It’s estimated that 63% of home fires involve wiring and related equipment. The condition of a home’s electrical wiring, therefore, should never be overlooked. Unseen hazards need not cause panic, however. Simply hire a licensed electrician to assess the following electrical aspects of your home.

Coding Requirements

Believe it or not, some homes are not built according to electrical code. This might involve failing to install light switches on each end in hallways and stairs with more than six steps, or putting too many receptacles on a single circuit.

Another problem is when contractors choose to use only regular circuit breakers. Although these are designed to protect wiring and equipment like furnaces, dryers, stoves, and air conditioners, they fail to provide full protection. Standard circuit breakers may not be enough to shield smaller appliances and wires that may be exposed to moisture.

Your electrician makes sure these circuit breakers are installed in the right areas, including the bathroom and kitchen. This way, you need not worry about electrical shocks and fire hazards when using smaller electrical devices around the house.

Compatible Components

Wires, circuit breakers, and outlets must match each other’s capacities. However, in some homes they don’t. This can create a circuit overload. For example, a wire gauge mismatched to a circuit’s amperage poses a fire hazard in itself. During a comprehensive inspection, these concealed hazards will not likely escape the eye of a licensed electrician, who can alert you to the problem and install the correct components.

Signs of Wire Damage

The thought of any hazard undetectable to the human eye can cause great worry, especially when it involves a home, a place you will be living and sleeping in for years to come. So, how do you decide whether to request an inspection for potential wire damage?

To know whether an inspection is necessary, one rule of thumb might help: The older your home is, the greater the chance of damaged or inferior wiring. Wires attrition with age, and they might fray or overheat over a period of years. Any licensed and skilled electrician will detect damaged wires and install a safe substitute.

There may be hidden problems with your home’s electrical wiring and components. They’ll be identified quickly and repaired safely, though, when you enlist the services of a Toronto residential electrician.

Sources:
Nearly 50,000 home fires involved electrical failures or malfunctions, nfpa.org
Five tips to get the most from your electrical inspection, angieslist.com

The post A Residential Electrician Can Detect Electrical Fire Hazards in Your Home appeared first on Wire Master.

Electrical fires consistently rank among the top five causes of commercial building fires in many industries. Of course, you may not be a wiring savant, but there are general problems and warning signs deserving your attention, according to electricians.

Overheating

You may not be able to see faulty wiring, but you can certainly smell it. Generally, overheating causes a burning odor to come from light fixtures and outlets. If this happens even once, you should immediately turn off the power at the electrical panel and contact a qualified electrical technician. A burning smell can indeed indicate that a fire has already started.

Wires and other electrical components hot to the touch can indicate that something is dangerously wrong as well. Get professional help as soon as possible to avoid disaster.

Physical Signs of Damage

If you’re lucky, the damage will be easy to spot, such as frayed cable splices or wires. They can cause many problems for your company, including electrocution, building code violations, and fire hazards. If you notice said damages to these electrical components, contact a licensed electrical contractor, who will replace faulty parts and make sure your building meets fire codes.

Your company should make sure electrical outlets are checked daily. They should never feel hot, emit a buzz, or show char marks around the corners. Any of these problems require a professional inspection.

The computer equipment in your building may also become damaged. Look for exposed wires to a computer or a router, for example. This affects the power flow that ultimately leads to spikes in power levels, causing heat damage to integral parts of your equipment. Replace any electronics or devices that show signs of damage as a preventative measure.

Overloading

Unfortunately, there may be times when your building’s wiring can’t support the large amounts of energy coming from today’s modern devices, including smartphones, printers, and tablets. This results in a problem known as overloading. Outlets, extension cords, and circuit breakers are all susceptible to overloading, but you can thwart it by knowing some telling signs. Some of the most common include mild shocks from appliances, cracked receptacles, warm wall plates, burning odors, and flickering lights.

As soon as you notice any of the aforementioned signs in your building, act fast and hire a commercial electrical contractor in Toronto. These experts possess the skills and safety equipment necessary to fix faulty wiring or other electrical components, thereby keeping everyone in your building safe from fires and shocks.

Sources:

What are the Dangers of a Damaged and Exposed Power Cable for a Laptop, smallbusiness.chron.com

Commercial Electrical Safety, disastersafety.org

The post A Commercial Electrical Contractor Tells Businesses to Look for these Fire Warnings appeared first on Wire Master.

According to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services of Ontario, residential fires account for 74 percent of structure fire losses, and electrical wiring is the second leading ignition source. It’s clear these disasters wreak havoc on families, but many are particularly avoidable if the homeowner had known when to contact an electrician.

Faulty and Outdated Wiring

Faulty wiring is considered to be the number one cause of electrical fires in Canada. According to experts, old wiring, poor workmanship and ignoring maintenance are the common causes of residential fires. If your home is 15 years or older, a licensed electrical contractor should check it for code compliance, knob and tube wiring, and aluminum wiring mixed with copper.

Several warning signs indicate old or faulty wiring, and homeowners are advised never to ignore them. When a circuit breaker trips or goes off, this is to protect the circuit from overheating or other damage, possibly indicating a fire hazard. The three culprits for a circuit breaker tripping include ground fault, short circuit, and overloaded circuit. A short circuit is possibly the most dangerous of the three. It happens when hot wires touch each other. An intense level of heat can develop, putting your home at risk of a fire.

Homeowners are also urged not to carry out their own electrical work as counterfeit electrical products pose an added risk. Professionals will know only to use legitimate and CSA approved products that have properly been tested.

Increased Extension Cord Usage

Many believe extension cords are a godsend when extra room is required for electrical devices, and they normally are. The problem arises when users rely on these extension cords for too long or use too many devices, ultimately causing the extension cord to overheat.

If you use an extension cord, make sure it’s only temporary. A safer, more permanent solution is to ask an electrician to install more electrical outlets in your home. If you’re reliant on these cords, make sure you monitor them daily. Check for signs of visual wear and keep them unplugged when not in use. Also keep an eye out for signs that your cords may be heating up. Otherwise, it may be overloading without you even knowing it.

As a homeowner, you never know when a fire might spread, but you can do your best to prevent them by taking proactive measures when maintaining your home’s electrical system. Always let qualified electricians in Toronto inspect your electrical wiring if you detect any warning signs, including smoke, excessive heat, loose connections, and frayed wires.

Sources:

Electrical Fires, nfpa.org

Household Extension Cords can Cause Fires, cpsc.org

The post These Warnings Signs Warrant a Home Wiring Inspection from Qualified Electricians appeared first on Wire Master.

Despite the fact that it is never recommended to tinker with your electric system, unless you possess certified or in-depth knowledge of electricity yourself, a residential electrician urges his clients to at least know the basics of their home’s circuitry to avoid any potential accidents.

How Does Electricity Work?

Electricity travels from a power plant through a power grid that includes power stations, transformers, power lines, and other conduits on the way to your home. There, you have a three-wire service composed of two hotwires and one neutral wire to make a 240-volt circuit, which is enough to power larger appliances, such as an HVAC system.

The central distribution point is usually found inside the home’s main panel, while the amount of electricity that runs to your house is measured by an electric meter. The current flows from source to appliances and then back to the power source, which is why any interruption in its path will render the circulation dead.

Sub-panels can also be used to facilitate circuits for large appliances, like those commonly found in the kitchen and laundry room, though these are still connected to the main panel.

While the following problems might seem trivial at first glance, they are actually indicative of a much greater problem that needs a professional electrician to fix. 

Three Common Electrical Problems that Require a Professional Electrician to Fix

1. Flickering lights

Flickering lights might mean you have to replace a bulb, but you might be facing a faulty fixture or a poor connection if it still flickers after replacing it with a new bulb. Either way, you will need a trained electrician to safely resolve the problem.

2. Electrical bills keep on rising

If your consumption remains the same yet your utility bills keep rising, it might mean that you need an electrician to assess the energy efficiency of your appliances and replace (or upgrade) those that prove to be draining your current.

3. Hot ceiling fixtures

When your lights or ceiling fans are emitting a strange and conspicuous amount of heat, there may be something seriously awry with your wiring. This problem needs to be addressed immediately because hot ceiling fixtures are a safety hazard and can lead to accidental fire if left ignored.

By having a basic knowledge of your home’s electrical system, you can effectively monitor and detect potential problems and hazards, enabling you to define and report the issue to your electrician for an immediate repair.

Sources
Your Home Electrical System, TheCircuitDetective.com
Get to Know Your Home’s Electrical System, DIYNetwork.com

The post A Residential Electrician Urges Homeowners to Learn Electrical System Basics appeared first on Wire Master.

In fact, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety reports that electrical fires consistently rate among the top five causes of fires in commercial buildings. According to the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, as much as 26 percent of structural loss due to fires between 2011 and 2015 were related to a range of electrical issues. In fact, fires caused by electrical wiring and outlets alone account for as many as 651 fire incidents each year.

Commercial fires are serious. They lead to a lot of property damage and they put a lot of lives at risk. This is why it is always recommended to seek assistance from commercial electrical contractors in Toronto the moment you sense an electrical issue on your commercial property.

Here are 3 immediate warning signs that should alert property technicians and engineers to the potential for fire:

1. Experiencing shock when touching an appliance 

If you or anyone else in the workplace experiences an electrical shock every time you touch the copy machine or a computer, something may be awry in the electrical circuitry. Should this happen to you, be sure to unplug the affected appliance immediately. Discontinue using it until a commercial electrical contractor arrives to fix the problem. 

2. Frequently tripped circuits or blown fuses 

When circuits are continuously tripped or fuses blown, overloaded circuits or outlets may be the source. In cases like this, it’s best to immediately call an electrical contractor.

3. Dimming or flickering lights 

There are a number of possible reasons why the lights all over your workplace or facility may be dimming or flickering frequently. A short in the wiring is one of the likelihoods. On the other hand, such flickering can also signal an over-extension of the property’s electrical systems or some dangerous arcing in your circuitry.

If you experience any of these problems on your commercial property, call an electrical expert immediately for assistance. Do not wait until the problems become worse and more complicated to resolve. Keep in mind that when electrical issues are left unresolved, they can lead to a fire that can potentially destroy your business and your livelihood.

Sources
Commercial Electrical Safety, disastersafety.org
Non-residential structure fires, NFPA.org

The post Know When Fire is a Very Real Potential and a Commercial Electrical Contractor is Needed appeared first on Wire Master.

Residential fires as a result of electrical issues are more common in Canada than you may think. In fact, the latest numbers from the Council of Canadian Fire Marshal and Fire Commissioners noted that electrical issues are among the top five causes of home fire losses in Canada. Faulty electrical distribution and systems led to 1,092 fires, leading to 11 reported deaths and 60 cases of injury. At the same time, problems related to an appliance or other home accessories resulted in 312 fires and seven cases of injury.

These sobering facts might make you wonder: what are some of the most common causes of residential fires resulting from electricity?

Here are 3 leading causes of residential fires due to electrical issues:

1. Light Fixtures 

A great number of electrical fires at home involve light fixtures, such as light bulbs and lamps. Fires can often occur when you install a bulb with a higher wattage for a certain fixture or lamp. To avoid this problem, be sure to check the maximum recommended bulb wattage before installing a bulb and never attempt to go over the limit. 

2. Extension Cords 

Nowadays, there are myriad home electrical appliances that call for the use of the ever-popular extension cord. However, these can lead to fires, especially when you plug various appliances into the extension cord for a long time. Ideally, you should just plug an appliance directly into your wall outlet. Should you not have enough outlets in your home, go ahead and ask an electrician to install new ones.

3. Electrical Wiring 

As years go by, people often fail to replace their electrical wiring. This causes your wiring to become outdated and incapable of safely handling the increasing number of electrical appliances in your home, including your air conditioner, microwave, television and more. To avoid any electrical problems, be sure to call an electrician to update your wiring.

The key to avoiding an electrical fire in your home is to take action as soon as possible if you suspect you may have some electrical issues. To be safe, do not attempt to deal with the problem yourself. Instead, call an experienced electrician to examine and fix your home’s electrical problems. Do it before the unseen rears its ominous head. 

Sources
Fire Losses In Canada, CCFMFC.ca
5 common causes of electrical fires, FireRecruit.com

The post Are You Wired to Avoid a Fire? An Electrician Lends a View to Why Electrical Fires are So Prevalent appeared first on Wire Master.

Here are a few steps you can take to help ensure that your home is safe from electrical problems. 

Consider the Age of Your Home

Most homeowners forget the importance of the age of their homes, but it has a great effect on electrical safety. Older homes are not designed to deal with all the electrical load modern appliances may require. The insulation on old wires may break which can result in short circuits and fires. Get an electrician to check the condition of your wiring and to update the capacity of your system so it can handle your current load requirements. 

Revisit Your Electric Panel

Normal wear and tear may cause electrical panels to fail. Certain panel brands and models may have become obsolete. For example, it may be difficult to find parts for such brands as ITE Pushmatic, Federal Pacific, and Zinsco. You may also want to check its temperature to determine whether it is becoming too hot, which can indicate a problem. 

Pay Attention to the Breakers

Breakers trip when they’re overloaded. When this happens, you may want to redistribute the load. Limit the appliances and gadgets that get energy from the same breaker and see if that solves the problem. If the problem persists, call a professional electrician to fix it. 

Keep the Right Type of Fire Extinguisher on Hand

Electrical problems can start a fire, and many homeowners’ instinct is to douse it with water. But since water conducts electricity, that can be deadly. You need to use a fire extinguishers with a C rating to put out electrical fires. These are especially designed to be safe for use on electrical fires.

These are simple steps that any homeowner can do to help keep their electrical systems in good order. However, they shouldn’t substitute for regular electrical inspections that only reliable residential electricians can do. These experts know where and what to look for. They also have the knowledge and skills to make the necessary repairs to keep your home safe and secure from the dangers of electrical system faults.

Sources
7 Electrical Safety Tips Homeowners Should Know, Angieslist.com
15 Safety Precautions When Working with Electricity, Safetyrisk.net

The post Electrical Safety Tips From Residential Electricians to Help Keep You Safe at Home appeared first on Wire Master.

Voltages that are more than 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC can pose dangers. It’s your obligation as a business owner to ensure that all electrical wiring and components in your building are secure, especially if your operations consume a lot of energy.

One way to do this is to hire a professional electrician with experience working in business properties. They can inspect your facility and eliminate any electrical faults or hazards. 

Risk Assessments

Your employees might be unknowingly exposed to different electrical risks. They can suffer from shocks and burns when they come into contact with live wiring. Faulty equipment can also cause injuries, as well old wires with damaged insulation. The same is true for overloaded plug socket outlets and unstable equipment near flammable objects.

Having an electrician conduct a risk assessment will help you determine the dangers in the workplace so you can address them before anyone gets injured. The assessment is often done by evaluating the types of equipment used in the business and how and where they are being used. This way, precautions will be taken to ensure their proper use, storage, and maintenance. 

Maintenance

Electrical components should always be in good condition, and an electrician can help you with this. By conducting a regular checkup, they can determine whether electrical equipment and tools are still safe to use or require a repair. There are equipment that must be monitored frequently, including tools and items that are often used and moved. Wear and tear might be a minor problem to you, but they can expose your employees to serious hazards as they can result in overheating and fires. 

Installation and Repairs

Installation of electrical equipment should be done by professional electricians. It’s the same with doing repairs. Even simple jobs like replacing a plug or changing a fuse may create problems if incorrectly done. In fact, any electrical repairs need the attention of properly trained expert.

Electrical safety in the workplace should never be taken for granted. If your customers and employees get injured you can get into legal trouble. Not only you can be held responsible for accidents but you may also lose the trust of both your staff and customers for putting them in danger. Therefore, it’s always best to leave electrical jobs to an experienced commercial electrician.

Sources
Electricity, Healthyworkinglives.com
How Do I Ensure Electrical Health and Safety in the Workplace, FSB.org

The post Ways A Commercial Electrician Can Help Keep Your Workplace Safe appeared first on Wire Master.

Flickering Lights

Lights should never flicker. If they do, then there’s a problem with the light bulb or the electrical wiring. If you replace or tighten the bulb but the light still continues to flicker, you may have to call a professional electrician to check on what the problem is. It could be the wiring and you shouldn’t attempt to fix it yourself, especially if you don’t have the proper training. 

Warm Outlets

Are electrical outlets in your home warm to the touch when you plug or unplug devices? This could mean that heat is building up due to loose connections, which can cause a fire if not repaired immediately. You may have to replace the outlet to prevent the problem from getting worse. 

Tingling or Mild Shock

Never ignore that mild shock or tingling feeling you get when you plug or unplug an appliance from the outlet. This can indicate a ground fault or a problem with the wiring. 

Faulty Circuit Breaker

If your circuit breaker keeps on tripping this could be a sign that it is overloading. Keep in mind that breakers are designed to trip when overloaded in order to to avoid overheating that can then potentially start a fire. If this is happening, an electrician should be called to find the source of the overload, to fix it, and thereby prevent potential disasters.

Unusual Smell

It’s natural for a new appliance to emit a funny odor when being powered up. However, an outlet shouldn’t be producing an unusual smell whenever you use it. The same goes with the fuse box or a breaker panel. If you smell something off, avoid using it. Call a professional electrician to see where the smell is coming from.

These are only some of the signs that your house is having electrical problems. Check the outlets, the fuse box, the breaker panel, and the wiring around your house from time to time to spot problems before they get worse. It’s also best to schedule a regular professional inspection and ask your electrician for tips to ensure that your home is safe from potential electrical hazards.

Source
8 Signs You May Have a Problem with Your Electrical Wiring, Safebee.com
The 4 Most Common Causes of Home Electrical Fires and How to Avoid Them, Yellowpages.ca

The post Major Signs You Need to Call a Professional Electrician Immediately appeared first on Wire Master.