Name: Colz Electric
Address: 165 Shannon Hill SW, Calgary Alberta Canada, AB, T2Y 2Y8, CA
Telephone: 403-770-3030
Price range: $000 - $000

Common Electrical Problems and Receiving Help from an Electrician in Calgary

Electrical problems can be a common occurrence in homes, and Calgary is no exception. From flickering lights to circuit breaker trips, these issues can disrupt daily life and pose safety hazards. Understanding some of the most common electrical problems and knowing how to fix them can help homeowners address these issues promptly and effectively, such as by contacting your local electrician in Calgary for astute assistance.

Learn all about common electrical problems in Calgary homes and how your local electrician proceeds to mend these problems.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are a prevalent electrical problem that can occur due to various reasons. Loose connections, faulty bulbs, or issues with the electrical panel can lead to this annoying and potentially dangerous issue. To fix flickering lights, start by checking the bulbs and ensuring they are tightly screwed. If the problem persists, examine the wiring connections and tighten any loose connections. If the issue continues, it is advisable to seek professional help from a licensed electrician.

Circuit Breaker Trips

Frequent circuit breaker trips can be frustrating and indicate an underlying electrical problem. Overloaded circuits, short circuits, or ground faults are common causes of circuit breaker trips. To fix this issue, start by identifying the source of the problem. Unplug any devices that may be overloading the circuit and reset the breaker. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to redistribute the electrical load or install additional circuits. If you are uncertain or uncomfortable with electrical work, it is best to consult a qualified electrician.

Dead Outlets

Dead outlets are a common electrical problem that can occur in Calgary homes. This issue is often caused by a tripped GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet or a faulty outlet itself. Start by checking the GFCI outlets in your home and reset any that may have tripped. If the problem persists, inspect the outlet and test it with a voltage tester to determine if it is faulty. If needed, replace the outlet or seek professional assistance if you are not experienced in electrical repairs.

Dimming or Flickering Lights When Appliances Turn On

If your lights dim or flicker when you turn on appliances such as air conditioners or refrigerators, it may indicate an overloaded circuit or loose wiring connections. To fix this issue, consider redistributing the load by plugging the appliances into different circuits. Additionally, ensure that the wiring connections are secure and tighten any loose connections. If the problem persists, consult a professional electrician to evaluate the electrical system and make necessary repairs or upgrades.

Power Surges

Power surges can cause damage to electronic devices and appliances. Common causes include lightning strikes, utility company issues, or faulty wiring. To protect your devices, consider installing surge protectors throughout your home. These devices can help divert excess voltage and prevent it from reaching your valuable electronics. If power surges persist or occur frequently, it is advisable to have a professional electrician inspect your electrical system for any underlying problems.

Conclusion

Electrical problems can be frustrating and potentially hazardous if not addressed promptly. By understanding common issues like flickering lights, circuit breaker trips, dead outlets, dimming or flickering lights, and power surges, homeowners in Calgary can take appropriate measures to fix these problems. However, it is essential to remember that electrical work can be dangerous, and if you are unsure or uncomfortable, it is best to seek professional help from a licensed electrician in Calgary to ensure the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system.

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.

Electrician Calgary: When to replace your electrical panel

To ensure that your home is well-functioning, whether to live comfortably or to eventually sell the house, you want to keep your electrical wiring maintained and up to date. Part of this process is checking your electrical panel to see if it has decreased in quality and needs repairs or a replacement. Because your electrical panel keeps your home operating and your household secure, knowing the signs that your electrical panel needs to be replaced can be helpful for safety and maintenance purposes.

Find out the signs that you need an electrical panel replacement and when you should contact your local electrician in Calgary, that will successfully replace your electrical panel.

Aging panel

An electrical panel can usually last between 25 to 50 years before it begins to deteriorate visibly. This lifespan means that if you have purchased an older home built within the last 20 to 30 years, with an electrical panel already installed, it may have already begun to age and become worn out. You can get an inspection completed by a professional electrician in Calgary to determine if your panel has aged and needs a replacement or minor repairs.

Burning smell

If a smell has been permeating your home from your electrical panel, you need to get it inspected as soon as possible to avoid potential hazards resulting from a damaged panel. A burning smell, in particular, should be alarming for you and will indicate that your electrical panel needs to be replaced before it causes a house fire. This burning smell is often caused by the plastic jacket around the electrical wire melting or when wood insulation scorches. Fires originating from faulty electrical panelling can cause widespread around your property, meaning that it’s vital to correct this issue as soon as you smell burning.

Tripping breaker

When your electrical panel trips, it means that someplace in your home is drawing too much power, and you must flip a breaker so the power can flow again. While a tripping break is often normal, if it happens very frequently where it starts to become a noticeable nuisance, this tends to mean that there is something wrong with your electrical panel and it may need replacing, which can be confirmed by an experienced electrician.

Flickering lights

After turning on your lights and you notice they are flickering more often than not, especially when you turn on appliances; this could be a sign that your electrical panel is working to its full capacity. While you might perceive your lights flickering as an issue with the light itself, it’s more likely to be an issue with the electrical panel trying to draw more power than it can handle.

Recently installed appliances

If you have purchased a new appliance and you begin to notice issues with your electrical panel, it may be due to the fact that your panel doesn’t have enough to power the appliance, and the circuit could easily overload. When you obtain new appliances that include a dryer or washer, hot tub, air conditioning and any general HVAC system, you can expect these fixtures to use a lot of power that could impact your electrical panel, and a replacement will eventually be required.

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.

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.

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.

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 strive to become more eco-conscious, there are several ways our homes and businesses can do their part. Solar panels, for example, are a simple step to take that can have a large impact.

But how exactly do solar panels help the environment? Let’s explore a few of the ways.

3 Environmental Benefits of Solar Panels

1. Saves Water

Traditional electricity production can use thousands of litres of water every year. The water is used for cooling generators, processing and refining fuel, and transporting fuel through pipes.

Generating electricity with solar panels, however, requires no water at all. Seeing as how you are harvesting energy directly at your home or business, the entire refining process is skipped entirely. This also ensures that water is no longer risking contamination and filtering back into the earth. The only water you’ll ever need is when you want to give your solar panels a quick clean!

2. Reduces Air Pollution

Electricity generation from fossil fuels can generate harmful carbon dioxide and methane emissions that lower the quality of air that we breathe. These gasses build up over time and negatively impact our ozone layer, which in turn contributes to climate change.

Workers Measuring Photovoltaic Cells Dimensions Of Solar Panel

By using solar panels, you are ensuring that no harmful emissions are being produced. As more and more homes and businesses choose solar installations in Calgary, you will be able to quantifiably measure the difference in air pollution.

3. Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

Solar energy is one of the cleanest sources of energy. Not only do solar panels not require any water to successfully work or give off emissions, but they take advantage of an abundant and free resource: the sun. This is an extremely effective way for your home or business to become more efficient and sustainable.

Save both the environment and money on your monthly electricity bill by choosing solar installations 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, 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.

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 Calgary electrical panel upgrades.

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.

We all know what winters in Calgary are like; cold, long and hard. Yet, every year we band together to scrape off our cars, shovel our walks and endure the short and icy days. It is our resilience that makes us persevere, but it is our ingenuity that truly makes this time of year bearable.

As humans are tool-users by nature, we all have quite a collection of implements to help insulate and clear our home from the winter’s harsh grasp. From spring-loaded shovels and solid metal ice chisels to snow blowers and ice melt, the solutions available to us are more plentiful than ever. Now, with the help of residential electricians, there is a new tool to help us protect our home better than before.

Garage Heaters, Roof Heat Tracing and How They Help You

Garage Heaters

Your garage is an important part of your home, and depending on your lifestyle, you may spend more time in it than you would like to admit. Although this is already a fantastic reason for you to employ the service of a residential electrician, in the winter, the benefits really begin to bear their fruit.

Garage heaters can help keep snow and ice from accumulating around the door entrance, and they also prevent your home from shifting and shrinking in extremely cold temperatures. Plus, for those of us who use our garages to park vehicles, there is no better feeling than entering a warm car from a warm garage to escape the bitter clutches of the cold.

Forced Air Natural Gas Ceiling Mounted Garage Heater

Roof Heat Tracing

Heat tracing has become a more popular technology in recent years. These small metal bands are easy to install, discrete and more than a little helpful in winter. Currently, we are installing heat tracing on various roofs around Calgary to help in the impending snow dump.

These devices help prevent ice dams in eavestroughs and give the undercurrent of melting water a reliable path that prevents icicles and other snow-related damage from occurring on your roof.

The Residential Electrician for You

At Colz Electric, we provide superior service for all of your electrical needs. This includes the installation of garage heaters, roof heat tracing, upgrades to legacy electrical systems and more. Simply give us a call or reach out through our website, and we will be happy to answer your questions and provide further information. Stay warm!

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.