For over twenty years, Owner Rick Stevens built a solid reputation as trusted electrical contractor serving many local businesses and homeowners in the Farmington Valley. Mr. –Stevens is committed to providing quality service to the community. He believes that a reputation as an honest and reliable business is the recipe for success. While others seek to profit by cutting corners, or recommending unnecessary services to customers, Mr. Stevens believes that a good reputation and consistent service will build a business built on relationships and referrals from satisfied customers.
Rick grew up in CT and began doing electrical work when he was 14 years old helping a close family friend with projects. This experience lead him down the technical path and he began his apprentice work at age 17. He was quickly moved in to specialties of automation and controls, fire alarm systems, machine wiring and automation. His natural leadership was identified by his employers and he began to supervisor site work for large projects. He is an excellent troubleshooter of problems and works with his customers to offer realistic solutions to problems. These experiences lead him to believe that he could run his own business. He received his Master Electrical license and opened his own company in 1987 in Bloomfield, CT. Rick expanded his business and focused on commercial and residential wiring. He continues to personally service customers in the Farmington Valley and believes in building his clients base through quality work and reputation.
For more information, send us a request on our Contact Us page, or call (860) 651-7600
We want to protect you and your family. It is important to be informed about electrical hazards.
Fighting Electrical Fires - Before They Happen
According to data collected from fire departments across the country, “electrical distribution and lighting” is a leading cause of fires in homes. On a year-to-year average, “electrical distribution or lighting equipment” causes 13,100 of all structure fires in homes, resulting in 140 civilian deaths, 580 civilian injuries and $340 million in property damage.
This data, provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other sources through the National Fire Incident Reporting System, is a compelling call to action.
One organization trying to improve on this is the Travelers Insurance Company. According to John Machnicki, vice president and director of the company’s Engineering Laboratory in Windsor, Connecticut, “A key function of our lab is to investigate how fires are caused.”
The lab has focused on the vulnerability of aging electrical systems as a cause of home fires. Failures in older electrical outlets are among the ignition sources Machnicki’s group has investigated. When these receptacles fail, molten metal and high-temperature gases are frequently ejected from the outlet, causing nearby bedding, furniture or other lightweight combustibles to ignite. Tests by the lab have demonstrated that these failures occur within the receptacle itself and can happen even when fixtures are not plugged into an outlet. However, the researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of this type of failure.
Older, not better
Electrical systems in older homes are more susceptible to failure than those in newer homes, Machnicki says, adding that “The risk of fires goes up with the age of the home.” This elevated risk is partly because the wiring in older homes is generally insufficient to accommodate the electrical demands of modern living.
In addition, age takes its toll on electrical components, causing wire insulation to become brittle and connections to degrade, both of which can lead to fires. In older homes, it’s also common to see poor electrical workmanship done by unqualified homeowners, which also creates conditions that can result in fire.
Machnicki advises homeowners to hire a qualified electrical inspector to examine their electrical systems for hazards. He points to a document released by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Canada Safety Council, which recommends inspections for all homes 40 years and older, for homes 10 years and older with major renovations or new appliances added, and for homes that have been resold.
The study also warns homeowners to have their homes inspected if they experience problems with the electrical system, such as dimming lights or frequent circuit breaker interruptions. Machnicki notes that electrical systems, like other parts of a home, require periodic inspection and maintenance to operatesafely and effectively. Unfortunately, many homeowners have their systems inspected only after something goes wrong. HP