Electrical Contractors Calgary and common maintenance

Electrical maintenance in the home is an imperative function to sustain the electrical system in your home. For general upkeep of your system, electrical contractors in Calgary usually need to service certain systems to keep them from completely malfunctioning and disconnecting. As the electrical system plays a vital role in the operation of any household, undertaking regular or annual maintenance provided by your electrical contractor will keep everything functioning properly on your property without fault and interruption. This note of general electrical upkeep begs the question, what are the most common forms of electrical maintenance, and what do they consist of?

Find out what general maintenance upkeep is most common among electrical systems in the household and what they mean for your home.

System upgrades

As your electrical system ages, it will require annual and regular maintenance so it operates without fault. A system upgrade from your local electrical contractor in Calgary tends to involve the installation of new wiring and obtaining newer fixtures and receptacles. More so, the many elements of the fuse box will also require a thorough tune-up that will produce enduring results. Particularly, if your electrical panel is often blowing a fuse, cackling sounds are becoming explicit within the box, and the outlets in your home are hot to the touch, these are signs that repairs and fixtures are necessary and should not be put off.

Underground wiring systems

For commercial properties, having underground wiring systems is a fairly common practice and having them regularly inspected can be an undertaking that is often overlooked. Maintaining these underground wiring systems can be extremely hazardous when you haven’t been properly trained in working with such wiring. To get these systems securely maintained and inspected, you need to acquire help from a professional who should be able to dig up the ground, replace any damaged wires, and do an entire inspection without interruption to the commercial facility operations and the ground.

Lights

The lights, and the wiring systems that connect the lights, will often need to be maintained, so you can keep your home and commercial property illuminated. If you begin to notice that the wiring of your lights is becoming steadily frayed, you should contact a professional electrical contractor to repair or replace them as soon as you can to avoid any sudden mishaps. An electrician will often be proactive in tending to faulty lighting systems, but you should still shut off the affected light in anticipation of its repair for safety measures.

Outlet fixes

Once an outlet fails to work, continuously trying to make it can cause harm if not properly tended to. Because an outlet can fail to work due to a short or an electrical fire, you will need to replace the entire outlet. This type of electrical maintenance requires a safe replacement from a skilled professional, as it can be quite hazardous to do so without experience.

Appliance lines

When installing new, large, modern appliances in your home, they must be properly wired. Appliances like washers, dryers, television sets, and ovens take much more than plugging them into the outlet. Sometimes, a complete overhaul of your current electrical system, along with appliance wiring, is needed to protect your home and newly purchased appliance.

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.

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.

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!

Commercial electrical companies calgary — 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.

An electrical inspection refers to examining and testing an electrical installation’s condition, adequacy, or functioning. Those who schedule in regular electrical maintenance in Calgary have identified unsafe installations or equipment failures that could lead to damage, injury, and fire risks and prevent unnecessary power outages.

In which case, what things does an electrician look out for during an electrical inspection? What is all included in one?

Read on to see what you need to include on your checklist!

Reasons for an Electrical Inspection

When it comes to electrical maintenance, an inspection is instrumental in ensuring safety by preventing and addressing any apparent issues. Yet, what circumstances would you need to get an electrical inspection? You would be surprised that there are various situations where you might need one!

Here are a few reasons why you may need an electrical inspection:

If you noticed any electrical issues
Before buying a home
After major renovations
In the aftermath of a brutal storm

In these circumstances, it’s warranted since you want to ensure that all electrical wiring is in working order and meets safety standards.

Electrical Inspection Checklist

During an electrical inspection, there are various things that an electrician will be on the lookout for that are important. The listed checklist below is what’s included within a routine electrical inspection:

Identifying any electrical hazards – such as uncovered, exposed, or outdated wiring
Ensure GFCI outlets are wired correctly
Testing and checking safety switches, and electrical meter
Examining the electrical panel by checking the circuit breaker capacity
Assessing and maintaining past repairs
Locating and testing fire alarms
Making sure everything is up to code

Frequency of Inspection for Electrical Maintenance

Maintenance can seem like a chore. Yet, ensuring electrical maintenance through an inspection is rather low maintenance! It’s generally recommended every three to five years. Yet, other factors can affect how soon you should get an electrical inspection. As a rule of thumb, it’s in your best interest to get one if a place is over 25 years old since they can be riddled with older wiring, which can be prone to faulty use and even pose a safety hazard. In addition, if you notice any DIY work done with your electrical wiring, call in a professional for an electrical inspection to remedy any issues the DIY work could potentially create.

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.

Sudden power outages can be so jarring and unexpected that they can leave you stupefied in complete darkness and unsure of what to do next.

Even though the electricity has been zapped from your home, it doesn’t mean you need to be a sitting duck until the power comes back on.

Until a Calgary electrician can assist you, there are many self-sufficient ways to cope with power outages. Below we have compiled a list of insightful tips and tricks that will prepare you for the unexpected.

How-To: Deal with a Power Outage

Prepare For The Long Haul

Power outages can vary drastically, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several hours. If your power isn’t coming back any time sooner, it’s best to anticipate a longer power outage by allocating necessities effectively until the power comes back.

For families, it is recommended to have a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit on hand during potential power outages. The kit can supply a family with common necessities and supplies for up to three days.

Mind Your Electronics & Appliances

A staple for power outages is to make sure to have backup batteries for electronics – they’re handy for any essential use.

In addition, a good way to protect your electronic devices is to use a surge protector. How does this help? A surge protector protects your electronics from sudden power loss because of voltage spikes. It notably comes in handy during lightning strikes.

To avoid damage from overload when the power is restored, make sure to disconnect any electrical appliances and equipment.

Wary of Carbon Monoxide

During a power outage, it’s strongly recommended not to use anything that emits carbon monoxide. This includes indoor barbeques, kerosene heaters, or camp stoves. When you use gas stoves for too long with poor ventilation, it can be incredibly dangerous.

If you need to keep warm, you can do so by bundling up with a few layers. Also, if you’re living with other people, you can keep warm together and stay close to one another to retain body heat.

Preserve Your Food

Appliances like your fridge and freezer will be down with the power off, leaving your food high and dry to get spoiled. You can use a cooler filled with either ice or snow to help keep food cold.

However, once a power outage is over, it’s important to look through your fridge and freezer in case anything becomes spoiled anyway. If power has been out for more than 48 hours, it’s best to throw out all refrigerated food.

Get Electrical Repairs

Homes are not completely immune to damages inflicted from a power outage. Common cases of brief power outages happen due to extreme weather conditions or a planned interruption from your service provider. In other instances, some power outages can result from faulty wiring or an issue with your home’s electrical system. If these issues persist, it’s best to reach out for electrical repairs. Make sure to save some of your phone’s battery life to make a call to your local electrician!

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.

During the winter, the possibility of a power outage is always a concern, especially with the volatile weather in Alberta. When a power outage hits and you need electrical repairs in Calgary, it can be a scary moment if the temperature is below freezing and you aren’t prepared to handle the cold.

Tips for Winter Power Outages in Calgary

The best thing you can do to handle the scary time after your power goes out and the electrical repairs in Calgary that bring it back on, is to prepare for a power outage before it occurs. Below is a list of things you can do or buy to ensure you can handle your next winter power outage.

Ways To Prepare

-Purchase a generator.

-Ensure you have plenty of food and water stored.

-If you have a fireplace, make sure you have plenty of wood to keep it going.

-If you don’t have a fireplace, make sure you have plenty of heaters compatible with your generator to keep your home warm.

-Making sure you have a way to stay warm if the power goes out during a snowstorm.

-Ensure sure you have a battery-powered radio in case of emergency.

-Ensure you have flashlights and extra batteries in case of emergency.

Things To Keep In Mind

Always remember that children and the elderly are most susceptible to winter weather. Always make sure they’re warm enough during a power outage, especially if it’s cold outside. Make sure they have plenty of extra clothes, blankets, and heaters to keep them warm.

If you live in an apartment or condominium complex which is not sufficiently heated due to a power outage, the first thing you should do is contact your landlord or building manager. They will be able to make the arrangement for electrical repairs in Calgary as soon as possible.

If you think something is wrong with your power line, call your utility company immediately. Don’t try to fix it yourself – that could be very dangerous to you and others. Remember, a power outage in the winter can be dangerous, but with proper preparation, you can make sure you and your loved ones are safe. Stay warm and stay safe!

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.

As we continue to make advancements in the field of electrical science, we’re exposed to the ways in which our previous codes and standards are no longer suitable. This means that older homes may have been built properly, but their electrical wiring no longer meets the standards that we hold today.

For those looking for peace of mind and a safer electrical system, opting to call a Calgary electrician for an aluminum wiring replacement may be worth exploring. But how much will such a project cost? And why should aluminum wiring be replaced in the first place? Let’s take a closer look.

How Much Do Aluminum Wiring Replacements Cost?

Aluminum wiring replacements can be a rather costly home improvement project to take on, ranging anywhere from $300 to $500 per outlet. This can add to up to between $8,000 and $15,000 for replacing the wiring in an entire house.

Therefore, some homeowners may opt to simply repair the aluminum wiring instead, which can cut the price tag in half. However, it’s important to note that this is not a permanent solution and does not remove the fire hazard altogether.

Why Should Aluminum Wiring Be Replaced?

In terms of functionality, aluminum wiring works exactly like copper, which is what you will find in more modern homes and builds. However, its main issue lies in its connections and conductivity.

When the electrical current passes through the cables and connectors, the wires begin to expand and eventually heat up. While thermal expansion is normal and to be expected, regardless of the type of wire, aluminum wiring expands three times as much as copper wiring.

When the electricity is turned off and wires cool down, the wiring contracts and the connectors, in theory, follow suit. However, the aluminum wiring places so much pressure on the connectors that, over time, they begin to lose their shape and fail to seal completely to the wiring. These small gaps expose the wires to oxygen, which then oxidizes and allows the connection point to heat up even more.

As the gap widens, the oxidation continues, and the connections loosen, you increase the risk for fire hazards.

While aluminum wiring replacements are undoubtedly a large undertaking, they are worth your consideration. Don’t hesitate to contact a Calgary electrician when approaching the project, as they will be able to offer you a number of options and solutions.

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.