In the 1950’s to 1970’s, many homes were outfitted with aluminum wiring systems due to the rising price of copper. Aluminum provided a cost-effective and highly conductive alternative, making it a popular choice at the time. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that aluminum was not as safe as copper, presenting multiple electrical hazards. As leading…
Expert Electric Blog - Electrical Safety, Page 2
Why is Knob and Tube Wiring Bad?
Knob and tube wiring was a common type of electrical system for homes built between the 1880s and 1940s. Though it was once viewed as an effective method, it has since become outdated and obsolete to the point that most homeowners have never heard of it. Even though knob and tube wiring has not been…
The Importance of Surge Protection for Your Home
Power surges can cause severe damage to every device connected to an outlet in your home. To minimize the risk of damage to your technology, appliances, and other devices, consider adding a surge protector and individual power strips to your home. These products can protect your entertainment devices and appliances from sudden spikes in electrical…
Tips for Kitchen Electrical Safety
Kitchens are busy areas of the home that can be a prime location for accidents and electrical hazards. With a variety of small and large appliances in use alongside potential water and food waste, electrical safety in the kitchen is highly important. To help you stay safe while cooking or entertaining in your kitchen, the…
Do Air Conditioners Need a Dedicated Circuit?
Many homes utilize an air conditioner when temperatures start to rise. Air conditioners are available in a range of sizes and capacities to suit the needs of different homes and buildings. Some are smaller and portable while others are mounted to a wall or connected to a central system. Though smaller units can be used…
Warning Signs of Electrical Fires
Electrical fires can be a devastating and unexpected emergency for any home or commercial building. The electrical wires in any building may start a fire through a process known as “arcing”. Arcing occurs when a current jumps across a gap or break in the circuit, causing sparks and heat. If the conditions are right, these…
Why Do My Lights Flicker?
Flickering lights are a common occurrence, especially in older homes; however, the fact that this is a common occurrence should not prevent you from seeking the aid of a licensed electrician. Lights can flicker for a variety of reasons, and an electrician can help you get to the bottom of the problem and keep your…
Should Fuse Boxes Be Replaced?
Many older homes have outdated electrical systems that are no longer installed in new homes due to updated electrical codes and standards. While some of these are extremely dangerous and should be replaced as soon as possible, others are simply outdated and can continue to be used. At Expert Electric, one of the questions we…
When to Update Your Home’s Electrical Panel
The electrical panel is often referred to as the brain of the home’s electrical system because it is the centre of all electrical activity. It dispenses power through each of the home’s circuits and works to ensure that power is automatically shut off to any interior wires that get overloaded in order to prevent electrical…
How to Install a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
A bathroom is a place full of moisture and humidity. If this moisture is allowed to sit in the air for too long without being vented it can cause damage to the structure of your home, as moisture may enable the growth of mould and mildew in windowsills and throughout drywall. For this reason, every…