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Electrical News

  • Electrician Versus Handyman

    July 15, 2015

    When called in to make a repair, our electricians frequently hear the following comment, “but the handyman said he could do it.” This tells us that homeowners may not be aware of some very important information. Electrical (like Plumbing and Gas Fitting) is a Red Seal Accredited trade. This means that all electrical installations, repairs... READ MORE

  • Electrical Safety For The Holidays

      Every year fire departments across the Lower Mainland are called out to homes, set ablaze by faulty or over loaded electrical wiring, or malfunctioning holiday decorations. It is heartbreaking to hear about yet another family left homeless during what is supposed to be the most joyous time of year. In their enthusiasm to celebrate... READ MORE

  • Ways To Reduce The Electric Bill

    With the cost of electricity climbing higher every year, homeowners are looking for ways to shave a few dollars off that utility bill. Here are some things you can do to reduce the cost and amount of energy consumption in your home. Install timers so bath fans don’t run unnecessarily, “an hour per shower” is... READ MORE

  • Extension Cords

    Which Extension Cord Do I Buy? Occasionally our electricians are asked about the use and safety of extension cords in and around the home or business. Because of the extensive choice available on the hardware store shelf, it may be a confusing decision as to which one to buy. I am reminded of a customer whose... READ MORE

  • Sump Pump Safety

    Power outages seem to be a fact of life in the Lower Mainland of BC. and certain parts of the Fraser Valley seem to be more prone to this than others. Whether the cause is a tree brought down onto nearby power lines by a passing windstorm or interuptions caused by regular mainainance on the power grid by the... READ MORE

  • Security And Landscape Lighting Solutions

    Hard Wired Lighting Although British Columbia is usually blessed with long beautiful summers, our province is also known for it’s lengthy periods of rainfall when the sun is nowhere in sight.  And since we are located on the 49th parallel, the number of daylight hours are also significantly reduced for much of the year. Taking this into consideration, it is wise to use hard wired lighting options... READ MORE

  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

    GFCI Protection Saves Lives A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a specialized automatic safety device that instantly terminates or interrupts the electrical current when leakage or a ground fault is detected in the circuit. When correctly installed by a certified electrician, it is estimated that this inexpensive electrical device could reduce the incident of... READ MORE

  • Tamper Resistant Receptacles

    During a six year period between 2003 – 2009, more than 360 Canadian children, under the age of six, were injured in accidents involving electrical wall receptacles.  The extent of the injuries range from first to third degree burns.  But tragically, these  electrical  injuries  also  account  for  an  average  of  four deaths by electrocution each year.... READ MORE

  • Smoke Alarms and Co Alarms Save Lives

    Make Fire Protection A Priority It is estimated that 94% of all homes in North America have at least one smoke alarm. Most homeowners understand that a functioning smoke alarm significantly reduces the incident of home fire related deaths. Home fire deaths have steadily decreased as the numbers of homes with working smoke alarms has... READ MORE

  • How to Label Your Electrical Panel

    Are you sometimes baffled by which circuit breaker to shut off, because the legend on your electrical panel is not properly labeled? Or perhaps there have been so many changes made by previous owners, that nothing makes any sense. Not only is this an inconvenient and frustrating situation, it can be downright dangerous! If you... READ MORE

  • Surge Protection

    A thunderstorm is an amazing and incredibly powerful force of nature that often sends homeowners scrambling to unplug their computers and televisions, with the hope of protecting them from a potentially damaging power surge caused by a lightning strike. A lightning strike up to two kilometers away can cause irreparable damage to your home’s sensitive... READ MORE

  • Electrical Circuit Breakers

    If you have ever had an electrical panel maintenance check-up performed by one of our electricians, you may have wondered why the electrician expressed concern over some mismatched breakers inside your electrical service panel. With the average Lower Mainland home changing hands every 5 years, some electrical panels now have a history of modifications, updates,... READ MORE