Author: Alex Fleming

Visualize yourself in the middle of winter in Ottawa. The wind is howling, the snow is piling up, and suddenly—everything goes dark. No heating, no lights, no Wi-Fi. Your home or business is at a standstill.

Power outages aren’t just an inconvenience. They can disrupt your life, damage appliances, and even pose safety risks. The good news? You don’t have to be at the mercy of blackouts. You can enjoy uninterrupted power all year long with the right strategies and the expertise of local electrical contractors like Salter Electric.

Here are 5 proven tips to keep the lights on, no matter what Ottawa’s weather throws at you.

1. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel – The Brain of Your Power Supply

Think of your electrical panel as the control center of your home. If it’s outdated, your entire system is at risk. Most homes built before 1990 still rely on 100-amp panels, which simply aren’t designed for today’s power demands.

According to ESA, outdated panels are one of the main reasons for electrical fires in older homes.

An upgrade to a 200-amp panel ensures your home can handle modern appliances without overloading circuits. This means:

– No more flickering lights when you turn on the microwave.

– No more tripped breakers when running multiple devices.

– A lower risk of electrical fires due to overheating.

Our certified electricians in Ottawa can assess your current panel and recommend the right upgrade for your home or business. Salter Electric specializes in seamless panel replacements, ensuring your power stays stable, safe, and reliable.

2. Invest in a Whole-House Surge Protector

Power surges can destroy your appliances in seconds. And they don’t just come from lightning storms. In fact, 80% of power surges originate inside your home due to faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or sudden voltage spikes.

A whole-house surge protector acts as a security guard for your electrical system. It absorbs excess voltage before it reaches your appliances, protecting expensive electronics like:

– TVs and computers

– Refrigerators and washing machines

– Smart home devices

The cost of a single power surge can exceed $10,000 in appliance damage. Installing a surge protector is a one-time investment that could save you thousands. Ourlicensed electrical repair contractors in Ottawa can install these systems in just a few hours, keeping your home protected 24/7.

3. Install a Backup Generator – Your Power Safety Net

When Ottawa’s grid goes down, a backup generator can be a lifesaver. A properly installed generator automatically kicks in when power is lost, keeping your essential systems running.

According to EATON, the average power outage in Ontario lasts approx. 123 minutes, but severe storms can cause blackouts lasting days. Can you afford to be without power for that long?

You’ll have continuous electricity with a standby generator for:

– Heating systems in freezing temperatures

– Medical equipment that requires constant power

– Refrigeration to prevent food spoilage

A professional electrical contractor in Ottawa can recommend the right size generator based on your home’s energy needs. Salter Electric ensures expert installation, so your generator is always ready when needed.

4. Regular Electrical Inspections – Catch Problems Before They Happen

Would you drive a car for 10 years without an inspection? Of course not. Your electrical system needs the same care.

Small electrical issues can escalate into major power failures if left unchecked. Common warning signs include:

– Buzzing outlets

– Burning smells

– Frequent breaker trips

Certified electrical companies in Ottawa (like ours) can:

– Check for outdated wiring

– Identify overloaded circuits

– Prevent future hazards

Salter Electric provides thorough inspections, ensuring your system is in top shape before problems arise.

5. Smart Home Automation – The Future of Reliable Power

Technology has made power management smarter than ever. A smart electrical system allows you to:

– Monitor power usage in real-time

– Receive outage alerts

– Control appliances remotely

Imagine getting a warning on your phone before a major power failure. With smart circuit breakers and voltage monitors, you can prevent issues before they happen.

Energy-efficient smart homes use 30% less electricity on average, reducing both costs and strain on your system. Youcan benefit from ourelectrical services in Ottawa by upgrading your home with the latest automation tools for maximum control and efficiency.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel in Ottawa?
The cost varies based on panel size and installation complexity. On average, a 200-amp upgrade costs between $1,500 – $3,500.

2. Do I need a permit to install a backup generator in Ottawa?
Yes, in most cases, you’ll need an electrical permit from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). A licensed electrical contractor in Ottawa can handle the process for you.

3. What appliances should I prioritize during a power outage?
Focus on heating, refrigeration, medical equipment, and communication devices. A standby generator ensures these essentials stay powered.

4. How often should I schedule an electrical inspection?
We recommend a full inspection every 3-5 years. Older homes should be checked more frequently to prevent hazards.

5. Can I install a whole-house surge protector myself?
No, surge protectors require professional installation to be effective. Certified electricians in Ottawa can ensure proper setup for maximum protection.

Stay Powered with the Right Electrical Contractors in Ottawa

Ottawa’s power grid isn’t perfect. But with these five strategies—and the expertise of Salter Electric—you can have a reliable, uninterrupted power supply.

If you’re serious about protecting your home or business, don’t wait for the next blackout. Contact Salter Electric today and keep your power safe, steady, and secure.

Electricity is the backbone of every home and business. But when things go wrong, one bad repair can lead to major risks—fire hazards, electrocution, or even property damage.

If you need electrical work done, you can’t afford to hire the wrong people. Whether it’s home electrical repair in Ottawa or a complete electrical panel installation in Ottawa, choosing the right contractor is critical. But with so many electrical companies in Ottawa, how do you find the best one?

Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Look for Licensed and Insured Electricians

Would you let an unlicensed driver take your car for a spin? Then why trust an unlicensed electrician with your home’s wiring?

Electrical work in Ontario is regulated, and all electrical contractorsmust be licensed by the ESA. Without a proper license, there’s no guarantee of safety, quality, or compliance with the Ontario Electrical Code.

Unlicensed electrical work can void your home insurance. If something goes wrong, you’re on your own. So, before hiring an electrician, always ask for their ESA license number and proof of insurance.

2. Check Their Experience and Specialization

Not all electricians have the same skills. Some specialize in home lighting electrician services in Ottawa, while others focus on electrical panel upgrades. A handyman might know how to replace an outlet, but can they safely upgrade your home’s wiring?

For bigger jobs like electrical panel installation in Ottawa, experience matters. A panel upgrade done wrong can lead to power surges, equipment failure, or even electrical fires.

Always ask:

– How long have you been in business?

– Do you specialize in the service I need?

– Can you provide references from similar projects?

For a company like Salter Electric, decades of experience mean they’ve handled every type of electrical problem out there.

3. Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Would you eat at a restaurant with zero reviews? Probably not. The same logic applies to hiring electrical contractors in Ottawa. A good reputation is earned, not claimed.

Check online reviews on:

– Google

– HomeStars

– Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Look for:

– Overall rating – A reliable contractor should have at least 4.5 stars or higher.

– Recent reviews – A five-star rating from five years ago means nothing today.

– Customer complaints – Do they leave jobs unfinished? Overcharge? Ignore safety codes?

With a trusted company like Salter Electric, positive customer feedback speaks for itself.

4. Compare Pricing — but Beware of Cheap Quotes

Electrical work isn’t something to cut corners on. If one contractor quotes half the price of others, ask yourself why. Are they using low-quality materials? Are they skipping permits?

A reputable contractor will provide a detailed quote, breaking down:

– Material costs (e.g., wiring, outlets, switches)

– Labor fees

– Permit costs (if needed)

If a quote seems suspiciously low, ask for clarification. With electrical services in Ottawa, you get what you pay for.

5. Ask About Warranties and Guarantees

What happens if something goes wrong after the job is done? A professional contractor will stand behind their work with warranties.

A good warranty should cover:

– Labor (at least 1 year)

– Parts and materials (depending on the manufacturer)

Salter Electric, for example, guarantees high-quality workmanship. If an issue arises due to installation, we’ll fix it—no extra cost.

6. Ensure They Offer Emergency Services

Electrical issues don’t wait for business hours. Power outages, faulty circuits, or sparking outlets can happen anytime. If you ever face an urgent problem, having an emergency electrical repair contractor in Ottawa is crucial.

Ask if they provide:

– 24/7 emergency service

– Same-day appointments

– Fast response times

7. Verify They Follow Electrical Code Standards

Ontario’s Electrical Safety Code changes frequently. A contractor who isn’t up to date can put your home at risk. Hiring an experienced home lighting electrician in Ottawa ensures your project meets safety standards.

FAQs

1. How do I know if an electrician is licensed in Ottawa?
Ask for their ESA license number or check the ESA website for verification.

2. Can I do electrical work myself?
In Ontario, homeowners can do minor electrical work, but a permit is required. Major work, like panel upgrades, must be done by a licensed contractor.

3. What should I do in case of an electrical emergency?
Turn off the power and call our emergency electricians in Ottawa immediately. Never attempt DIY fixes for exposed wires or sparking outlets.

4. How much does it cost to hire an electrician in Ottawa?
Prices vary but expect to pay $100–$150 per hour for a licensed professional. Panel upgrades can cost $1,500–$3,000.

5. Why should I choose Salter Electric?
With decades of experience, ESA certification, and top-rated customer service, Salter Electric is one of the most trusted electrical contractors in Ottawa.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right electrical contractors in Ottawa isn’t just about price—it’s about safety, reliability, and long-term value. Whether you need home electrical repair in Ottawa or a full electrical panel installation, cutting corners can cost you big in the long run.

For top-tier electrical services, Salter Electric is a name you can trust. Get the job done right—the first time.