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!

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.

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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.

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 a professional 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.

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.