Our commitment is to provide top-notch electrical repair services in Calgary, ensuring your home is safe, efficient and well-maintained.
Why Electrical Repairs are Important
Electrical systems are the backbone of any modern home, powering everything from lights to appliances. However, over time, these systems can face wear and tear, leading to the need for repairs.
Ignoring electrical issues risks your safety and can lead to more significant, costly problems down the line. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial in preventing such scenarios.
Factors Affecting Electrical Repair Costs
Several factors influence the cost of electrical repairs in Calgary. These include the job’s complexity, the materials needed, and the time required to complete the repair. For instance, fixing a simple wiring issue is generally more affordable than a complete panel upgrade.
Also, emergency services may carry a premium due to the immediate attention and swift action required.
Average Cost of Electrical Repairs in Calgary
While prices vary, homeowners in Calgary can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for electrical repairs. Minor fixes, like outlet replacements or fixing a light switch, are on the lower end of the spectrum.
More complex tasks, such as rewiring a house or upgrading the electrical panel, fall higher due to their complexity and the materials involved.
Why Choose Colz Electric for Your Electrical Repair Needs
At Colz Electric, we pride ourselves on offering transparent, competitive pricing without compromising quality. Our team of certified electricians in Calgary is dedicated to providing efficient and reliable electrical repair services. We understand the unique needs of Calgary homeowners and tailor our services to meet these requirements.
Saving on Electrical Repair Costs
We believe in helping our customers save money. Regular maintenance can prevent major repairs in the future. Additionally, upgrading to energy-efficient systems can reduce your utility bills. We also offer detailed quotes, so you know what to expect before any work begins, ensuring no surprises.
Fair Costs for Quality Electrical Repair in Calgary
Navigating the costs of electrical repairs in Calgary doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Understanding the factors that influence these costs and choosing a reliable service provider like Colz Electric can ensure your home’s electrical system is in top shape. Remember, investing in quality electrical repairs safeguards your home and enhances its value and efficiency.
Contact Colz Electric for all your electrical repair needs in Calgary – where safety, quality, and customer satisfaction are our top priorities.
Are you a homeowner in need of electrical services? Whether it’s a minor repair or a major electrical project, finding the best electrician in Calgary is essential to ensure the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right electrician for your needs. Check out these comprehensive tips to help you find the best electrician in Calgary, ensuring peace of mind and a job well done.
Tip #1: Start with Recommendations
One of the most reliable ways to find a trustworthy electrician in Calgary is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours. They can provide valuable insights into their experiences with local electricians, helping you identify professionals with a proven track record of delivering quality services. Personal recommendations often lead to successful collaborations, as they are based on real-life experiences.
Tip #2: Check Licensing & Certification of an Electrician in Calgary
Before hiring any electrician in Calgary, it’s crucial to verify their licensing and certification. Ensure that the electrician holds a valid electrical contractor’s license, which indicates they have met the necessary training and experience requirements. Certified electricians are more likely to provide safe and reliable electrical services, which is paramount for the safety of your home and family.
Tip #3: Look For Insurance & Bonding
A reputable electrician should carry both liability insurance and bonding. These protections ensure that you won’t be held financially responsible in case of accidents or damages during the electrical work. Always request proof of insurance and bonding before allowing any electrician to start work on your property.
Tip #4: Experience Matters
When it comes to electrical work, experience is key. Look for electricians with a solid history of working in Calgary or the surrounding areas. Experienced electricians are more likely to have encountered various electrical issues and are better equipped to handle complex tasks effectively.
Tip #5: Ask an Electrician in Calgary for References
Don’t hesitate to ask potential electricians for references from their past clients. Contact these references to inquire about their experiences and the quality of work performed. A reputable electrician should be willing to provide references, and their feedback will provide you with valuable insights into the electrician’s reliability and professionalism.
Tip #6. Online Reviews & Ratings of an Electrician in Calgary
In today’s digital age, you can find information about electricians in Calgary through online reviews and ratings. Websites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau can provide you with customer feedback and ratings for various electricians in the area. Be sure to read these reviews to get a sense of the electrician’s reputation and the quality of their services.
Tip #7: Get Multiple Quotes
To ensure you’re getting a fair price for your electrical project, it’s a good practice to obtain multiple quotes from different electricians. It not only helps you compare prices but also gives you a chance to meet potential contractors and discuss your project in detail. Remember that the lowest quote may not always be the best choice, as quality and experience should also factor into your decision.
Tip #8. Electrician in Calgary with Good Communication & More
Pay attention to the electrician’s communication and professionalism when contacting them. Are they responsive to your inquiries? Do they arrive on time for appointments? Clear and open communication is essential for a successful working relationship and a well-executed electrical project.
Tip #9: Check for a Specialized Electrician in Calgary
Different electricians may specialize in various areas of electrical work. Some may excel in residential projects, while others have expertise in commercial or industrial electrical work. Make sure the electrician you choose has experience in the specific type of electrical project you need, whether wiring a new home, installing lighting fixtures, or upgrading your electrical panel.
Tip #10: Inquire About Guarantees & Warranties
Reputable electricians often provide guarantees or warranties for their work. Ask potential electricians about their warranty policies and what they cover. A solid warranty can give you peace of mind, knowing that the electrician stands behind their work and is committed to customer satisfaction.
Don’t Short Circuit When Seeking an Electrician in Calgary
Finding the best electrician in Calgary for your home’s electrical needs requires careful consideration and research. Following these tips, you can confidently select a qualified and trustworthy electrician who will provide safe, reliable, and professional electrical services. Remember that investing in the right electrician can ultimately save you time, money, and potential headaches. Your home’s electrical system deserves nothing less than the best, and with the right electrician by your side, you can ensure your electrical needs are met with excellence.
Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home, or business for Calgary electrical services, or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, as well as trust and value, is how we can provide our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.
Electrical Repair in Calgary and Panels
As a homeowner, it’s crucial to understand the different types of electrical panels as it is conducive to your safety and to perform an apt electrical repair in Calgary when needed. Electrical panels are the heart of your home’s electrical system and are responsible for distributing electricity to all the circuits in your home, and without them, your home would be without power.
Find out about the different types of electrical panels that exist in any household and how they individually contribute to the functions of a home.
Different Types of Electrical Panels
An electrical panel, also known as a breaker box, is a metal box that houses the circuit breakers or fuses that control the amount of electricity that flows into your home. These panels are essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system. There are several different types of electrical panels available for your home repair. The three most common types are main breaker panels, subpanels, and fuse boxes.
Main Breaker Panels
Main breaker panels are the primary electrical source for your home. They are typically located near the electrical meter and are responsible for distributing power to all the circuits in your home. These panels contain a main breaker that shuts off power to the entire house in case of an emergency.
Main breaker panels are available in different sizes, depending on the amount of power your home requires. They range from 100 amps to 400 amps, and the size you need depends on the size of your home and the number of electrical appliances and devices you have.
Subpanels
Subpanels are additional electrical panels that are connected to the main breaker panel. They are used to distribute power to specific areas of your home, such as a garage or basement. Subpanels are beneficial because they allow you to add circuits without overloading the main breaker panel.
Subpanels are available in different sizes, and the size you need depends on the number of circuits you need and the amount of power they require.
Fuse Boxes
Fuse boxes are an older type of electrical panel that uses fuses instead of circuit breakers. Fuses are small glass or ceramic cylinders that contain a metal wire. When the wire becomes too hot, it melts, breaking the circuit and cutting off power to the circuit.
Fuse boxes are less common in modern homes, but they are still found in older homes. They are less reliable than circuit breakers because fuses need to be replaced when they blow, whereas circuit breakers can be reset.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of electrical panels for your home repair is crucial for maintaining the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system. Whether you need a main breaker panel, subpanel, or fuse box, it’s essential to choose the right one for your home’s needs.
If you experience any electrical panel problems, it’s important to troubleshoot them immediately to prevent damage to your home’s electrical system and appliances. Always remember to turn off the power to the panel before attempting any electrical repair in Calgary or calling a professional electrician for help.
Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home, or business for Calgary electrical services, or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, as well as trust and value, is how we can provide our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.
Difference between the breaker box and electrical panel
When it comes to household electrical wiring, the terms breaker box and electrical panel are often used interchangeably. However, these two pieces of equipment are actually quite different and serve different functions in the home. It is important to understand the difference between a breaker box and an electrical panel so that you, or someone from a reputable electrical company in Calgary, can properly identify and maintain your home’s electrical system.
Find out the difference between a breaker box and an electrical panel, and what they each do for your home and what they provide.
What is a breaker box?
A breaker box is a device used in homes and commercial buildings that houses the main electrical switch. It protects against electrical overloads, ensuring no circuit gets too much power and shuts off automatically if an overload occurs. Breakers come in various shapes and sizes, but all typically consist of an insulated metal enclosure containing breakers connected to an electrical power source.
The breaker box controls the flow of electricity from the main power source to other circuits within the home or building, protecting them from overloads. When the breaker trips, it cuts off the flow of electricity to the specific circuit. This can be due to an overload of electricity on that particular circuit, or it could indicate a wiring fault or some other problem. If you experience frequent tripping of a breaker, it’s important to call an electrical company in Calgary to assess the issue and ensure it is properly fixed.
What is an electrical panel?
An electrical panel is the main control unit responsible for distributing electricity to various parts of your home or building. It contains either circuit breakers or fuses and serves as the main power source for everything in your home, including all outlets, lights, and appliances. An electrical panel will usually have the main power switch or breaker and multiple other switches, each responsible for supplying power to different areas of your home.
The panel also contains wiring, which is connected to the various outlets and light fixtures in your home. When an electrical problem arises, it can be traced back to the electrical panel, allowing you to address the issue before further damage is caused.
Differences
A breaker box also called a circuit breaker panel, or electrical panel, is an important part of a home’s electrical system. It contains circuit breakers that control the flow of electricity in the home. It also provides the main switch that can be used to shut off all power in an emergency. On the other hand, an electrical panel is a larger piece of equipment that contains multiple breakers and serves as a central hub for wiring in your home. It also typically contains fuses and fuse boxes to protect your home from electrical surges. The primary difference is that the breaker box is designed to regulate and distribute the electrical current. In contrast, the electrical panel is designed to protect against power surges.
Flow of electricity
A breaker box usually has fuses or circuit breakers to manage the flow of electricity. Fuses are wired in series and are made of wire surrounded by heat-resistant material, such as ceramic or glass. Circuit breakers are switches that open when too much current flows through them. They’re also more convenient because you can easily reset them when they trip. An electrical panel is typically larger than a breaker box and contains multiple breakers, fuses, and fuse boxes. It’s designed to serve as the hub of your home’s electrical system and provide protection from power surges. Electrical panels often feature built-in surge protection devices (SPDs) that detect fluctuations in voltage levels and turn off power if necessary.
Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home, or business for Calgary electrical services, or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, as well as trust and value, is how we can provide our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.
Electrical repairs Calgary: How to conserve energy
Conserving energy has become a high priority for homeowners as energy bills steadily increase, resulting in an overwhelming price you can owe at the end of every month. Using low energy is beneficial for your home and the environment and will help your budget each month. This lifestyle change can seem incredibly overwhelming, requiring money, research, and the proper resources for an impactful implementation. But this shift in lifestyle doesn’t have to be too radical or expensive, and you can begin doing it in small steps—especially when supported by smart electrical renovations that modernize your home’s efficiency.
Find out what you can do to conserve energy, so you can save money and contribute to creating a more environmentally conscious household.
Daily adjustments
You can begin to ease your way into a more energy-efficient lifestyle by making small adjustments in your day-to-day life. These adjustments can include shutting off the lights in a room once you have left it, turning off appliances after you discontinue using them, or hanging your clothes to dry on a clothing line in lieu of using a dryer. These steps can eventually culminate in a smaller energy bill, and you can go even further by making sure you are using your heating and cooling systems only when necessary.
Programmable thermostat
A programmable can be purchased and easily installed in your home for a generally affordable price and work to reduce the amount of heat you use on a daily basis. You can program this type of thermostat to turn on and off during specific hours when you will leave home and when you are to return. You can also modify programmable thermostats to change depending on week-to-week to accommodate your own schedule. More so, programmable thermostats can have features that will alert you when the air filters on your HVAC system need to be changed or if general problems with the system arise, saving you the trouble of finding out when costly damages have already been inflicted.
Energy efficient windows
Windows can be a source of energy waste and can inflate the cost of your heating bill each month. If you have a single-pane, an upgrade to a double-pane will do wonders to keep the heat within your heat, where it so easily escapes with a single-pane. A window upgrade can be especially imperative if you reside in a colder climate, where storm and double-pane windows will effectively work to retain the heat inside your home and will reduce how much heat you’ll use per month.
Insulation
Insulation is often conducive to keeping your energy bill low and contributes to heat and cold air retention in your home, much like double-pane and storm windows. Areas within the home where insulation is best installed include the basement, attic, crawlspace, and walls. Insulation will allow you to use your heating and cooling systems less, substantially lowering your energy bills and usage.
Upgrading HVAC system
A typical HVAC system consists of heating, cooling, and ventilation, and when this vital home system is working correctly, it can raise the energy you use and your monthly bills. Some homeowners might not be aware that the inner workings of an HVAC system aren’t working until something explicitly stops working. To prevent damages to your system that will have you using more energy than you’ve intended, you should upgrade your HVAC system every few years to avoid complete electrical repairs in Calgary.
Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home, or business for Calgary electrical services, or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, as well as trust and value, is how we can provide our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.
Calgary Electrician: How to Save Money on Electricity
Electricity costs can make a big dent in your budget. But if you are like most homeowners, you probably don’t want to stop using everything that gives your life comfort and extreme efficiency. While saving energy can save you a substantial amount of money, you’ll be able to do so without having to compromise what you enjoy doing in your spare time, which tends to involve electricity one way or another. By adopting different energy-saving methods in your home and having a local electrician install new and accessible programs, you can effectively minimize your upcoming energy bill. And in urgent situations, having access to an emergency electrician in Calgary ensures you’re never left in the dark when something goes wrong unexpectedly.
Find out what more you can do to minimize your electricity bill each month through various sustainable and affordable ways.
Switch to Led Light Bulbs
For a good reason, LED light bulbs are becoming more and more common on the market. They use less power than other types of bulbs, they last longer and come in a wide range of colours. If you’re looking to save money on electricity, LED bulbs are your best bet.
A family placing a LED light bulb in a lamp
Replace Air Filters Regularly
A dirty filter can mean that your air conditioner is struggling to cool down your home because it has to work harder than it should. This can result in higher energy bills and lower comfort levels if you live in a hot climate. Make sure to replace your filters regularly so your air conditioner can do its job efficiently. By this, you can hire a Calgary electrician who will help you replace your air filters.
Use Programmable Thermostats
These devices allow you to set up rules for when certain appliances should be turned on or off automatically based on the time of day or day of the week. You can set up rules based on when you leave for work or school, when you arrive home, or even when you go to bed at night! This will help reduce the amount of electricity consumed by your appliances throughout the day and night without effort.
Use a Clothesline Instead of a Dryer
Drying clothes on a clothesline is one of the easiest ways to reduce your electric bill and save money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drying clothes outside in the sun can cut energy costs by up to 90% compared with using an electric dryer. And while most people think that using an outdoor clothesline is inconvenient, there are ways to do it without spending too much time outside or having your laundry sit out in the rain.
Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insulated
Heat loss can account for as much as 20% of your total home energy bill, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). So make sure that all areas of your home are properly insulated. This includes sealing any cracks or holes in walls and doors, installing storm windows, and installing double-pane windows where necessary. You can also use reflective film on windows if they face south or west; this helps reflect sunlight during the day, reducing heat gain inside your home at night when temperatures drop outside.
Replace Old Appliances with Energy-Efficient Ones
The average lifespan of an appliance is about ten years, but many people hang on to their old appliances far longer than that. If your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than ten years old, consider replacing it by hiring a skilled electrician for a new model that’s more energy efficient. You can find out how much energy an appliance uses by looking at its Energy Guide label, which is outside the box and gives you the estimated annual operating cost. When buying new appliances, look for the Energy Star label. It indicates that the EPA has certified the appliance to use 20% less energy than standard models.
Conclusion
Were you aware that electricity is sometimes wasted through inefficiency? About 20 percent of your total electricity bill is for waste. This can be prevented by knowing how to manage your energy costs more carefully. Some of the best ways to do this are not to leave electronics on standby, switch off lights and unplug appliances when not in use, and seal air leaks in your house with caulk or weather stripping.
Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home, or business for Calgary electrical services, or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, as well as trust and value, is how we can provide our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.
Electric repairs Calgary: Can I Replace an Electrical Panel Myself?
The electrical panel in your home is essential to keep your home functioning with power, and when this panel’s ability to work discontinues, it can wreak havoc on your household. An electric panel can stop working because of faulty wiring, it is at an advanced age and is expiring, it’s no longer up to code, or your home may have an outdated power system. In many cases, an electrical safety inspection can help identify these issues before they become dangerous or disruptive.
Although you may be in a rush to conduct these electric repairs yourself and undertake this challenging task so your home can operate normally again, there are risks involved. A homeowner can potentially complete these types of DIY repairs if they have a permit or a license that allows them to do so. Still, you must factor in safety and how your own experience configuring electrical items compares to that of a professional electrician.
Find out the signs that your control panel is in desperate need of repair if you can repair electrical panels yourself, what the risks are, and the benefits of hiring a professional.
Signs your control panel needs repairs
There are explicit signs that can arise that will let you know that your electric panel needs repairs or could potentially require a replacement. If your control panel suddenly produces a burning smell, this tends to mean that the control panel contains a bad circuit breaker or a wire has been disconnected. A burning smell can eventually culminate in a small electrical fire, so this issue should be examined as soon as possible. If you also begin to notice that the lights in your home have started to flicker, it could mean something is loose inside the panel, and you could need a replacement. If you’re also running all appliances in your home at full speed and capacity, you should look at the state of your panel to see to ensure it’s not becoming damaged.
A professional electrician repairing a electrical panel
Repairing an electric panel yourself
When you notice the signs that point to a damaged electrical panel that needs repairs, you might be tempted as a homeowner to mend the panel yourself. But this is something that you shouldn’t try to do due to the dangers involved. Because you are handling high voltages of electricity in electrical panels, a single mistake can lead to a severe injury or even death. Further, the entire process of repairing an electrical panel is complex, and the knowledge to fix it cannot be easily adopted using online resources. More so, in some locations, you will need a permit to work on electrical repairs yourself due to the dangers involved. Because of this, you will have to look into the local mandates in your community that could prohibit your ability to resolve any electrical problems yourself.
Hiring an electrician
Hiring a licensed electrician will prove to be a much better option when you need your electrical panel fixed rather than doing it yourself if you lack the experience. An electrician can better determine the root cause of why your panel isn’t working properly and what the solution is. If the repairs require rewiring your home’s electrical system, this can easily be completed by a qualified electrician.
Doing your electric repairs in Calgary yourself can be very hazardous, and such risks should be heeded. Protect your home and yourself by hiring a skilled electrician to fix your electrical panel.
Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home, or business for Calgary electrical services, or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, as well as trust and value, is how we can provide our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.
When it comes to permits for electrical upgrades, any electrician in Calgary knows it’s necessary to get when they’re working on electrical work. The same applies to those with basic knowledge of electrical wiring – a permit is a must.
For those planning to upgrade their electrical panel, check the cost of a permit before you start getting the paperwork ready for a permit.
Why Upgrade an Electrical Panel?
A common reason people end up having to upgrade their electrical panel is that it’s too old. Compared to modern homes, older homes’ electrical panels are susceptible to causing various electrical issues that can inconvenience homeowners.
For example, if you’re using more appliances that demand more power, you can often expect your circuit to break. In addition, it can get spooky when you notice your lamps and other overhead lighting are flickering. They’re all clear indicators that there are issues with the electrical panel, and it can’t meet your daily electrical demands.
Once you upgrade your electrical panel, you can start having a sufficient supply of clean electricity whenever you need it. Plus, by upgrading, you protect your electronics from damage and potential electrical fire hazards.
Why is a Permit Needed?
According to the City of Calgary, a permit is needed whenever you install, alter, or modify any main electrical service. In this case, the electrical panel counts as such, and you will need to apply for a permit.
The importance of gaining a permit can’t be understated enough. An electrical permit upholds safety code standards, so no electrical fires can potentially happen, and ensure everything is in working order.
Plus, with it being a requirement from the City of Calgary itself, you can bet that failure to get a permit has consequences. Namely, you would get fined and need to call in a professional at your own expense.
How Much Would it Cost?
If you’re planning to upgrade your electrical panel, you need to specifically get a homeowner electrical permit. After all, you don’t want to pay for a plumbing permit accidentally!
You can expect to pay $116.50 when you apply for a homeowner electrical permit. However, the initial cost of a homeowner permit is technically $112. This detail might seem strange at first glance, but it has a good reason. The reason why it’s a bit higher in price is that it accounts for the 4% cut from Safety Codes Council Fee, which is approximately $4.50.
Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust, and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.
For some, understanding anything about electrical wiring can be as confusing as detangling multiple wires from each other. When there are issues with electrical wiring, it’s no wonder that reaching out for electrical repairs in Calgary is an easy solution. In more complex environments, like offices or industrial settings, a commercial electrician in Calgary is often required to handle higher-capacity systems and ensure code compliance.
Yet, many can benefit from understanding their home’s electrical system. By equipping yourself with basic knowledge of electrical wiring, you can spot any early signs of trouble and even fix minor issues safely.
So, learn everything you need to know about electrical wiring and see how this knowledge can help you!
Tools and equipment being used to upgrade a homes electrical panel.
Understanding Electrical Wiring in Calgary
Basic knowledge of electrical wiring can come in handy in another unexpected way – obtaining an electrical permit. According to the City of Calgary’s homeowner electrical wiring guide, homeowners must have basic knowledge of electrical wiring for an electrical permit. It’s a handy document for reviewing what’s necessary for installation and what you can or cannot do regarding electrical work. In addition, looking into what the Canadian Electrical Code entails can further detail the regulations and rules surrounding electrical work.
Types of Electrical Wiring
When it comes to your home’s electrical system, various types of wiring help power it.
Here are the following types of wiring that are in your home:
Romex (non-metallic)
They are the most common type of circuit wiring since they’re suitable for use in dry, protected areas that won’t be susceptible to mechanical damage or excessive heat. Think stud walls or the sides of your joists for where these wirings are located.
Bx Cable (aka armoured cables)
These wires run inside a flexible aluminum or steel sheath and are fairly resistant to damage. You can expect to find this wiring in appliances like dishwashers and garbage disposals.
Conduit
Made of rigid metal or plastic tubing, it helps protect individual insulated wires. These wires are used as a means of protection for garages, sheds, and outdoor applications.
With either wiring, you want to ensure their size according to each circuit’s amperage. The wire size is important because it comes with a gauge number that can dictate how much current it can handle. The lower the gauge and the bigger the write, then it can have more current.
Fundamentals of Electrical Wiring
Power Service & Electrical Meter
The source of all your power! You can find your utility company’s services cable here from either overhead or underground. The meter helps measure the amount of electricity your home uses. It can give you an idea of your electrical bills since it only runs when electricity is being used in the house.
Breakers & Main Panel
After passing through your electrical meter, electrical service goes into your main panel (aka a breaker box) through hot wires—this feeds into utility on the neutral wire and completes the electrical circuit. The panel contains the main breaker, sized according to your home’s service capacity. Along the main breaker panel are switches that help control the flow of electricity in the house. Turning these off shuts off all power to devices and appliances in a circuit. When overloaded, it will shut off everything automatically. However, you can reset it by turning the switches on again.
Understanding these electrical systems in your home can help prevent the overload of your devices and appliances and any issues regarding your outlets and switches.
Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust, and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.
A lot goes into electrical work that most people wouldn’t know how it all works. That’s why electricians in Calgary must have an electrical permit to do their job. Yet, there are times when a homeowner must go out and apply for an electrical permit themselves.
Yet, the question is: when would you need to get an electrical permit?
Before you handle any electrical work in your home, see why you need one before doing so.
What is an Electrical Permit?
Under the Alberta Safety Codes Act and Permit Regulations, an electrical permit is required to install, alter or add to an electrical system. Since electrical systems are rather intricate and complicated, homeowners can only tie into the main panel without physically changing it and can add a sub-panel to an existing main service, provided there is a current main breaker.
However, homeowners are not allowed to do the following regarding electrical work:
install, alter or modify the main electrical service, including the main panel, main breaker or the meter base.
install electrical wiring in permanent, in-ground swimming pools, and hot tubs
install or alter solar photovoltaic systems
Generally, these electrical alterations result when homeowners decide to renovate or move in or out of a house. Many electrical companies in Calgary can’t stress enough that this is when homeowners should obtain an electrical permit.
Why is an Electrical Permit Necessary?
Uphold Safety Code Standards
The most important reason to get an electrical permit is for the safety of your home and family. All wiring must meet current building code standards to ensure that your home is safe from electrical fires.
Proper Electrical Installation
Another reason to get an electrical permit is to ensure that your home’s electrical system is installed correctly. Incorrectly wired homes can lead to annoying electrical issues and, worst-case scenario can become a possible fire hazard. An electrical permit ensures everything is in working order.
Avoid Legal Issues
If you do not get an electrical permit to work on your home’s wiring, you can face legal problems. You can be fined or even have your work redone by a professional at your own expense.
Benefits of an Electrical Permit?
Protect Home’s Resale Value
If you are planning on selling your home, it is important to get an electrical permit for any work that has been done on your home’s wiring. It will ensure that your home is up to code and that the work has been done correctly. An electrical permit assures potential buyers of your home’s safety and will be more willing to purchase.
Avoid Costly Repairs
If you do not get an electrical permit for work on your home’s wiring, you may be faced with costly repairs down the road. If your home is not up to code, you may be required to have the work redone by a professional. In some cases, it can easily become expensive when you need to tear down walls to get the job done correctly.
Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust, and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.