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!

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.

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.

It may surprise you how vast and extensive the role of an electrician is. Thanks in part to home renovation shows, they may be best known for installing new electrical systems in a house, but they hold many more responsibilities than that.

Conducting electrical repairs in Calgary is also an integral part of their job, as wiring and electrical systems can be damaged post-installation. But what might these electrical repairs entail? Let’s take a look!

6 Types of Electrical Repairs

Panel Box Repairs

Your panel box is your main source of electricity. However, if you begin to notice consistent issues with power around your home, your panel box may no longer be operating properly. Electricians will be able to come in and offer any repairs, as well as suggest when a new panel box is required altogether.

Outlet Repairs

Loose and damaged outlets are incredibly dangerous to your property, as the exposed and faulty wires can become a fire hazard as soon as the outlet is utilized. Electricians will be able to repair or even replace your outlets, depending on the severity of the situation.

Generator Repair

For businesses that require constant power, such as hospitals, or homes located in the countryside, having a reliable generator can be the difference between a slight delay and a major headache. Electricians are able to tackle any issue related to your generator, as well as conduct check-ups to ensure it’s still functioning properly.

Wiring Repairs

Older homes tend to have aluminum wiring running through the structure, which, we have since learned, tends to heat up while in use. This can become a major fire hazard. Electricians can be called to replace any old and faulty wiring, ensuring your home is completely safe.

Smoke Detector and Fire Alarm Repairs

When it comes to fire safety, never put off repairs to systems that keep you safe. By conducting a regular test on your safety systems, such as your smoke detectors or fire alarms, you can be alerted when there is an issue. You can then ask an electrician to come in and ensure everything is restored to peak condition.

Lighting Repairs

Similar to that of old wiring, some lighting fixtures are outdated, thus causing more harm than good to your home. By contacting an electrician, you can ensure all wiring and electrical surrounding your lighting is collecting the correct amperage while also taking measures to be more energy efficient, thus saving you money on your monthly bills.

Electricity is one of the most beneficial innovations we have the luxury to benefit from in the 21st century. However, it also comes with a fair amount of knowledge, and professionals must devote a significant portion of their lives to understanding this remarkably versatile and dangerous resource, including learning about electrical panel upgrade in Calgary.

Still, for the casual electricity user, this relationship may not exist. For many of us, it is enough to simply flick the switch on and off before calling it a day. But then, how do we improve our electrical systems when it is time to upgrade or install a new piece of equipment? What must we do to ensure there is sufficient electrical power and guards to prevent short circuits?

How Many Breakers Do You Need in your Calgary Electrical Panel?

The breakers in your home are essentially just a hardwired safety device. The main power generated by the power plant exists on one side of the breaker. On the other side are the electrical circuits, outlet and connected device. Only when the breaker is connected do they receive power and function correctly.

So, when looking for electrical panel upgrades in Calgary, the amperage is not actually terribly relevant. Instead, it is the number of spaces for breakers that you should consider. Why is this?

All of the information you hear about calculating electrical load for a building is correct and relevant to master electricians, architects and builders. Still, for the consumer, it is often not a relevant consideration. Unless you are planning to add larger load sizes for extra appliances, the amount of small-amp breakers is already predetermined.

One of the main reasons for this is that amperage is not a consistent measure. If your blender is on, but your garburator isn’t, the amperage is less than if both devices were being used simultaneously. Because the load isn’t consistent, you can add more circuits to the system without issue. Just don’t go putting in energy-sucking equipment after the fact.

Start Your Electrical Upgrades Today!

Your electrical upgrade goals can become a reality with our help! Contact us to get information, quotes and advice about all your electrical questions and needs!

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 electrician performs many functions related to ordinary household electricity. However, they also perform similar tasks for businesses and corporations. Furthermore, the functions that a journeyman electrician performs will also differ from those of a master electrician. Understanding these differences is an integral part of the career of an electrician, and you can find out more about them just down below.

Core Functions of Calgary Electricians

One of the main functions of an electrician is performing maintenance. Whether you’re dealing with a malfunctioning electrical panel or looking to install additional outlets, a qualified electrician ensures the work is done safely and efficiently. In today’s evolving energy landscape, this also includes modern upgrades like EV charger installation in Calgary, which is becoming increasingly common as more homeowners make the switch to electric vehicles.

Additionally, master electricians play a crucial role in new construction projects. Since they are the only professionals authorized to request electrical permits, their presence is essential on job sites for any new installations—whether it’s wiring a brand-new home, adding a detached garage, or integrating advanced solutions like EV charging infrastructure.

Portrait of smiling young technician woman in factory

A third function of electricians is the upgrading of electrical systems in older homes or buildings. Naturally, as our societies advance, our regulations and standards change, and electrical components are a significant part of these innovations. As well, electrical systems can degrade over time. They may pose a hazard if not addressed in a reasonable amount of time. As a result, you may wish for an electrician to come and upgrade your electrical box, replace wiring, or install new outlets, among other things.

Finally, there are many niche services that electricians may perform. These services range quite a bit, from solar panel installation to home automation services. Or, from data cabling to security system installation. Each of these requires specialized training and dedication to making the project turn out well.

Ultimately, you can consider anything electrical as a part of the duties of an electrician or master electrician.

Where to Find Your Calgary Electrician

Finding a certified and capable electrician in Calgary is not overly complicated. Of course, Colz Electric will perform any of the functions described above, and with friendly and hospitable service. It is as simple as picking up the phone and dialling the number.

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. Please speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.