Hazardous Pot Lights

How Hazardous Pot Lights can have a serious affect on your home and families well being!

We were called to a house in the City of Toronto for an Electrical issue, with respect to some Flickering Pot Lights located in the front Entrance of the Home. These Pot Lights were acting strangely anywhere from the point of them Flickering, to going on and Off randomly and doing some strange things at the same time.

Upon arrival our Electrician immediately realized that the Pot Lights, did act quite strangely and that they were Flickering and Turning On and Off randomly and on their own without anyone doing anything to cause this.

 

How We Solved It

We started by removing them and pulling them down form the Ceiling quickly finding out that the Pot Lights Transformer was starting to Burn it’s Self out, in turn being one of the Main causes for the Flickering issue.

In addition, to these issues and as we continued to remove these Pot Lights we Found a strange and concerning factor here. Which led us to further investigate and take a closer look as all of the Pot Lights had only one Wire Feeding them although there was a Total of 4 Pot Lights Installed in this particular Area.

As we continued to Investigate and look closer at this problem we found that a previous Electrician or Handyman had Installed these Pot Lights with a Tail coming out of the Pot Lights and made open connections in the Ceiling with Pre-Existing Pot light Housings that they left from a previous Installation. As shown in the Images 1 through 4, this is a serious concern and an Electrical Fire Hazard to say the least. We took immediate and corrective actions in order to rectify this issue and resolve any issue of open Wiring and removing the threat of any and all Hazardous Electrical Condition.

We Removed all of the Pre-Existing Wiring and Installed New wiring and Ran the Wires from Pot Light to Pot Light and provided Direct Wiring and Connections to the Pot Lights and Installed them in to the Existing Ceiling Space.

As shown in Images 5 through 8 this is a proper and correct way of Installing any type and kind Pot Lights!

Always hire Professionals as well as Trained people and Staff for any Trade related Work and Especially when it comes to the Electrical Trade it is vital to hire Licensed Electrical Contractors, that will do it right the First Time without any Hazardous conditions or Risk of Electrical Fire Hazards left behind.

 

 

Hidden Electrical Hazards in an Electrical Service

There are many places inside your home with Hidden Electrical Hazards ,which we can easily identify and point out. We are faced time and time again with customers that don’t realize the seriousness of hidden Electrical Hazards, Problems, and Defects that may be hidden inside of their Electrical Service, Panel, Meter Base, Wiring, Lights Switches and Receptacles just to name a few.

A broken Meter Bases Down Pipe (Conduit) on an Underground Service does not mean that you can go ahead and just repair the broken Conduit and be done! This actually can be due to multiple factors and reasons! One factor could that the Conduit may have been hit by a sharp object that could have also damaged the Underground Cables in the Conduit. A second factor could be that there may have been a shift in the ground causing the Conduit to Shift and break apart at the same time, which could put enough pressure and force on the Cables to break. Or they could even have been pulled out of their Sockets. A third factor could be that the force that caused the Conduit to break may have Damaged the Meter Bases Sockets and Lugs in which case the Meter Base may need to be repaired or replaced.

The repairing of a Down Pipe/Conduit on an Electrical Service does not always entail of just Repairing the Pipe/Conduit. Many times, we find that there are other underlying issues, such as a damaged Meter Base, Broken Meter Lugs, Burned out Wires/Cables, and in some cases, the Wires/Cables are also faulty, brittle, breaking apart due to poor Installation. The scope of work may appear and look to be very simple, easy and a quick fix! Which in the opinion of a customer; this would not justify the cost of the repair! In fact, there are many underlying and complex situations that are involved with such a repair! We may not know them until we get into the actual work. These hidden hazards are not known to us until we actually Open up the Meter Base. This is usually done by having Hydro the Local Utility Company provide us with a Disconnect of Power and Remove the actual Meter from the Meter Base Socket. Once we are able to have a look inside the Meter Base and inspect the Cables, then we can determine what we need to do, in order to make the necessary repairs and or Fixes. Once we have made all of the necessary repairs and brought things back up to Code then we can have ESA Inspect the Work so that we can have Power restored to the Property.

These are just some of the issues and Problems that we encounter on a daily basis when trying and attempting to repair a simple thing as a Service Down Pipe/ Conduit Repair.

Doing your own Home Wiring & Related Electrical Risks!

Are you Planning on doing your own Electrical wiring? Have you weighed out the risks? Electrical Work is extremely dangerous and complicated it takes a lot of skill and knowledge to get it right. Consider the risk and Hire a Professional Licensed Electrical Contractor.

It takes many years of training and hands on practice to get it done right. A Licensed Electrician has many years of training as well as hands on Experience and knows the Electrical Codes in order to do the Job Right and Safe.

Consider all of the facts and errors in installation that can result in serious injury or even death. An error in wire size or incorrect connection can result in a Fire leaving you homeless and no way of turning back the clock. It can also lead to Life threatening injuries or harm to others.

Think of your family and/or guest that may visit you from time to time, is it really worth it? Are the savings worth the risks? Are your loved ones that insignificant or is your own life not worth the extra cost in getting it done by an Expert?

ALWAYS CONSIDER THE RISKS. BEFORE YOU THINK OF DOING YOUR OWN ELECTRICAL WORK.

ENSURE THAT YOU CAN SLEEP COMFORTABLY AT NIGHT WITHOUT SECOND GUESSING YOURSELF.

HIRE A LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AND SLEEP AT NIGHT WITHOUT A DOUBT IN YOUR MIND.

HIRE A LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AND REST ASSURE THAT IT’S DONE BY A PROFESSIONAL THAT KNOWS HOW TO DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

HIRE A LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR WHO WILL DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

Aluminum Wiring in your Home!

If you have Aluminum Wires in your home you should consider replacing them with Copper Wires and avoid the Risk of an Electrical Fire or lingering Electrical Hazard. The things that you should know about Aluminum Wires in your home! Is that Aluminum Wires are great Current carrying Conductors, but they are not that safe and should no longer be used in your Home. Consider rewiring your home and have them completely removed to avoid the risk of an Electrical Fire.

Aluminum Wires were widely used in the late 1960’s to the mid 1970, within a period of about 10 years, it became obvious that Aluminum Wires were problematic, not Safe, and a possible Fire hazard. Once the Industry came to the realization of the potential Hazard and threat that Aluminum Wires posed. The use of Aluminum Wires for Internal and inaccessible Electrical Installation in Residential, Commercial or any other type of Building Structure was quickly abolished. These types of Aluminum Wires were now deemed NOT Approved nor Accepted for the use and Installation in concealed or inaccessible Electrical Wiring and/or Installations in Residential and/or Commercial Building Structure.

Aluminum Wires can become extremely weak and frail and burn out especially at the point of Termination. Some examples and known places for this to occur are at the Main Electrical Panel, Breakers and Fuse Terminals including each individual Device, such as a Receptacles, Switches, Junction Box as well as the Lights Junction Boxes that holds the Light Fixtures in place.

This is due to the fact that Aluminum Wires will Oxidize, this is especially true when introduced to Joints, Splices or spliced with Copper Wires. At such a point of joints and splices they tend to overheat and burn out.  Especially if they are Not properly spliced or Terminated with the NON Oxidizing NOLAX Compound, which must be used whenever Aluminum Wires are spliced or Joint with other wires. Or if they are Installed and/or connected/Terminated with incompatible devices such as Switches, Receptacles, etc., which have been designed for use with copper wires Only.

There are several ways to ensure that Aluminum Wires are kept to a safe Operating Level.

• One is to ensure that all Wires are Properly Terminated with the use of NOLAX COMPOUND,
• Second is to ensure that all Terminations are done right and were they are connected to Devices ensure that all Wires are Terminated with NOLAX COMPOUND, and that the Device is an Aluminum approved accepting Device.
• Third is to make all Terminations in Junction Boxes and Device Boxes with the use of NOLAX COMPOUND and by installing Pig Tails at all Joints and Splices in order to ensure a solid and strong connection and Termination of Wires.

Some ways to tell if you are at risk if the cover plates of a Switch, Receptacle or Device is Warm to the touch or if you notice any discolouration of Switches or Receptacles, flickering lights, or the smell of hot plastic insulation may be evidence that these problems are present and exist.

We always recommend that when and were possible to remove and replace all Aluminum Wires in order to avoid and reduce the risk of a potentially dangerous situation (Fire, Personal Injury, Death,). It is also strongly recommended that all Aluminum Wires be removed and/or replaced in its entirety. This would be an ideal and proper way to deal with a potentially hazardous and Life threatening condition of pre-existing wiring.

Electrical Risks & Hazards!

There are many possible scenarios where Electrical Risks and Hazards can present themselves in a moments notice. Any one of us, including a professional electrician can and could become part of an electrical circuit. Results can range from a minor discomfort to actual death by electrocution. You can however, be quite safe when you work on electrical Wiring and or doing Electrical Maintenance, and repairing Electrical Wiring if you follow these guidelines.

 

How to stay Safe from Electrical Hazard in your Home!

• Never work on any electrical circuit without making sure that the circuit is completely De-energized (Deactivated, OFF, Disabled). You can accomplish this by de-activating the fuse or the circuit breaker. When in doubt throw the Master Switch OFF. If you cannot do that then you know you need to contact a professional.
• Always pick tools specifically for electrical work-with good plastic or insulated rubber. When you work with them, be sure you are gripping only the insulation.
• Be sure not to “ground” yourself. Never work on electrical circuits while you are standing on a bare ground or a concrete floor, because the contact with the ground is too good. Always wear rubber soled shoes. Never tackle an electrical job when your feet are wet, or when you are barefoot again, the contact is too good.
• Always be sure that any lamp or small appliance is unplugged when you work on it. And-if you plug it in to test it don’t be forgetful and leave it plugged while you continue with the repair.
• Do not use items with cords that are damaged where wires are exposed. Repair or replace the item.
• Be sure to use electrical items that are “Approved”. When purchasing an electrical item look for the CSA on the packaging.

 

Electrical Safety for your Children and Family!

Here are a few tips how to practice Electrical Safety for your Children and Family. We have a few tips to keep your home safe and secure from Electrical Shock or Electrocution. When a child comes into this world, as parents we want to take all possible measures to protect them as well provide a safe home environment. As children grow, they become increasingly more curious, therefore we need to take all necessary precautions to baby proof our home and ensure that we keep them safe from Electric Shock and Electrical Hazards.

 

How to keep your Children and Family Safe from Electrical Shock and or Electrocution!

 

Electrical devices in your home is something that are dangerous to young toddlers and babies who are curious, ready to explore the World. Below you will find helpful tips on how to make your home electrically shielded. Keep your children shielded from Electrocution and Electrical Shock. First and foremost, electrical outlets are one of the main worries of parents have at this stage of learning. As soon as your baby is able to crawl, walk, and discover, you must take the necessary steps to make your home’s outlets baby safe. If your children are exposed to unprotected outlets, an electric current could pass through them and cause serious harm and injuries. Burns, brain damage or suffer seizures, heart attacks and even death can occur from electrocution.

The safest way to ensure that your home is completely safe for your children is to contact a qualified electrician to install tamper-proof electrical outlets. These outlets have protective covers that make it impossible for your toddlers to remove and stick their little fingers in. Making your home safe for your young kids is an ongoing process-do not stop at electrical. Hiring an electrician is a great way to guarantee that the job gets done right in your home.

Residential Electrical Experts!

We associate residential electricians with standard home wiring tasks such as running wiring for light switches, outlets, etc. These professionals do, of course, handle this side of the business, but they are also equipped to tackle more specialized jobs. Learn about some of the lesser known sides of the professional electrician business, and find out how your local electrical contractor can help you with everything from entertainment system installation to outdoor landscape lighting.

 

Hire a Professional Licensed Electrician for all of your Home’s Electrical Work!

The logistics of wiring a ceiling fan correctly and installing it safely and securely to the ceiling without professional help can be done, this is a job that brings challenges in terms of logistics. If done wrong, faulty wiring can result in fan malfunctions and fire hazards, and the fan unit itself can become loose and fall if not installed properly. In order to bypass these issues, it’s advisable to call in an electrical pro do the job for you. He or she will be able to get the fan wired and installed quickly, safely, and efficiently.

Home entertainment systems bring their own special demands. We have all seen the image of a frustrated homeowner flipping through mangled electronics manuals and trying to get various devices and remotes to all work as one, this is an experience that most of us don’t want. If you’re ready to install a new home theater system, but you want to skip the chaos of hooking it all up, your local electrician can do it with no problem. He or she will make sure you have power available in the right amount and in the right place, and can even help install or mount your devices where and how you want them.

The role of a residential electrician doesn’t stop inside the home. There are a number of outdoor situations in which professional electrical expertise is crucial. Pool and hot tub wiring are two good examples. Both of these have their own specialized systems of wiring that keep them running smoothly and safely. When something goes wrong, you probably won’t even know where to start to get the issue resolved. A residential electrician team that has pool electrical experts on staff will be able to help, though, and can get your unit back on track in no time.

Electricians are also indispensable when it comes to outdoor landscape lighting. Lights that are integrated into your garden landscape add beauty, value, and safety. Installing fully integrated and wired lights is a job for a professional electrician so you should contact your local electrician for assistance in this area.

Many residential electricians have skills and expertise that go far beyond standard wiring. Whether you need home theater wiring and installation or you need professional service for your pool wiring, a local electrician might be just the expert you’re looking for.

Danger of Electrical Short Cuts

Electrical Short Cuts are not going to help you get the job done Faster! Electrical Short Cuts actually slow you down, when you find yourself in a situation where you end up having to start all over again. When doing home renovations the last thing that you should be concentrating on, is a nice smooth finish of your Walls, Ceiling and the Paint that will give it that final finishing touch. We see it over and over everyday and we are very concerned about people’s well-being.

When you are in the planning stages and/or doing actual renovation work in your home you should be looking beyond the Finishing touches and concentrate more on what’s behind and inside the Walls of your home. As the things that you don’t see are the things that can Kill You and/or your Loved Ones. Your primary focus should be on the Plumbing as applicable and if there is any presence and the most important thing should be the Electrical Installation that is inside the Walls of your Home. There is an increase in Loss of Homes and Property Due to Electrical & Plumbing related issues. Before closing up Walls and or trying to get the Job Finished ensure that all of your Electrical Installation is First of all Safe, up to Code and up to today’s Specification as Electrical Requirements change every year and everyday.

If you have Aluminum Wiring in your home it is vital that you Replace it and Install New Copper Wiring as old Aluminum Wiring is Dangerous a Fire waiting to happen. Especially if the Installation has been altered and possibly mixed and joint with Copper Wiring. Nevertheless, if you have or have done any of these then you are running the Risk of a potential lurking Electrical Hazard and or Electrical Fire. Putting Yourself and your entire Family and Household at Risk! Always ensure that your Electrical Wiring  and Electrical Installation is up to Code and in accordance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Never ever Cut Corners and Don’t Hire Jack of all Trades Master of NONE to fix your Electrical Installation.

Nevertheless, if you hired a Self proclaimed Electrician, Master Electrician, and or handyman without any credentials then you probably have hired someone who is not an Electrician or a Master Electrician. He probably and most likely doesn’t have any credentials whatsoever. The Law states that you shall/and must only engage in a Licensed Master Electrical Contractor. These are the persons that are trained and Licensed to do carry on Business and provide professional Electrical Services & Installations.

For your own Safety and peace of mind ensure that your Homes Electrical Installation is done Right and up to Code. Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor who can and will do the Job right, the First time and without the Risk of Electrical Hazards.

Tips for Hiring an Electrician!

Here are a few Tips for Hiring an Electrician if you are planing to do some Renovations or Repairs to your home. Hiring the right contractor is key and very important to making such choice and the final decision should be based on knowledge, experience as well as his appearance and conduct plays also a role. As this also reflects on his performance and overall delivery of the complete project. Most importantly is that it should not be about price but it should be on how well of a job you will receive as it has to last for a long time and not break down shortly after.

Electrical work is one of the most important entities when either doing home renovations or building a new home. There are many things you must think about before letting anyone do electrical work, repair or installation in your home. Electrical work is complicated and must be performed by a Certified Licensed Electrician, in a code compliant manner. In order to complete the electrical installation in your home so that you and family can live in a safe and sound home. Below you will find some great tips that will help you choose a qualified electrician.

 

What to look for when hiring an Electrical Contractor for your Electrical Home Repairs!

1. The very first thing that you should do is to have a few Contractors provide you with a written estimate for the work that you want done.
2. Keep your options open and take the opportunity to interview several of these Electrical Contractors. This may take time but first impressions always count.
3. The second thing that you should do is ensure that the Contractor that you intend to hire is a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
4. A Licensed Electrical Contractor should have an ESA/ECRA Master License & Certificate to proof his qualification.
5. Always ensure that they have Liability insurance just in case something goes terribly wrong with the work. you never know anything can happen and accidentally without the Contractor even being at fault. So always make sure that there is enough coverage for the Work being done.

Having Electrical work done correctly is very important when it comes to having your home kept Safe and clear of any Dangers or Hazards that are associated to Electrical Work. Always ensure that the Safety and well being of your Family comes first.Never hire an Electrician just because he paints a pretty picture. Let him prove to you that he is worthy of the job and worthy to providing the Electrical Services that you need.

The above pointers are there to give you some guidance when trying to pick the right person for the job. Obviously there are many other things to consider when picking a Contractor for the work that you want done.