Electrical News
Power lines downed by tree branches
March 11, 2016Today is the perfect time to remind homeowners that tree branches, which span electrical power lines, can cause serious problems. While a beautifully treed yard may have wonderful curb appeal, trees that are not properly maintained may eventually cause problems during a storm. Over hanging branches can snap from the stress of ice, snow or high winds. From a homeowner’s... READ MORE
Poor Lighting Results in Eye Strain
February 2, 2016Poor lighting, resulting in eye strain, is a common complaint in the work place. But did you know that this can also be a problem at home? The lighting in various task areas of your home such as the kitchen, laundry or bathroom, also needs to be bright enough to work comfortably in. But there is... READ MORE
Dangerous Wiring Hidden Behind Walls
Dangerous wiring, hidden behind the walls, is a common find for a service electrician and can result in anything from a circuit power failure to a residential house fire. This problem is a ticking time bomb as the danger can sometimes lay hidden for years before a failure occurs. A fire requires three things to burn: an... READ MORE
Stormy Weather may trip GFCI Protection
December 8, 2015Our recent stormy weather seems to have tripped the GFCI protection in some Lower Mainland homes. This is usually an easy fix and a simple exercise that should be done periodically anyway. On the receptacle, press TEST, then RESET, and correct power should be restored. It’s always a good idea to test and reset GFCI’s... READ MORE
Electrical Safety For The Holidays
November 26, 2015Every 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
Uninvited Guests in the Walls or Attic
October 27, 2015As winter approaches and the temperatures start to drop, birds fly south, large animals hole up to hibernate and smaller animals look for warm cozy places to escape the weather. Occasionally homeowners find themselves playing host to small uninvited guests who have chosen to ride out the winter in the attic or walls of their home. Rodent damage... READ MORE
Mobile Home – Silver Label Re-certification
September 3, 2015Re-certification for Mobile or Manufactured Homes Just like all homes built in Canada, a manufactured home must meet very specific safety standards before it can be sold to the public. An electrical design plan, specific to each manufacturer, series and model, must be registered and approved before production can begin. The manufacturer may not deviate... READ MORE
Electrician Versus Handyman
July 15, 2015When 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
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