When it comes to your home’s electrical system, a proactive approach can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. At Salter Electric, we understand that electrical maintenance and repairs in Ottawa and Orléans are essential to ensure your home’s safety and functionality. Our commitment to serving your needs extends beyond our recent recognition for excellence—it’s rooted in our dedication to your peace of mind.
At Salter Electric, our commitment to providing exceptional service goes beyond electrical repairs and upgrades. We understand that your peace of mind is invaluable, especially when you’re planning an extended vacation. Our recent recognition with the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence is a testament to our dedication to serving you.
This article will provide you with everything you need to know about electrical inspections, including what they are, when you need one, why they are important, and common home electrical issues. Additionally, we will answer some frequently asked questions and provide recommendations for hiring a reputable and professional electrician
Have you been dreading the thought of receiving your high electricity bill in the mail? You probably have already made a budget for your household expenses, but at the same time, you are unable to figure out why you are spending so much on the electricity bill. If you estimate your household electricity consumption to be average, and your bill is higher than this total, then you might need to get your electrical system checked along with making some changes to save on electricity usage. So, let’s look at the reasons for your high electricity bill to get a better idea of how to conserve energy and save money.
Although electricity is one of the most necessary power sources for a household or business, it comes with its own drawbacks. On the bright side, most of these can be avoided—particularly electrical surges, better known as power surges. This type of occurrence can wreak havoc on your appliances and lighting. So, learning more about what causes them, how to avoid them, and when to call an electrician can help protect your home and your devices.
What is a Power Surge?
Power surges occur when there is a sudden burst of electrical energy. The average voltage level for a home goes from 110 to 220 volts, but when the voltage that runs through the wiring is higher than normal, you have a power surge. They range from relatively small increases in power to larger ones. Either way, they damage your plugged-in appliances.
What causes a power surge in your house?
Power surges are brought on by different factors, from natural causes to damaged power lines.
1- Electrical Overload-
An electrical overload results from too many devices using a single circuit as their primary power source. This situation leads to a power surge when the circuit receives a rush of current due to the amount of power being drawn from it. Consequently, there’s a spike in voltage followed by a power surge.
2- Faulty Wiring
Another common cause is faulty wiring. This situation is hard to detect since the wiring is not visible. However, when your wires are frayed or exposed, you may experience a power surge. Likewise, you need to be on the lookout for other signs, such as a buzzing noise when lights or appliances are turned on, a burning odour, and burn marks on outlets. If you observe any of these signs, you need to call an electrician immediately. This situation poses a fire hazard and should be addressed right away.
Storms trigger power surges when lightning strikes the power lines—thus sending a massive amount of electrical current through them and straight into your home’s system. This creates a tremendous spike in voltage, which in turn causes a significant power surge.
4- Power Outage/Blackout-
While the power outage (also known as a blackout) does not directly cause power surges, it is a contributing factor. When the power grid is repaired and back in operation, the sudden surge in electricity that happens right at that second can damage your devices that don’t have surge protectors.
What are the signs of a power surge?
There are several signs to watch out for that may indicate a power surge is coming, and knowing them will help you determine when you should call an electrician for assistance.
Signs of a pending power surge include:
Burning smells or smoke coming from outlets
Damaged wiring
Warm or vibrating outlets
Discolored areas that surround wires and outlets
Some signs that a power surge has already happened include:
Fortunately, power surges are avoidable for the most part. To protect your devices, try taking these measures.
1- Unplug everything during a storm
If you see a storm approaching, you should unplug all gadgets and appliances. It is the only way to protect your appliances from damage caused by power surges.
2- Power strips with surge protection
You can also purchase power strips with surge protection. It turns off the power automatically during a storm or when there are power fluctuations. This option is especially effective when protecting your TVs, computers, and phones.
3- Consider installing a whole home surge protector
If you want to go beyond power strips and protect all devices and appliances that must stay plugged in 24/7 (like your refrigerator), you can hire an electrician to install a whole-home surge protector. Because a whole-house surge protector must be hard-wired to your electrical box, the job would require the help of a professional.
4- Have an electrician evaluate your wiring
It is important to have your wiring inspected by a certified electrician if you live in an older house. A professional can also recommend any additional updates to keep your home safe.
5- Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS)
Yet another wise investment in electrical surge protection and home safety is a transient voltage surge suppressor. These devices are used in power distribution panels, communication systems, and process control systems in the industrial sector. Like the home surge protector, they are installed directly in the electrical box.
Are you ready to take the next step in protecting your home from power surges? Then contact Salter Electric, the power surge specialist. We specialize in electrical system upgrades and repairs—including the installation of TVSS. We inspect your home’s electrical system and provide a free consultation.
Home is where you hang your hat as the adage goes. In other words, it’s where you spend most of your time. Therefore, you need to pay some attention to your indoor lighting. Having not just adequate but high-quality lighting is an important necessity and adds to the overall ambience of your home.
Did you know that 51,000 residential fires occur each year, resulting in nearly 500 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries, plus $1.3 billion in property damage? This sobering data is frightening and increases yearly. Therefore, how do you ensure that your family is safe and that your most valuable investment remains intact?
Having electrical work done in your home or other space can be expensive, time consuming, and dangerous. That being said, doing electrical work yourself if you are not a licensed or experienced electrician can be tricky, hazardous, and deadly in some situations. Though it might be tempting to try and follow a tutorial that you found online to rewire that light switch, it is always best to get the help of a professional and we want to tell you why. Here are some DIY and electrical repair risks to watch out for.
Working with electricity comes with a lot of unforeseen risks. It can prove to be highly lethal if safety precautions are not followed carefully. As an electrical trainee, you should familiarise yourself with the associated risks and ensure you adhere to all the safety guidelines.
Whether it is home or office, nobody likes their productivity to go down because of electrical reasons. A lot of people have started working from home due to the ongoing pandemic. But not all homes have proper electrical fittings to work as an office, so it needs upgrades and modifications.
