When you think of the electrical wiring system of a house, you might know it consists of wires and circuits. These wires and circuits provide a 360-degree delivery of electricity from the main electrical panel to an outlet, or series of outlets that service appliances, and then flows back to the panel. The electric circuits in a standard house electrical wiring system in the United States is generally comprised of 120-volts or 240-volts.
House electrical wiring in the United States is governed by the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70). As an example, the current code dictates that three-pronged, polarized receptacles are to be used in all new home construction, in addition to, outlining the use of ground fault interrupters (GFI) in locations where an electrical appliance may be subjected to moisture.
The standard household electrical outlet consists of two three-pronged receptacles. Each receptacle has a 120-volt ‘hot’ wire, a neutral wire and a ground. For higher power applications like clothes dryers, electric ranges and air conditioners, a single receptacle is used where two of the prongs are a hot wire and the third a neutral, which can be used to produce a 240-volt circuit.
The two receptacles in a common outlet receive power from the same circuit leading from the main electrical supply panel. They are wired together so that two appliances which are plugged into the receptacle receive the same voltage, but can draw different amounts of electric current. This parallel wiring is the standard for 120-volt circuits in the entire house, making possible the independent use of all appliances, supplied by the same voltage.
The wider prong on the plug will permit it to be plugged in only with the correct polarity. The narrower prong is the ‘hot’ lead and the switch to the appliance is placed in that lead, guaranteeing that no voltage will reach the appliance when it is switched off.
Interruptions in circuit wiring are not only an inconvenience, but also present fire hazards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50 people die every year from accidental electrocutions involving residential wiring, panel boards, circuit breakers, and outlets. Another 40 electrocutions each year involve household appliances that are connected to the wiring of homes.
By making sure you have a thorough electrical inspection completed by a qualified Mister Sparky® of San Antonio electrician before buying, selling or remodeling a home, you can help ensure your home’s electrical system operates at the highest level of safety possible. Our trained technicians can provide whole house re-wiring and evaluation of your circuits to ensure the safe delivery of electrical current within your home.
100% Satisfaction
Guarantee
You’ll get an extra level of protection and peace of mind with our UWIN Guarantee.
Local Technicians
You Can Trust
All Mister Sparky techs are trained, licensed, insured, and local.
StraightForward
Pricing®
We’ll give you options for your service so you know exactly what you’re getting.
24/7 Emergency
Services
Our electricians are here for you, no matter the time of day…or night!
Sparks Fly Between Us and Our Customers
4.8
2923 reviews
Allen Aldrete (TRIPE)
We had an emergency situation or subpanel was going out causing the outside breaker to get up to 150 They answered my phone call and they sent Roberto out here who helped us get the stuff we need and the pricing just right and then the journeyman came and installed it all. which they also did an amazing job. Everyone quit this company was amazing and we thank you very much from the bottom of our heart
Ron Heredia
Excellent service and installation of a severely worn out sub panel and checking our oven that caught fire recently. Timothy, Matthew and his helper (sorry forgot your name) were respectful and professional. Very clean work. Also added a surge protector to the main panel. Thank you, well worth the investment.
Darryn Christian
I recently had Mister Sparky San Antonio replace my outside breaker panel and the sub panel located in my garage, and I couldn’t be more impressed or pleased. Matt and Keith worked together seamlessly and exceeded all my expectations. They were not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also incredibly friendly—I felt like I had known them for years by the end of the day. What stood out most was how they handled unexpected issues in real time, taking the time to explain everything clearly so I understood exactly what was happening. They even went above and beyond their original scope of work—replacing a ceiling fan with a burned-out motor and fixing an improperly installed outdoor light from a previous contractor. It was a truly great experience from start to finish. I wouldn’t hesitate to call on them again for future electrical needs. Highly recommended!
Marco R
I needed a simple receptacle install to mount my LED mirror. Mr. Corey arrived to my house a lot earlier than expected. He was well mannered, knowledgeable, and easy going. Based on his work you could tell that it was professionally done and even cleaned up after himself. I will definitely be using this company so long as Corey works here. Thank you sir!
Julie Healy
I called Mister Sparky to install two pendant lights in my kitchen. Richard Cummings Jr. was my electrician and he did an amazing job. He was efficient, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable. Within minutes, I could tell that I had called the right company. I am very satisfied with my experience, and I would recommend Mr. Cummings and Mister Sparky to anyone. I will definitely be a repeat customer.
Authority Brands is the leading provider of in-home services, building brands that support the success of franchisees as well as better the lives of the homeowners we serve and the people we employ.