Wired Right, The Copperfield Electric Podcast

In this episode, we break down the five main types of residential circuit breakers—and how to choose the right one to protect your home, meet code requirements, and avoid costly electrical issues.

You’ll learn:

• The key differences between standard, GFCI, AFCI, dual-function, and ACB breakers
• Why GFCI breakers are essential for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets
• How AFCI breakers prevent fire hazards in bedrooms and living spa...

In this episode, we explain how to protect your home from power surges that can damage electronics, cause costly repairs, and even create fire hazards.

You’ll learn:

• What causes power surges and why they dangerous
• Signs your home may already be experiencing surges
• The difference between whole-house and point-of-use surge protectors
• How regular electrical maintenance can prevent internal surges
• Why quality surge protectors are a must ...

In this episode, we break down why grounding and bonding are critical to protecting your home from electrical hazards—and what you need to know to stay safe and up to code.

You’ll learn:

• What grounding and bonding are and how they work together
• Why these systems are essential for preventing shocks and fire risks
• Common code violations found in older homes
• How proper bonding prevents metal parts from becoming shock hazards
• The role gr...

In this episode, we explore why EV fast charger growth is surging in 2025—and how this rapid expansion is transforming the future of electric driving. From highway corridors to city streets, charging infrastructure is scaling fast, making EV ownership easier, more convenient, and ready for long-distance travel.

You’ll learn:

• What’s driving the boom in DC fast charger and ultra-fast station installations
• How fast charging is helpin...

In this episode, we delve into how professional electricians ensure your home meets modern electrical code compliance—a crucial step in safeguarding your property, family, and investment.

You’ll learn:

• What code compliance means and why it’s essential for home safety
• How outdated wiring and overloaded panels can pose serious risks
• What electricians look for during inspections and common problems they catch early
• Why regular inspecti...

In this episode, we cover what every remote worker should know about installing electrical systems for a home office—and why proper planning is essential for safety, productivity, and peace of mind.

You’ll learn:

• Why older homes often need electrical upgrades to support modern office equipment
• How to assess your power needs and avoid overloads and tripped breakers
• The importance of installing a dedicated circuit for your home offic...

In this episode, we explore how energy storage systems are transforming home electrical upgrades—and why more homeowners are choosing these smart, sustainable solutions to power their lives.

You’ll learn:

• What energy storage systems are and how they work with solar panels
• How stored energy can slash your electricity bills
• Why battery backup is essential during power outages
• How storage supports a cleaner, greener lifestyle
• Ways energ...

In this episode, we uncover how your home’s hidden wiring can make or break your energy efficiency. While most people focus on smart gadgets and solar panels, the wires behind your walls could be quietly wasting power every day.

You’ll learn:

• Why outdated wiring, like knob-and-tube or aluminum, leads to energy loss
• How poor insulation and thin wires drain power and hike up bills
• The role of circuit overloads and tripped breakers in...

In this episode, we break down the top 5 electrical mistakes homeowners commonly make—and how to avoid them to keep your family and home safe.

You’ll learn:

• Why overloaded circuits are a leading cause of house fires
• The dangers of DIY electrical work without proper training
• What warning signs to watch for, like flickering lights or buzzing outlets
• How misuse of extension cords creates hidden fire risks
• Why using the wrong wire gauge ...

In this episode, we break down how to stay safe and act quickly in the event of an electrical fire—an often-overlooked but serious hazard in modern homes.

You’ll learn:

• The early warning signs of an electrical fire (like burning smells, sparks, or buzzing outlets)
• What to do immediately if a fire starts—when to use a fire extinguisher vs. when to evacuate
• Why water is dangerous around electrical fires and what to use instead
• How to ...

In this episode of Wired Right, Rene Hernandez walks you through the step-by-step process of safely installing and maintaining a home backup generator. Whether you’re preparing for outages or looking to protect your home’s essential systems, this episode gives you practical insights into choosing, installing, and caring for your generator the right way.

We’ll cover:
 🔋 Why having a backup generator is essential for homeowners

In this episode of Wired Right, Rene Hernandez breaks down what goes into the cost of installing a subpanel in your garage—an essential upgrade for homeowners planning to power EV chargers, tools, or future expansions. Learn how panel capacity, distance, permitting, and labor all affect your final price—and how to prepare for a safe, code-compliant installation.

We’ll cover:
 ⚡ When you need a sub panel—and why garages are commo...

In this episode of Wired Right, Rene Hernandez provides essential tips for selecting the perfect outdoor lighting to enhance safety, functionality, and curb appeal around your home. Whether you're lighting a covered porch, illuminating your driveway, or adding charm to your landscaping, this episode delivers practical advice on creating the perfect ambiance with durable and energy-efficient fixtures.

We’ll cover:
 💡 The di...

In this episode of Wired Right, Rene walks you through the essential steps of replacing your electrical panel in Orange County—and why pulling a permit is more than just paperwork. Whether you’re upgrading to support modern appliances or prepping for an EV charger install, knowing the permit process is key to a safe and code-compliant electrical system.

We’ll cover:
 ⚖️ When and why you need a permit for panel replacement
 �...

In this episode of Wired Right, Rene breaks down the real-world costs of installing a Tesla charger in Orange County. Whether you're just starting with your first EV or planning to upgrade your electrical panel for high-speed charging, this episode will help you understand what to expect.

We’ll cover:
 ⚡ Average Tesla charger installation costs and what affects them
 🔌 Why home charging is more convenient (and cheaper)...

In this episode of Wired Right, Rene breaks down everything you need to know about adding a sub panel to your detached garage—whether you're planning a new EV charger installation, powering up heavy tools, or just future-proofing your home.

We’ll cover:
 ⚡ What a sub panel is and why your garage might need one
 🔌 Why 100 amps is often the sweet spot for detached garages
 💡 How to stay compliant with Orange County ...

In this episode, we explore a question many Tesla owners ask: Can a Tesla Wall Charger be installed outdoors? Rene walks you through the key features of the Tesla Wall Connector, Tesla’s official guidelines for outdoor installation, and the real-world factors to consider when choosing the perfect location outside your home.

You’ll learn:
 ✅ What makes the Tesla Wall Connector ideal for home charging
 ✅ How outdoor installati...

In this episode, we break down the key signs of Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels—those notorious Stab-Lok breakers found in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s. Learn why these panels are a fire hazard, how to spot one in your home, and why an upgrade is more than just a recommendation—it’s a safety priority. Whether you're planning renovations or upgrading for EV charger installation, this episode explains what you n...

Is your circuit breaker constantly tripping? You’re not alone—and it’s a sign you shouldn’t ignore. In this episode of Wired Right, we break down why circuit breakers trip, what it means for your home’s safety, and how to troubleshoot the issue before it becomes a serious problem.

We’ll cover:
 ⚡ The top 3 reasons breakers trip: overloads, short circuits, and ground faults
 🔎 Step-by-step troubleshooting tips you can safely...