What Property Owners Should Know About Electrical Systems

Michael McDonnell is an Electrical Contractor at Light It Up Electric. Originally from Aspen, Colorado, he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As a landlord, understanding and upgrading your home’s electrical system is imperative. Many older properties contain aluminum or copper wiring, which can cause safety hazards if outlets and circuits are overburdened. So what should you know about your property’s electricity, and how can you maintain it appropriately?

As a skilled electrical contractor, Michael McDonnell has witnessed his fair share of blown circuits and frayed wiring. He notes that a single circuit in an old home cannot withstand the influx of new appliances in various outlets, leading to frequently tripped breakers and expensive damage like burned panels. Replacing outdated panels ensures safety and mitigates unnecessary maintenance. Although licensed, electricians often lack adequate knowledge of electrical systems and perform surface-level repairs. Electrical contractors can rewire a house with updated wiring to comply with state codes and educate homeowners about the appropriate outlets to plug in their appliances, ultimately reducing costs. 

Mat Zalk sits down with Michael McDonnell, Electrical Contractor at Light It Up Electric, in this episode of The Same Day Podcast to talk about the characteristics of electrical systems. Michael explains why property owners should upgrade their electrical panels, the ideal location for a GFCI receptacle, and when to transition from overhead to underground power.