodents, Bolt Electric in San Antonio can assist with electrical repairs

that will have you up and running again in no time.

Make your presence known and show those critters who really runs the household! Contact Bolt Electric,

the San Antonio electricians you can Trust!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Showers in the Forecast?

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 19:44:04 GMT

“Weather Permitting” How does it pertain to an electrical repair or service?

One of the first rules of electricity we learn is that you never; under any circumstances mix electricity with water.

It would then also serve as a general rule of thumb for electrical work and rain. The combination can be dangerous!

Most electrical contracting businesses will have their electrician’s schedules filled with various electrical services any given day throughout a given week, so let's talk about what happens when it rains?

If the needed electrical service or electrical repair is located on the exterior of a commercial building, in a parking lot, or outside of a residential dwelling that is not covered from rainfall…for the safety of everyone involved, the appointment should be rescheduled for another date.

Any electrical contractor’s primary concern is always safety, so electricians will take precautions like using insulated tools, wearing protective gear, and avoiding direct contact with wet areas when working in damp conditions, however performing electrical repairs out in the rain or during a thunderstorm is a different story altogether.

Rainwater in particular; contains dissolved salts from the atmosphere that can conduct electricity, which can make performing electrical work in rainy weather conditions very dangerous. The electrician may get electrical shocks while working outdoors during a downpour, or the electrical work being performed can be fouled by moisture as well, so it would be well advised to wait out the storm or reschedule the appointment for a time when the weather cooperates.

It is understandably frustrating to make a scheduled appointment for any kind of service call; only to be told you have to reschedule for another time due to weather, however Bolt Electric in San Antonio takes the safety of our employees and customers very seriously; and we do our best to satisfy all parties involved. We never want to have to reschedule our customers, but sometimes it is completely necessary and unavoidable.

We hope this information will help folks take the dangers of performing electrical service and repair in inclement weather to heart,

and understand the possibility of having to reschedule an appointment due to bad weather.

If you’re needing electrical maintenance and repair for your Residential home or Commercial business, Bolt Electric is here for you!

If you need electrical repairs in San Antonio for Parking Lot Pole Lights, Bolt Electric can assist with that as well,

or any Pole Light Fixture LED Upgrades. Give us a call to see if your commercial business qualifies for the CPS Rebate Program! https://www.boltelectricsa.com/led-lighting-upgrades

Needing Whole Home Surge Protection? Bolt Electric can install Whole Home Surge Protection, and inspect your

service panel for code compliance and safety!

https://www.boltelectricsa.com/

Give us a call to get on our schedule! Our friendly office staff is waiting for your call.

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Winter is almost here...

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:09:48 GMT

Is your Home Winter Ready?

Winter will be here soon...

Here in San Antonio and South Texas, the winter season usually arrives well into the New Year. It always manages to show up here in the South, pretty much over night. Winter storms, freezes, even snow… on occasion, can put a strain on our electrical systems. Be prepared!

Let’s take a look at how we should move forward into the cold season, to avoid any winter hiccups!

• Make certain you have an Emergency Kit in place:

In case of a power outage, you will want to store some of the following items - flashlights, batteries, candles, device chargers, a transistor radio, and bottled water. Make sure that you can easily locate your kit in case of an emergency situation.

Here in the San Antonio Area, the winter can present a different set of dangers with regard to Electricity. Strong winds, ice, and harsh winter weather can cause power outages, heat outages, and even the danger of fire.

Trustworthy Tip: Getting your home’s electrical system in ship shape for the winter season provides you with peace of mind, so you can enjoy those Family gatherings and not have to scramble to “get things done” at the last minute.

• Inspect all interior and exterior Outlets:

The outlets in and outside of our homes can become worn over time and become troublesome when they aren’t working as they should. Despite being a non-working plug in, they can still pose a safety hazard. Having an experienced electrician come out to assist with repairs would be a valuable benefit.

And while your electrician is making those needed repairs, if you’re going to be decorating for the Holidays and are planning on using extension cords to access power for all those beautiful decorations you have, you might think about having them add some additional Outlets for you. Proper outlets just provide a layer of safety for plugging in that extension cords do not provide.

Trustworthy Tip: Did you know that roughly 3,500 home injuries and fires originate due to extension cords each year in the United States? Tripping over cords and Fires caused by them; can cause significant damage to your home and can be life-threatening.

• Plug in Space Heater Safety:

According to the National Fire Protection Association , 15% of Residential house fires are caused by heating equipment, space heaters being the #1 offender. If you choose to use a space heater in your home, be sure to follow the guidelines for space heater usage.

Space Heaters should always be used on a dry, flat surface; at least three feet from anything flammable, such as drapes, furniture or bedding. If you're using a space heater in a workshop or garage setting, be especially mindful of flammable items, such as paint, gas cans, or even matches.

You always want to make certain they are plugged directly into an Outlet or Surge Protector ; and always make certain to never leave a space heater unattended while in use.

Trustworthy Tip: Never plug your space heater into an extension cord and never use a space heater that has a torn or damaged cord.

• Are your electronics and electrical equipment Certified?:

When purchasing electrical equipment or electronics, you should be mindful to purchase NRTL-certified products that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. NRTL certified products must conform to certain safety standards. Note that CE marks are not the same as a NRTL certification. CE labeled products may not have been tested by a third party.

Trustworthy Tip: You may spend more by purchasing NRTL-certified products, but you always get what you pay for, and the spending investment alone is worth it for the added extra safety.

• Surge Protection, it truly matters:

You may also want to consult a professional electrician about installing Whole Home Surge Protector(s). This type of Protection is hard wired into your main electrical panel and can protect your home on a much larger scale, by redirecting any power surges into the ground, instead of throughout your home’s circuitry.

During these colder months, extra space heaters or other appliances and/ or devices; can place a strain on your electrical system and cause your circuit breakers to trip. For an extra layer of protection, you may want to have a proper surge protector for each added appliance that plugs into an outlet.

Trustworthy Tip: Whole Home Surge Protection protects your home from the powerful surges and not so powerful surges that can damage the intricate circuitry to most of the newer appliances of today. It was introduced to the NEC Electrical Code, for all new homes/ dwelling units back in 2020.

• Inspect for water leaks around electrical items or appliances:

We all know that water and electricity can be a very dangerous combination. Wet weather, the declining temperatures, or even melting ice can cause water leaks that could affect your home’s electrical panels and your outlets, inside and outside.

Performing a quick inspection of any equipment that could cause potential leaking, such as your water heater, refrigerators, and even larger freezers, just to make certain they are in fact; working properly, and not leaking or cooling correctly.

Trustworthy Tip: You should have your gutters cleaned of any debris to prevent rainwater from backing up and coming into your home. You might also want to check the water pressure for your residence while you’re at it, and make sure you have the proper coverings for your pipes in anticipation of the colder days. High water pressure can cause pipes to rupture and split.

• Overgrown Tree Limbs:

While you’re outside inspecting your gutters, and outlets, you may want to look around your home’s perimeter, and your power lines for any overgrown tree limbs. Unruly Tree Limbs can be a contributing factor to downed power lines as a result of high winds or ice accumulation.

In the event the trees are close to your power lines, try reaching out to your electrical provider for assistance with trimming those limbs.

Trustworthy Tip: In the event you do come across a downed power line, stay as far away as possible, and contact the utility ASAP!

• Test your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

We discuss this topic often! It’s always good to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors each month to ensure they’re working properly, as well as to replace the batteries at least once each year, but are you certain you have the correct amount of detectors according to the current NEC electrical code?

In the event you do require replacements or additional detectors, you should contact a licensed electrician for installation of new detectors; as well as advice on selection and placement.

Trustworthy Tip: According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 30% percent of house fires occur during winter months, so make sure to change out those batteries and test all of your detectors just to be safe!

We hope this information is helpful to winterize your San Antonio or South Texas home!

If you’re needing an experienced and licensed electrician to assist with electrical maintenance and repair ,

reach out to us here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio! It’s what we do!

Need new outlets installed? We’re here for it!

Needing to get your electrical Panel up to code and add Whole Home Surge Protection,

or looking to have power installed for a portable or standby generator?

We’d love to help!

Our friendly Office Staff is waiting to take your call.

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

www.boltelectricsa.com

Commercial Building Exterior Lighting Maintenance Needs for Fall 2024

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:37:23 GMT

Falling Back - Daylight Savings Time Ends soon…

Fall is here in San Antonio and South Texas; and soon enough the Holidays will be in full force,

and we’ll have those cooler temperatures; and as always, the time change!

The Sunrise is already changing a bit now that we’re moving into the cooler months, however when Daylight Savings Time ends in early November, we will have later mornings as well as earlier evenings, which will affect the time-frame your Commercial Business lighting comes on at night, and turns off in the morning .

Depending on the technology that controls your building lighting, parking lot pole lighting , perimeter, and/or security lighting, you may require some electrical maintenance to be certain these lights are coming on at the correct time,

and not leaving your commercial business and parking lots in the dark.

Let’s look at a few types of lighting controllers and their potential maintenance needs.

Lighting Timers:

A Lighting Time Clock, is a central controller that manages the time schedules for all connected lighting components. Once the lighting timer is manually set to a time, all of the lighting it controls will illuminate at said time, and thus, will perform the opposite function when it is scheduled to turn the lighting off.

When the time change occurs, these timers will have to be manually reset to accommodate the new sunrise/ sunset times, or your business will be dark when it should be lit up, and / or burning energy when they should be turned off.

Photocells:

Photocells are used for exterior/outdoor lighting because they have a dusk to dawn sensor that can detect a light source and automatically turn on or off, no matter when the sun comes up or goes down. They are often used in places where there are too many lights to manually turn on and off.

Photocell sensors can be affected by a number of issues that can make them fail to operate. The placement of the sensor can be an issue. If the sensor is too shaded or exposed to direct sunlight, it may not accurately detect lighting levels. Environmental conditions can also affect the way photocells work as well, as fog or a heavy rainfall can make it difficult for the sensor to measure the light correctly, or damage to the photocell which would cause it to fail altogether and require a replacement Photocell.

Your Parking Lot Lighting, Building Lighting and Security Lighting is paramount to your commercial business location. A dark Parking Lot can mean the difference between having plenty of customers or, an empty parking lot. Parking Lot and Security Lighting not only illuminates any darkened areas so you can see while driving or walking, but also ensures the safety of your Employees, Customers and Visitors.

So to sum it up, whether you own or manage a large shopping center, or even a small retail location, school, or office; high-quality functional lighting for your parking lots, walkways, and employee areas, is key in sustaining your business as well as protecting your Customers, Employees, or Students.

When is the Time Change this year?

Daylight Savings Time officially ends in San Antonio at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, when we "fall back", so you will want to schedule your service call a week or so before that date. Scheduling your service call beforehand will ensure we can accommodate a service call for your commercial business; as well as to make certain your commercial business’ property will be ready to light up at the correct time each evening, and power off at the correct time each morning.

Bolt Electric in San Antonio can assist with exterior Lighting Maintenance / Repair for your Commercial Business, and Parking Lot Pole Light Repairs, Replacements, or they can even upgrade your commercial business’ current fixtures to new LED Fixtures.

One of our Experienced Electricians in San Antonio can come out and perform a Maintenance Service Call to inspect and make certain any lighting Timers are adjusted for Daylight Savings Time hours, and also to make your Commercial Business aware of any exterior lighting issues

that also require addressing while they’re onsite.

If you’re interested in upgrading your current Commercial Lighting to LED Fixtures , you may qualify for the CPS Energy Rebate Program!

Click below for more information:

https://www.boltelectricsa.com/led-lighting-upgrades

The Office staff at Bolt Electric in San Antonio is waiting for your call, and can assist you with any questions you may have regarding Parking Lot Lighting Maintenance and Repairs for your commercial business, as well as any upgrades your looking to implement.

Give us a call to get on our schedule! We can’t wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Electrical Do’s and Do Not’s

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:06:27 GMT

DIY or Call an Electrical Professional…?

We here at Bolt Electric receive a lot of calls regarding the need for electrical maintenance or electrical repairs . It is after all what we do. However, on occasion, we receive calls for us to come out and make electrical repairs to an electrical DIY repair/ project that has gone awry.

Let’s take a look at why the majority of the time; electrical repair work should be completed by a licensed and experienced electrician.

Repairs on repairs:

We see it all too often. A Do it yourself project that hasn’t gone quite as expected. You’re swapping out a switch for a ceiling fan, and boom, the breaker trips when you try to turn it on. Now your switch is fried, the breaker won’t reset, and your ceiling fan is smoking. Now you’ll have to call out an electrician to assist with the new repairs. What started out as an “easy” fix, has been upgraded to an urgent and multi-leveled repair list.

Accidents can happen:

You call that trusted relative or handy neighbor who will often work in trade. What friend or relative would pass up a good meal in exchange for a few small household repairs? Only replacing a breaker, what could go wrong? Except it does; and now they’ve been shocked and injured. Who will pay for their medical expenses, or missed wages? Things to consider. Calling out an experienced professional electrical contractor will be fully insured, and if something goes wrong, you are not held responsible for their injuries or lost wages.

A Licensed Electrician will not only know the ins and outs of troubleshooting an electrical repair job, but will also have an ongoing awareness of new technologies; that will give you peace of mind regarding your home's electrical safety, as well as proving economically sound advice on everything electrical in your home or business.

Guess who else considers a Licensed Electrician to be significant in the electrical service and repair of your home or business? Your Insurance Carrier. That’s right! If an accident should occur, or something detrimental as the result of a Licensed Electrician’s service, you can prove to your insurance company that you did your part by hiring someone who was a licensed professional, and took all of the necessary precautions regarding safety and compliance.

A Handyman or doing it yourself is an affordable solution to any electrical project, but should be only considered for very minor renovations. With technological advancements being what they are these days, it can be difficult to understand the electrical needs for repairs or installations, and since hiring a handyman is a personal service, most handymen will not be licensed in the electrical field, which means that any and all accidents or any damage caused during your project; will be entirely your responsibility.

While bringing in a Licensed Electrician will cost a little more than calling out a Handyman, or doing it yourself, Licensed Electricians offer a level of professionalism that will aide in the completion your project in a much safer and more efficient manner.

Licensed Electricians are also bonded as well as insured, which means that you can rest assured, knowing that your home and your safety are completely protected during the entirety of your repair or project.

Bolt Electric in San Antonio has over 30 years of experience in the electrical trade. We strongly believe that, “integrity still matters” and are committed to providing top of the line electrical service at a competitive price. Our Electricians sincerely take pride in their craftsmanship, and refuse to take short cuts because in our experience; happy customers call us back out when they have an electrical need,

and often refer our electrical service to others.

We simply treat our Customers the same way we want to be treated.

Our Customer reviews are a testament of our work ethic.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio for your commercial or residential

electrical maintenance and repair needs.

We're only a phone call away, and we can’t wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC,LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Electrical Safety for your Commercial Business

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 19:01:21 GMT

Maintenance is the key to safety...

Bolt Electric in San Antonio, specializes in Electrical Maintenance and Repair for both Commercial Businesses as well as Residential Homes,

in and around the San Antonio area. We would like to take a moment to shine a spotlight on the importance of regular electrical maintenance for Commercial Businesses, and their very important electrical systems.

In order to keep our commercial businesses up and running safely and effectively, electrical maintenance and repair is crucial for making certain that the electrical systems are functioning not only safely, efficiently as well.

Neglecting electrical maintenance for commercial buildings can lead to; not only electrical safety hazards, but can also be the cause of electrical code violations as well. Every City has a multitude of electrical code compliance rules and regulations that electricians and contractors must adhere to for safety, or they run the risk of violations and quite possibly closures.

Let’s take a look at some steps we can take to keep on top of any needed electrical repairs in our commercial businesses and work spaces.

All employees at any company; should be made aware of the most basic of electrical safety protocols. There should be someone in place to train them on how to safely use any electrical equipment for the Business. There should also be an emergency plan of action in place as well, in the event there is some type of urgency. Teaching Staff how to look for; and recognize electrical hazards can help to prevent accidents and will ensure a safer work environment.

Regular monthly Inspections are the most effective way to identify any potential electrical issues before they become a larger problem. Let’s list some items to inspect for this process.

Checking all outlets – Just a quick visual inspection for any burn or scorch marks on cover plates or non-working outlets helps tremendously. This could mean that there is an issue causing the outlet to overheat or stop working altogether. These issues should be addressed by a licensed and experienced electrician sooner rather than later to avoid any potential fire hazards.
Circuit Breaker Trips – Take notice of any frequently tripping Circuit Breakers. This may be a sign of overloading of a circuit, or possibly a sign of a faulty breaker or machine. If this type of issue persists; contacting a professional electrician is the best way to go. They can diagnose the issue effectively, and make any necessary repairs.
Damage to equipment/ exposed wiring – In the event there is damage to a machine or any exposed wires, both items can pose a safety hazard and should be addressed and repaired by a professional, to avoid any employees, patrons, students, from bodily harm do to electrical shocks. For machines, its always best to contact someone who specializes in equipment repair first. If they determine there is an electrical issue, contact a licensed and experienced electrician to make repairs, for liability and safety!

Keeping a comprehensive list of past electrical repairs is very helpful for any electrician who is hired to troubleshoot and make electrical repairs for your commercial business. It allows them to better understand any current electrical issues the business is experiencing, and has experienced in the past.

Emergency Systems should be tested regularly . In commercial businesses, emergency lighting and backup power systems are in place not only for safety, but necessary for the continuity of operations. These lighting systems should be tested to ensure they function correctly in the event of a power outage. If you have a backup generator in place, this should also be inspected to make certain it starts up and operates as expected. This will ensure that in the event of a power loss, the generator will perform as it should without worry, and prevent office closures and the like.

Surge Protection for your commercial business can protect your equipment, any sensitive electronic devices in place, appliances, as well as machinery; from any electrical surges that may pose risk to them, as well as your electrical system. LED Lighting is highly susceptible to power surges as they can damage the entire fixture, which can be quite a costly repair. Surge Protection can prevent high dollar damage by diverting any excess voltage coming into the electrical systems and throughout the circuitry of any building. An inspection by an experienced electrician will determine what type of surge protector your commercial business will require, based on several different factors for the electrical system. As each individual business is unique, their electrical systems are too!

Inspection of the Electrical Panels is also very important. Commercial electrical panels are what keeps our devices, machines, lighting, and appliances up and running smoothly. Having them inspected yearly, can thwart off any issues the business could potentially face. In the event there is “buzzing” present, or Flickering of lights, or the panel is warm to the touch, a licensed electrician should be called on; sooner rather than later to address the issue.

Exterior Lighting Maintenance is a not so hidden need for any commercial business. It’s imperative to any commercial parking lot, walkway, signage, or building lighting. Faulty outdoor Parking Lot Pole Lights or building lights can be the cause of accidents and other safety hazards. Keeping your outdoor lighting well maintained and well lit, will help in keeping your customers, and employees safer and your building more secure.

Disregarding electrical maintenance or repairs for your commercial business; can lend to costly downtime, as well as pose potential safety issues. By having a regular electrical maintenance plan of action in place, and having electrical repairs completed in a timely manner, you can keep your commercial business in ship shape, maintain a safer work environment, and give your electrical systems the necessary care they require.

We hope this blog lends to a productive electrical maintenance plan for your commercial business in San Antonio. Should you require electrical repairs for your commercial business, we are here to assist. Bolt Electric in San Antonio specializes in Commercial Maintenance and repair.

It’s what we do!

Does your Commercial Business need or require Surge Protection? The experienced electricians at Bolt Electric can come out and perform a brief inspection to see what your commercial electrical system needs are to get your system protected from powerful electrical surges.

Just give us a call to get on our schedule.

If your Parking Lot Pole Lights are in need of repairs or upgrades, we can assist with that as well!

Click on the link below for more detailed information on upgrading your commercial business to LED fixtures; and the many

benefits and savings they can offer your business.

A Bonus! - Your Commercial Business may qualify for the CPS Energy Rebate Program for making the switch to LED lighting.

To know more, click the following link:

https://www.boltelectricsa.com/parking-lot-pole-lights-in-san-antonio

Our friendly office staff at Bolt Electric in San Antonio; is awaiting your call!

We can't wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Electrical Safety for Fall

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 18:41:11 GMT

A room to room breakdown...

Each Change of Season, we here at Bolt Electric try to make certain that everyone is on top of electrical safety.

You can never be too careful! Especially when moving from one season to the next.

The summer months in San Antonio and South Texas can be brutal with the soaring summer temperatures alone, so moving into the Fall we’d like to take a tour of the rooms in our homes to see what we should be looking for in regards to Electrical Safety for the coming season.

Most often here in South Texas, the Fall weather feels remotely like summer for the most part, until that first cold snap! 2024 has been graced with a rainy season, which also brings in some challenges when it comes to our electrical systems.

Thunderstorms may ease the temperatures, but electrical outages can bring in different types of electrical issues too.

Let’s go room by room to see what items we should be checking on; moving into Fall Electrical Safety.

Bathrooms:

As of the 2023 year; the National Electric Code (NEC) states that all wet areas of any dwelling unit; must be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI rated outlets). Our Bathrooms are of course water areas, so we should make certain any outlets should be up to electrical code, and all GFCI outlets should be tested regularly to make certain they are functioning properly. If you have an outlet in any water related areas of the residence, it is required by the National Electrical Code that these be made into GFCI Outlets.

Another safety idea is to unplug any appliances that are not in use. Items such as a hairdryers or curling irons, as well as making certain the cords are in good working condition before plugging them in for usage. You should make certain you are not near the sink, shower, or bathtub; when using these plug in items as well.

If there are any children in the residence, a great tip is to install the electrical outlet safety caps to keep any tiny digits or metal prongs from being accidentally placed into an outlet and causing injury or fire, or both!

Bedrooms:

All bedrooms should have some type of smoke or carbon monoxide detectors assigned to/ near each room area. These detectors should be tested monthly to make certain they are functioning properly, and the batteries in them should be changed out about every 6 months to keep them from failure to operate or begin chirping due to low battery. No one likes to be awakened by that little “chirp” in the middle of the night!

You should also perform a quick check on all light fixtures, lamps...etc., to make certain you have the correct bulb wattage for that particular fixture. Often times, folks will place a 100 watt bulb in a fixture that is made for up to 75 watts, thinking the brighter the better; however this can overload the fixture and can also be the cause of a fire.

You should never rely on an extension cord as a permanent plug in, and you should keep cords of any kind; above throw rugs and out from under any furniture, as fraying or nicked wires can be the cause of fires.

If you’re cooling any room with a portable or window air conditioning unit, it should be placed on its own dedicated circuit to avoid overloading any shared circuits and causing a breaker trip.

Living Areas:

As with Bedrooms, any Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Detectors should be tested for functionality, and batteries changed out about every 6 months or so as well.

Since we utilize our living areas more than most other rooms in our residences, we should want to check on any and all outlets and switches to make certain they are functioning properly, as well as checking for cracks, broken cover plates, or char marks that might indicate an electrical issue is present.

Check on any power strip/ surge protectors you're using to make sure they are functioning properly, and to make certain they are not being overloaded with too many plug ins that could potentially cause an issue; such as overloading a circuit. You should always unplug any charging devices when not in use, and any unused outlets should also be safety capped as well, to keep those kiddos safe from electrical shocks.

Another good suggestion is to make certain that your Living Room appliances, lamps, computers…etc., all have adequate air circulation around them to keep them from overheating and ruining the small components inside.

Kitchens:

Our Kitchens are also a room that is considered a wet area in the residence, and will require all outlets in the Kitchen to be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter; or GFCI outlets. These outlets, like the above mentioned outlets; should all be tested monthly for functionality as well.

You should always keep electrical appliances stored away from the wet areas of the kitchen, ie nearest to your water source. It’s also a great idea to make sure any appliance cords are not left hanging off tables, counters…etc.; to keep any animals or small children in the home from pulling them down accidentally, and we should also inspect all appliance cords for any damage while we’re at it. Bad cords can often lead to circuit breakers tripping in your electrical panel.

About every 6 months or so, we should make sure the areas behind our major appliances; such as refrigerators, ranges, microwaves…etc.; are clean of any dust or debris; and that the outlets they are plugged into have room behind them to be accessed if necessary; as well as to give your appliance room to breathe!

Laundry Room/ Garage:

As with any other wet areas of the residence, these areas too will require Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCI Outlets for plug ins. These outlets should also be tested monthly for functionality. Most dryers have a special type of outlet, that requires it’s own dedicated circuit; and differs from the GFCI type of outlet.

Perform a quick inspection for your Washing Machine and Clothes Dryer and clear any debris around the appliances. It is important that these appliances and outlets have adequate breathing room around them as well. Make certain you can always reach the outlet they're plugged into; in the event you have to unplug the appliance at any time, and clearing out the lint trap on these machines is paramount to making certain your appliances run the way they should!

Larger appliances, such as freezers or A/C units; should be on their own dedicated circuit (usually a 20 amp circuit) to avoid overloading a shared circuit and causing the circuit to trip the Breaker.

Any and all Stored Boxes in these areas of the home; should be stored away from any outlets, switches, or electrical panels; to maintain safety and airflow as well as having easy access; in the event you need to get to them or in the event they require electrical repair.

Power tools or battery charging devices should be unplugged when not in use, and before using; should always be checked for any damage to their cords or cord ends; before plugging them in. Also; any stored extension cords or any holiday lights or electrical Fall Decor should be checked before using as well. In the event there is frayed wiring or wire nicks on them that could potentially cause injury or a fire; while in use.

Exterior of Residence:

As with all of our above mentioned wet areas of the home, our exterior/ outdoor outlets should also be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets, and should also have a weather proof type of covering on them to ensure moisture stays out. These outlets should also be tested monthly for functionality.

Another great tip is to keep Leaves and other outside debris (grass, weeds, ants…etc.) away from your exterior power sources, A/C units, pool equipment, spa equipment, lighting..etc. This ensures they have adequate space, and that they can be accessed; when necessary.

When using any extension cords, you will want to make certain they are rated for outdoor usage; as well as in good shape to power up any holiday lighting, décor.

We here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio hope this information eases you into your Fall electrical safety routine. If you’re needing electrical maintenance and repair in San Antonio, Bolt Electric is here to help! It’s our specialty.

If you’re needing to have GFCI Outlets installed to bring your residence up to electrical code, we’re only a call away!

We are currently offering a Special on Whole Home Surge Protector installation.

If you’re interested in having Whole Home Surge Protection Installed in your residence; click on the link below for more information:

https://www.boltelectricsa.com/

Give our friendly staff a call to get on our schedule!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Parking Lot Pole Lights in San Antonio

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 18:46:52 GMT

Repair VS Upgrade/ Replacement

We here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio would like to shed some light on the advantages of upgrading to LED Parking Lot Pole Light fixtures.

Bolt Electric receives many calls from businesses needing Parking Lot Pole Light repairs for commercial properties located in the San Antonio area. Often, the calls we receive are to make repairs to Metal Halide Pole Light Fixtures (Either 400 Watt or 1000 Watt).

As the electrical industry phases out older lighting technologies, making repairs to Metal Halide parking lot pole light fixtures can become quite costly; as these type of fixtures often require repairs several times per year, and due to requiring multiple materials to illuminate these fixtures can propose an issue for return visits for these repairs.

These parts can consist of Capacitors, Photocells, Lamps, and Ballasts. Parking Lot Pole Lights can range up to 30 feet or higher and also will require the need for a bucket truck to diagnose and change out one, or more of many parts mentioned above; to illuminate each of these fixtures.

This routine can become a big expenditure over time, and it can be very costly to maintain even just one single parking light fixture over a year's time-frame; with frequent trips out for maintenance/ repair.

These technologies also utilize a lot of energy to maintain for such a short life span. They burn hot, and they have to be disposed of properly once removed, as they can pose a danger to the environment. Metal Halide Fixtures not only burn more energy to actually light your parking lots and walkways, but the output of light can often be hazy, and quite frankly not bright enough for the many reasons you invest in them to begin with.

Any light can be seen in the darkness, but the difference between well-lit and not well-lit means, the security of your parking lots, employees, students, patrons…etc.

Bolt Electric's experienced and licensed electricians; can light up your parking lots by installing LED Parking Lot Pole Light Fixtures, which are incredibly cost effective on energy usage, safe for the environment, have a much higher light output, and require less maintenance! LED lighting is really a much better option all the way around.

The benefits include:

• LED Fixtures will save you up to 75% on energy bills

• 100 % Recyclable Materials and No Toxic output

• Instantaneous turn on

• Lower maintenance costs and longer lifespans lead to fewer replacements

• LED’s operate at much lower temperatures

And, did you know that City Public Service (CPS Energy) offers a rebate program for Commercial Businesses to switch over to LED Parking Lot Pole Light Fixtures in San Antonio? Well, they do! Check out our link below for more information!

https://www.boltelectricsa.com/led-lighting-upgrades

Bolt Electric, in San Antonio is a preferred provider for this service, and can offer you an instant rebate, should your business qualify for this rebate program. Who is eligible, you ask? Large and Small commercial customers with a valid CPS Energy account number and 100 kW or less; peak demand are eligible.

Eligible customers typically include:

• Local restaurants

• Retail and service shops

• Non-profit office buildings

• Car dealerships

• Shopping strip centers

Once eligibility is established and tabulated, Bolt Electric would deduct the rebate amount from the total cost of the proposal amount, bringing you an instant savings! To clarify, you have no paperwork to fill out, and no waiting months for a rebate! Bolt Electric does all the heavy lifting and the waiting!

If you’re needing Parking Lot Pole Light Repairs in San Antonio, we are here to help! If you’re looking to replace/ upgrade your current Fixtures to LED fixtures for your Commercial Business Parking Lot Pole Lights, we’re only a call away !

We can see if your business qualifies for the LED rebate program, and get your Parking Lot Lighting well lit to give your commercial business a new look, and safer nighttime environment!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND RD., SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Breaker Tripping...? Volume III

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:30:13 GMT

The Heat Related Breaker Trips ~ Edition

It’s summer here in San Antonio and South Texas! Temps are up and are still climbing! Texans are certainly no stranger to heat,

but what about tripping circuit breakers?

The higher Temperatures during the summer months lead to higher energy consumption in our homes. We rely on the comfort of our Air Conditioners to cool us down; and with kids home from school for during the daytime, and more people working from home, extra summer visitors...the demand on our electrical systems can take its toll.

We may not take notice of some smaller electrical issues in our homes; items such as non-working outlets, switches or the

occasional light fixture we don’t use too often. Those issues can always be placed on a back-burner to address at another time.

We do, however take notice when we lose power to a room, a major appliance, or even our beloved Air Conditioner!

The longer the exposure to higher temperatures, the more heat-related damage to electrical components can occur. When exposed

to excessive heat, the internal components of a breaker has the propensity to deteriorate. This can greatly reduce the lifespan

and reliability of a circuit breaker, thusly resulting in Breaker Trips or even failure of said Breaker.

Most often, we can manually reset a tripped breaker, but after several resets this can be a huge inconvenience.

When Circuit Breakers trip, there is an underlying issue that should be addressed by an experienced and licensed electrician,

to safely locate the problem and make the necessary repairs.

Let’s take a look at some things we can do to help prevent issues such as this:

Overloading Circuits – This is one of the most common causes for breakers to trip and especially during the hotter months of the year. Make certain to manage your plug ins per circuit, especially the high energy type; such as Refrigerators, Air Conditioners, Freezers…etc. You should distribute your electrical loads by circuit if at all possible.

Appliance Surge Protection – Surge Protection for your appliances, shields them from occurrences such as power surges, lighting strikes, or black outs/ brown outs from the city’s electrical grid. Surge protectors can prevent surges from reaching sensitive electrical components, including circuit breakers, reducing the likelihood of tripping by turning the surge protector off.

Whole Home Surge Protection – Similar to the models made for your major appliances to plug into however, whole home surge protection works in your main service panel and provides protection throughout your entire home. This version of surge protection became part of the National Electrical Code in 2020. For more information on Whole Home Surge Protection:

https://www.boltelectricsa.com/lighting-strikes-and-power-surges-oh-my

Maintain adequate space/ airflow - You should always make sure the area around your Service Panel or Subpanel is clear of debris, furniture, appliances…etc. Often times, we run out of space and place something in front of the electrical panel, or under it. The service panels/ subpanels require enough space to be able to open the cover completely, to be able to access the breakers inside. This can keep the overall temperature on the interior of the panel down, which can assist in keeping breakers form overheating, as well as provide a work area in the event you have to have it serviced for repairs.

Upgrade/ Replacement - When you have issues with multiple breakers tripping; and often, it may be time for an upgrade or replacement of your Service Panel/ Subpanel (or both). Technology advances so much faster these days, and our older electrical systems can struggle to keep up with the higher demand of today’s electrical appliances/ devices…etc. If it’s been 10 or so years since you’ve had your electrical system checked out for safety, you may want to have an experienced electrician come out and inspect your panels to see if they may require an upgrade or quite possibly replacement.

Call on a Professional - If you have a circuit breaker that continues to trip despite taking preventive measures, we here at Bolt Electric cannot stress enough how important it is to contact an experienced and licensed electrician to assist. Someone with electrical knowledge can inspect and diagnose any unforeseen issues and give you solutions that are not only safe, and up to the electrical code standards, but can also give you peace of mind as well.

To sum it up, your electrical systems can be affected by the higher temperatures of the season, and can compromise the internal components of the circuit breakers, causing them to trip. That coupled with the higher demand for electrical usage, can cause them to prematurely fail altogether, resulting in power outages and the like.

We hope the above mentioned preventative measures assist you in keeping your electrical systems up and running smoothly, and that the only “Trips” you experience this summer season; are because you’re on vacation!

If you’re experiencing frequent breaker trips in your electrical panels, Bolt Electric is here to help. Our Licensed and experienced electricians in San Antonio can assist with Circuit Breaker replacements/ repairs, as well as Service Panel Upgrades/ Replacements. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, as we specialize in Electrical Maintenance and Repair!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78249

(210) 545-2658

Breaker Tripping...? volume II

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:20:47 GMT

The Appliances edition…

As Electricians who specialize in Maintenance and Repair, we here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio often receive calls from customers who are experiencing a Breaker tripping that controls one, or more of the appliances in their home. Often they will simply reset the breaker and sometimes it will stay working, other times the breaker will trip again, and sometimes it will not reset at all.

Let’s take a look at how appliances can or would trip the circuit breakers that control them.

· Overloading of the Circuit:

Having multiple appliances running on the same circuit or plugged into the same outlet/ receptacle will often cause the breaker to trip. The culprits that cause this are usually higher powered small appliances. Items such as hairdryers, small microwaves or small space heaters. When these appliances are used in tandem on the same circuit, they will eventually overload the circuit and the breaker will trip.

Pro Tip: Often, simply relocating an appliance to another area or circuit will ease this issue and stop overloading the breaker.

· Short Circuit:

A short Circuit can happen for a few reasons. Wiring can become loose over time, which can be problematic. There can also be loose wiring in the appliance itself, a switch, in an outlet/ receptacle; or possibly faulty wiring. Often times, rodents will chew on wiring in an attic space, under the home, or in the walls. All of the above mentioned issues will cause your breakers to trip as well.

Pro Tip: Inspecting your appliances cords/ cord ends every now and again; to ensure there are no chewed/ frayed or even loose wires; keeps the health of your appliances in check.

· Ground Fault:

A Ground fault is caused when an electrical conductor; such as metal or water comes in contact with an exposed wire; or any metal components inside of an outlet or a switch-box. This would definitely cause issues and can be fairly common in older homes. Trying to simply reset the breaker will often end in frustration, as it will usually not reset until repairs are made.

Pro Tip: Hiring an experienced electrician for this type of repair can save you $ in the long run. We receive a lot of “Do over” calls on many DIY repairs.

· Faulty Appliance:

As we’ve shown by the examples above, circuit breakers trip for a reason, and most often it has little to do with the actual circuit breaker. Sometimes, it ends up being an appliance that has gone bad, or has faulty wiring that will cause a breaker to trip. Occasionally we have seen customers with brand new appliances that have tripped breakers for many customers, and it ended up being the appliance causing the problem. Sometimes, new appliances get jostled in delivery and can come damaged.

Pro Tip: If at all possible, try running an extension cord to an outlet on another circuit to see if that circuit trips also. If the second circuit does trip, it’s very telling that your appliance causing the tripping issue.

· Bad/ Broken Breaker:

A bad breaker is exactly what it sounds like. Bad/ worn out/ Broken, and will require replacement. Often both an easy diagnosis and fix. We highly recommended for an experienced and licensed electrician to perform any circuit breaker replacements, as having a professional replace your breaker will give you peace of mind, save you time, and could save you money by protecting you from possible property damage.

Pro Tip: If you hear your breaker buzzing or it is warm to the touch, looks charred or is arcing – we recommend reaching out to a licensed and experienced electrician, like the ones at Bolt Electric; ASAP to make repairs!

We here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio hope this blog gives you a good idea of how an appliance can be causing circuit breakers to trip throughout your home. In the event you’re needing assistance with electrical repairs in San Antonio , Bolt Electric is here to help. We specialize in both Commercial and Residential Electrical Maintenance and Repair in San Antonio and we can’t wait to work with you!

Give us a Call!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Breaker Tripping?

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 18:50:58 GMT

The Water/ Moisture edition…

How often do you experience a tripping Circuit Breaker in your home? Most days, our electrical systems just do what they do, without the slightest worry from us, until we notice an outlet or light fixture that isn’t working; and then find a circuit breaker has tripped in the panel , which is quite inconvenient to say the least.

What causes these type of issues? There are several culprits that can cause Circuit Breakers to Trip, however one of the most noticeable issues; is water.

Rainy weather, water damage, leaky roof…all water related issues that can foul your outlets/ service panel/ and cause a circuit breaker to trip. Electricity and water are not friends, and can cause a whole slew of issues to your home’s electrical system.

Since we’re at the front of Hurricane season here in San Antonio and South Texas, we should start looking for issues before the rains start.

Performing a few brief inspections in and around your San Antonio home, can be quite beneficial in making certain your home’s electrical circuitry is in tip top shape. A few ideas of what to check on…

· Check on all exterior outlets, to make certain they are both GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) and weather protected. A GFCI outlet protects you from electrocution and it contains a small circuit breaker that trips when it detects a short circuit. A weather proof cover will keep moisture out of the outlet so it will keep it safe from causing a short and tripping your breaker.

** Pro Tip: You should also make certain no sprinklers are directed right at any exterior outlets as well, just to be on the safe side!

· Check on any Extension Cords you’re using for exterior plug ins as well. Extension cords can become nicked or frayed, as well as water fouled and if the plug end becomes loosed, can also short out and…you guessed it, trip your circuit breaker .

** Pro Tip: Always make certain any extension cords used are rated for the correct Indoor or Outdoor usage. They make them both for a reason, and you should never use Extension Cords as a permanent solution for a plug in.

· Check your attic/ roof for any leaks. A Leaky roof can damage so much more than just what is in your attic. If water finds its way into an electrical junction box, switch, or light fixture in the attic, it can cause a fire!

** Pro Tip: How do you tell if you have water leaks in the attic? Look at the attic flooring and the bottom of the rafters for water stains. Look at the insulation to see if it looks wet or moldy. Take a walk through your home as well and look for water stains or mold on the ceilings and at your home's exterior walls.

· Check on any Pool or Spa equipment to make certain they are functioning properly, as these items can also be a culprit. In the event there’s a defective pump/ motor, etc…that will certainly trip a breaker!

** Pro Tip : You should make certain your Hot Tub is GFCI Breaker Protected.

· Check any exterior light fixtures. Most homes in San Antonio are decorated with outdoor lighting. Whether they’re flood lights to protect our homes, or landscaping lighting to light up walkways, they too can become damaged by people, animals, or outdoor elements and can cause breaker tripping issues as well.

** Pro Tip : Always make certain you're using the correct bulbs rated for any specific exterior light fixtures. Bulbs that made to be used indoors will not function well when exposed to moisture.

We here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio hope this blog gives you a good idea of what to look for on the front end, so you can keep from dealing with pesky water issues tripping your breakers.

In the event you do need electrical repairs in San Antonio , we’re here to help! We specialize in both Commercial and Residential Electrical Maintenance and Repair in San Antonio and we can’t wait to work with you! Contact us today!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Let’s talk about Parking Lot Pole Lighting

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:02:14 GMT

Repairs or Upgrades…?

If you happen to own or manage a Commercial Business here in San Antonio, Texas ; you more than likely have a parking lot.

If you have a parking lot, you more than likely have some Parking Lot Pole Lights , and if you have a large parking lot, you probably have multiple Parking Lot Pole Lights, as well as Building Light Fixtures, and some perimeter lighting.

Bolt Electric understands the importance of having a well-lit and safe area around your Commercial Business’ and throughout your Parking Lots.

Parking Lot Lighting is imperative, and can be the difference between having plenty of customers; or a nearly empty parking lot. It is the difference between the safety of your employees and visitors or lack thereof.

So, whether you own or manage a large shopping center, or even a small retail location, high-quality functional Parking Lot Lighting is key in sustaining your business and protecting customers and employees.

Bolt Electric in San Antonio has over 30 years of experience with Parking Lot Pole Lighting, whether it’s making repairs to existing Parking Lot Pole Light Fixtures, or upgrading to new LED Parking Lot Pole Light Fixtures.

As one of the most energy efficient lighting options available today, the switch to LED Parking Lot Lighting means a big $avings to your bottom dollar, and since LED lights are more efficient, you get the same amount of light output with roughly a quarter of the energy! Not to mention CPS Energy offers a Rebate Program for Commercial Businesses moving over to LED Parking Lot Pole Light Fixtures!

Bolt Electric is a CPS Energy Preferred Provider and offers Instant Rebates for businesses who qualify for this program. That means, you get the savings at installation and don’t have to wait for the rebate if you qualify! Bonus!

Parking Lot Pole Light Repair in San Antonio is a service Bolt Electric has offered for over 20 years. Our Trustworthy electricians in San Antonio also perform Lighting Audits to make certain your Parking Lot Pole Lights are functioning, as well as to ensure they are turning on before the sun sets, as well as turning off at sunrise!

Whether you’re looking to have repairs made to your existing Parking Lot Pole Light Fixtures, or interested in making the transition to LED Parking Lot Pole Light Fixtures, give Bolt Electric in San Antonio a call to get the ball rolling!

Our Bucket Truck is warmed up and ready to reach those Parking Lot Pole Light Heights!

Give our friendly office staff a call to get on the books today!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Summer means Happy Times...

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Mon, 13 May 2024 16:50:34 GMT

...And Higher Temperatures.

And possibly a few Electrical Repairs or upgrades…

Texans will soon start to feel the effects of summer. In fact, summer will be here before you know it! The Temps in South Texas typically

arrive a bit preseason, and the one thing we can count on is that it will be a long and hot one!

This special time of year also brings with it some major electrical challenges for any residential home. When you factor in school closures for summer, the kiddos are home and inside to beat the heat, and more folks are working from home offices than ever before. Add in the installation of EV Car chargers in residential homes, not to mention those summer projects that require high powered electrical tools, or even new appliances that utilize a large amount energy! To sum it up…that’s a lot of energy usage, and in light of this, we can experience some electrical overloads.

Those especially at risk for electrical overload are residential homes that rely on gas-powered heaters for winter and electrical AC units for those hot summer months. The cooler months are much lighter on electrical usage for these homes when they burn fuel for heat, however, the demand on the electrical system with the AC running during the heat of summer; will require quite a bit more electrical consumption.

Below is a list of items in your residential homes, and the percentages of energy they use in most residential dwellings:

Electric Air Conditioner or Electric Heater: 47% of energy use.

Electric Water heater: 14% of energy use.

Washer and dryer: 13% of energy use.

Lighting: 12% of energy use.

Refrigerator: 4% of energy use.

Electric oven: 3-4% of energy use.

TV, DVD, cable box: 3% of energy use.

Bolt Electric, in San Antonio has many years of experience in assisting with residential summer electrical repairs. Some of the most common residential electrical issues we receive calls for during summer are:

• The Home’s Air Conditioner System is tripping the Circuit Breaker:

The air conditioning system’s compressor; uses more electricity than almost any other residential household appliance, using on average 3,500 watts; per every hour of use.

Keep in mind that a circuit breaker will typically trip because there has been an exception in the electrical circuitry for the appliance; that shuts the actual breaker off to protect it from causing damage to the electrical system, or causing a fire.

When this happens, we recommend calling on your HVAC pros to see if the issue causing the trip, may be caused by the AC unit first and foremost. If it isn’t the air conditioning system causing your issue, there’s another concern, possibly with the electrical panel, or the breaker itself. They can let you know if you should reach out to an experienced and licensed electrician in San Antonio to come out and troubleshoot the issue to find the solution. Then, reach out to Bolt Electric for service.

• Flickering Lights when Air Conditioner comes on:

This is a call we receive fairly often, however the majority of the time it doesn’t have anything to do with the AC unit at all. If you notice the lights in your house flicker whenever the air conditioner’s compressor comes on (this being the component that uses the most electricity), is indicative of a power surge in the electrical system.

In the event you are experiencing this type of issue, we recommend reaching out for a service call to perform some troubleshooting, as there may be problems with the electrical panel that should be addressed sooner rather than later.

• Tripping Circuit Breakers throughout the residence:

Your home’s electrical system is put to the test each summer, due to higher temperatures. Couple that with newer appliances, more people home during the daytime, and requiring more electrical demand on your Service Panel/ Circuit Breakers.

If your house is running into regular problems with tripping circuit breakers, your electrical system may be showing you signs that it is outdated and/ or may be in need of repairs, upgrades, and depending how long it’s been in place; a complete replacement.

• Citywide Brownouts and blackouts:

The higher electrical demands of summer often place immense strain on the Texas power grid, which will inevitably lead to brownouts and blackouts. Let’s take a look the differences between them.

A brownout: is when the utility restricts voltage flow to residential homes, which means a house with less power may experience dimming lights.

A blackout: is a full, unintended power outage. If you notice signs of a either of these outages, we recommend you reduce electrical use as much as possible during the outage and unplug sensitive equipment to keep them from being damaged by any surges this may cause when the power is restored.

If you’re looking to protect your appliances and sensitive electrical devices from Power Surges such as the above mentioned, we strongly recommend looking into having Whole Home Surge Protection installed in your Service Panel. This device will aide in blocking electrical surges from entering your electrical system. As of 2020, whole home surge protection was made part of the NEC electrical code for all residential dwellings.

For more information regarding Whole Home Surge Protectors:

boltelectricsa.com/protect-the-heart-of-your-home-with-whole-home-surge-protection

Our experienced and trustworthy electricians on Team here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio; can assist you with the above mentioned

issues you may experience with your residential electrical system.

Our electricians in San Antonio; are very well versed in residential electrical panel upgrades, replacements, as well as troubleshooting and repairs.

We specialize in both Commercial and Residential Electrical Maintenance/ Repair, in and around the San Antonio area,

and we can’t wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Do YOU need an Early Morning Service Call?

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:37:14 GMT

When Spring turns to Summer, you most certainly will…

Anyone who lives in the San Antonio area of South Texas knows all about that good ole Texas Summer heat! Well folks, it’s on the way!

In a month or so, the kids will be out of school for the Summer and the temperatures will soar! In fact; San Antonio survived 74 days of triple-digit temperatures in the 2023 year . Excluding years with incomplete annual data, the summer of 2023 secured the top spot among the city's warmest years.

Now, imagine how hot it would be up in an attic or crawl space in those high summer temperatures. Yikes!

Of course we’ve all been taught that heat rises; so now let’s think about the heat in your attic on a 100 degree afternoon. The temperatures in an Attic or Crawl Space will be much higher, due to many factors, and will climb up to as high as 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit before noon!

Folks, you can cook an egg at 145 degrees! That’s some serious heat, and yes, it could pose a risk to anyone needing access to work up in that space; for even a small amount of time.

It’s not often that we, as homeowners have the need to get up in our Attic or Crawl Spaces. There are a few exceptions, however on occasion there will be a Service Technician; in some capacity that will require access to the Attic Space to assist with some type of home repairs/ inspections or renovations.

Here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio, our Electricians often have to access the Attic Space to perform a variety of services, such as:

Attic or bathroom exhaust fan installs/ repairs
Running new Dedicated Circuits
Adding new Outlets/ Receptacles
Adding new Ceiling Fans
Adding new Lighting / Recessed Lighting
Making repairs to Wiring in Attic Spaces

All of the above listed services will more than likely require one of our Electricians to have Attic access to complete the scope of work for such projects.

This will require an early morning appointment when high temperatures are afoot; to avoid Heat Exhaustion; as well as Heat Stroke injuries while working up in attics and crawl spaces, for both Residential and Commercial electrical work.

That is the main reason for this blog post, to bring about Awareness on Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke injuries. Both of which are very serious conditions, and when left untreated within a limited amount of time can cause serious injuries, even death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is an estimated 702 deaths, 67, 512 ER visits and 9,235 individual hospital visits; per year, due to environmental heat exposure.

In addition, there were nearly 100 worker deaths, who died from environmental heat exposure while they were engaged in construction, repair, or cleaning - during the 2018 and 2019 calendar years (latest data available) according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Here are some symptoms you should look for when working in or out in the heat of summer:

HEAT EXHAUSTION: Typically begins with general muscle weakness, sudden excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting, and possible fainting.

HEAT STROKE: When your body's internal temperature reaches over 103 degrees. If symptoms such as confusion, nausea, lack of sweating,

and a rapid heart rate begin to occur, you should call 911 for immediate attention!

We here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio; take all heat related illnesses very seriously, mostly due in part that our Electricians

have to perform a lot of their daily work up in those attic spaces.

For their health and safety, we will only schedule early morning appointments for any electrical

service/ repair work that requires them to perform work up in Attic/ Crawl Spaces.

So, to sum it up; when you’re looking to schedule any electrical services in San Antonio and South Texas from pretty much April/ May through September; perhaps even October; that might require attic access to get the job done,

please keep an early morning appointment in mind.

Thank you so much for reading!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, #SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545 BOLT (2568)

Goodbye Winter, hello Spring!

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 17:18:43 GMT

Spring is blooming with electrical possibilities!

Springtime brings us into another beautiful season of “April showers bring May flowers” but that isn’t all the springtime season brings.

Spring cleaning has been a long lived tradition. Back when homes were heated by burning wood or coal during the winter months,

the walls of the dwelling would become soiled with soot and in need of cleaning. In an earlier, dirtier era; a thorough spring cleaning was a

common necessity. Today, this tradition lives on as an annual time of purification and renewal.

Or as the saying goes…

“Out with the old, in with the New!”

This time of year, folks in San Antonio and South Texas are gearing up for the annual cleaning out their closets, garden beds, planting new gardens, family gatherings, pool maintenance…etc. We see a lot of home improvement projects in San Antonio during spring as well.

We here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio; thought to compile a small list of Spring Cleaning electrical safety tips you might consider during your yearly springtime cleaning activities.

1: Exterior Electrical:

· Springtime means sunshine and sunshine means you’ll want to spend more time outdoors, so it’s a great time to start inspecting any outdoor wiring and electrical appliances that are around your home while you’re out there. Checking any outdoor lighting will also come in handy. Make certain to check on your exterior light fixtures or security lighting, so any evening activities are well lit.

· If you have a Spa or swimming pool, you should make time to perform a visual inspection of any wiring/ electrical cords; just to be certain everything is maintained and in good working order; as well as cleaning any debris, such as leaves or dirt from the area. Another safety tip is to make certain all of your electrical connections to your pools and hot tubs are fully grounded as well, to be safe and up to the current electrical code.

· Spring and lawn care go hand in hand! If you’re using electrical equipment such as lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, or any other electrical tools to clean up your garden, ensure they’re safe and ready to use before putting them to work. And always remember, never plug in any appliance if you notice cord damage of any kind. Performing a quick inspection for any damages like frayed cords or loose wiring; and taking the steps to make the necessary repairs; will keep you safe while you’re working on your outdoor projects.

· You should also check any exterior outlets/ receptacles to make certain they are in good condition for use. You should make certain they are GFCI protected outlets, and that they have a weatherproof covering to keep any moisture out. Remember, electricity and water do not mix!

· If you’re planning on any big yard projects that require any digging or trenching, you should make certain to locate any buried wires/ piping / gas lines / or water mains. A quick call to your Utility Companies, and they will send out a professional to survey the areas you would need to avoid for any digging; to avoid any buried lines/ water mains etc.

· And, don’t forget those overhead electrical lines when you’re trimming your trees! Make certain you check that out before getting up there to cut any unruly limbs or you just might get the shock of your life! Safety First!

· Inspecting your outdoor extension cords is also a must! Discard any cords that show damage by way of fraying or nicks…etc, and always make sure you’re using Outdoor Rated Extension Cords for outdoor usage, as these cords are made for outdoor usage.

2: Interior Electrical:

· While cleaning out those closets, you should set aside some time to check on your interior outlets/ receptacles to make certain they are in good working order as well. Since 2020, electrical code states that all “wet” areas of the dwelling; require outlets/ receptacles to be GFCI protected. These should be tested as well. The test and reset buttons on the GFCI outlet; are there to make sure the outlet is in working condition. The last thing you want is for something to be wrong with a GFCI outlet, which in turn could remove the safety mechanism that can help prevent deadly shocks from occurring. Checking on your switches for functionality is also a good thing.

· Checking the wiring on all of your plug in appliances, both large and small is also something you should consider, just to make certain any cords that plug into an outlet are in good condition with no damage to the cord, or the cord end. And while you’re checking on appliance cords; sprucing up the areas behind your larger appliances; such as refrigerators, Ranges, Washers/ Dryers…etc, will clear out any debris or dust that can be making your appliance work harder than it needs to.

· Testing any Power strips/ Plug in Surge Protectors or Extension Cords are also a great idea. Make certain you’re not overloading them, and that they are not nailed or stapled to any walls or run under rugs or carpet, and out of the way of high-traffic areas. Check for frays or nicks and never use an outdoor rated extension cord indoors. They do make them for indoor use for a reason.

· Make sure all your electrical outlets are snug, with no loose-fitting plugs that could potentially become a fire hazard. You will also want to check for loose or broken outlet or switch plates, as any broken or damaged plates should be replaced. This will keep any wiring components within the outlet from any debris or from becoming loose and causing shocks, or worse!

We hope this Spring Cleaning electrical safety checklist helps you and your family to have both an enjoyable and safe springtime season!

At Bolt Electric, our experienced and licensed electricians in San Antonio can assist you with any basic electrical repairs, such as non-functioning Switches and Outlets. We can also assist with installations of New Lighting Products, New Outlets/ Receptacles,

as well as adding Specialty Outlets/ Receptacles; such as Electric Vehicle Charger Receptacles.

Bolt Electric in San Antonio can also install Whole Home Surge Protection! This is also part of the new Electrical Code, and adds as extra layer of protection to keep those pesky electrical surges from going throughout the circuits in your home; and potentially ruining your appliances and sensitive electrical devices. For more information on Whole Home Surge Protection:

https://www.boltelectricsa.com/lighting-strikes-and-power-surges-oh-my

Our experienced and licensed electricians in San Antonio are here to help you with your electrical maintenance and repair needs.

Please let us know if we can help you! Our friendly office staff are awaiting your call! We can’t wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 Redland Road, Suite 105

San Antonio, Texas 78249

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

What is a Circuit Breaker?

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 19:32:39 GMT

What is a Circuit Breaker. and what does it do, exactly?

By definition; a Circuit Breaker is an electrical switch designed to be an electrical safety device in your Service Panel or a Sub Panel; which will automatically interrupt an overloaded electrical circuit, detect and shutdown ground faults, as well as any short circuits throughout your home.

Where would you locate a Circuit Breaker in your home?

Any Circuit Breakers in your residence are contained in your home’s "Service Panels" or "Breaker Boxes", as they are most often referred to.

The Main Service Panel is usually located on the exterior of the residence, and contains the Circuit Breakers that control the electricity that comes in from the City power pole, and disperses it into; and throughout the home.

There are also Interior Service Panels or Sub Panels; that contain Circuit Breakers which control the electrical currents that flow throughout the circuitry of the residence to any appliances, outlets, switches…etc. These are typically located inside your home.

Chances are you’ve heard the term “Tripping Breaker” before. If you haven’t, a Breaker “Trip” is when the circuit's internal sensor becomes overheated, and the breaker shuts off the power to prevent further overheating of that Circuit Breaker to prevent any further damage, such as fires.

What causes Circuit Breakers to Trip?

· Overloading the Circuit:

One of the most common reasons for a Circuit Breaker trip; is due to overloading the Circuit. This happens when you have multiple high powered items plugged into and on the same Circuit Breaker; causing it to draw more electrical current than the Circuit can handle. As a result, it will shut off the Breaker causing it to “Trip”.

Typically, you will require a dedicated Circuit for some larger appliances; such as Treadmills, Freezers, Ovens/ Cooktops/ Ranges…etc. to keep from overloading some circuits. A dedicated Circuit is just that, a Circuit that is dedicated to a particular appliance.

· Bad / Failed Circuit Breakers:

Sometimes, the Circuit Breaker itself can go bad and fail. This is a fairly common occurrence with voltage surges and electrical spikes that come into the residence. These type of events can cause an electrical circuit breaker to become weaker over time, and eventually fail. When this occurs, the Circuit Breaker would require replacement.

· Failing Outlet/ Switch/ Failing Appliance:

Other times, you may have an issue with an outlet that needs repair/ replacement, or the culprit might possibly an appliance that requires repairs; causing the tripping Circuit Breaker. No need to worry, as this means your electrical system is doing what it is meant to do. However, if you have a Circuit Breaker that continues to trip often, you should have a licensed and experienced electrician come out and troubleshoot the issue and make the needed repairs.

· Aging Service Panels:

If your Service panels are aging, they can potentially pose a safety risk. Older panels may work efficiently for a long time, however with newer technologies, larger homes, home offices…etc, they will require upgrades or replacements at some point. Upgrading or replacing your current Service Panels not only raises your level of Safety, but also makes certain your electrical system will be compatible with the National Electrical Code Compliance; as well as any current contemporary dwelling needs.

Anytime you experience Breaker Trips, diagnosing the problem will often require some troubleshooting to detect the source of the issue, so the electrician can make the needed repairs. An experienced and licensed electrician is your best bet for these needed repairs. Anytime a Circuit Breaker is compromised, there is a potential fire/ safety issue.

The Electricians at Bolt Electric in San Antonio; understand the importance of keeping the heart of your home, your Service Panels; maintained for safety and Code Compliance. Upgrading/ replacing panels, or troubleshooting various residential electrical issues are our specialty as Maintenance and Repair

Quick Helpful Tip ~ Keep the Service Panel area clear:

Your Service Panel needs proper ventilation to disperse any heat that is generated within the box itself. You will want to make sure there is sufficient clearance around the panel, and avoid covering the panel at all costs. Making certain your Service panel has room to breathe; will not only prolong the lifespan of your panel, it also minimizes the risk of your panel overheating and causing a fire.

Commonly asked Questions:

Here at Bolt Electric, we get asked a lot of questions in regards to Circuit Breaker issues.

Here are a few; along with some answers that we hope help out!

Question: How long do Panels/ Breakers usually last?

Answer: Service Panels can have a lifespan of up to 40 years, but to keep up any needed repairs as well as with the National Electrical Code; an occasional upgrading would be advised.

A quick inspection by one of Bolt Electric’s Technicians can determine what is required for your service panel to be in tip top shape and up to code!

Question: How long should you wait to reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker?

Answer: You should wait a few seconds if the breaker has just tripped. Waiting a few seconds will allow the electrical system to stabilize before you restore the power.

Question: If a Circuit Breaker is overloaded, can it cause a fire?

Answer: Absolutely, yes. Overloaded circuits can generate excess heat inside a Service Panel and can potentially start fires. Correcting this issue is highly important for safety.

Question: Is my Service Panel old and in need of replacement?

Answer: There are several discontinued models that require full replacements. If you have one of the following, then the answer is most definitely yes! = Federal Pacific/ ZINSCO/GTE-Sylvania Panels

Question: Is it safe to upgrade/ replace my electrical box on my own?

Answer: The short answer is No, it is not advised to upgrade your electrical box yourself.

Any upgrades needed for your Electrical Service Panel would require the skill set of an experienced and licensed electrician to perform. It is the current law in Texas to have a licensed professional; who understands the current electrical code and safety protocols for Service Panel upgrades/ replacements to perform these tasks. Licensed electrical contractors work in conjunction with the City, as well as the Utility to make certain of code compliance and Safety!

We here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio; hope the information in this blog helps you to

better understand the significance of your Circuit Breakers and Service Panels,

and a bit more about how they function in and throughout your home.

If you’re experiencing Circuit Breaker Trips, or experiencing issues

with your Electrical Service Panels, we’re here to help!

If you’re needing assistance to troubleshoot tripping Circuits, add new Dedicated Circuits, or install Whole Home Surge Protection

to be up to electrical code, look no further.

Bolt Electric in San Antonio can assist with these needs and so much more.

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE # 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

“Panel Replacement near me” “Panel Upgrade near me”

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 19:49:15 GMT

Google Search Results - Bolt Electric, LLC

“Panel Replacement near me” “Panel Upgrade near me”

Were you doing a quick online search for “Panel replacement near me” or “Panel Upgrade near me” ?

If you came across Bolt Electric, LLC; you’re not only going to find a wealth of information for your maintenance and repair electrical needs, but you will also find experienced and qualified electricians that can assist with those needs as well!

Maybe your home has experienced some flickering lights or circuit breakers that are tripping frequently? Perhaps you’ve had an electrical inspection that shows your Service Panel is not up to the current electrical code? Maybe you’re looking to add a new dedicated circuit, but aren’t certain there’s enough room in your service panel? Or maybe you have an outdated/ discontinued style of service panel and have to replace it?

We’ve got you covered! One of the experienced electrician’s at Bolt Electric can come out and perform an Estimate Service Appointment to help in meeting your electrical needs.

The heart of your home; (your electrical panel) should last for decades, but sadly; it won’t last forever. The inspection portion usually takes about an hour or so to complete. The inspection gives us a better understanding of what the full scope of work would be; to make needed repairs, upgrades, or installations on your Service Panel to get your electrical system up to the current electrical code.

Below are some of the Service Panel services we offer at Bolt Electric:

Troubleshooting Tripping Breakers/ Breakers that will not reset
Replacement of Bad Circuit Breakers
Addition of New Circuits/ Dedicated Circuits
Service Panel Upgrade/ Repairs
Service Panel Replacements for discontinued Panels such as – Federal Pacific/ Sylvania/ Zinsco Brands
Manual Inlet with Interlock Safety Switches for portable Generators
Whole Home Surge Protection

Bolt Electric has over 30 years of experience in the electrical trade, and as a whole; we strongly believe that “integrity still matters” and

therefore we are committed in providing top of the line electrical service at a competitive price.

Not only are we Family owned and operated, but we’re also local electricians, who live and work in the in the same neighborhoods as you.

No matter what brought you to this Blog, we’re glad you’re here and thank you for reading!

If you’re needing assistance with your Service Panels, or with an electrical repair or even an electrical project

you may be interested in pursuing in the near future, reach out to see how we can assist you.

One of our friendly office staff members are awaiting your call; and we can’t wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE # 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

ELECTRICAL FIRES

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 16:02:32 GMT

WHAT TO KNOW AND PREVENTION TIPS…

As summer comes to an end and the weather patterns begin to change here in San Antonio and South Texas, we watch as the temperatures begin to ease and northern cool fronts blow through; as well as the occasional round of thunderstorms.

Fall moves quickly here in the south, if you blink you may miss it! And then…on to winter!

During the colder months of winter here in the South; it gets darker earlier and we tend to spend more time indoors, which makes us depend on our electrical systems a bit more. Not only for interior lighting and the warmth of our heaters, but for entertainment as well, and let’s not forget exterior lighting for safety.

While electricity is a very wondrous thing, it can also come with many hidden dangers. Due to electricity being utilized so frequently and often without incident, folks tend to underestimate the potential risks that electricity in any form can cause. Electrical fires being one.

Electrical fires can pose an enormous threat. In fact, from 2015–2019; three in ten residential house fires involving electrical failure or malfunction; occurred in cold weather months from November through February.

One third of residential fires occur due to an electrical source. These fires are sometimes more difficult to identify their source; due to the fact that they are more destructive and pose a higher danger risk than other causes of fire.

Electrical fires result in almost 500 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries annually. Needless to say, they are very dangerous. However, with proper precautions and safe, appropriate reactions, you can minimize the risk of injury or death.

We here at Bolt Electric, thought to share some good tips for combating and preventing an electrical fire in or around your home. When you understand how to respond quickly in this type of scenario, it can mean the difference between a small fire and a devastating catastrophe.

IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE:

· Turn off the power if possible. If you recognize what is causing the electrical fire, such as a small space heater, and you can safely unplug the item, then do so.

· Do NOT use water, or any other liquid to put out an electrical fire. Water is a natural conductor of electricity, and can electrocute you, or it can spread the fire to another electrically charged area, potentially igniting flammable materials and making the situation even worse.

· If the electrical fire is small, try using Baking Soda to smother it. Baking Soda is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃. It is a salt; composed of a sodium cation in combination with a bicarbonate anion.

· Check your fire extinguishers to better understand what types of fire they are rated for. If you don’t have an extinguisher in your home, they are necessary for safety and you should purchase one sooner rather than later. And please note: Electrical fires are a “Class C” type of fire, which means that you will need a fire extinguisher that is rated appropriately for this type of fire. Most residential fire extinguishers are multi-purposed and labeled A-B-C, but you do want to verify this now, before using it on an electrical fire.

· IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE ELECTRICAL FIRE QUICKLY, GET OUT! You and any family members need to leave as soon as you can to prevent injury or loss of life. Try to close any doors as you exit the residence to contain the fire, and once you are safe and can, call 911 and await for first responders.

Do not try to go back into the residence until which time the fire department has contained and secured the area for return. While it is important to remember these steps when you have an electrical fire, it is even more important to prevent electrical fires from occurring in the first place.

STEPS TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL FIRES FROM HAPPENING IN YOUR HOME :

· You should make certain you never use extension cords to power Space Heaters or Air Conditioning Units. Extension cords are only meant for temporary use, and should be rated for the tools or appliances you’re plugging into them.

· Make sure you aren’t overloading your outlets. In the event you need permanent plug ins in your home, make certain you contact a licensed electrician to assist with installing them. Depending on what you need the outlet for, it may require a dedicated circuit to avoid overloading any breakers, which will trip the Circuit. They can also assist with repairs to outlets that are not functional or possibly look to be charred or burnt.

· Look for any warning signs that could pose an issue – Flickering Lights, Breakers that are tripping often, or once tripped, won’t reset or may be hot to the touch - Buzzing sounds from inside your electrical system or even a Burning Smell or Smoke from a switch or ceiling fan. You should contact an electrician to come out and assist with these instances sooner rather than later, as faulty wiring can pose a threat.

· Inspect the wires on your appliances for wear or frays. Do not use any items with torn or frayed wiring.

· Only utilize Space Heaters that have built in safety features that will shut down if the device isn’t standing upright, and always follow the manufacturers directions for use (ie use away from flammable or combustible items).

If you do experience the above mentioned electrical issues, you should contact an experienced and licensed Electrician in San Antonio to come inspect your electrical system, inside and out, to make certain it meets the National Electric Code Standards.

A licensed and experienced Electrician can make you aware of any upgrades or replacements/ repairs you may require, such as Whole Home Surge Protection, which will thwart off any electrical surges coming into your home. Another added layer of protection, are AFCI/GFCI Combination Breakers. These devices recognize potential electrical hazards that are not usually detected by the standard type of circuit breakers.

Keep in mind that it is also important to practice good fire safety habits all year round, such as installing or updating your Smoke Detectors or Carbon Monoxide Detectors. These very important detectors should be tested monthly, and batteries should be changed out about every 6 months, just to be on the safe side. Statistics show that an alarming 65% of fire deaths occur in homes that either don’t have them, or they were not working when the fire occurred.

You should also create an "escape plan/ exit plan" now, so that everyone in the residence is prepared in the event of a fire emergency, and will understand what steps to take to get to safety.

Bolt Electric in San Antonio; specializes in Electrical Maintenance and Repair and can assist with making certain your electrical service panels are up to the National Electrical Code, as well as troubleshoot any electrical issues you may be experiencing with outlets, switches,

and even update the lighting products in your home!

Our Electricians love what they do, and they can’t wait to work with you!

Our friendly staff is awaiting your call.

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545- BOLT (2568)

A Changing of Seasons...

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:12:20 GMT

Embracing Electrical Safety for the Fall

San Antonio and South Texas is certainly hoping for a cooling season, what with the triple digits we’ve experienced this year! Rest easy folks, summertime will soon be coming to an end, the kiddos will get back into the swing of attending School again, temperatures will start to become more manageable and we’ll be heading into the fall before we know it!

With autumn in the air and the Holidays not too far off, we should start preparing our electrical systems/ appliances

for the seasonal changes we will soon start to experience.

Temperatures will begin changing in San Antonio and South Texas, and typically we are prone to thunderstorms and cool fronts, which basically means there will be a whole new set of Electrical Safety Concerns during this time of the year.

While summer had us blasting our Air Conditioners to keep cool, it also had us utilizing more energy to do so. We can breathe a little easier knowing our energy consumption will be less for a few months, but we also have to keep in mind that soon, we’ll be decorating for the ever loved Holidays!

~ Let’s take a look at some electrical safety ideas, moving into autumn ~

1: Check your interior and exterior outlets/ receptacles:

Folks will begin decorating for Halloween, and continue right into Christmas without missing a beat!

Plugging in those pretty lights, and in some cases large Holiday décor, can be problematic if your outlets/ receptacles aren’t working! You should check both inside as well as outside receptacles for damage before the decorating competitions begin, in case they are in need of repairs! If you are planning on plugging in a lot of holiday lights/ decor, you should also use surge protectors to help provide internal load protection.

Tip: Any exterior outlets should be GFCI/ Weather Protected receptacles, to be up to National Electrical Code (NEC). Due to a moister environment with thunderstorms and a rise in humidity during these months, weather protected GFCI receptacles add a great layer of protection to your home and they’re up to code.

2: Light Bulbs/ Lamps

Due to less Daytime hours in the fall, expect to use your indoor, as well as your outdoor lighting more often. Checking on your fixtures, inside and out; just to make certain they are functioning properly, so you aren’t in the dark when that time change happens. Also, in the event you use lighting timers, you’ll need to adjust the time during the fall. You may also think about stocking up on bulbs/ lamps, as you will most certainly be using your lighting more during these months, which can shorten the lifespan of a lamp or bulb.

Tip: You should always make certain you’re purchasing the correct wattage, as well as a bulb that is compatible with your fixtures, as some older fixtures may not work well with LED bulbs.

3: Extension Cords/ Wires

This is often the best time to check the integrity of your extension cords. Check them for any cracks they may have due to weathering. Separation of the cord cap and wire, as well as to make certain they work at all. You should immediately replace any cords with signs of wear and tear, as they are most definitely a fire hazard.

Tip: You should never use an indoor rated extension cord outside, and the same rules apply for indoor use of an outdoor cord.

3: Leaves/ Yard Clippings/ Debris

Once the Temps drop in San Antonio and South Texas, those leaves start to fall, and fast! You shouldn’t allow for fallen leaves to collect and cover your outdoor electrical items such as lighting, exterior outlets, your HVAC unit…etc. Not cleaning up leaves, clippings and other yard debris; can cause moisture to creep into your electrical system, which will definitely increase the risk of tripping your circuits; or can be a fire hazard in the event the weather is too dry.

Tip: Mulching yard clippings and leaves is a great idea to utilize in your compost bin! You can keep your outdoor plants fed throughout the cooler months!

4: Get those Fall Yard tools ready for action:

In order to get those fallen leaves and clippings of grass out of the way, you’re going to need your leaf blower! Have a quick check on the tools you will utilize during the cooler months, and check for wear and tear. You should have them repaired if possible or replace them; before fall comes.

Tip: You should also make sure that any electrical devices used outside are rated as weatherproof.

5: Storing your Summer Electrical equipment

During the autumn months, you probably won’t be using your electrical trimmers, clippers, electrical saws etc… as often as you do during the warmer months, so it’s good practice to properly store these items. Leaving them exposed to the elements can degrade these tools and increase the risk of damage to the actual machine, as well as the user when they are pulled out in the spring.

Tip: You should make certain to unplug any charging stations you will not be using during the cooler seasons. It will keep them from utilizing vampire energy!

PRO TIP: Whole Home Surge Protection installed in your Service Panel will assist with any electrical surges coming into your home’s electrical system by diverting the electrical surge into the ground, rather than throughout the circuitry in your home; and into your appliances and devices.

In 2020, the NEC made this very important safety feature, part of the electrical code for all residential dwellings. Bolt Electric can assist you with installation for your home in San Antonio, Texas.

For more information on Whole Home Surge Protectors:

https://www.boltelectricsa.com/lighting-strikes-and-power-surges-oh-my

If you do manage to locate some damaged or non-working outlets in or around the exterior of your home, or you need some of them

upgraded to GFCI outlets, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Bolt Electric, we can help.

If you’re needing to have any new outlets/ receptacles installed to safely plug in

those Holiday Lights or decorations, we can assist with that as well.

Reach out to us here at Bolt Electric, the San Antonio Electricians you can trust.

Our friendly office staff is awaiting your call. We can’t wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-2658

Hello High Electric Bill...

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 18:56:18 GMT

Tips for $ummer Energy $avings

How about those Triple Digits, San Antonio!

The summer temperatures are up, and it would stand to reason that the current load on your electrical system is as well! That also means your

energy consumption is up and so is your energy spending!

Summers in San Antonio and South Texas can be quite stressful with all of the above mentioned pressures, so we wanted to shed a bit of light on some ways to combat higher electrical bills with some summer electrical tips for your home, and maybe save a bit of energy and $$ while we’re at it!

What’s the cause of higher electrical bills during the summer?

Cooling your home during the summer months in San Antonio, makes up anywhere from 40 – 50 % of your electrical bill each month. Basically making your HVAC unit one of the bigger stressors on your home’s electrical system. Here are a few things you can do to combat those stressors, making your system work easier as well.

Help your Air Conditioner, help you:

Change your Filters regularly – make certain they are clean.

When you’re away from home during the day, set your AC to 78 or above.

Install a programmable thermostat.

Make sure your outdoor unit is clear of any debris or overgrowth of grass, leaves, or weeds.

Have an HVAC professional clean and inspect your Ducts and tune-up your system at least once a year.

While they’re at it, they can address any duct-work leaks.

Show your Refrigerator some extra love:

Another large consumer of energy is your Refrigerator. It takes an effort to keep our food fresh!

To keep your unit from working overtime to maintain temperatures, inspect and clean the seals on the doors, and make certain they are clean and making a tight seal.

Also, verify your refrigerator is operating at the correct Temps, 37- 40 degrees for the Fridge/ 0 – 5 degrees for the Freezer.

Up next…the Hot Water Heater:

Your home’s Hot Water Heater is the #3 biggest energy consumer in your home.

Depending on how much hot water is used, and how often the hot water is used, the harder the draw of your electrical system. You can reduce the

usage by implementing the following: Summertime temps are hot, so try lowering your water heater temps to 120 degrees.

Also try taking short showers instead of baths. Showers use less water too and your energy consumption will also be less.

Another good bit of advice - make certain your Hot Water Tank is properly insulated.

Summer Cooking:

Dinner is often cooked during the heat of the day, and on a summer day when temperatures are soaring, the heat from your appliances can make your AC work overtime to cool the kitchen. Why not forgo the stove-top or oven, and fire up the grill! Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep the house cool with the heat from the cook-top or oven; and will save you energy in the long run!

Here are some other tips to consume less energy in and around your home as well…

Turn off plugged in items that you aren’t using, rather than letting them run in the background when not in use. Items such as: Lights, Laptop Computers or Mobile Devices, Televisions, and radios. Turning these items off will put less strain on your electrical system. How much you ask? The average home’s lighting consumption accounts for 12 % and electronic devices contribute to another 10 to 15 %!

Pesky power draws can get you in the long run. Another 5% draw on your electrical system is what we like to call Vampire Power. This anomaly can drain about five percent of your power bill or more! The main culprits for placing a strain on your electrical system, even when they’re not in use. Cell Phone Chargers, Computers, Televisions, Gaming Stations, Microwaves…etc. If it has an indicator light, power adapter, clock, or stand-by mode…it will draw on your electrical power. We suggest unplugging these items when not in use to stop that pesky drain on your wallet.

Inside AND outside of your residence.

We’ve addressed the main issues of stressors for your electrical system, as well as ways to keep the items inside of your home from causing higher energy bills. Now let’s move outdoors and see what stressors are caused around the exterior of your home.

Exterior Lighting:

Here in San Antonio, exterior light fixtures have been used for many years; not only for security purposes, but to illuminate our walkways, doorways, trees…etc. One idea to save energy is by updating with newer electrical technology by installing exterior lighting with items such as a photocell, timer, or motion sensor to control these fixtures. With the help of these simple upgrades; the lights are only on when they need to be. Additionally, you might replace any older incandescent light bulbs you may currently use; with a more modern LED Bulb. LED bulbs us less than half the energy an incandescent uses, their also quite a bit brighter and safer for the environment!

We here at Bolt Electric hope this information helps you out with lowering your energy consumption, and hopefully bringing some $ummer $avings, as a result. The best part is; investing in these tips will certainly help to keep your home’s electrical system running more efficiently,

especially during these high temperature months here in San Antonio and South Texas.

If you’re needing some electrical Service/Repair, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

We can assist you with Lighting repairs/ upgrades, as well as Ceiling Fan installations/ Swap outs.

If you’re needing a few new outlets/ receptacles, or you need them repaired; we’ve got you covered.

Our friendly office staff is waiting to take your call

We can’t wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC,LLC

18847 REDLAND RD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Lighting Strikes and Power Surges, OH MY!

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:23:53 GMT

Whole Home Surge Protection - Protect the heart of your home.

It’s Summer here in San Antonio and South Texas, and Hurricane season officially has begun!

Even though we haven’t experienced any hurricanes just yet, the weather patterns in South Texas can become turbulent this time of year. In fact, San Antonio has already seen several large thunderstorm systems roll through the area,

wreaking all kinds of electrical havoc across the City!

We’ve also received numerous calls from folks who’ve experienced both power outages as well as lighting strikes

to their home during this last round of storms that moved through San Antonio.

These type of storm systems can be very problematic for Residential Homes.

Lightning strikes can not only cause damage to the exterior of your home, it can also damage your electrical system,

your appliances, computers, and other costly and important devices throughout any residential dwelling.

We can’t stress enough the importance of installing Whole Home Surge Protection.

Back in 2020, the National Electrical Code was updated to include Whole Home Surge Protectors be installed in Service Panels in all Residential Dwellings. Since that time, we have installed many surge protectors for our customers, who have been very pleased with the outcome of the installation, and the plus is, that they not only have an extra level of protection for the home, but it is up to the NEC electrical code standard.

What are the benefits to Whole Home Surge Protection?

The main function of whole home surge protection is to prevent your home’s appliances and electronics from harm, but it also protects your entire electrical system as a whole. Electrical surges come into your home through your service panel, and can damage not only your circuit breakers, but can also cause damage to your home’s circuitry by way of outlets, switches, and electrical wiring and anything else that is plugged in or hard wired in.

Once Surge Protection is installed, when a voltage spike comes into your service panel, the Surge Protector will have the ability to block any surges or lighting strikes from harming your system by diverting the excess voltage into the ground under your home, instead of routing it into and throughout your home, and it does this in nanoseconds!

Whole-home Surge Protection assists in defending your electrical system and the sensitive components throughout your home. Items such as:

• Televisions

• Personal Computers

• Stereo Systems

• Entertainment Centers

• Stoves, Refrigerators, Dishwashers,

and Other Counter-top Appliances

• Microwaves

• Air Conditioners

• Washers & Dryers

• Garage Door Openers

Bolt Electric only installs top of the line; above industry standard Whole Home Surge Protectors that come with a

Manufacturer’s Warranty for reimbursement up to $75,000.00 with No Deductible.

If you’re looking to have Surge Protection Installed, look no further, we've got you covered!

Our Friendly office staff is waiting to take your call to assist you with protecting the heart of your home!

BOLT ELECTRIC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545 – BOLT (2568)

High attic temperatures and early morning scheduling

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Tue, 16 May 2023 20:30:11 GMT

How hot is it? It can be Sky HIGH!

It’s not quite summer here in San Antonio and South Texas, but some days it sure feels like it!

Soon, the kiddos will be on summer break from school, families will be heading out on Summer Vacations, maybe even planning day trips to the lake or the pool, but one thing is for certain…it WILL be hot!

During the later part of springtime, all of summer, and a good portion of fall, the temperatures can hit triple digits in San Antonio and South Texas.

In fact, in 2022, the month of July was so hot that the San Antonio area officially broke the record for the number of 100 degree days in any one month, with 28 total days of triple-digit heat.

That makes July 2022 the Alamo City's warmest month on record! Now, imagine how hot it would be up in an attic in those type of summer temperatures. Yikes!

We all understand that heat rises; so now think about the heat in your attic on a 104 degree afternoon. Temperatures can skyrocket up to as high as 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit up there! An egg cooks at 145 degrees! That’s some serious heat, and yes, that could pose a risk to anyone needing access to work in that attic space.

Most homeowners rarely need to climb up into their attic spaces; with the exception of storing items if there's room to do so, but on occasion there will be a Service Technician in some capacity that will require access to the attic space to assist with some type of home repairs/ inspections or renovations.

In the electrical repair / service business, services such as the following will require access:

Attic or bathroom exhaust fan installs - Running new circuits or outlets - Adding new ceiling fans - and even some types of lighting installations will require a Service Person have attic access to complete the scope of work for such projects.

The above type of projects would require an early morning appointment when high temperatures are afoot; to avoid Heat Exhaustion; as well as Heat Stroke injuries while working up in attics and crawl spaces .

Our main reason for this particular blog post, is to bring about Awareness on Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke injuries. Both of which are very serious conditions, and that left untreated within a limited amount of time can cause serious injuries, even death.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that from 2011 to 2019, Fifty-seven deaths (16.6 percent) occurred to workers ages 55 to 64. During that period, 144 workers (41.9 percent) died from environmental heat exposure while they were engaged in construction, repair, or cleaning.

Heat exhaustion typically begins with general muscle weakness, sudden excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting, and possible fainting.

A heat stroke is when your body's internal temperature reaches over 103 degrees. If symptoms such as confusion, nausea, lack of sweating, and a rapid heart rate begin to occur, you should call 911 for immediate attention.

We here at Bolt Electric take heat related illnesses very seriously, mostly due in part that our Electricians perform

a lot of daily work in those attic spaces, as you read above.

For their health and safety, we will only schedule early morning appointments for service work that

requires work in the attic space to complete an electrical service.

So, to sum it up; when you’re looking to schedule any electrical services in San Antonio and South Texas from pretty much April through September; perhaps even October; that might require attic access to get the job done, please keep an early morning appointment in mind.

Thank you for reading and happy summer!

Bolt Electric

18847 REDLAND ROAD, #SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545 BOLT (2568)

Does Humidity lend to Electrical issues in Residential dwellings?

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Mon, 01 May 2023 16:01:59 GMT

Let’s look at some facts about humidity…

If you’ve ever been to the San Antonio area, or South Texas in general for that matter, you know what Humidity is.

It’s that warm; moist air, that makes you feel like you’re in a sauna!

But what exactly is Humidity you ask? Humidity is simply water vapor that is very present in the air. If you’re growing plants in a greenhouse, humidity is a plus, but when it comes to Electrical components, wiring, switches…etc., humidity can be quite problematic.

The Humidity that builds up inside of our homes; can come from the most basic of activities:

Bathing/ Showering – Washing Dishes – Drying Laundry – Cleaning.

Additionally, a leaking pipe under a cabinet or within the walls of the residence can also be very troublesome, and your HVAC System can contribute to moisture levels rising in the home too. If you have a lack of proper ventilation; the air can be full of water vapor aka Humidity.

In the winter months, walls, doors and windows that aren’t properly insulated, can contribute to humidity through condensation. Water droplets accumulate on surfaces, and they run down to major electrical components, and that can cause corrosion.

Humidity can also affect your electrical wiring and your switches as well. Excess moisture can impair the contacts through rusting, and if you didn’t already know it; copper and aluminum wires are highly susceptible to rust. In the end, the rust eats up the cables and switches, leaving the wires bare and dangerous.

Another issue… moisture can enter into and throughout the panel box which can result in deterioration of your circuit breakers. Your electronic items such as TV’s or Laptops/ Computers can also be at risk to humidity as well.

What are the signs you’re dealing with the effects of humidity?

Tripping Circuit Breakers

Once corrosion of wiring or electrical contacts takes place, circuit breakers will begin to trip, and any unnecessary moisture built up in appliances such refrigerators and hairdryers lead to the appliance needing to pull power at a higher wattage, can often be the cause of Tipping Breakers as well.

When your circuit breakers begin tripping, you should first eliminate the possibility that your appliance might be the culprit. Try plugging the appliance, if at all possible; into another outlet on a different circuit in the home to see if that circuit has a trip when the appliance is plugged into it. If your tripping issue turns out to be something other than your appliance, you should call out an experienced electrician to troubleshoot the issue.

Shocks

It’s super easy for water vapor to settle on your electrical equipment in a humid residence. In the event you happen to touch these devices, you just might experience an electric "shock". Water conducts electricity and gets electrically charged. Touching wet electrical devices exposes you to electrostatic discharge. An electrical shock can sometimes be life-threatening, so in the event you do notice that an appliance is wet, please refrain from touching this appliance with your bare hands if at all possible.

High Electricity Bills

High energy bills can be a result of power surges from humidity in the dwelling. Damaged wires due to corrosion can and will lead to higher energy costs. When your HVAC is running continuously due to hotter temps and corrosion of wiring, that can result in higher power consumption.

Short-circuiting is another reason you may be paying costly electrical bills. Due to high moisture levels, an expert might read incorrect energy consumption figures.

Ways to Control Humidity in your Residence

A great way to alleviate humidity in any dwelling is with a dehumidifier. This will clear the air of water vapor that could be causing the aforementioned issues. With crucial areas; such as bathrooms and the kitchen; you will require usage of a dehumidifier for certain. You'll also want to keep the interior doors open if at all possible, for better circulation of the air.

The experienced and trustworthy Electricians here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio, are very well versed in Troubleshooting electrical issues

such as - Circuit Breaker Trips, bad switches, non-working outlets...etc. As well as installing or replacing them.

If you're having problems such as the issues listed above, we certainly hope the information in this blog

helps you to combat the affects of humidity in your home.

If you're needing assistance with your electrical, please don't hesitate to call on us. We can't wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

188947 Redland Road, Suite 105

San Antonio, Texas 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Springtime Electrical Issues

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 16:53:18 GMT

Do you experience electrical issues after it rains?

Spring has officially sprung in San Antonio, and rain is in the forecast! Your electrical system is happy when it’s sunshiny outside, but have you noticed any circuit breakers tripping after a rain storm occurs? What in the world would cause this issue?

There could be a few reasons as to why these type of issues happen however, with all the moisture in the air after a storm it sounds as though water/ vapor is somehow invading your electrical system.

If you aren’t addressing this type of situation head on, it could potentially become a very serious hazard; and quickly.

Electricity and water are not friends, especially in and around your home.

Let’s look at some issues, as well as preventive measures against moisture:

Weatherproof Outlet covers:

Inspecting you home’s exterior Outlets for damages is something you should do every now and again. All exterior outlets should have a waterproof cover, which allows protection from the elements. Rain or moisture can make its way into the exterior outlets and cause them to foul and trip the GFCI outlet or both the outlet and the Circuit Breaker.

In the event you do not have the GFCI protected outlets on the outside of your home, you should have them updated; as the current electrical code states that all wet areas of a residential dwelling (Kitchen, Laundry Room, Bathrooms, Wet Bars, Garages, Exterior of Home) should be protected with Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Receptacles. This technology contains its own small circuit that will trip the outlet when it detects a short circuit, to avoid it reaching the Circuit Breaker.

Outdoor Lighting/ Light Fixtures:

Many homes in the San Antonio area are decorated with outdoor lighting for decor or security. Due to bad weather elements, animals, or even usage; lighting fixtures can become cracked and/ or damaged.

If the casing or housing of an outdoor fixture in compromised, water can invade and foul a fixture quite quickly, and trip your circuit if moisture is present in the fixture.

Leaky Roof:

If you’re experiencing Circuit Breakers tripping when it rains, you should always check the roof for leaks in your attic. Leaks in your roof can be the culprit for breaker trips whenever there is a heavy rain. Water present in an attic space can be problematic as the attic space is where most of your home’s wiring is located. This can pose a fire risk as well. While you’re at it; check around any exhaust fans in the attic. Check for leaks and make certain to look for obvious signs of moisture in the space as well; like mold or wet insulation.

Outdoor Extension Cords:

Do you by chance have any extension cords powering up outside light fixtures or electrical items? If so, you may check them for damage. This could also be an issue where, over time, the elements damage or crack the exterior sheath of an extension cord; causing water to infiltrate the inside of the cord.

Once that happens, a simple sprinkler, rain shower, even early morning dew; can cause the cord to become wet and; voila! We have a tripping Circuit Breaker. And no matter what, you should never use an indoor rated extension cord for outdoor use, and you should really only utilize extension cords for a short period of time. Having GFCI receptacles installed for a permanent outlet is the best and safest way to go for your residential home in San Antonio.

Service Panel :

Once a Circuit Breaker Trips in your Service Panel; upon resetting it, make certain to listen for any buzzing, and also make sure the Circuit Breaker Switch is not warm to the touch. These could also be signs of moisture in the Service Panel, which should be addressed sooner than later.

If your Service Panel Box is rusty, that is also indicative of moisture related damage. If you’re having Circuit Breakers Trip often, and can find no other reason, this may be something to have checked out by an experienced and licensed Electrician.

Electricity enters into your home through its wiring from the Service Panel. The Circuit Breakers in your Service Panel(s) are the homes defense from any overloads that may occur. If the amperage being brought through a Circuit is too high for that particular Circuit; damages can be the result. The Circuit Breaker monitors the constant flow of electricity, so in the event the Circuit gets overloaded, the Circuit Breaker will trip to stop the flow of electricity to avoid damage.

The experienced and licensed electrician’s at Bolt Electric; specialize in Electrical Service and Repair in the San Antonio area. If you’re needing some troubleshooting to diagnose any electrical issues you may have in your residential home; such as Circuit Breakers tripping, Service Panel issues, or replacing any defective Light Fixtures, GFCI Outlet repairs, or installations. If you're looking to add extra protection for your electrical system; to avoid damages caused from power surges, Bolt Electric is also well versed at Whole Home Surge Protection installation.

We’re only a phone call away.

Our friendly staff is waiting to take your call and we can’t wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

You may be ready for the summer…

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:33:25 GMT

But is your residential electrical system ready for summer?

Here in San Antonio and South Texas, the summer months can pose a struggle for our electrical systems. When the temperatures rise, our electrical systems must work harder than normal to power up our much loved Air Conditioning Units, as well as the other appliances we utilize on a daily basis.

Some of the older electrical systems currently in use in residential homes in the San Antonio area; may find that powering up all of today’s newer technologies, larger appliances, and electronics; can pose a bit of a challenge as the modern appliances of today require more power than when those homes were originally built.

Aging or outdated electrical wiring has the propensity to overheat from over use or high demand placed on the system; and especially during the higher temperatures of summer. Overheated wiring has been the cause of many residential dwelling fires.

Issues such as this can be prevented by having an experienced and licensed electrician can inspect your Service Panels to determine whether or not your home’s electric system is appropriate for the current electrical load needed for the residence. The Electrician can also tell you what improvements or upgrades would be necessary to; not only make your residence safe, but to be up to the current national electrical code as well.

Below are a few examples that your home's electrical system could be overloaded and in need of repair:

Flickering Lights (usually when a large appliance comes on)

Sizzling or popping sounds coming from outlets/ switches

Switch plates/ outlet plates/ circuits are warm to the touch

Tripping Circuit Breakers in your panel

The summer will be here before you know it! In fact the summer heat usually shows up a bit early here in South Texas, and we can certainly guarantee it will be a long and hot one!

Summertime brings with it some major electrical challenges for any residential dwelling. The kids are out of school for summer and are home more often, and more folks are working from home than ever before. With the country’s green practices, we’re installing EV Car chargers in residential homes, not to mention those summer projects that require high powered electrical tools! As you can see, we clearly use a larger amount of electricity during summer months.

Those who are especially at risk for electrical overload are residential homes that rely on gas-powered heaters for winter and electrical AC units for those hot summer months. The winter months are much lighter on electrical usage for these homes.

These homes will now require more demand on the electrical system with their air conditioner during the summer months—and the hotter the summer, the more electricity consumption.

Bolt Electric has many years of experience in dealing with summer electrical problems in the San Antonio, Texas area. Here’s a short list of the most common electrical issues we assist with during the summer months.

The Home’s Air Conditioner System is tripping the Circuit Breaker:

Your air conditioning system’s compressor; uses more electricity than almost any other residential household appliance, using on average 3,500 watts per every hour of use.

Here in South Texas we rely heavily on our AC during the summer months, and a good portion of the spring and fall as well. Typically when the breaker trips, you can simply just reset it, but if this happens multiple times there’s definitely a problem that should be looked into by a professional.

We recommend calling on your HVAC pros to see if the issue is in fact with the AC first and foremost. If it isn’t the air conditioning system causing your issue, there’s another concern in the house, possibly with the electrical panel, and you should reach out to an experienced and licensed electrician to come out and troubleshoot the issue to find the solution.

Lights flickering when Air Conditioner comes on:

In the event you are experiencing this type of issue, we recommend calling on a licensed electrician to perform some troubleshooting, as there may be problems with the electrical panel that should be addressed sooner rather than later.

Tripping Circuit Breakers throughout the residence:

If your house is running into regular problems with tripping circuit breakers, your electrical system may be showing you that your electrical system is outdated and/ or may be in need of repairs, upgrades, and depending how long it’s been in place; complete replacement.

Citywide Brownouts and blackouts:

The high electrical demands of summer place immense strain on the power grid, which will inevitably lead to brownouts and blackouts.

A brownout is when the utility restricts voltage flow to residential homes, which means a house with less power may experience dimming lights.

A blackout is a full, unintended power outage. If you notice signs of a brownout, we recommend you reduce electrical use as much as possible and unplug sensitive equipment to keep them from being damaged by any surges this may cause.

If you’re looking to protect your appliances and sensitive electrical devices from Power Surges, we strongly recommend looking into having Whole Home Surge Protection installed in your Service Panel. This device will aide in blocking electrical surges from entering your electrical system. As of 2020, whole home surge protection was made part of the electrical code for all residential dwellings.

For more information regarding Whole Home Surge Protectors:

boltelectricsa.com/protect-the-heart-of-your-home-with-whole-home-surge-protection

We here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio Texas; can assist you with these type of issues you may experience

with your residential electrical system.

Our reliable and trustworthy electricians are well versed in residential electrical panel upgrades, replacements, or repairs.

We specialize in both Commercial and Residential Electrical Maintenance/ Repair, in and around the San Antonio area

and we can’t wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Just what does Electrical Spring Cleaning involve?

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 20:55:19 GMT

Tips on important things you should be adding to your Spring Cleaning List…

Wouldn't you know it...Spring time is just around the corner, and soon we will all be looking to rid ourselves of those items we no longer need or want. Items such as clothing, shoes, toys, appliances or even power tools.

It’s that good ole saying “Out with the Old in with the new!”

But what exactly does Electrical Spring Cleaning entail, you ask?

Let’s take a peek at some of the items we should be addressing for electrical safety as well as clean up!

1: Cord Inspections:

While you’re Spring Cleaning, you should make time to check on any Cords throughout your home.

We find cords on EVERYTHING that uses a plug in! Appliances – Electronics - Power Tools – Vacuums - Charging Cords – Modems…etc. Just to make certain all cords are void of nicks, frays, tears, spots that may have been chewed on, water or moisture damage, and just make sure they are in good shape and won’t cause shocks, sparks, or fires.

2: Check your Receptacles/ Outlets:

While you’re checking all your cords, you may as well give a good look at what you’re plugging them into as well. Making certain your outlets are not too crowded and overloading a circuit can be very helpful, as well as to make sure an unused outlet is in fact working. Also; look for any damage to the outlets such as scorch marks/ broken or cracked cover plates/ exposed wiring/ dust or pet hair…etc. And also check if they are warm to the touch, that’s a sign of a problem. You should also make sure the outlet is secured in the wall, to avoid the outlet moving about when cords get tugged on.

Also check for any damage to the protective covers for weather/ moisture protected outlets, whether inside or at the exterior of your home. Moisture and electricity is a big no, no!

3: Appliance Maintenance:

We may keep the inside of our Freezers and Fridges tidy and clean, but how often are we cleaning behind or around them? When was the last time we cleaned for dust or debris behind our Clothes Dryer, or around the Stove/ Range? Keeping our larger appliances in tip top shape means they will be more energy efficient as well as safe! Below is a short list of appliances we should be cleaning up:

Fridge: Dust condenser coils, clean out the freezer, check on and clean the door seals as well.
Washing Machine: Clean lint filter, dust behind the washing machine, check on the water taps.
Dishwasher: Run an empty load with 1 cup of white vinegar or baking soda to clean out any musty odors and water calcification.

4: The electrical side to Landscaping:

Spring is the perfect time to start those new landscaping projects however, it’s important to know if there buried utility lines on your property before you go digging up your yard to plant, or add a new sprinkler system. It’s always best to make a quick call to the city before you plant or install any underground equipment. You don’t want the surprise of digging into utility lines or sewer lines.

5. Change the direction of your Ceiling Fan(s)

This is really more a useful tip and not really electrical maintenance, but while you’re up there cleaning the fan, just adjust the switch to change the setting from winter to summer mode.

What’s the difference? Well, in short, hot air naturally rises. Therefore, while on the winter setting, the fan blades push warm air down and in a clockwise direction.

On summer mode, anti-clockwise movement creates airflow while dispersing any hot air. Spring is notably the best time to flip that switch!

Some other Electrical items you may have around your home that should be checked off as well:

If you have a Swimming Pool or Hot Tub, checking on the wiring after winter is a must do. A short circuit can shorten any fun you may be planning.

Testing your security lighting, as well as any motion detectors to ensure they are working properly is a great idea for safety. Criminal activity tends to become more active in warmer weather.

Make certain to survey any current landscape lighting to make sure everything is illuminating properly, so you can look forward to spending time relaxing in the garden; or entertaining on those nice spring and summer evenings.

Are your exterior GFCI outlets working? Lawn care is much more enjoyable if you have a convenient outlet to plug into, and if by chance you’re needing to add more plug in’s, an install could be easier than you may think.

In South Texas, spring and summer are known to produce many a thunderstorm, and we highly recommend having Whole Home Surge Protection installed in your residence. In fact, The National Electrical Code (NEC) made Whole Home Surge Protectors part of the electrical code in 2020 for all residential dwellings. If you’d like more information on the benefits of Whole Home Surge Protection, we’ve got you covered, check it out:

https://www.boltelectricsa.com/protect-the-heart-of-your-home-with-whole-home-surge-protection

We hope this gives you some great Spring Cleaning ideas from an Electrical perspective.

If you’re needing some assistance with any electrical repairs you may find during your spring cleaning, please don’t hesitate to reach out for Service! Our friendly office staff is waiting for your call.

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:48:18 GMT

Some simple facts you may not know.

It’s officially winter here in the South Texas area. That means the Holidays are in full swing, and we'll be heading into 2023 before we know it! Having said that, we wanted to bring up a subject that doesn’t get too much attention.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Let’s face it, Carbon Monoxide Detectors don’t get the same notoriety it’s detector Cousin, the Fire Detector/ Smoke Alarm, so we thought to sound the alarm on this very necessary detector you should have in installed in your residential dwelling.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless gas that is formed by the incomplete combustion of burning fuels. When people are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in their bodies and lead to what is commonly known as Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

This toxic gas is not only odorless, but it is also tasteless, colorless, and because it is nearly undetectable without the use of a Carbon Monoxide Detector, it can be deadly.

The statistics on average; show us that about that approximately 400 people die from unintentional CO exposure in the United States every year, 170–200 of those people die as a result of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning that is produced from non-automotive Consumer Products, and despite the fact that Carbon Monoxide Detectors are easy to install, an estimated 70% of residential dwellings in the US are not protected by Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are more likely to have Carbon Monoxide issues. Common sources in residential homes include fuel-burning appliances and devices such as:

Hot Water Heaters
Clothes Dryers
Gas Stoves/ Cooktops/ Ranges
Some power tools
Lawn Equipment
Wood Stoves
BOTH Wood burning and Gas Fireplaces
Furnaces/ Heaters
Automobiles
Generators

How do you know if Carbon Monoxide is an issue in your home?

Understanding AND Identifying Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can be difficult, because the symptoms are very similar to symptoms from seasonal Flu. The reason it’s so often called a silent killer; is that most people will ignore early signs, thinking they just have flu-like symptoms and unfortunately can become unconscious or unresponsive and unable to get help.

Most often, the first signs of exposure include mild headache and a bit of difficulty in breathing without much physical movement. Continued exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Eventually symptoms can also lead to confusion, irritability, impaired coordination, and loss of consciousness.

Some indicators that you DON’T have flu are:

You feel better after leaving your residence.
Everyone in the residence is experiencing the same symptoms simultaneously.
Indoor pets/ animals also seem to be ill.
The People most affected by the illness spend the most time the residence
Your symptoms appear worse when anyone is using fuel-burning equipment
No one who seems ill is experiencing the fevers, swollen glands, or all over body aches that comes with Flu or other upper respiratory issues.

There is good news though, and that is that carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by installing Carbon Monoxide Detectors and keeping up with the maintenance of any fuel burning appliances in and around your home.

The trustworthy Electricians at Bolt Electric can assist with the installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors, as well as any Smoke Detectors you may require to get your home’s safety up to code, as these very important detectors are a vital part of the Electrical code for all residential dwellings.

Bolt Electric can be found servicing all of the areas below; in and around the San Antonio!:

Electrician in San Antonio

Electrician in Alamo Heights

Electrician in Cibolo

Electrician in Converse

Electrician in Garden Ridge

Electrician in Live Oak

Electrician in Schertz

Electrician in Selma

Electrician in Stone Oak

Electrician in Universal City

Electrician in Windcrest

Bolt Electric specializes in both Residential and Commercial Electrical Service and Repair.

If you’re needing to have any Detectors installed, give us a ring.

Our friendly office staff is waiting to take your call.

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Is your home winter ready?

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 20:16:35 GMT

Let’s discuss this topic…Before winter

The San Antonio and South Texas area isn’t very well known for its crazy winter weather

unless we’re discussing February of 2021 when most of the State experienced a lot snow, ice, and power outages for about a week.

Typically here in South Texas we experience cold, wet weather, and often a bit of ice IF the temperatures get low enough.

Even still, there is an importance to making certain your home is up to electrical, especially during the winter months

no matter what kind of winter weather you experience.

Let’s take a look at some ideas for Winterizing your Home for electrical safety, before the cold arrives.

1: Check your interior and exterior Outlets/ Receptacles:

Outlets/ Receptacles can become worn over time and can be quite troublesome when they aren’t working as intended, but despite being a non-working plug in, they can still pose a safety hazard. Having an experienced electrician come out to assist with repairs would truly be a valuable benefit.

Another consideration while you have your electrician out is, if you’re going to be decorating for the Holidays and are planning on using extension cords to access power for all those beautiful decorations you have, you might think about having them add some additional Outlets/ Receptacles for you. Proper outlets just provide a layer of safety for plugging in that extension cords do not provide.

Trustworthy Tip:

Did you know that roughly 3,300 home fires originate due to extension cords each year in the United States? Fires can cause significant damage to your home and can be life-threatening.

2: Inspect for any potential water leaks around electrical items/ appliances:

It goes without saying that water and electricity can be a very dangerous combination. Wet weather, the declining Temperatures, or even melting ice can cause water leaks that could affect your home’s electrical panels or outlets, both interior as well as exterior.

You can winterize your home by inspecting any equipment that could cause potential leaking, such as your water heater, refrigerators, and even larger freezers, just to make certain they are in fact; working properly, and not compromised.

Trustworthy Tip:

Make sure your house gutters are cleaned of debris to prevent rainwater from backing up and coming into your home. You might also want to check the water pressure for your residence while you’re at it, and make sure you have the proper coverings for your pipes in anticipation of the colder days. High water pressure can cause pipes to rupture and split.

3. Overgrown Tree Limbs:

While you’re outside checking those gutters, and plug ins, you may want to look around your home’s perimeter, as well as your power lines for any overgrown tree limbs. Unruly Tree Limbs can be a contributing factor to downed power lines as a result of high winds or ice. In the event trees are around your power lines, try reaching out to your electrical provider for assistance with trimming those limbs.

Trustworthy Tip: In the event you do come across a downed power line, stay as far away as possible!

3. Certified electronics and electrical equipment:

When purchasing electrical equipment or electronics, you really should only purchase NRTL-certified products that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. NRTL certified products must conform to certain safety standards. Note that CE marks are not the same as a NRTL certification. CE labeled products may not have been tested by a third party.

Trustworthy Tip: You may spend more on the front end by purchasing NRTL-certified products, but you always get what you paid for, and the investment is worth it for safety purposes alone.

4: Test your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

It’s always good to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors each month to ensure they’re working properly, as well as to replace the batteries at least once each year, but are you certain you have the correct amount of detectors according to the current NEC electrical code?

In the event you do require replacements or additional detectors, you should contact a licensed electrician for installation of new detectors; as well as advice on selection and placement.

Trustworthy Tip: According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 30% percent of house fires occur during winter months, so make sure to change out those batteries and test all of your detectors.

5. Space Heater Safety:

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 15% of Residential house fires are caused by heating equipment, space heaters being the biggest offender. If you choose to use a space heater in your home, be sure to follow the guidelines for space heater usage.

You always want to make certain Space heaters are plugged directly into an Outlet or Surge Protector; and always make certain to never leave a space heater unattended while in use.

Trustworthy Tip: Never plug your space heater into an extension cord and never use a space heater that has a torn or damaged cord.

6. Surge Protection measures:

During these colder months, extra space heaters or other appliances and/ or devices; can place a strain on your electrical system and cause breakers to trip. For an extra layer of protection, you may want to have a proper surge protector for each added appliance that plugs into an outlet.

Trustworthy Tip: Whole Home Surge Protection protects your home from the powerful surges and not so powerful surges that can damage the intricate circuitry to most of the newer appliances of today. It was introduced to the NEC Electrical Code, for all new homes/ dwelling units back in 2020.

10. Emergency Kit 101:

Just in case there’s a power outage this winter. Store some flashlights, batteries, candles, device chargers, a transistor radio, and bottled water. Make sure that you can easily locate your kit in case of an emergency situation.

As we’ve learned here in the San Antonio Area, winter presents a different set of dangers with regard to Electricity. Strong winds, ice, and harsh winter weather can cause power outages, heat outages, and even the danger of fire.

Trustworthy Tip: Getting your home’s electrical system in ship shape for the winter season provides you with peace of mind, so you can enjoy those Family gatherings and not have to scramble to “get things done” at the last minute.

We hope the above information is helpful for you to winterize your South Texas home!

If you’re needing an experienced and licensed electrician to assist with adding any new plug ins,

Or assist with repairs to existing outlets, look no further. Looking to add Whole Home Surge Protection? We’ve got you covered!

Bolt Electric can be found in all of these areas in and around the San Antonio area!

Electrician in San Antonio

Electrician in Alamo Heights

Electrician in Cibolo

Electrician in Converse

Electrician in Garden Ridge

Electrician in Live Oak

Electrician in New Braunfels

Electrician in Schertz

Electrician in Selma

Electrician in Stone Oak

Electrician in Universal City

Electrician in Windcrest

Our friendly Office Staff are waiting to take your call.

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

www.boltelectricsa.com

THE BENEFITS OF ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR PARKING LOT LIGHTING

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 16:33:08 GMT

IS YOUR COMMERCIAL BUSINESS READY FOR THE TIME CHANGE?

It’s officially Fall here in South Texas. Soon, we’ll feel the relief of a cool front, and in just a few weeks from now we will be turning the clocks back an hour as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end for the year. That means the sun will set on South Texas an hour earlier than it is today.

If you own a Commercial Business, chances are you have a Parking Lot, as well as Parking Lot Lighting, and depending on the size of your Parking Lot; you may also have Perimeter or Security lighting as well.

That means by the end of October, beginning of November; when Daylight Savings Time ends, the sun will set a full hour before it does now, and if by chance your Parking Lot Pole Lights/ Perimeter lighting/ Security Lighting happens to depend on a Timer for illumination, you’ll need that timer adjusted to keep your commercial businesses lit up!

Commercial Parking Lot Lighting can mean the difference between having plenty of customers or, a nearly empty parking lot. Parking Lot Lighting also ensures the safety of your employees and visitors or, lack thereof.

So, whether you own or manage a large shopping center, or even a small retail location, high-quality functional Parking Lot lighting is key in sustaining your business and protecting customers.

We here at Bolt Electric can assist with Lighting Timer Maintenance for your Commercial Business.

One of our Experienced Electricians in the San Antonio Area can come out to make certain any lighting Timers are adjusted for Daylight Savings Time hours, as well as to make your Commercial Business aware of any exterior lighting issues that also require addressing while they’re onsite.

Daylight Savings Time officially ends on Sunday, November 6, 2022 this year, so you will want to schedule your service call in the near future. Scheduling your service call beforehand will ensure we have availability; as well as to make certain your commercial business’ property will be ready to light up at the correct time each evening, and power off at the correct time each morning.

Bolt Electric can be found in all of these areas in and around San Antonio!

Electrician in San Antonio

Electrician in Alamo Heights

Electrician in Cibolo

Electrician in Converse

Electrician in Garden Ridge

Electrician in Live Oak

Electrician in New Braunfels

Electrician in Schertz

Electrician in Selma

Electrician in Stone Oak

Electrician in Universal City

Electrician in Windcrest

Our Office staff is waiting for your call, and can assist you with any questions you may have regarding Parking Lot Lighting Maintenance for your commercial business.

We can’t wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

BAD ELECTRICAL WORK…

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 15:36:50 GMT

SO, HOW MUCH DOES THAT REALLY COST?

In recent months, we have received numerous calls from our potential South Texas customers; who are frazzled and at their wits end. Mostly due in part to having scheduled an electrical service appointment with a company, only to have no one show up for the appointment.

We’ve also had folks call who have hired an electrician who has abandoned their commercial or residential service job before the service was complete. The potential customers were left high and dry without help and are now scrambling to have someone finish the project. Unfortunately, the individual they hired was more than likely too busy to perform the service or quite possibly didn’t have the proper licensing and was unable to finish the scope of work necessary to complete it.

On to another scenario...How about that friend of a friend who came out and installed that ceiling fan; that later fell down and damaged both the ceiling fan and the ceiling? Thankfully no one was under the fan, because they very well could have been injured. It may have only cost you dinner and a few hours of your time to have that friend install your ceiling fan, but now you’re looking at repairs to your ceiling , purchasing another ceiling fan, as well as to have someone out to install it.

These things happen, and we understand how incredibly frustrating it can be.

Here are a few ways you can protect yourself and be proactive in these type of situations.

1: Just say NO to some types of D.I.Y.:

When it comes to electrical repairs, some are pretty straight forward and safe; especially if you’re mechanically savvy, but just because you can watch a repair video online; doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind and make the repairs yourself, especially when it comes to the wiring in your Home or in your Office.

The Troubleshooting process is just as important to the repairs; as the actual repair itself. If you’re not certain why your breaker keeps tripping, or you have an outlet that is sizzling or hot to the touch, there could be a larger problem brewing, and merely replacing the breaker or the outlet might not even solve the issue, or could make it worse and let’s not forget if there’s an electrical injury involved in the scenario.

We see it often, where a D.I.Y. electrical repair can end up costing folks more $ in the long run. You’ll save your hard earned money by calling out an experienced and licensed electrician to get the job completed correctly and safely, rather than running the risk of any accidents or even injury.

2. “Handy” Friends OR Relatives:

We all have that Friend or Relative that is extra “Handy” who will tell you they had similar electrical issues and they made the repairs themselves, but in our experience, calling someone with the proper licensing and knowledge is not only more cost effective, but what about any potential injuries from a shock or fall from a ladder, or worse. Who is responsible for those costs? That’d be you. Neither scenario is worth the potential liability.

3. Choosing your Electrician:

We receive quite a few calls from folks who have hired an electrician who has pulled permits for a job and then couldn’t finish the work and then completely ghosting them in the process. This is problematic for the customer because changing electricians mid project, will end up costing the Customer double; for a single job.

4. Looking for the right fit:

After a quick online search, you can pull up a laundry list of “Electricians Near Me” but are they the right kind of Electricians for your electrical needs?

Some electricians only perform certain types of Electrical Service, i.e. Commercial versus Residential – Service/ Repair versus New Construction, OR they may specialize in several types of Electrical Service. It’s always best to check, AND, you can also always ask trustworthy friends and neighbors which company they’ve been happy with in the past.

Finding a Service company you can depend on can seem difficult, but a little research often pays off. Save yourself not only time and finances, but also the stress!

Bolt Electric can be found in all of these areas in and around San Antonio!

Electrician San Antonio

Electrician Alamo Heights

Electrician Cibolo

Electrician Converse

Electrician Garden Ridge

Electrician Live Oak

Electrician New Braunfels

Electrician Schertz

Electrician Selma

Electrician Stone Oak

Electrician Universal City

Electrician Windcrest

We here at Bolt Electric specialize in Electrical Repair/ Maintenance in both Residential and Commercial settings.

If you’re just not certain how to address those electrical repairs you’re needing; call on us, we’re here to help.

BOLT ELECTRIC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Questions and Answers…

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 21:52:52 GMT

Who do you call and where do you go for help?

When we have a toothache, we don’t often wait too long before we call and make a Dental appointment to go and see a Dentist.

And when the car needs new tires, we go to a Garage or Tire Shop and have them replace the tires.

But, when we have a Light Switch that isn’t working, or maybe a Ceiling Fan that needs to be replaced…how long do we wait? Where do we go?

We shouldn’t wait too long, and we don’t have to go anywhere! We can call on an experienced and licensed electrician in San Antonio,

and they come to us!

A little bit about the Bolt Electric Family…

At Bolt Electric, we specialize in both Commercial and Residential Electrical Repair and Maintenance in the San Antonio, Texas area

and surrounding areas; such as:

Boerne, Texas
Cibolo, Texas
Garden Ridge, Texas
New Braunfels, Texas
Schertz, Texas
Selma, Texas
Universal City, Texas

as well as some well known areas in San Antonio, like Timberwood Park, Alamo Heights, and Hill Country Village.

Bolt Electric is a small family owned and operated business in the San Antonio, Texas area; and has over 30 years of experience in the electrical service and repair/ Maintenance trade; in and around South Texas.

Here at Bolt Electric, we strongly believe that “integrity still matters” and are committed to providing top of the line electrical service at a competitive price. We may not be the least expensive, but we are as trustworthy as they come. Mostly due in part to the fact that we refuse to take any “short cuts” and make electrical safety a 100% priority.

Our Electricians sincerely take pride in their craftsmanship because in our experience; happy and satisfied customers always call us back when they have an electrical issue or project, and so very often will refer our services to others as well. We don’t take that fact lightly; because earning the trust of our Customers is what we strive for. We simply treat our Customers the way we would want to be treated.

Our Customer reviews page includes numerous reviews and they truly are a testament of our work ethic.

We are the San Antonio electricians you can trust!

If you’re needing assistance with small electrical repairs such as non-working outlets or switches, we can schedule a Service Call to make any necessary repairs. If you’re needing to have a major electrical repair; like your Main Service Panel, we can send an experienced and licensed electrician out to perform an Estimate Service Appointment, to better understand your needs. Either way, Bolt Electric is here for you! We will walk you through all of the steps necessary and communicate them as we go.

Give our Office staff a call to discuss your electrical needs. We can’t wait to work with you!

Bolt Electric

18847 Redland Road, Suite 105

San Antonio, Texas 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Basic Electrical Safety Tips Every Homeowner needs to know

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 19:07:41 GMT

Electrical safety first...

My oldest Brother has been a licensed electrician since I was a kid. I certainly don’t have the knowledge or the amazing electrical skills he has, but one thing he made certain of was that our family had a healthy respect for electrical safety. Hearing the stories about how trained professional electricians can be thrown across rooms due to electrical shock because someone neglected to turn off the Circuit; scared us all enough to be careful when working with pretty much anything electrical in nature.

Some statistics for you…

In the United States, from 2007-2011, there were 47,820 fires in homes that were caused by either electrical failure or malfunction. These fires caused 1,518 injuries, 455 deaths and $1.5 billion in damage (According to the National Fire Protection Association). Electrical safety is one of those things that every homeowner should know and respect.

According to NFPA's Applied Research Department, in 2014-2018, electrical distribution or lighting equipment, such as wiring, lighting, cords, and plugs/ receptacles, were involved in an estimated average of 34,000 (10%) reported residential home fires per year. These incidents caused an average of 470 (18%) civilian deaths, 1,100 civilian injuries (10%), and $1.4 billion (19%) in direct property damage; annually.

Electrical distribution or lighting equipment ranked 1st in direct property damage, and also ranked 3rd among the major fire causes in the number of residential home fires. Also ranking in 4th place in residential home fire deaths, and lastly tied for 3rd in residential home injuries.

Wiring and other related equipment accounted for 7% of all residential home fires, as well as roughly 9% of all residential home fire deaths. Cords or plugs were involved in only 1% of residential home fires, but 7% of the deaths in those residential home fires. And here’s the kicker…Extension cords dominated the cord or plug category.

Below are some great tips that can help you avoid being a statistic.

Trust the experienced:

If you are unsure of what you require for electrical repairs, make sure that there is somebody nearby with experience. A poorly wired outlet/ receptacle, or even a simple toggle switch wired incorrectly can lead to a fire and put your family and home in danger. You should always have a licensed Electrician perform any electrical tasks to be certain they are installed correctly.

Turn off the Power:

One of the simple basics of electrical safety is turning off the power at the circuit-breaker box before you begin working on your electrical project. This step is really the only way to ensure that the power going to whatever it is you are working on is turned off completely. Believe me when I say that you do not want to hit a grounded wire when you think there is no power.

Understanding Plug in Safety:

Always make certain that any room in your residential home that has running water is equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI Receptacles). GFCI’s are designed to “Interrupt” the power going to a particular outlet/ receptacle when it detects the current has become hazardous. In 2020 the National Electrical Code made GFCI’s a mandatory rule for New residential builds, so if you reside in an older home, make sure you have GFCI’s installed in all areas with running water ; ie Kitchen’s, Bathroom’s, Wet Bars, Garages, Laundry Room’s as well as Exterior outlets/ receptacles for your residence.

Extension Cord Usage:

Remember that kicker up there? You will want to avoid using extension cords for long periods of time. Extension cords are great for temporary plug ins, but if you are using an extension cord for a permanent source of power you might want to think about having an experienced electrician install outlets/ receptacles for a permanent solution.

Kids and electrical safety:

If you’re looking for the best of the best safety options for kids or animals, Tamper Resistant- Receptacles might be something to consider. Kiddos can be incredibly curious in nature and part of that curiosity is seeing what happens when they stick something into an electrical outlet. These tamper resistant receptacles are equipped with special spring loaded “shutters” that help protect your children from being electrocuted. Both springs must be pushed simultaneously for there to be any contact with electricity. These are a bit more pricey, but well worth the cost.

Don’t Overload Circuits:

Always avoid overloading a single outlet/ receptacle with too many plug ins. Outlets/ Receptacles are only made to give off a certain amount of electrical current. When several high wattage appliances are plugged into the same outlet, it can be too much on the circuit and that can be extremely unsafe. You should rearrange your appliances so you put less stress on the single outlet to prevent overheating or breakers tripping.

Be wary of warm outlets/ receptacles or switches. If this occurs, there could be a bad electrical connection and should be checked out by an experienced and licensed electrician who understands what to look for and how to make repairs, otherwise you run the risk of electrical shocks or quite possibly a fire hazard.

Another solution similar to the GFCI, is to have arc-fault circuit-interrupters installed throughout the residential house. AFCI’s protect against accidental or unintentional electrical discharges that can occur at any loose connections, or where any wires or cords have been damaged and could spark.

We hope this information helps to bring about basic residential electrical safety awareness. If you are needing to upgrade your electrical outlets/ receptacles, switches, or require repairs to your existing electrical system, you can trust our licensed and experienced electricians with Bolt Electric.

Our Electricians love what they do, and we can’t wait to work with you.

BOLT ELECTRIC

18847 Redland Road, Suite 105

San Antonio, Texas 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Electricians in New Braunfels, Texas

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:47:04 GMT

New Braunfels Electrician Services

Did you know that in 2021, the average American household spent an average of $122 per month on electrical bills? Electricity and power are things that we might take for granted in our everyday lives. However, these services are crucial to having an inviting and warm (or cool) living environment. In this article, we’ll be discussing the different types of electrical services you as a resident might need for your home.

Ceiling Fan Installation in New Braunfels

Ceiling fans help you regulate the temperature of your home and bring in a nice cool breeze to rooms while also saving money. Ceiling fans give a wind chill effect on your skin that makes the room feel cooler without actually changing the temperature on the thermostat. Fans can also create the reverse effect to keep rooms warm in the winter. Because warm air rises, the fan’s blades push that warm air down and disperse it throughout the room.

When choosing a ceiling fan to install into your home, it’s important to choose a high quality fan to minimize wobbling and ensure the fan will last a long time. Once you’ve made your decision, now it’s time to hire a professional installation company to help with the process.

Hiring a professional installation company can make the ceiling fan installation process easier. With a professional installation company, they will install ceiling brackets for safety, remote controls for easy use, and extension rods for high ceilings.

It’s beneficial to hire a professional company to install your ceiling fan even if you think you’re capable of installing it yourself. With professionals, you eliminate the risk of injuring yourself while installing the ceiling fan, and allow trained professionals to handle the installation. They can also install the fan quicker and more efficiently thus saving you time and energy.

Lighting Upgrades in New Braunfels, Texas

Lighting plays a key role in the atmosphere of your home. In addition to the aesthetics of lighting, good lighting also helps reduce eye discomfort, increases your ability to properly see, and reduces eye fatigue. A professional electrical company can help install lighting upgrades that benefit your home.

Fluorescents Lights in New Braunfels, TX

Fluorescent lighting provides bright, energy efficient lighting at a low cost. There is also a range of colors you can choose from ranging from warm to cool lighting.

Recessed Lights in New Braunfels, TX

Recessed lighting are light fixtures that are installed into the ceiling without protruding out onto the surface. These lights make the room feel bigger because they don’t take up much space and they cast light out across the entire room.

Pendant Lights in New Braunfels, TX

Pendant lights are light fixtures that hang from the ceiling. The light shade is customizable to fit the aesthetic of your home. They also save space in your home because they don’t take up any floor space, but they still provide a good source of light.

Above/Under Counter Lights in New Braunfels, TX

These lights provide a warm glow that ties the whole room together. Their purpose can be to light up a room or provide a nice glow to make the room feel more personal.

LED Lights in New Braunfels, TX

LED lights have many benefits including long lifespans, energy efficiency, dimming capabilities, no heat emissions, and design flexibility.

Chandeliers Installation in New Braunfels, TX

Chandeliers can bring a room together and set the tone for the atmosphere. These beautiful installations provide both good lighting and aesthetically pleasing features.

Security Lights in New Braunfels, TX

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing to look at, security lighting provides the benefit of reducing shadows at night and making your yard more accessible and safer to walk through.

New Braunfels Electrician

Whole Home Surge Protection in New Braunfels, TX

A surge protection system protects your home from power surges and spikes which can permanently damage your home appliances or even cause a house fire to start. Installing Whole Home Surge Protection will ensure that any electrical surges are blocked from coming into your home. Any high voltage spikes would be blocked and directed into the ground, so as to keep them from reaching your appliances and dispersing throughout the circuitry in your home.

This protection system protects electronics such as televisions, personal computers, air conditioners, microwaves, stereo systems, washers and dryers, garage door openers, and kitchen appliances like ovens, stoves, and refrigerators.

Plug and Switch Installation in New Braunfels, TX

Plugs and switches are all over your home and it’s important to keep up with them to ensure you have proper electricity running throughout your house. There are various services that a professional electrical service company can help you with when it comes to plugs and switches.

An installation company can replace faulty plugs and switches to ensure you’re maximizing your electrical capabilities. They can also install ground fault circuit interrupters to reduce electrocutions and other severe electrical shocks.

There are also accessibility benefits of having plugs and switches installed. An installation company can put in smart switches which allow you to operate your light switches and other devices from a mobile application. These smart switches can also control the speed of fans. An electrical service company can also install dimmers and timer switches which reduce electricity consumption and save you money.

You can add a 220 volt outlet, after a quick inspection to see if there is room in your service panel for the dedicated circuit a 220 requires. Calling on an electrical service company is your best option for installation on this type of electrical service.

Panel Upgrades in New Braunfels, TX

Electrical panels control the electrical currents that come into your home, and distribute electricity throughout your residence.

When your panels are up to the current electrical safety codes and functioning properly, you shouldn't have issues such as flickering lights or lack of space to add new circuits for new receptacles or any new LED fixtures you'd like to add to your home's lighting.

A licensed and experienced electrician in the New Braunfels area can repair/ upgrade/ replace your electrical service panels, and update your breakers to Arc-Fault AFCI combination breakers; which provide an extra layer of protection to your home by tripping any circuit that experiences an electrical surge. As well as adding Ground Fault GFCI receptacles in the wet areas of your home.

Hire an Electrical Service Company in New Braunfels, TX for Your Home Needs

If you’re in the New Braunfels area and need an upgrade on your electrical services, it’s best to contact a professional electrical services company for your electrical and power needs. At Bolt Electric, we take pride in providing stellar service to our customers and giving their homes the electrical services they need. For more information on residential electrical services , visit our website.

One of the best ways to combat the Texas heat is taking a trip to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels . Cool off with refreshing snacks and a trip down the white water canyon. When the weather finally does start to become more bearable, a picnic or walk in Landa Park is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Think of it as the Central Park of Braunfels, TX. If a relaxing walk in the park sounds too dull for you, you should check out the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo - full of exotic creatures and interactive shows, it’s sure to give you a rush!

Electric Vehicle Charger Installation

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 17:18:55 GMT

The more you know, the better…

If you had to take a guess at what would be the best way to save on fuel costs, and to be more energy independent, as well as doing your part to help in reducing harmful fuel emissions, you might just come to the conclusion of purchasing an electric vehicle.

What with fuel prices rising beyond belief in recent months, we here at Bolt Electric have received many calls for folks researching the cost to install EV Car Chargers for their residential homes, but before you consider having an EV Car Charger installed there are a few things you'll want to ponder.

Let’s take a look….

When purchasing a new fully electric vehicle, the dealership you purchase your vehicle from will most likely provide you with a car charging port adapter, which can be plugged into any receptacle in your home to charge up your electric vehicle. Having said that, that particular type of car charger will usually take a good amount of time to charge your new electric vehicle, and in today’s world, that just won’t do!

And sure…there are EV car charging locations in and around town, but thankfully you can also consider the option of having one installed at your residence. That’s where we begin asking the important questions such as; “What might something like that cost?” Or “What all is involved for the install? “

There are a few other very important options to consider…

Will you need more power to accommodate an EV Car Charger?

To make certain your vehicle is ready to go with a shorter charging time, you will require an EV Charger fully installed in your Garage or Driveway; for the convenience of nighttime charging at your residence.

This will more than likely require a 240 Volt Receptacle, and the charger you’re having installed should be a level 2 EV car charger; that would be able to support at least 30 amps. That way, your vehicle is ready to go after a few short hours of charging. In-fact, you will get about 30 miles after charging for about an hour!

Installing an EV charger is a great way to achieve these charging requirements, but some folks will opt to install a 240 volt receptacle only; which makes for a longer charging period. This particular choice typically comes down to the individual preference; as well as cost.

Where should you place your new EV Car Charger?

Your best option for placement would be the most convenient location that is close to where you will park your vehicle. To make certain there is adequate room, measure the distance between where you would like the charger installed; and your cars charging port. Another item to consider; is to let your electrician know if you would require more length for the charger cord, or if you have the need to accommodate multiple Electric vehicles.

We highly recommend assistance from a licensed and qualified electrician to make certain all of the key details for installation are considered. After a brief inspection to make sure there is room in the service panel for the installation; as well to be in-line with the current NEC electrical code, they can provide you with cost, as well as to communicate the details of installation for your EV Car Charger.

Where can I find a qualified, trustworthy, and licensed Electrician in the San Antonio Area?

Look no further! Bolt Electric has installed many EV Car Chargers for our Residential Customers in the San Antonio, Texas area and surrounding areas; such as New Braunfels, Texas. We would love the chance to earn your trust! Our office staff is ready to take your call!

BOLT ELECTRIC

18847 Redland Road, Suite 105

San Antonio, Texas 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Electrical Service/ Repair appointment OR Electrical Estimate appointment ?

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 19:07:21 GMT

What’s the difference?

When we have a problem with our electrical systems, such as an outlet that has stopped working or perhaps a light fixture needs replacing, we often reach out to an experienced and licensed Electrician to come out and see what the issues are; and of course to make any

necessary repairs. Having said that, most often we also want to know how much the service call will cost us.

Here at Bolt Electric, we often have folks calling and asking for an “Estimate” or “Quote” on electrical service/ repair costs, before even considering scheduling their appointment. While It's always great to get as much information as you can; especially if you're going to be spending some money on repairs, you have to remember that while some electrical repairs can be fairly straightforward, that isn’t always the case.

Most often in order to know whats needed to make repairs, someone with experience in the field will need to do some looking into the problems to understand them. Many people confuse the difference between troubleshooting electrical work VS estimating electrical work,

so we thought to shed some light on this topic!

The Differences:

The differences between a “Service/ Repair appointment” and an “Estimate Service Appointment”; are determined by what is required to complete the scope of work for the project. The major deciding factors for scheduling a service call versus an estimate; are based on whether a problem is occurring that requires a solution; or you are requesting an upgrade or new installation service.

While it’s always a good idea to know what you’d be spending in advance, electrical repair work can sometimes be very tricky and time consuming. It can also be very straightforward, which is why the need for troubleshooting is so critical. Most electricians can provide you with their rates for repairs, which will give you an idea of cost for a Service Call beforehand, but sometimes there can be troubleshooting involved and that can take some time.

Troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting is a process of elimination to locate the cause(s) of the electrical issue(s), decide the best course of action to initiate repairs, and then to make the repairs necessary to have everything in working order, as well as up to the NEC Electrical Code.

Troubleshooting an electrical issue can vary in the time it takes to trace out the problems therein depending on the extent of the problem. For instance, a clothes dryer is no longer working. The electrician will need to determine if it is the electrical line running to the clothes dryer, the outlet, or the appliance that is experiencing the problem. Another example is when you have several outlets or switches in an area that are not working or possibly tripping a breaker. The Electrician would need to trace the source of the issue for each individual outlet and switch, as well as the breaker itself. The issue could be as simple as one outlet or switch tripping the circuit breaker to that area, or perhaps the actual circuit breaker has gone bad and needs replacing, or is just overloaded.

These type of scenarios require an experienced and licensed electrician with the skill of troubleshooting to determine the issue and then make repairs, and in a timely manner.

In the event they are unable to complete the scope of work to make these repairs in a reasonable time-frame, or due to the nature of the issue, you would then cross over into Estimate Service appointment territory.

Estimate Service appointment:

An Estimate service appointment will ultimately determine the most probable total of expenses to be incurred on the work for an upgrade or new installation type of service, such as installing a 240 outlet for a new dryer; or possibly upgrading or rebuilding of your main service panel.

Recessed lighting, Car Charging Receptacles, Spa Hookups, and Dedicated Circuits are also services that would require an Estimate Service appointment as well.

An experienced electrician would require a brief inspection, and a comprehensive discussion with the client as to what is either recommended, desired, or required to perform the services that best fits the customer’s needs.

Once the electrician understands the full parameters of the job, the Electrician would then have to shop around for pricing on all of the materials that would be needed, as well as factoring in the time involved to execute the job, and then compile all of this information, to present a fixed price or Proposal, for the customer.

Is there a Service Fee for an Estimate Service appointment?

The easy answer is, yes. Some companies charge a small fee for an experienced and licensed Electrician to come out for the initial visit, and then they will apply that service fee as a credit to the proposal. Others will factor the estimate appointment, or diagnosis of the work into the total cost of the project, without the fee on the front end.

We hope this helps to clear up the differences between whether you’re needing a Service/ Repair Appointment;

or an Estimate Service Appointment.

At Bolt Electric, our experienced and Licensed Electricians perform both Commercial and Residential Service and Repair, as well as Estimates for future projects. We would never send a salesperson to estimate on a job they wouldn’t perform themselves.

Please let us know if we can assist you with Service/ Repair or Estimate Service Call for future projects.

Bolt Electric, LLC

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

www.boltelectricsa.com

Outlets/ Receptacles. The more you know...

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 21:04:43 GMT

Let's explore the different types of Outlets/ Receptacles

We here at Bolt Electric receive many calls from our customers regarding electrical outlet/ receptacle issues. There are some folks who simply need them repaired, others need new outlets/ receptacles installed, and occasionally some outlets/ receptacles require grounding.

There are many different types of outlets or receptacles in any Residential or Commercial setting.

For instance, the electrical outlets in your Kitchen or Bathrooms should differ from the outlets in your Living Room,

as well as those higher rated outlets, such as Dryer outlets or Car Charging Outlets.

The reason being, each kind of electrical outlet has a unique purpose; with some being a tad more up-to-date than others.

Let’s look at the different types of electrical outlets to consider:

1. The 2-Prong Outlet:

These outlets are typically 15 amp, 125 volts. They are only used with ungrounded circuits. Homes of today no longer use these type of outlets because of the coding requirements and safety concerns. However, you can still find these outlets in older homes.

2. The 3-Prong Outlet:

These outlets are most common in today’s homes, whether new or upgraded, and similar to 2-prong outlets, the 3-prong outlet is also 15 amp, 125 volts. These outlets are much safer than the 2-prong outlets mentioned above. The added safety comes from the third slot, which grounds the outlet. This grounding works to prevent electrical shock from any loose wires, by sending any unwanted current into the ground, hence the term grounding.

3. The GFCI Style Outlet:

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (or GFCI) outlets are required in any wet areas of the residence. You would find these outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, outdoors, or any other area potentially near water. This is because the outlet itself will trip, cutting off power to any equipment, if there is any water contamination or electrical surge. These outlets are easily recognizable by their “TEST” and “RESET” buttons on the face of the outlet.

4. The Switch/Outlet Combination:

If you’re looking for multi-functional situation for both a switch and an outlet, a switch/outlet combo is a good solution. Without having to re-wire the outlet/ switch or install a new electrical box, a combination outlet/ switch; lets you have both in a single unit. These are a ideal when you need to keep outlets at a distance from pets or small children.

5. The 20 Amp, 125 Volt Outlet:

There are some appliances that will require more power than others, or perhaps even a dedicated circuit. This is where 20 Amp, 125-volt outlets will prove useful. You can tell these outlets apart from other 3-prong outlets by the small horizontal slot on the top (left) vertical slot; on the outlet. These type of outlets are often used with large electrical appliances; and are specified by the current electrical code.

6. The 20 Amp, 250 Volt Outlet:

When you require a lot of power, you would look to the 20 amp, 250-volt outlet. These particular outlets are less common in homes, but necessary for high voltage appliances like air conditioners, kilns or air compressors. You’ll want to make sure you have the proper dedicated circuit before installing them. Also, you should ALWAYS make certain what; if any specifications exist for your appliance before plugging it in. Some appliances believe it or not require an even stronger 30 Amp outlet. If you’re not sure, always check with an electrician.

7. The newer USB style Outlet:

USB Outlets are in high demand today, what with home schooling and home offices being set in place. And with the numerous devices requiring charging these days; we often find ourselves unplugging smaller appliances to charge our phones or tablets. We can avoid those pesky issues by having new USB outlets installed. Instead of the traditional pronged outlets, USB outlets provide several USB ports to be able to charge your devices without need of a block, as they plug into the USB port instead.

8. The newer Recessed Outlet:

If you’ve ever had to plug in behind your furniture, you know the pain of the wall gap! Having an Electrician install recessed outlets will indeed fix this problem. Recessed outlets are a bit new to homes of today, and are recessed back into the wall. This completely removes the gap between the wall and furniture and allows you to alleviate the need to accommodate that extra 2 – 3 inches of unused space behind your furniture.

9. The Tamper Resistant Outlet:

Tamper-resistant outlets, otherwise known as tamper-resistant receptacles (TRR’s) have been required by electrical code since 2008. These outlets are some of the safest style of outlets; due to the internal shutters or bars; that block foreign objects from being placed into the outlet. Installing TRRs aides in preventing small children from getting shocked when tampering with these outlet/ receptacles.

You always want to make certain your outlets meet the current electrical codes to keep our homes safe.

That means that you should have the above listed 3-Prong outlets throughout your home and GFCI outlets near all water sourced areas as well.

The several other Outlets mentioned above really come down to more preference than necessity, and as also mentioned,

you will want to check your appliances to make sure you’re using the proper voltage.

Before attempting to replace or upgrading your current outlets, please remember that electrical work in any capacity can be dangerous,

and any electrical repairs should always be performed by an experienced and licensed electrician.

At Bolt Electric, our knowledgeable electricians can assist with repairs, as well as installations of many of the different styles

of outlets in both Residential as well as Commercial settings. As you might guess, some styles of outlets will require a bit more time and investment, but are well worth looking into for both safety purposes as well as performance.

We look forward to working with you!

Bolt Electric

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, Texas 78233

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

www.boltelectricsa.com

Should you buy a Generator for your Home?

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 18:29:28 GMT

Where to begin...

If you’re native to South Texas, then you know full well about the long and hot Summer months, as well as the mild Winters…unless we’re discussing February of 2021; otherwise referred to as “ Snowmaggedon ”

Not only did San Antonio and South Texas get snow, we got lots of it. And lots of days of it.

Accompanied by a very stressed electrical grid which brought about Power Outages across Texas,

as well as Rolling Black Outs…for about a week; with temperatures in the single digits.

Since that time, we have received numerous calls from folks; interested in Generator Installations.

Now, with hurricane season fast approaching; and many summer storms popping up across the nation, there’s an almost ever-present risk of temporary power outages. Even with Storm Predictions, it’s impossible to predict events that can lead to power outages, with the likes of downed power lines or quite possibly damaged transformers.

So, at this point you may be thinking “ Why don’t I just buy a home Generator ?”

Well, while purchasing a Generator may be a convenience for some homeowners; they are just not not ideal for every situation. So, if you’re considering purchasing a generator, be sure to evaluate whether you’re able to use one safely, and practical as well.

To start, some South Texas homes will be better equipped to handle power outages than others. For instance, if you have natural gas for appliances such as your water heater, oven, stove, and furnace, typically; those conveniences will still operate in the event of power loss, however if they’re electric, having access to a generator may be quite a bit more important, especially for winter weather outages.

Let’s move on to some important questions we really need to consider before purchasing...

Do you have the space a Generator requires?

Generators come in many sizes. Some portable generators are fairly small in size, about the size of a few shoe boxes; while others are as big as a 120 quart Ice Chest.

You’re going to require a safe, covered place to store your generator when it is not in use, as well as a suitable place for your Generator when it’s in operation mode as well.

Since Generators can put out Carbon Monoxide fumes, they must be operated outdoors; and at least 15 feet from your home to avoid Carbon Monoxide Illness. They should also be covered, as mentioned above; to prevent rain damage, so it’s best to have a canopy tent or some other type of open air type of covering. If you’re in a single occupancy home, you may have plenty of room for this. But if you’re in a multi-family situation, this may be difficult.

And since we’re talking about space, do you know if your Service Panel has the space required?

What size breaker do I need for a portable generator and does my Electrical Service Panel have room for this?

You will generally require a circuit breaker that's compatible with your service panel brand and also the amperage of your generator. It's typical to use a 30 amp breaker for generators up to 8,000 watts and a 50-amp breaker with 8,500 to 15,000 watt generators.

After an electrical inspection of your service panel, a licensed electrician can determine if your service panel will require an upgrade, so you should be certain of what wattage of generator you’re looking to purchase before you move to this step.

Where will you store the fuel for your Generator?

As mentioned above, Generators can put off Carbon Monoxide Illness, due to the fact that they run on Fuel. In addition to the space you will need for your Generator, you will also need a covered, secure area that is not a living space to store gasoline. Fuel should be stored in plastic fuel cans, and if you’re storing it for more than a few months, you should more than likely use a fuel stabilizing additive. Though gasoline naturally degrades and loses combustibility over time due to oxidation (exposure to oxygen) and evaporation of its volatile compounds, gasoline usually lasts up to 3 to 6 months when properly stored in a labeled, tightly sealed plastic container or metal tank.

Will you require a Transfer Switch for your Generator Installation?

Basically, with a smaller portable generator, you may be able to keep your refrigerator running; as well as charge up a few digital devices, i.e. phones and computers.

If you want to power more of your home with a larger generator, the safe way to do this is by installing a Transfer Switch. A Transfer Switch installs directly into your circuit panel and allows you to power whole circuits of your home. That means your normal outlets will have power, and you won’t have extension cords running from room to room. Installation of a transfer switch will cost more, which can give you sticker shock, especially if you weren’t expecting to add one.

Essential Electrical Needs, do you have them?

Certain households will require a Generator that is less “convenience” and more of a “Life-Line”.

If someone in your home requires the use of electrical medical equipment, that generator may be a vital necessity. In events such as those, you may even want to consult a professional about installing a Standby Generator, which activates automatically to power not just a portion of your home, but your entire home.

Do You Have an Alternative to purchasing a Generator?

Carefully consider how you would handle a multi-day power outage. You may find that having a generator isn’t as important as you thought it would be. You can charge most digital devices with Power Banks and you may even be able to retreat to public spaces or even your car to charge up your device as well.

If you have the ability to quickly pack up and go, you could even check into a nearby hotel for a day or 2, but if you work from home, have a freezer full of groceries, or possibly other circumstances that make it more important to keep your home powered up, purchasing a generator may be the only option for you.

Some other things to consider:

1. Establish Your Budget. ~ Generators come with a fairly wide range of pricing, so determining

how much you’d like to spend first, is very important.

2. Determine What Your Needs Are. ~ What all will you need to power up in the event of power loss?

3. Decide which option is best for your home. ~ Standby or Portable. Based on your budget, convenience,

as well as power needs, choose which type of generator you need.

4. Consider Any Additional Costs . ~ Will you need any added accessories, such as a cover for protection

from the elements or a transfer switch? How much more will it cost for installation by a qualified professional?

5. Panel Service Inspection . ~ Locate your existing electrical service panel and gas line to target any potential

problems before purchasing a generator.

We hope this information clears up some important “Need to Knows”

in regards to the possibility of purchasing a generator for your home.

We here at Bolt Electric have performed many Generator Installation Estimates in recent months, and can send an experienced, licensed electrician out to perform an Estimate and inspect your electrical service panel to see what would be required to assist with the installation of your new generator, whether you choose a small or large portable generator, or a standby Generator.

Bolt Electric

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

210-545-2658

Apprentice Electrician ~ Journeyman Electrician ~ Master Electrician

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 20:31:06 GMT

What’s the difference?

Whenever we face an electrical issue in our homes or office spaces, we usually call on a professional to come out and repair the problem; whatever it may be. Some repairs will be a bit more extensive than others, and may also require a more extensive scope of work to be performed to make repairs.

A Licensed Electrician is a skilled trades-person who has the ability to design, install, maintain, and repair most electrical systems in residential homes and commercial businesses. Licensed Electricians maintain the interior and exterior of residential homes, as well as for commercial businesses, to repair or upgrade lighting, industrial equipment, and various electrical wiring to ensure appliances and other electrical items operate safely and reliably.

To break it down, all Licensed Electricians should have the proper training to deal with these problematic electrical situations, using the safest; as well as the most effective measures to ensure the safety of themselves and that of their clients.

We here at Bolt Electric provide Electrical Service and Repair in and around the San Antonio, Texas area. Here are 3 levels of certification for electrical workers that would visit your residence or commercial business for Service and Repair - these 3 levels are: Apprentice , Journeyman , and Master Electrician .

Let’s take a peek at each level. First up…

The Apprentice Electrician:

An apprentice Electrician, works alongside experienced Electricians, building up knowledge, skills, and responsibility and gaining qualifications. Apprenticeships are also an invaluable way of gaining general knowledge of service and repair experience.

Electrician Apprentice Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist a journeyman electrician and follow instructions
Prepare and clean work areas
Carry and deliver materials
Install, repair, and maintain various electrical wiring systems and equipment
Use measuring equipment and hand tools to perform conduit work
Follow safety codes and building regulations
Electrician Apprentice Requirements and Qualifications
Able to diagnose problems using electronic test equipment
Knowledge of NEC electrical codes

That brings us to our next level…

The Journeyman Electrician:

Journeyman electricians are responsible for the installation of electrical frameworks, as well as detecting and correcting any faults found in existing electrical systems. Most journeyman electricians work in residences and commercial offices.

A successful Journeyman Electrician, should be very well versed in “Critical Thinking” with experience in all areas of electrical work. An extraordinary Journeyman Electrician will demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and should have the capacity to mentor to Apprentices on the team. Besides the above mentioned duties and responsibilities, the Journeyman Electrician should have more advances skillsets such as:

Journeyman Electrician Duties and Responsibilities:

5+ years of experience as an electrician; extensive experience in both commercial and residential work
Install, repair, and maintain various electrical wiring systems and equipment
Discuss the customer’s request for repairs or installation and provide estimates for cost and timeline
Perform routine maintenance on various systems as requested
Conduct all repairs and installations according to the NEC Electrical Code
Current journeyman electrician license
Able to read blueprints, technical drawings, and diagrams and follow specifications
Able to work independently

And finally; we come to the Master Electrician…

The Master Electrician:

A Master Electrician has progressed well beyond the Apprentice Electrician’s knowledge, and moved passed the Journeyman Electrician phase of their career. A Master Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs the electrical systems in residential homes or in commercial properties. They also supervise the work performed by Journeymen and Apprentices’; as well as to ensure proper staffing, and monitor the quality of submitted work documentation.

A Journeyman Electrician will not even have the same experience or licenses that a Master Electrician holds. Journeymen Electricians may be able to work independently, but do not have complete autonomy like that of the

Master Electrician.

The Master Electrician’s duties and responsibilities are more advanced, as expected:

Experience in installing and maintaining motors, welding equipment, lighting fixtures, generators, circuit breakers, and transformers.
Work under company safety policies and maintain OSHA safe facilities.
Install industrial electric motor controllers, ac and dc system.
Install electrical panels, junction boxes, transformers and associated wiring.
Maintain clean room protocol, OSHA standards, and MSDS standards.
Maintain dc and ac drives and induction heating equipment and furnaces.
Generate a range of electronic assemblies from modify schematics and ensure proper installation of all require electronic components.
Installation of equipment such as transformers, capacitors, regulators, Parking Lot Pole Lighting, and security or perimeter lighting.

When you’re having electrical work done in your home or your commercial business, it is vitally important

that your Electrician knows their craft. We still believe in integrity as well as 100% Customer satisfaction!

Don’t just take our word for it, hop on over to our "Testimonials" Page;

where our Customer Reviews speak for themselves.

We here at Bolt Electric hope this gives a bit of insight to the type of Electricians who provide

Electrical Service and Repair in the San Antonio, Texas area.

Our Team of experienced Electricians at Bolt Electric, have the proper qualifications and licensing

to assist with your Residential and Commercial Business electrical repairs, or projects...

and we can’t wait to work with you!

Bolt Electric

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, Texas 78233

210-545-BOLT (2658)

Doorbells in general...

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 19:25:33 GMT

Knock, knock. Who's There?...It's me, your doorbell isn't working...

Doorbells in general…

Back in 1817 a Scottish Inventor by the name of William Murdoch; installed a number of his own inventions throughout his home. One of these inventions was a system of pipes; that when compressed air was piped through them, would produce a very loud sound to alert him that someone was at his door. That’s right folks, it was the very first Doorbell! Since then, doorbells have evolved, greatly!

Today, advanced technologies have gone beyond your standard Doorbell, which; when a button is pushed “Chimes” to alert you of a visitor. Instead, the new Smart Doorbell technology can be a Security feature; where you cannot only see who’s at your door, but interact with them as well. OR just peek in from time to time and see when your mail was delivered!

Whether you’re looking to install a smart doorbell, or your run-of-the-mill doorbell, our Technicians understand that a quality installation simply cannot be compromised.

While you might think installing a doorbell (of any kind) yourself; is probably easy peasy, the very complex parts and wiring associated with doorbells of today; should be handled by a qualified electrician who has the electrical knowledge to install or repair your doorbell, as there can be many variables to the scope of work for either project. Doorbell installation falls within the category of electrical wiring services.

The Problems associated With Doorbell DIY…

If you’ve considered purchasing a smart doorbell for your home, you’ve probably already shopped the market and decided on the best choice for you; as there are several great options out there! These doorbells are impressive and are becoming more and more popular in our world of today.

We receive many calls to install smart doorbells, and all too often, our customers call in after an attempted DIY installation. Here are a few examples of some variables you might encounter when attempting to install a smart doorbell on your own, even with online video assistance.

The Incomplete Setup…

You would think connecting your smart doorbell to your WiFi should be the easiest step in the installation process, right? Unfortunately, it is very common to go through the entire setup with the application; only to find the connection has failed and the process has to be repeated…several times. This is common and might be due to a weakened WiFi connection or a completely unrelated issue... Oh those sneaky little variables!

Wiring …

The electrical wiring for a smart doorbell is probably the most common issue most homeowners experience when opting to DIY a doorbell installation. Electrical wiring can be a very complex process; and not knowing exactly what you’re doing, it’s likely something will go awry. You also have to take into consideration that your smart doorbell will require a constant power source to function 24/7, and not be unexpectedly turned off by a Switch.

Choosing where to Install your Smart Doorbell …

Let’s say you’ve made it all the way to the end of the installation process with no hiccups. Awesome! But what happens when, you open your application to see the view; only to find your smart doorbell’s camera is obstructed? ...More variables.

As one of the more important features included in a smart doorbell installation, it’s important that your doorbell is installed in the correct spot. Considering the remarkable features included with your smart doorbell, it would be a shame for it to not to work correctly.

Bolt Electric can send a Technician out to perform an estimate to make certain your smart doorbell installation will go smoothly,

and once you’re ready, return to complete the installation process and set up for your new smart doorbell.

Whether your standard doorbell simply needs repair, or your new smart doorbell needs to be installed, Bolt Electric has got you covered! Save yourself the completely avoidable hassle and problematic variables

associated with DIY smart doorbell installation and give us a call!

Knock, knock…Who’s is it?

It’s Bolt Electric! We’re here to perform your doorbell installation services!

BOLT ELECTRIC

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 45233

210-545-2658

TECL26658

The Window Unit Air Conditioner

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 19:43:57 GMT

The Window Unit Air Conditioner – Some things you should know

It’s officially summertime in South Texas, and more than likely that means it’s hot as blazes!

It sure seems that way anyhow!

Regardless, the temperatures are rising here in San Antonio, which has us all looking for ways to stay cool. In recent months, we’ve had many customers expressed interest in AC Window Unit installations.

What with all of the Home Offices, Man Caves, She Sheds, and Mother-in-Law Suites becoming the new best thing, a window unit air conditioner is a great option for these smaller dwellings to keep cool throughout the hotter months.

Now, while these appliances do provide some much needed relief from the South Texas heat, they also present some electrical safety issues as well.

Below; are a few good things you should know when installing or even merely operating a window AC unit.

1) First Rule of thumb, these units should NEVER be run on extension cords. If for any reason you would need to use an extension cord, make sure it’s only a temporary fix, and make sure to use a larger gauged wire extension cord; than the cord on the AC unit, itself. …And please remember…this is for temporary use ONLY!

2) Most AC Window units of today are run on either a 15 or 20 amp circuit, and usually an Electrician will place your unit on its own dedicated circuit. This will ensure that your unit will function properly; as these units do resource a lot of power to function.

You will also require a receptacle for this, so your unit can plug in to obtain power. You’ll want to have a qualified licensed electrician to come out and perform an eyes on estimate, to be assured you have the necessary room in your service panel for a dedicated circuit, and for placement of the unit as well as the outlet.

It’s also best to make certain that you check the amperage on your new Window Unit; as well as the manufactures guidelines for safety before using, and you should ALWAYS be careful plugging these things in to just any outlet! That in and of itself will ultimately assist in avoiding overloading the circuit breaker you’re plugging into.

And always remember, it’s never recommended to run more than one AC unit on the same circuit.

3) If you just aren’t sure if your AC Window Unit is too much for the circuit, check the cord and the outlet it’s plugged into. If they are warm when you touch them, then you are at risk of an overload. If they feel HOT to the touch, then you are already overloading some part of the circuit or quite possibly; the conductors. Another really good indication of an overloaded circuit; are dimming or flickering lights and power outages related to the AC coming on or turning off.

4) Plug adapters. These are those small 2 prong plug ends that allow you to plug anything with 3-prongs into an non-grounded

2-prong receptacle/ outlet. We recommend not even attempting to use this method to plug your unit in. Not even temporarily. There is a very good reason why these units have a ground prong on the cord.

5) Knob & Tube Wiring. There are still many homes here in South Texas with this type of wiring. This type of Panel Service wiring is not grounded and presents a significant fire hazard. These older type of circuits were never designed to have high demand appliance loads on them. It is never a good idea to use a window AC on a knob and tube circuit, as overloading this system could potentially cause a fire.

The folks at Bolt Electric are well versed in running dedicated circuits for many of

the high demand appliances in your Residential Dwelling.

If you’re needing assistance with adding a Window Unit Air Conditioner, or perhaps a few new outlets, or quite possibly require attention for upgrading or replacing your service panels, we can assist with that as well.

Call our offices for more information regarding an estimate. 210-545-BOLT (2658).

We can’t wait to work with you!

‎

Electrical "Make or Breaks" when buying or selling a house.

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 17:53:47 GMT

Here's a few good things to know before you put your home on the market.

Home buyers will consider many things when deciding whether or not to purchase a house

they’re interested in...

They often consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms needed for their family, as well as the style or build of a house. Aesthetic features, like outdoor entertainment areas, gourmet kitchens, swimming pools, and game or media rooms are certainly things home buyers get excited about, but more than not, it all comes down to the more smaller, unseen details that will make or break the sale of a house.

One of those details, although not so small, is the home’s electrical system.

One of the most effective ways to get your San Antonio home ready for the buyers’ market; is to get your electrical system throughout the home in great shape and up to code!

There will be inspections, and inspectors will pick apart the smallest of electrical issues that you probably already know about, but they’ll also flag the big one’s you can’t see as well. Let’s take a look at some of the electrical issues that could potentially make or break the sale of a home.

Panel Service:

Most home owners don’t spend much time thinking about the electrical panels in their homes, especially if there isn’t an issue of flickering lights or breakers tripping.

It’s very easy for an electrical system to become outdated over time; especially if there are no presenting electrical issues, and even then most homeowners make do with what they have even if they experience some of the smaller electrical issues from time to time; such as non-working receptacles or bad switches.

So upgrading or replacing your Panel Service is something you should consider before listing your house on the market. It will be a great selling point and keep you, the seller and the potentially interested buyer from having to scramble on these negotiations at the last minute.

Here are some things regarding your electrical panel service that can be outdated

and in need of service or repair.

Amperage:

Most homes of today should be wired for 200 amp service to accommodate the demand of our modern day appliances, fixtures, as well as our amazingly intricate electronic devices.

The majority of older homes were wired with only 60 amp service, which was adequate for the time frame however, taking into consideration that technology has advanced greatly in the past 40 plus years, 60 Amp service for any home just will not cut it in this day and age.

Grounded Outlets:

Most homes built before the mid 1960’s have no electrical ground. Electrical grounding is a backup pathway that provides an alternate route for the current to flow back to the ground in the event there is a fault in the wiring system. It facilitates a physical connection between the ground and the electrical equipment and appliances in your home. Every outlet in the home should have three prongs. If they don’t, you should have them upgraded.

If there is no ground connection or even a poor ground connection in the home, anyone plugging in could quite possibly be shocked and the electricity coming from that not grounded plug could travel through their body to the ground! In this case you would end up becoming the ground connection, so it’s best to have this upgraded ASAP, and is one less thing for a home buyer OR a homeowner to worry about. Win-Win!

Double Check Your Circuit Breakers:

Circuit breakers can become outdated too and they can also end up a little worn for wear, even if yours technically isn’t outdated. It’s worth your time to take a closer look. Most circuit breakers need replacing about every 10 years, and if you’re adding more appliances to the circuit, which adds more power to the situation, you may need to replace it even sooner. Some signs your breaker is close to needing a replacement:

• Burning smell from your panel

• Breaker Trips often OR won’t reset when tripped

• Old age

• Warm to the touch

Discontinued or Outdated Panel Service:

More than likely if your home was built before 1960, you’re in need of panel replacement. You might also require an upgrade to your panel service if your home was built in, or your panel service was modified in the 70's & 80’s.

And because many panels have been recalled from these time frames, and most upgrades done in the 70’s and 80’s are not up to current electrical code for 2020, yep…you guessed it…Upgrade or replacement.

Here are a list of these dangerous Outdated/ Recalled/ or Discontinued Service Panels:

• Federal Pacific – These panels were used from the mid 1950’s well into the 1980’s. Tests over the years have shown that 1 in 4 of these breakers are defective and will not properly trip, causing a fire hazard. 1 in 4! These style of panels have been recalled!

• Zinsco – Used from the late 40’s to the late 70’s (That’s 50 plus years!) It was found that the breakers would allow electricity to burn until the wires melted, leaving homes at risk of fire and homeowners at risk for being electrocuted.

• Sylvania – This manufacturer purchased the Zinsco Company in the 1970’s. These panels have the same problems as the Zinsco panels however… If you have one of these breakers, they are completely uninsurable.

• Knob & Tube Style – Used from 1930’s to early 40’s (That’s almost 100 years ago!) The wiring for this type of panel service is wrapped in a rubbery type of cloth coated insulation that will breakdown overtime, peeling away and exposing wires that can heat up and potentially start a fire. These panels too are difficult to insure.

If you currently have any of the above listed Service Panels in your home and you haven’t had a recent electrical inspection, even if your electrical system isn’t showing signs of wear and tear…you should have them inspected by a licensed electrician for any possible hidden dangers, as they are not up to the national electric code and could pose a potential fire risk.

If your service panel isn’t too outdated, but lights your flicker when your Air Conditioner comes on, or receptacles often get blown, it’s a good possibility you have circuit breakers that should be replaced.

If the breaker box is being held in place with duct tape, or if the wall is damaged or crumbling around the panel or rust is seen, it’s time for a professional repair.

Smart upgrades that will add more bang to your buck:

If your home’s current Panel Service is fully up-to-date and fully functional, there still may be some things you can do to make your home’s electrical system more appealing to home buyers.

GFCI's have become one of the National Electrical Code’s (NEC) newest updates for 2020. They are now required in rooms like the bathroom, kitchen, garage, and on the exterior of your home where moisture is common. Replace all outlets in these areas with this safety feature.

Whole Home Surge Protection is another 2020 update from The NEC . All dwelling units should have whole home surge protection. A Type 1 or Type 2 surge protective device (SPD) will be required for dwelling unit services. It protects the panel from power surges that can potentially damage your appliances over time, as well as your service panel.

Receptacles and Smart Outlets. Does your home have enough receptacles/ outlets? If you’ve been using power strips or extension cords as makeshift plug ins, add some additional outlets to your home. How about some of the newer outlets with USB Ports? Great functionality and a common need in homes of today!

Need a little help updating or modifying your home’s electrical system

or just want to spruce up your current panel service?

Give us a call here at Bolt Electric!

Our licensed electricians have the experience to get your home’s electrical system in tip top shape; which will make it even more appealing to perspective home buyers.

Bolt Electric, LLC

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Home Workshop Considerations

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 15:49:07 GMT

Things to consider when creating your work space...

Your home workshop is designed to be a space filled with loads of productivity!

Ideally you’re going to want it full of power tools, electrical equipment, and maybe even an air compressor too! Your workshop will produce the most amazing creations; but in order to keep it operating smoothly, there needs to be a significant amount of electricity.

We here at Bolt Electric suggest a few things to consider when it comes to

your workshop’s electrical setup.

The importance of Lighting…

The lighting in your workshop is tremendously important!

Often, we create our amazing shop spaces in a garage setting, which usually only comes with one small light - or maybe you’re thinking of an otherwise unused, and dimly lit space attached to your home. Regardless; In order to make sure you can see all the intricate details of your projects, you’re going to need good lighting to be able to see what you’re doing.

Don’t compromise your safety by working in a room with inadequate lighting. Make certain you have the perfect fixtures that will give you the best result, and the output of lighting that your space requires. The most common lighting fixtures we see in home workshops are fluorescent style fixtures. These fixtures are easy to install, easy to re-lamp, and will provide sufficient lighting.

Another option to consider are LED light fixtures. With LED lighting, you can adjust the lights to cover your work-space and provide vivid lighting to the areas that need it the most. LED lighting also offers an overall savings in electrical usage, and LED lights last longer, can be dimmed, and they’re good for the environment!...And who doesn’t love that?

Correctly placing these fixtures around your workshop; will do the job of brightening up your work-space allowing you to see everything as you should. Safety is the key here!

Energy Consumption

Let’s talk about how much power is required…

In addition to the electricity consumed by the lighting in your workshop, you will also have a number of high powered tools in use to consider as well.

From table saws to sanders, there will be a demand on your electrical system to power said tools, and sometimes more than one power tool at a time. When setting up your workshop, we would suggest adding dedicated circuits on their own breaker, separate from the rest of the home. This will prevent your appliances and electronics inside the house from tripping breakers while you’re in your shop, creating with your power tools!

Another great option is to install Whole Home Surge Protection on the breaker that is being used for your workshop, as well as inside your home’s main panel. The NEC (The National Electrical Code) has made major changes for 2020 and beginning in January 2020, Surge Protection is required for all dwelling units to be protected by Type 1 or Type 2 Surge Protective Devices. After all, the last thing you want is to have all your expensive equipment or appliances damaged by an electrical surge, which is a real issue with so many electrical components in most of our appliances of today.

You should also make certain that GCFI receptacles are installed in your workshop, and remember, GFCI receptacles should be installed correctly for them to work properly. When they are installed correctly, GFCI outlets will shut off any power to the receptacle immediately to prevent the risk of electrical shock. These are also part of the NEC's changes for 2020!

Setting up your workshop is exciting, but if it’s not done properly, it can also be quite dangerous. We would recommend that if you are implementing a workshop in your home, that you have an experienced electrician review the electrical setup and bring everything up to code for maximum safety.

We like to cover all the bases here at Bolt Electric.

If your home’s workshop needs an update in lighting, or power, or BOTH…

Contact our office to set an appointment with one of our experienced and licensed Electricians.

They are well versed in Electrical Code, and will assist with installation of receptacles, dedicated circuits, as well as lighting, and so much more!

Give us a call! We can’t wait to work with you!

Bolt Electric

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Ceiling Fan and Light Fixture Installation

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 18:18:48 GMT

Some things to consider...

In recent months here at Bolt Electric, we’ve received numerous clients looking to upgrade their existing ceiling fans, as well as wanting to add a ceiling fan to a room that’s never had one.

We’ve also experienced customers looking to spruce up their lighting by upgrading to chandelier style fixtures; in place of the smaller type of light fixtures that came with the build of their home. It sounds quite easy to install these newer and usually heavier hanging items, however…

People often assume that they can remove an existing light fixture and replace it with a ceiling fan; or a considerably heavier chandelier style fixture, because the area already has electrical wiring in place. Typically, the job isn’t as easy peasy as it may sound…

Electricity isn’t the only consideration to hanging ceiling fans or upgrading to a larger or more intricate style of light fixture.

You also have to factor in ceiling heights, as well as the weight of the fixture or fan you’re wanting to install.

The existing outlet box (that’s the device that anchors a light fixture or ceiling fan) whether plastic or metal, is probably not going to be appropriately rated to hold the additional weight of your new ceiling fan or larger light fixture, aka chandelier.

Most of the smaller outlet boxes are only rated to hang the weight of a standard light fixture, which is about 50 pounds, give or take; and is not the type of supported outlet box that is required by the National Electrical Code (The NEC) for hanging anything other than a small light fixture.

Attempting to install a ceiling fan or a chandelier style light fixture into a box that isn’t rated for the excess weight of a new fixture; could result in serious bodily injury, multiple electrical hazards, as well as damage to your property.

A smaller end ceiling fan is not only heavier than a standard light fixture, it also has moving parts, and blades that spin like a helicopter. Conventional metal or plastic rough-in boxes aren't supposed to hold any more than 50 pounds, and most fans exert more force than that while in motion!

And if you’re hanging a shiny new crystal style chandelier, imagine the extra weight of 30 plus dangling crystal drops would add to an already intricate fixture.

A support system consisting of a metal box, attached to blocking or metal rods that you can secure to your ceiling joists is what is truly required to hanging these heavy fixtures, or as mentioned earlier a fixture with moving parts. For these reasons alone, ceiling fans should be hung by a qualified and experienced electrician.

The results of an improperly installed ceiling fan when hung on a light weight fixture box; can prove to be very dangerous. Even if your new fan doesn’t actually fall out of the ceiling, it will eventually begin to wobble due to the fact that it is not installed on a properly supported outlet box.

We see these type of issues occasionally, where folks will call about a wobbling or unsteady fan that they need swapped out.

In most of these cases, it isn’t the ceiling fan causing the problem. Instead, it usually ends up being an installation issue, where the fan should have been anchored with the appropriate sized outlet the box.

Here at Bolt Electric, we refuse to take shortcuts that could potentially put a customer at risk. Our customers depend on that, and we’re happy to provide the type of service that keeps our customers happy.

Our team of skilled and professional Electricians are well versed in Residential electrical jobs in and around your home, such as installing heavy light fixtures and ceiling fans. Even though it might seem like a small job, our Electricians take the same professional approach with these jobs as they would if they were replacing the electrical panels for your home.

Whatever the call may be, the trustworthy professionals at Bolt Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have…throughout the entirety of your project. Give us a call if you're looking to spruce up your lighting or ceiling fans...or anything residential! We're happy to help!

Our office staff is eagerly awaiting your call. We can't wait to work with you!

Bolt Electric

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

Hidden Danger - Electrical Panels

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 21:49:14 GMT

A few good things to know about your home’s Electrical Panel

The heart of your home; (your electrical panel) should last for decades, but it won’t last forever.

Here’s a bit of good information that we here at Bolt Electric, feel you should know about when it’s time to repair your home's electrical panel, versus when it’s time to replace it.

Flickering Lights/ Dimming Lights:

OK, so the only reason the lights in your home should dim, is because you have them connected to a dimmer switch.

Any other occurrences of flickering or dimming lights in your home present an issue with your electrical panel or, maybe there’s an off chance it could be an issue with your utility company.

Sometimes, Utility Companies will experience brownouts or have low electrical availability, usually as a result of major storms or blown transformers. These are more than not isolated situations, and after a call to your electrical utility provider, you'll have your answer.

BUT…If your lights dim often, especially when you use appliances that pull a lot of power; like microwaves, hair dryers, and air conditioners or heaters, your electrical panel may need to be updated or replaced all together. You should consult an experienced electrician to find out if your home’s panel is still capable of providing the electricity you require for your home and your family needs.

How do you know if your Panel needs attention?

Circuit Breaker Failure

Your home relies on its panel for power, and the circuit breakers inside your panel are there to protect its electrical system from overloaded circuits, as well as short circuits.

The breakers in a panel work by interrupting the flow of electricity if they detect either an overloaded circuit or a short circuit. Even though they work on their own, circuit breakers occasionally fail by neglecting to stop the electrical flow in the event of an emergent or dangerous situation. Broken circuit breakers don’t usually require a complete panel replacement. Instead, you should call an electrician to diagnose and replace the malfunctioning breaker.

Circuit Breakers Regularly Trip

Circuit breakers typically last for years without requiring maintenance, but when they start to malfunction, that means it’s time to take a closer look. When your electrical system causes a breaker to trip, you can usually just reset it; and that’s that, but if your breaker begins to trip on a regular basis, an overloaded circuit could be the issue.

Homes built 30 or 40 years ago were originally constructed with different electrical standards in mind. That doesn’t automatically mean your electrical system is unsafe, but it can mean that the system you have in place doesn’t support your modern day electrical demands.

Back in the day; electrical panels weren’t made to accommodate multiple devices like Air Conditioners, Washing Machines/ Dryers, and 70 inch Flat-screen Televisions being used simultaneously!

Regularly tripped circuit breakers, accompanied by overloaded circuits will typically end up requiring a completely new electrical panel; and a licensed electrician can advise you in knowing how much power your home really needs, after a routine inspection.

The majority of homes that were built in the US some 30 or 40 years ago; were built with electrical panels that often topped out at 60 or 100 Amps. Our homes of today, are equipped with 200 Amp panels, to meet your family’s electrical needs, and usually there is still room for future growth.

The Electrical Panel Feels Warm

A warm electrical panel, or a slight burning smell around the electrical panel, is usually the sign of a BIG problem. A warm or hot to the touch panel, more than not; means that the wiring behind the panel is exposed, or possibly frayed. Damaged or exposed wires lead to the loss of your breaker box, and quite possibly start a fire in your home. Calling out a professional as soon as possible is paramount when something like this comes to your attention.

A licensed electrician will remove the electrical panel and inspect the wiring for problems before replacing the panel service. By updating your panel and getting experienced advice; you can rest assured that your home’s electrical system is safe.

The Danger of Older Electrical Panels

The Panel Has an Outdated Design

Electrical panels, very much like technology, have evolved over time. Many designs that were common in the mid-20th century no longer meet contemporary electrical needs. If your panel has a split-buss design, which relies on a half-dozen breakers instead of a single primary circuit breaker, a replacement panel might be in order. The split-buss design met homeowners’ needs 40 years ago, but the number of devices most homes power and the amount of power most homes need today; makes these outdated panels susceptible to overload.

Some of the older panels manufactured 30 or 40 years ago haven’t been available for over a decade due to a long list of significant safety issues. Have a look at your breaker box or electrical panel to determine if it is out of date; or no longer being supported by the manufacturer. Below are examples of some outdated/ and or recalled panels.

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels – These panels have been listed as unsafe. Federal Pacific panels are also responsible for causing thousands of house fires in the US, and are well known to short or ground out, which keeps the power on, when the circuit is switched off. In essence, it stops the circuit from tripping the breaker when it should. This can lead to an electrocution injury, or an electrical fire in your home.

Zinsco Panels or GTE-Sylvania Panels – These panels have breakers that have a tendency to melt and adhere to the electrical receiving station in the panel. This means that if there was a power surge or an overload, the breakers would not trip to protect the wires from overheating. This can also start a fire in your home.

Split-Bus Electrical Panels – These panels stopped being made over 40 years ago, and because they are old, the breakers are less likely to trip when they are supposed to. Yes, you guessed it! Possible fire in your home with this panel too.

Fuse Box – These panels are more common in homes of today than the others. The biggest issue with these panels is that they tend to be modified by the homeowner as the electrical needs increase. Modifications to your panel(s) over time, can reduce the overall integrity of your panel(s) and thus, can also start a fire in your home.

**********************************************************************************

If you suspect your electrical panel is one of the above mentioned outdated models, or you’re noticing

any of the symptomatic panel issues previously mentioned in this blog, contact us here at Bolt Electric!

Our experienced and licensed electricians are well versed in panel service replacement,

and can get the heart of your home in great working order!

Our Electricians are also up to speed on Whole Home Surge Protection ! Whole Home Surge Protection is an addition to your home’s panel service that you wouldn’t want to miss out on!

Especially with the crazy weather we experience in South Texas during thunderstorms.

With the ability to suppress dangerous power surges coming into your home, having whole home surge protection is a no brainer!

Our Office Staff is waiting for your call.

BOLT ELECTRIC

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Power Strips, Surge Protectors, & Extension Cords

victoria@boltelectricsa.com (Victoria Meade) — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 19:12:41 GMT

The Basics...

Power strips, Surge Protectors, and the ever popular Extension Cord, are kind of an inevitable thing in most homes of today. In this day and age, we have so many electrical appliances, tools, and even toys that all require electrical power.

The problem? You’ve only got so many electrical outlets to power these devices.

The solution? The Power Strip! Or The Surge Protector?! Or an Extension Cord?!

The reality of this situation is that the everyday user doesn’t really understand the capacity of a power strip, surge protector, extension cord, or the appliance they are plugging into it - they just see a need for power and a plug!

So let’s take a look at our options for plugging in…

"Power strips" as they are most commonly referred to; typically consist of several components, various electrical receptacles, a power switch, a circuit breaker, and a flexible grounded power cord. What should you be plugging into your Power Strips, you ask?

• Power Strips were designed specifically to handle multiple small electrical loads at one time; such as powering up a radio and a lamp simultaneously. They are not however, made to handle a major appliance; like a ban saw or even a space heater.

• Power strips are rated for a certain capacity, but not all things plugged into them have the same electrical current draw. For instance, a computer monitor may use more power than a charger for a cell phone.

1. Do You should only use light-load appliances on power strips. This can include lamps, clocks, small

fans…etc.

2. Do Use power strips sparingly. They aren’t designed to maintain a load for extended periods of time,

and can overheat quickly if used too frequently.

3. Don’t Ever plug a power strip into another power strip. Doing this is a great way to short out

appliances, or d rastically increase the risk of an electrical overload or a fire.

4. Don’t Continue to use a power strip if it feels hot. That should never happen!

A “Surge Protector” functions similar to a power strip as it gives you, the user, the ability to plug in multiple electronic devices however; it also serves another very important function. A surge protector will also protect your electronic devices from power surges/ spikes.

• A power surge or spike; is a burst or high increase of power; that lasts for a fraction of a second. Surges or spikes can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, tripped circuit breakers, short circuits, and other things too, such as downed power lines.

• If a power surge occurs when a device is not hooked into a surge protector, damage to your device can and will most likely happen (usually over a period of time) however, if the circuit a device is connected to is subject to a lightning strike, most often; even a surge protector can’t prevent damage.

• Surge Protectors and power strips look very similar. In order to tell the difference between a power strip and a surge protector, you have to look for an electric rating. Look for a Surge Protector that is rated at 200 to 400 joules. And for even better protection, look for a rating of 600 joules or more.

Here are a few examples of items that can be plugged into a Surge Protector:

1. Desktop Computers

2. Laptops

3. Servers

4. Televisions

5. Home Entertainment Systems (Receiver/ Video Game Systems). For a home entertainment system, you can usually purchase a single Surge Protector strip to power the complete system!

An “Extension Cord” is essentially a bundle of insulated electrical wires with a plug on each end. Extension cords come in various colors, lengths, thicknesses and service duties. In general, the more power needed by the appliance, the thicker the cord should be, which basically means larger wires inside the insulated sleeve, to accommodate the electrical load of larger appliances.

Electrical current flowing through said insulated wires generates heat, and if your cord is a light-duty extension cord, plugged into say a refrigerator, too much current flowing through those wires can overheat, which in turn melts the plastic insulation of the wires causing short circuits and fires! Big no no!

And always remember that cords to be used outdoors, in wet areas, around oils, or exposed to sunlight for long periods of time should be selected for such specific conditions.

Light Duty Extension Cords: These resemble a lamp wire cord and are usually not grounded.

• Lamps, Clocks, and other light-duty electrical devices that draw up to 7 amps of power

Medium Duty Extension Cords: Usually grounded cords that have a 3 prong plug.

• Televisions, Computers, and devices that draw up to 10 amps of power.

Heavy Duty Extension Cords: The heavy duty cords are suitable for drawing 10 to 15 amps of power, and always have the grounded, 3 pronged plugs.

• Tools and Heating Appliances that draw up to 15 amps of power.

GFCI Extension Cords: When using extension cords outdoors, in a basement or crawlspace, or anywhere a cord might encounter moisture, the cord should be a GFCI (ground-fault circuit-interrupter) type, or should be plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet. Some extension cords include built-in GFCI protection. This protection helps prevent against shock hazards.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has found that extension cords are among the most dangerous electrical devices in our homes, due to improper cord sizing and use. Each year, accidents from extension cords kill around 50 people, result in 4,000 injuries requiring hospital treatment, and cause over 3,000 residential fires. Most extension cord failures can be prevented simply by using the right type of cord for the job, and as mentioned, there are various types of extension cords, for various needs.

And please remember… Always follow appliance manufacturer instructions regarding

the use of extension cords.

Some appliances should never be used with extension cords.

We here at Bolt Electric hope this information helps you out when you’re in the market for a temporary fix for a plug! We’re also here for you if you want a permanent solution. Give us a call to set up an appointment if you need to add a receptacle (or several)!

Need to install GFCI plugs to get you up to electrical code? We can do that too! We’re only a phone call away! Give us a ring, we can’t wait to work with you!

Bolt Electric

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX. 78233

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Holiday Safety Tips ~ of the Electrical Variety

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:09:27 GMT

Light up Safely this Holiday Season!

Another new school year has begun in South Texas; and in less than a month, summer will slowly begin to fade into fall. You know what that means?

THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US!

Soon, It’ll be time to start planning those fun Halloween parties with spooky décor, costumes, and trick or treating...moving on to the many family dinners where we give thanks and indulge in turkey with all the trimmings...which then segues into “HoHoHo” and all the jazz of decorating your home with twinkling lights, and unwrapping loads of gifts, as well as the tidings of comfort joy that the holidays can bring.

Unfortunately, the Holidays can also bring about an increase of electrical accidents and worse, house fires.

Each year, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) launches a national safety awareness

campaign to encourage safety throughout the holiday season.

Below we've listed some electrical safety tips for the season.

Happy decorating!

What can you do to help keep your family safe from electrical mishaps this holiday season?

Before you begin your decorating extravaganza that would make a Griswold jealous, your best course of action is to determine how many outlets are available to dedicate for your decorations. Make yourself a note where they're located; and plan your displays (for both indoor and outdoor decorations/ lighting) to allow for adequate spacing.

Keep in mind that its always best to use electrical decorations that are approved by Underwriters Laboratories. “UL” will be listed on the box label for approved decorations. When manufacturers are UL certified , it shows their continued commitment to safety and quality.

Always be sure to inspect your electrical decorations before using them to make certain they are in good working condition. Plug your lights in first, before wrapping them around your tree for an hour, only to find they don't work. You should specifically, make sure to check your lights for frayed or cracked wires; and make sure there is a bulb in each light socket. You can never be too careful! We don't want tiny fingers or tree fibers finding their way into an open socket!

When you’re hanging your electrical decorations, it’s best to use safety clips where you can. You shouldn’t use thumb tacks, or hammer nails around electrical cords, even staples run the risk of piercing through and damaging the electrical wires, which can very quickly become electrical hazards when placed around shrubs, trees, curtains…etc.

Make sure that if you’re decorating outdoors, you’re using outdoor decorations. Same rules apply for Indoors. There’s a reason why they’re labeled as such and marketed the way they are.

Indoor electrical decorations should be kept away from any curtains, furniture, carpeting, or other flammable materials such as fireplaces and candles.

Do not connect cords that have different numbers of lights...

This is a very common mistake a lot of people make while decorating with Christmas lights. You never want to connect a 100 count light set to a 50 count light set. If you do, the 50 count light set will burn out prematurely. The same applies for any other combination of lights.

Then there’s the age old question “How many lights can I string together?”

You can most likely connect 3 to 5 strings of traditional incandescent bulbs together before you hit the limit. Also, it's one circuit per 216 watts, not one outlet; if you decide to add more lights, you need to use an outlet on a different circuit.

Consider purchasing LED lights which do cost more, but use a lot less energy and run much cooler than traditional incandescent light bulbs. They’ll save you on your holiday electric bill too!

Avoid twisting, kinking, or crushing your lighting or your electrical cords. This can cause fraying and cracking of your wires, and that can lead to fires!

Make certain you don't overload your outlets. This can lead to many issues such as tripping breakers, burning outlets, and causing fires as well! Not the best way to make the Holidays merry or bright.

A super handy trick is to use timers for your electric decorations. Set your timers to control your lighting so you don’t have to worry about turning them off and on, and if you will be away from your home for an extended period of time, the timer can do all the work and it will appear that you are still home!

The best decorations are safe decorations, so when you’re on the job, make sure not to run cords under rugs or furniture. You also want to prevent tripping, and the accidental unplugging of your cords; which can lead to sparking. Try placing cords and decorations in more low-traffic areas, or securing them against baseboards, and never ever put your cords out the window!

Holiday décor can be set in place for a month (or several), so it’s best to check on your lights and decorations throughout the season to make certain they continue to operate safely. If any wires fray or bulbs go out, replace them pronto!

Holiday decorations aren’t made for year-round use, so be sure to take them down when the holidays are over, and make certain to properly store your lights to avoid wire deterioration. Wrapping them around a square piece of cardboard works wonders to store them with zero tangling!

If you’re planning on using extension cords or adapters that add receptacles for your decorating, you might consider having one of our qualified electricians come out and add more outlets to your home instead. You know you’re going to use them, and the upgrade will be fruitful year round!

One of the best gifts you can give your family is an Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter breaker(s) or outlet(s). Many electrical fires that occur every year could be prevented by AFCIs.

Not sure what to get your significant other for the Holidays? Why not give the Gift of Light, and upgrade the lighting in your home?

If you're needing to add receptacles, switches, or maybe even some recessed lighting to showcase your Holiday decor, give us a call at Bolt Electric! Our skilled and licensed Electricians offer Residential upgrades, repairs, and much more!

Give us a call today to get those projects started!

We can't wait to work with you!

Bolt Electric, LLC

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Common Electrical Service and Repair in the San Antonio Area.

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 16:25:32 GMT

A Typical Day in the life of a Bolt Electric Technician.

More Common than Not

Here at Bolt Electric, we receive a wide variety of service and repair calls. Some of the issues we get called out to repair are more common than others. We’ve had a lot of our Customers asking “ Is this something normal ?” and “ Does everyone have these type of issues ?” questions in recent months, so we thought to “shed some light” (no pun intended…ok, maybe a small pun) on some of the more trending issues or problems we’re called out to repair.

Outlets not working or possibly sparking:

This is a very common and pretty much, year round issue here in the San Antonio area. Although this is usually more common for older homes and buildings, we see this problem in newer homes as well, just not as often.

As the wires in outlets settle, they can begin making a contact they shouldn’t make behind the receptacle, which can cause sparking when you plug something into the outlet, or it can cause the outlet to stop working altogether.

Light Switch not working or buzzing:

We see these complaints often, and it can be an issue for various reasons. Loose wiring, incorrect wiring, or perhaps just a failed switch. After determining that a light bulb is not burned out, or that the circuit breaker or GFCI is not tripped, the switch may have failed or could just be loose.

Be aware that a loose light switch can easily shift and arc! Electrical arcing means that loose wiring in a switch doesn't even need to be touching anything to shock someone, because electricity can jump over the gaps between exposed wires to create dangerous and unpredictable currents. Electrocution can be very serious!

Tripping Breakers:

A circuit breaker will trip when too much electricity flows through it; or when it can no longer handle the excess current load. When the breaker trips, it means that the flow of electricity is being cut off to keep your circuits from overheating or causing more damage. Below are several reasons for tripping breakers.

• Circuit Overload. One of the main reasons why circuit breakers trip constantly. This happens simply because a particular circuit just can’t provide more electricity than its actual capacity. This will lead to the overheating of the circuit, which then puts every electrical appliance connected to that circuit at risk.

A great example…say your brand new flat screen TV is connected to a circuit that can only handle 15 amps, but is now using 20, the circuit breaker trips to prevent damage to that appliance, or even potentially preventing a major fire.

• Short Circuit. Another common reason why circuit breakers trip is a short circuit, which is more dangerous than an overloaded circuit. A short circuit is caused when a “hot” wire comes into contact with a “neutral wire” in an electrical outlet.

If this happens, a large amount of current will flow through the circuit, creating more heat than that circuit is able to handle, causing the breaker to trip in an attempt to prevent a fire. You can identify a short circuit by a burning smell, usually located around the breaker, sometimes accompanied with burning as well.

• Ground Fault Surges. These are similar to short circuits. They occur when a “hot” wire comes in contact with a “ground” wire that is made of bare copper; or it touches the side of a metal outlet box; which is connected to a “ground” wire. This causes too much electricity to pass through the circuit. The breaker then trips in order to protect the circuit as well as the appliances from overheating or again, from potential fires.

If ground fault surges occur, you can usually identify the issue by checking for discoloration around your outlet. If you experience frequent tripping of your circuit breakers, it is definitely time to call in a professional and licensed electrician to investigate. Overlooking any of these problems, could potentially be putting the safety of your home and family at risk.

Flickering or Dimming lights or Power loss to a room(s):

We see these type of issues for the most part, just after a recent round of major thunderstorms, and also with power outages. These issues are evidence that you’ve more than likely experienced a power surge (or several) and may just need a breaker reset or possibly replaced. It is also possible that you have a beat up or outdated electrical panel.

Some older homes (built before 1990) can still have older panels that may not be up to the current electrical code. Often these panels work great, until they don’t, and eventually will have to be upgraded or replaced with new and updated electrical panels. We don’t recommend waiting until they don’t work to have them inspected, especially if you’re having issues with dimming or flickering lights throughout your home. On a side note, 1990 seems just like yesterday, but that’s roughly 30 years ago and a lot has changed with our electrical usage, electrical appliances...etc. in the last 30 years!

So there you have it! Those are just some of the more common Residential Service and Repair issues our technicians are called out to repair during

any given day here at Bolt Electric!

If you’re experiencing any of the above mentioned problems, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Here at Bolt Electric, we offer a wide range of services; including both commercial and residential electrical service and repair. Our Electricians are not only knowledgeable, but also fully licensed and insured

to do electrical work in the state of Texas.

Our many satisfied customers in San Antonio and surrounding areas have rated us an average of 4.9

on Google and we currently hold the most 5 star reviews as well!

Bolt Electric

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, Texas 78233

(210) 545- BOLT (2658)

We can’t wait to work with you!

LED's - The how's and how not's to bulb selection.

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 16:43:27 GMT

LED Bulbs

LED Lighting – Which Bulbs to Choose?

More than likely, if you've heard about LED lighting you’re already aware of the many benefits of LED lighting. This lighting technology is not only energy saving, but it’s also beneficial for our environment, LED's also last tons longer than traditional light bulbs, and best of all LED’s can save you money too!

We feel like we’ve covered the basics, so let’s move on to the next “Need to Know” steps of switching to LED lighting. Let’s talk about what you should consider when adding LED lighting into your existing lighting situation because we feel it’s important to understand that not all LED bulbs are interchangeable. So let's get down to it!

Sizes and Shapes:

Choosing the size and shape of your LED bulbs may seem to only serve a visual purpose, but we assure you, there is practical value as well. Did you know that you can use different shapes of lights to convey information about the space you’re lighting up? That’s right! If you’re going for an antiqued look, try some Edison bulbs. If you’re looking for opulence, then you might prefer chandelier shaped bulbs or something similar. Luckily for us, LED lights come in a multitude of sizes, as well as shapes; so you’re sure to find the right one for your situational lighting project.

Brightness Factor – Lumens instead of Watts:

You know how you check the wattage on a light bulb package to tell you how bright the bulb will be? Well, when shopping for LED bulbs, you’ll be looking for the number of “Lumens” instead of "Wattage" to determine brightness. (Lumen information is usually directly across from “Brightness” on the label.) Wattage equivalents, usually listed on the front of the package, are only meant to give you a general idea.

Are you planning to use them in your kitchen? Are they going in a walk in closet, or Home office? After you’ve figured out what you’ll use your LED lights for, you should take a look at the lumens on the package. They will give you an idea of how bright the lights will be.

If you’re replacing a 100 watt incandescent bulb, you’ll want an LED that produces about 1,600 lumens. The replacement for a 40 watt incandescent bulb to LED, should produce about 450 lumens.

When deciding on which LED lights you should use for your project, always make sure to think about the brightness you’re aiming for. Having lights that are too bright or too dim can cause a lot of issues.

What color temperature LED lighting is right for you?:

Color temperature is important with LED lighting, because it can alter how a person feels. Warm lighting is usually red or yellow hued, and is used to create an inviting feeling. This is ideal in areas like living rooms or dining areas, but not in office spaces where you would use a computer, due to eye strain. Whereas cooler LED lighting, more on the blue scale of hues, will help you stay alert and awake.

Choose Dimmers and Bulbs that are Compatible:

Many LED bulbs are made for dimming however, some dimmer switches were designed for use with incandescent bulbs, and some of those dimmer switches just aren’t compatible with LED bulbs. If you aren’t certain about your current dimmer switch, try visiting various bulb manufacturer websites to find which are compatible with LED bulbs. You may have to upgrade the dimmer switch along with the light to make certain they are compatible.

Some Fixtures require special bulbs:

Some LED light bulbs can and will last for up to decades however, the technology will only work correctly if the heat they generate has a way to dissipate. If it can’t, the heat will damage the electronics inside the bulb and it will most certainly fail to work prematurely.

If you need to replace a bulb for a fully enclosed light fixture, make sure to read the packaging carefully to make sure it’s approved for LED use. Bulbs specifically made for enclosed fixtures; are made to withstand higher temperatures.

LED bulbs can also prevent some garage door remote controls from working properly. Most of today’s garage door manufacturers will have a list of compatible LED bulbs on their websites. If that information isn’t readily available, you might use vibration resistant incandescent bulbs.

Where you shouldn’t add LED’s:

You should never use an LED bulb in your oven. Always go with the usual and ever trusted Incandescent Appliance Bulbs. They are specifically made to be resistant to the high heat emitting from your oven, which would ruin an LED bulb, and quickly!

While there are LED appliance bulbs out there, they are specifically made for refrigerators and freezers. These bulbs are not very easy to find, so some searching online may be in order if you’re really wanting to add them to your appliance. On a side note, an LED bulb in a fridge or freezer won’t save you much money anyway, because the light is only on for a few seconds at a time while the door is open.

I think we've covered some good ground on the LED purchasing front!

What's Next?

Isn’t time you upgraded to LED lighting? As one of the most energy efficient lighting options available, the switch to LED lighting can save you money on your utility bill. Since LED lights are also more efficient,

you get the same amount of light with roughly a quarter of the energy.

Whether you’re thinking about making the switch because LED lasts 25 times longer, uses 75% less energy, or emits considerably less heat than other lighting, it’s undeniable that LED lighting offers huge savings!

Bolt Electric is a family owned business based in the San Antonio area. Our highly skilled electricians have all the necessary skills and qualifications for your LED light installation. What really sets us apart from the other guys is our 30 plus years of dedication to serving our customers, and leaving behind a safe product that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Our electricians will work with you to make sure the job gets done, just the way you want it, so you can enjoy your new lighting as soon as possible. We want to give our customers nothing but the best high level of quality. Give us a call here at Bolt Electric so we can assist you with your LED lighting needs.

Bolt Electric

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 545-2658

Savings for Your Commercial Busine$$ in San Antonio

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:46:04 GMT

Saving energy and boosting your bottom line

Chances are, if you’re a Property Manager or Business Owner, you’re most likely in search of more efficient practices to stay above your financial bottom line.

When we talk about business savings; especially in most office spaces and Commercial buildings, we usually tend to look at paper usage, copiers/ printers, and pretty much all other costly office supplies, or furniture, all tangible items that can become quite costly in annual expenditures.

How about we take a look at some other ideas that can also reduce your annual expenses for your commercial business’ bottom line, and keep your office buildings looking fresh and updated?

Motion Sensitive Lighting:

How often have you walked into an empty office or mail-room with the lights still burning brightly? I’ll even go one further…how many people in your building actually remember to turn the lights off when they leave the room?

Instead of wasting valuable time emailing (or printing) reminder memos for each and every one of your Team Members; why not try installing motion sensitive lighting in the areas of your office that aren’t always in use, such as conference rooms, restrooms, break rooms…etc., and eliminate the need for anyone to have to turn the lights off altogether.

After a certain amount of time with no motion detected in these areas, the motion sensing system will automatically turn the lighting off, which can effectively save you up to 70% or better in lighting costs!

Energy Saving Thermostats:

Are your employees constantly raising, or lowering the temperature on your office thermostats, because half of the office is cold and the other is hot? It definitely doesn’t help your energy savings to play the age old thermostat games.

Maybe it’s time to install some energy efficient, programmable thermostats in your commercial buildings? Allow your Management Teams to make the call on the most energy efficient settings; at different times throughout the year.

You might also encourage those Teammates who are always on the warm side, to bring a small fan for their desks, and encourage those who seem to always be chilled to keep a sweater or light jacket at the office. After all, you can’t keep everyone happy with the thermostat temps.

And while you’re at it, you should also make sure you’re not heating or cooling any rooms that really don’t need to be controlled by temperature.

Prevent Phantom Energy Drains:

What is Phantom Energy, you ask? Phantom energy is the energy that is still being used by equipment that is plugged in; but not in use. A great office energy-saving tip is to have your printers, monitors, and other larger devices, connected to power strips or surge protectors; so with one flip of a switch; several devices can be powered down at the same time. Then just as easily, they can be powered up when needed!

Have your HVAC Systems Maintained and Updated Annually:

Every year, it’s important to have your HVAC systems checked to ensure they are operating at their most efficient capacities. When these systems are working harder than they should, they can pose a considerable drain on your energy resources and run your electrical bills sky high! Not to mention, the repairs or replacement units can become quite costly! Maintenance is the key!

Window Control:

Office buildings tend to have a lot of windows, and if you’re in a large commercial building, School, or Hospital, multiple floors as well. Not to mention; the summer months in South Texas can be brutally hot. We all love the sunshine, but it does manage to put an added load on your air conditioning system, and your summer electric bills!

Why not try adding solar window films or awnings/ blinds? These options can help your office stay cool, and on those not so sunny days, you can raise the blinds to let the cooler, natural light in.

Another window trick is to have your windows checked to detect any leaks. A little initiative and a tube of caulk goes a long way to save on the energy bills!

Maintenance of Parking Lot Lighting:

If your Commercial Business has a parking lot, you have parking lot lighting, and quite possibly area lighting as well. This type of lighting is used in every shopping center, office complex, warehouse or distribution center, hospitals, and even school districts.

I’m referring to those tall, pole mounted outdoor lights, or the lights mounted on the side of your buildings, which are used to light up your parking lots and walkways for the safety of vehicles as well as pedestrians, Employees, and the like.

Most Parking Lot Lights utilize one of three (3) types of lamps:

- High Intensity Discharge (HID), which have a lifespan of about 2,000 hours

- Metal Halide, which have about a 6,000 hour lifespan

- or High Pressure Sodium, which have about a 12,000 hour lifespan.

The common issues with these types of conventional lighting technologies are:

1) High energy costs. These technologies utilize a lot of energy to maintain for such a short life span. They burn hot, and they have to be disposed of properly, as they can pose a danger to the environment.

2) Frequent maintenance costs. It can come at a huge cost to hire someone to come out and fix your parking lot lighting several times per year. Because these lights are mounted on poles, (15 feet or higher) there is a need for a bucket truck to change a lamp or ballast (or both!). This routine can become a big expenditure over time, and it can be very costly to maintain even just one single parking light fixture over a 3 year time-frame.

3) Sub-par lighting. Most of the traditional lights mentioned above; not only burn more energy to actually light your parking lots and walkways, but the output of light can be yellow or hazy, and quite frankly not bright enough for the many reasons you invest in them to begin with. Any light can be seen in the darkness, but the difference between well-lit and not well-lit means, the security of your parking lots, employees, students, patrons…etc.

When you wait until you notice a few or more parking lot lights are out; you run the risk of wait times for your Electrical Contractor to get out to you to repair your pole lights, or replace them. Maintaining them on a monthly schedule is more efficient, and can eliminate the need for urgent re-lamping or ballast change-out Service Calls per fixture, per year. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...Maintenance is the key!

Upgrade the Lighting (inside & out):

One of the most effective ways to save $$ is to cut your energy usage. Switching to the most efficient lighting technologies can reduce your electric bills significantly!

In this day and age, new lighting technologies are proving to be tremendously efficient, as well as effective.

LED lighting technology is where it’s at! Not only can LED lighting save on your annual electrical costs by up to 60%, they also last longer than traditional lighting technologies – require less maintenance – and LED lights are also Eco-friendly, which is an added bonus, and something pretty much everyone can be happy about! Oh, and get this... LED lights can have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours!

Overall, upgrading to LED lighting in your office, commercial buildings, and warehouses, as well as your parking lot lighting, and security lighting is a savings you can’t afford to miss out on!

LED lighting is an investment that pays for itself.

If you’re interested in installing LED lighting in your commercial building, parking lot, warehouse...etc, give us a call at Bolt Electric! Our electricians are highly skilled in LED lighting technologies, and have the necessary qualifications and licenses to properly install your new and beautiful lighting.

Contact us here at Bolt Electric to see if your Commercial Business will qualify for a CPS rebate for upgrading to LED Lighting!

Bolt Electric has over 30+ years of experience in the Commercial electrical trade, and you better believe that integrity still matters to us! We are committed to providing friendly service and expert electrical work. If you are looking for a commercial electrician you can trust, check us out!

We specialize in - LED lighting retrofits - recessed office lighting - Lighting Control Panels - Bucket Truck Services -

- Parking Lot Lighting - Perimeter Security Lighting - GFCI and ARC-FAULT circuits - Sign Lighting Repairs -

and so much more!

Call us today to schedule an LED lighting consultation and experience our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

We’re very excited to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU BE ASKING YOUR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR?

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 16:06:54 GMT

ARE YOU ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS?

YOU NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU ASK...

Trusting your Electrical Contractor is a must. After all, you’re putting the safety of your home or business in their hands, but there are still some things you should ask before, as well as during your electrical projects. It is essential for you to protect your investments and your property by having all the answers to any questions that may, or may not come to mind. Below is a short list of questions to get you started…

ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED?

In most States and Municipalities; Electrical Contractors are required to be fully licensed and insured in the electrical field. This will confirm that you are dealing with a trusted professional, and that they can offer some kind of guarantee for the work performed in your home or business.

EXPERIENCE. HOW MUCH DO YOU HAVE?

Working with an Electrical Contractor who is experienced is the difference between knowing when your City requires a permit for certain types of electrical work, as well as other “red flag” or “unique” scenarios, or not. Experience in the electrical field also means that they are keenly aware of; and adhere to current electrical code. Also, an Experienced Electrician will make fewer mistakes, which means a more efficient turnaround time, as well as a better job all around.

WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIALTIES?

As a whole, every electrical project has its own set of special requirements, so don’t hesitate to ask your Electrical Contractor about the areas of electrical work they specialize in. These specialties could be anything from panel replacements, LED lighting, installing security cameras…etc. The selection process questions for an Electrical Contractor; should align with your needs, and with the outcome you expect to receive during the duration and completion of your project.

WHAT DOES YOUR ESTIMATE INCLUDE?

In addition to pricing and time involved to complete your project, be sure to discuss incidental items, such as repairing drywall, trenching, and other things that could possibly be affected by electrical work done in your home or business. Chances are, they will be your responsibility to complete.

HOW LONG SHOULD MY PROJECT TAKE?

Keep an open line of communication with your Electrical Contractor so you both can schedule appointments and work accordingly. An experienced contractor will give you a detailed estimate of the scope of work needed for your project, and a timeline that will be involved, so you can schedule your life around the completion of your project. They should also provide you with contact information in the event you have questions.

WHO WILL PERFORM THE WORK?

Don't assume the person you speak with will be the one doing the scope of work involved. Ask about the different qualifications, or any combination of workers; as sometimes a job will require more than one Electrician to complete your project.

It is so important to have a guaranteed electrician. You never know when you will be in need of an electrician’s services, so why not have them from a trusted team such as BOLT ELECTRIC?

Don’t just take our word for it, see the button below, and take a peek at our testimonials to find out what our clients think about our services! BOLT ELECTRIC currently has the most 5 star reviews in the San Antonio area! Our continuous hard work is shown; not only in the finished product, but also revealed in our customer reviews.

Feel free to peruse our Gallery to see photos of our work! Having a good, guaranteed electrician in San Antonio, Texas should be as important to you; as providing excellent electrical services is to us!

If you’re looking to get a project started, reach out to us here at BOLT ELECTRIC. We are San Antonio’s trustworthy Electricians, and we cannot wait to hear from you!

BOLT ELECTRIC

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 545-2658

Weighing the Options

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:52:04 GMT

Electrician ~VS~ Handyman ~VS~ D.I.Y.

Who should you call?

When the electrical system in your home is compromised, it can become unpredictable, and often quite worrisome as well as frustrating!

You may hear a buzzing behind a switch when you turn a light on, or you might experience an electrical burning smell. Perhaps you have a breaker that trips when you run the dishwasher and microwave simultaneously. All of these scenarios should be diagnosed and repaired to avoid further damage to your appliances; as well as your home.

Instead of a service repair, maybe you’d like to add a few new plugs to a room to accommodate some new gadgets, or perhaps you want to update the lighting in your kitchen, or install that new ceiling fan on your back porch.

Regardless of the repairs or upgrades, below are a few really sound reasons why you’d want to call on a licensed professional to get the job done.

Electrician:

An electrician is a licensed professional tradesman, specializing in complex and otherwise dangerous electrical projects,

meeting both building and electrical codes. Electricians can be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure.

Handyman:

a person employed to do occasional domestic repairs and minor renovations.

D.Y.I. (Do It Yourself):

The activity of decorating, building, and making repairs at home by oneself rather than employing a professional.

Decisions , Decisions ...

We all like to save a little money, right? Especially when we can simply open up a “How To” tutorial video and do a project ourselves.

M aybe we can call out a Handyman, or we can always depend on that trusted relative or handy neighbor who will often work in trade? I mean, what friend or relative would pass up a good meal in exchange for a few small household repairs?

Here’s the thing, what if your neighbor gets an electrical shock while replacing that buzzing switch plate, or your handy relative falls off of your 12 foot ladder while hanging your new ceiling fan? What happens if an unlicensed Handyman gets injured while working on your electrical panel, and ends up in the hospital for several days? Who will pay for those Medical Bills? Who will take care of their missed wages? Something to ponder...

Even a well established and licensed electrician can have an accident on the job however, electricity is dangerous , and has the potential to be quite deadly! That’s just 2 (of many) reasons why they are insured as licensed Electricians in the field. If an unexpected injury happens during an Electrician's service repair, you, as the hiring customer, are not held liable for that individual’s injury, pain/ suffering, or even their lost wages!

Knowing their Craft.

A Licensed Electrician will not only know the ins and outs of any electrical job, but will also have an ongoing awareness of new technologies; that could give you peace of mind regarding your home's electrical safety, as well as proving economically sound advice on everything electrical in your home or business.

Not only are they well versed in electrical code, they are also keenly aware of your city requirements on whether a Permit must be pulled to do certain types of electrical work.

They also know how and when to schedule City Inspections for those larger jobs; such as adding new electrical panels, upgrading them, or replacing them altogether. Even your City has to make certain that every precaution was taken by a Licensed Electrician to ensure the safety of the home or building involved with such projects.

If you don’t have these permits and safety inspections, you might face large City fines or worse, the work may not be up to electrical code and therefore; a serious safety or fire hazard, and then where would your savings be?

Guess who else considers a Licensed Electrician to be significant in the electrical service and repair of your home or business? Your Insurance Carrier.

That’s right! If an accident should occur, or something detrimental as the result of a Licensed Electrician’s service, you can prove to your insurance company that you did your part by hiring someone who was a licensed professional, and took all of the necessary precautions regarding safety and compliance.

A Handyman is an affordable solution to any D.I.Y. (Do it yourself) project, but should be only brought in for minor renovations or domestic repair services. Since hiring a handyman is a personal service, most handymen will not be licensed in the electrical field, which means that any and all accidents or any damage caused during your project; will be entirely your responsibility.

While bringing in a Licensed Electrician might cost a little more than calling out a Handyman, or doing it yourself, Licensed Electricians offer a level of professionalism that will aide in the completion your project in a more efficient manner.

Licensed Electricians are also bonded as well as insured, which means that you can rest assured, knowing that your home and your safety are completely protected during the entirety of your project.

The BOLT ELECTRIC PROMISE

Bolt Electric has over 30 years of experience in the electrical trade. We strongly believe that, “integrity still matters” and are committed to providing top of the line electrical service at a competitive price. We sincerely take pride in our craftsmanship, and refuse to take short cuts because in our experience; happy customers always come back, and often refer others. We simply treat our Customers the same way we want to be treated. Our Customer reviews are a testament of our work ethic.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us here at BOLT ELECTRIC for your electrical needs.

We're only a phone call away!

BOLT ELECTRIC

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)

Protect the Heart of your home with Whole-Home Surge Protection

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 16:44:38 GMT

How would you and your home benefit from Whole-Home Surge Protection Installation?

We all want to keep our homes safe and sound, but let’s think outside the box! Or perhaps inside the box, as it were!

Let's think beyond home security systems and security cameras, deadbolt locks, and secure window latches.

Is your home safe in the face of a natural disaster? We here in South Texas often experience extreme weather conditions, sometimes in a matter of minutes! Major Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, to name a few! Suffice it to say, your best bet is to make certain your home's electrical system is prepared for pretty much anything Mother Nature might throw in your direction.

Today, we have more sophisticated technologies in our homes than ever before. High tech Microwaves, Electric Ranges, Refrigerators, Computers, Gaming Systems, and other major appliances we’ve grown accustomed to, that all require electricity to function.

Each of these beloved and necessary devices contain very sensitive electronic components, as well as highly intricate circuit boards; that are usually not protected by surge suppression, which puts them at risk to potential power surges due to inclement weather, lightning strikes…etc.

In fact, unbeknownst to us; our prized devices actually receive repeated power spikes and low voltage surges every day from outside of our homes. Things such as downed power lines, lightning strikes, utility company accidents, and of course, the high electrical demand in your city’s electrical grid; can influence the electrical flow inside our homes.

When our beloved appliances are continuously hit by these low voltage surges, the inside components begin to slowly degrade over time, wearing out those sensitive circut boards little by little. Larger surges; such as lighting strikes or power outages, can completely damage appliances that have already begun deteriorating over time.

How will Whole-Home Surge Protection work for you & the electrical safety of your home?

Whole-home surge protection is a device that is hardwired directly into your home's electrical panel; the heart of your home!

With Whole-Home Surge Protection, when a voltage spike runs through your panel’s system, it will allow your panel the ability to block the spike from harming your system by diverting the excess voltage into the ground; under your home instead of routing it back into, and throughout your home!

Whole-home Surge Protection basically assists in defending your electrical system and the sensitive components in your electrical devices in your home!

The great benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection.

You may wonder how fast Whole-Home Surge Protectors work. The answer is, they react instantly!

In fact, they have the capability to react in less than a nanosecond to thwart off those damaging voltage levels coming into your home’s electrical panel!

Surge protectors also work against those smaller daily surges coming in through your panel as well. Some surges aren’t so detrimental, but as previously mentioned; they can cause minor damages to your appliances over several months time, which can leave you without those major appliances, as well as waiting around for service options to fix your broken appliances, or having to purchase new appliances altogether!

Surge Protection as a whole.

Your Whole-Home Surge Protector’s main function is to prevent your home’s appliances and electronics from harm, but it also protects your entire electrical system as a whole.

If there’s an electrical surge from an appliance within your home; that electrical surge has nowhere else to go but back through your breaker panel, which in turn can cause damage to your home's outlets, switches, and electrical wiring. When you have Whole-Home Surge Protection, it protects all of the other electrical equipment in your home, and also your outlets, switches and wiring as well!

Why you need a Professional when it comes to electrical work in your home.

When it comes to any type of electrical service or repair, you should always bring in a licensed electrical professional, who understands the ins and outs of your electrical system.

Whole-Home Surge Protection only takes a couple of hours to perform, and the aforementioned benefits alone will give you peace of mind for years to come.

That’s where we come in…

Our teams of professionally trained and licensed Electricians at Bolt Electric; are able to install a Whole-Home Surge Protector in your home, at your convenience!

For more information on Whole-Home Surge Protection Installation, or any electrical service and repair, we're only a phone call away!

Let us know when we can assist you in protecting the heart of your home!

We can't wait to work with YOU!

BOLT ELECTRIC

13106 LOOKOUT WAY

SAN ANTONIO, TX 78233

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)