greenplanetelec

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"Canada’s first winter storm in 2014 has affected its provinces differently. According to CTV News, Newfoundland had lost power to about 90,000 residents as a result of bad weather and rotating blackouts were implemented. On the other hand, Ontario and Quebec faired a little better, having only experienced snowfall and freezing rain, though some households are still without power due to the ice storm that occurred last year. With maintenance work on these provinces’ power grids expected to persist throughout early 2014, homeowners should definitely consider working with renowned electrical contractors to fix any isolated electrical problems at home. Preferably, they should call upon those contractors who have a licensed master electrician on their staff, like Green Planet Electric, which provide some of the best Scarborough electricians, as well as those from Toronto and Durnham. A master electrician is responsible for ensuring that any electrical work carried out in a particular ar

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"The ice storm that pummeled the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and other areas in Southern Ontario last December 2013 left behind massive damage to residential power lines. While Toronto Hydro, the city’s largest distributor of electricity, worked on restoring the grid, they say that household electrical repairs are best carried out by trained professionals, as opposed to by the homeowners themselves. CEO Anthony Haines expressed great concern about this matter, as the Toronto Sun can attest. It’s quite obvious why is it better for households to contact GTA electricians as opposed to attempting electrical repairs on their own. Aside from serious safety considerations, ordinary people may fail to fix the problem on their electrical system or, worse, unknowingly cause even greater damage. In fact, it’s even more likely that homeowners don’t know exactly how to troubleshoot their electrical problems, which is something that ESA-certified (Electrical Safety Authority) electricians, like th

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Here’s What You Should Hire an Electrician For

Do you need to install a new power outlet at home? You can pretty much do it yourself if you have enough electrical knowhow, or you can also opt to hire an electrician. In any case, you’ll need an electrician on board for tasks that are obviously beyond your knowledge, such as inspecting your home’s entire electrical system or making additions to it in time for a home renovation.

You will also need to hire an electrician before your house is built as such a professional can determine your home’s prospective power needs as well as map out the most effective layout for electrical wires and outlets. Circuit boards and conduits, after all, need to strike a balance between accessibility and efficiency so that maintenance issues are easily addressed without sacrificing your home’s overall power output.

If you own a commercial establishment, you’ll need an electrician who knows how to operate and maintain large transformers, generators, and other heavy-duty equipment buildings typically employ. Cooling and heating are also their area of expertise in some ways because air conditioners and furnaces, either in homes or in high rises, need sufficient power to operate properly. Some of the problems found in these devices are often traced to power fluctuations, which trained electricians can point out and resolve promptly.

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"The Mississauga.com website has a report published last December 31, 2013 that explains how a single household is still struggling with a lack of power despite his neighbors’ electrical systems being fully restored. The region was ravaged by a devastating ice storm that knocked out the electrical systems of most households, leaving many without power during the first few days of the harsh weather. Old electrical systems such as the one featured in the article can be a liability, especially when they get damaged. Aged components of a home’s electrical will be even harder to replace or fix the moment they get ruined. Homeowners shouldn’t attempt to fix these systems themselves, and should hire an electrician from Pickering to accomplish the task."

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CEC is out, OESC is in: Consult Your Electrician

In case you haven’t heard, the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) in Ontario has been amended by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) in 2009. As of May 1, 2012, Ontarians are required to adhere to both national and provincial regulations introduced by the OESC as regards fire safety, shock safety, and wiring layout for electrical systems. If you think that your system is out of date, you might want to contact a reliable electrician in your area.

Some of the amendments introduced by the OESC are meant to ensure transparency among power providers, electricians, and their respective end-users. For example, records of all electrical installations need to be maintained for future use by the designated inspection department, especially for installations carried out in commercial and industrial establishments.

However, most of the OESC’s amendments were designed with the public’s safety in mind. Primary and secondary lines, for example, should be at least seven metres from the ground. Similarly, live wires need to be marked with danger signs to warn passersby of potential shock hazards.

Stricter standards were also established for the installation of power lines in neighborhoods, which could pose problems for people who wish to build their own homes. In any case, reliable electricians would have more knowledge on how the CEC and OESC are applied in every residential construction project.

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"The durhamregion.com website details the plight of about 150 local houses suffering without power last December 27, 2014. The ice storm that hit the region managed to down the electrical systems of many homes, forcing homeowners into the dark and cold. While most of the power has been restored, several others are still without electricity, and they will need help. Rough weather can damage the exterior of homes, yet particularly devastating weather effects such as ice storms, strong winds, and thunderstorms can potentially ruin even a house’s electrical system. Both exposed and embedded electrical fixtures are fair game to damage, and homeowners will want to mend these problems quickly to restore proper power flow. A skilled electrician from Oshawa should be more than capable of handling the repairs."

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Troubleshooting Common Electrical Problems

Every household needs a reliable power supply to operate everyday gadgets and appliances. Yet there are times when electricity doesn’t behave as intended. Whether due to a lack of electricity or a sudden power outage, homeowners will need a good grasp of basic electrical mechanics so they can assess whatever electricity-related problems plague their residences and perform simple repairs whenever necessary.

Homeowners who often experience technical difficulties with their appliances or electrical devices should first determine whether the devices are indeed the ones malfunctioning or if the problem lies with the power supply. Usually, whenever multiple devices are affected, the home’s electrical system is at fault. In such instances, one will need to turn the main power supply before proceeding further with any assessment.

Unless surrounding households are also experiencing electrical difficulties, most power supply problems are localized and can be traced back to faulty electrical components. Broken, burnt, or blown parts need to be replaced, and should be handled with care to avoid serious injury or electrocution. If not replaced, damaged electrical parts can become serious hazards that are likely to injure people or even cause fires. Homeowners are advised to call upon a professional electrician to perform the necessary repairs.

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What Do Electricians Do?

You've seen them tweak wires like curious children playing with toys: fearless, curious, and befitting. They speak the language of malfunctioning circuits and respond to their plea. Homes and businesses are not unfamiliar territories to these men and women of electrical expertise. You call these people of noble duty, the electricians.

The home should be a safe haven, and no electrical mishap should keep it from being so. Like other materials, electrical wiring can succumb to long and hard use which can affect its function. To remedy this, electrical wiring should be handled professionally. Wiring installation, repair, and maintenance are among the foolproof services that electricians offer.

Businesses, too, are equally susceptible to electrical problems. Due to their larger scale, electrical issues of commercial properties and industries can be trickier to solve. Providing competent electricians is where licensed electrical contractors find their purpose. It is through them that businesses facing electrical problems can be assured of efficiency, organized approaches, and complete system inspections.

Though different in dimension, both residential and commercial properties can be victims of Mother Nature. In northern provinces, for instance, winter storms can damage power lines and cause power outages. While these storms can cut off power, electricians who fix these prove that homeowners are not always powerless – at least, electrically. 

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"Electrical work though is not as cut and dried as, say, doing laundry or cooking. In fact, according to About.com’s Timothy Thiele, many homeowners make mistakes when troubleshooting their electricity-related problems. Such incorrect practices can lead to fires and injuries. A common DIY electrical job faux pas is using a wire with the wrong amperage when adding an outlet or circuit to a breaker or fuse. For instance, using a 14-2 NM wire that is meant for 15 amps to a breaker or fuse that’s designed for 20 amps. Meanwhile, master electricians in Toronto are familiar with amperage specifications because of their training and experience in electrical work, safety, theory and regulations."

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"Still, there may be stubborn homeowners who will insist on DIY electrical work, citing the abundance of step-by-step guides and instructional videos on the Web as the reason for engaging in home fixes themselves. Indeed, what could possibly go wrong? Then again, why is a professional electrician in Durham more reliable in this kind of task? To become an electrician in the Durham Region, or the entire province of Ontario for that matter, one has to complete a five-year electrical apprenticeship. Under this program, aspiring electricians learn the necessary skills to do electrical work for residential projects, as well as safety, electrical theory, and electrical regulations—things that are likely not included in DIY sites. In Ontario, electricians can even earn the title of Master Electrician if their qualifications meet the Electrical Safety Authority’s standards."

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Surviving Ice Storms: Precautions and Licensed Electricans Help

Toronto residents enjoy White Christmases, but if there’s one thing that can suddenly dampen their holiday spirits, its ice storms. The populous Canadian city is regularly subjected to freezing temperatures that can easily transition from chilly to destructive. Pair this winter phenomenon with the worrying condition of global warming, and what you get are 21st century ice storms that are more unforgiving both to people and their electrical power. However, that doesn't mean you can't survive them.

In times like these, what used to pass as snow safe enough for kids to build snowmen with can evolve into rain that can freeze a city's activities for days. Motorists might have a difficult time crossing snow-blocked roads. Hypothermia is a lingering threat. Heavy ice can destroy trees and damage power lines. Power outages can occur at any time.

For electrical safety, simple tips like staying at least 35 feet or 11 meters away from downed power lines, and not plugging in wet electrical appliances, can save lives. When larger problems are spotted, do not hesitate to phone electricians for aid. When you do so, make sure you phone only licensed electricians in Toronto to help out.

The major difference between handymen and licensed electrical contractors is in the knowledge, professionalism, and safety the latter offers. Your power lines deserve better electricians. You deserve the best help.

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Reduce Energy Consumption Through Efficient Wiring

As the world’s population grows, so does the need for electricity. As a result, more power stations that provide non-sustainable energy have to be built, thus increasing everyone’s carbon footprints. Additionally, the cost of building these power stations are huge, and are eventually passed on to consumers.

These situations call for the need to save on electricity. By saving electricity, we are reducing our consumption of non-renewable energy, as well as the emission of harmful elements into the environment, which comes with the operation of electric power plants.

Saving electricity means saving money. One way to reduce electricity consumption is to unplug unused appliances. When an appliance is plugged into a socket, it is still drawing power that you are paying for. Another way is by investing on lighting upgrades that require less electricity to run on.

Regular maintenance of wiring in your home will also allow the more efficient use of electricity, which helps reduce wastage. Have qualified electricians check on your electrical system regularly to keep them in optimum working condition, and thus increase your energy efficiency while keeping your home safe. Call on master electricians who can provide a free assessment of your electrical system, and give suggestions on how you can reduce your electrical consumption. 

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What a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) is For

When a homeowner has some electrical work done in Ontario, he or she may come across a device called a ground fault interrupter (GFI). A GFI does two things:first, it disconnects power from electrical appliances that are defective; second, and if it is wired and tested regularly, it minimizes the chance of an electric shock.

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) requires anyone who does new wiring installations to set up a GFI near a plumbing, such as near a sink in the bathroom, or around an outdoor pool where electrical outlets are often used. ESA mandates installing a GFI to reduce the chance of electrocution, especially from any defective equipment or outlet.

Among the styles of GFIs, probably the most common is the receptacle one, just like a plug outlet. Two buttons are placed in-between the outlets where the homeowner plug an electrical appliance. One button operates the “trip” function, while the other is a test button for proper functionality.

As an example of the use of a GFI: a plugged hair dryer falls into the bathtub. A circuit breaker interrupts the electrical flow at 20 amperes, but electrocution only needs 100 milliamperes to occur. To prevent electrocution, the GFI trips the breaker at the receptacle after detecting just a few milliamperes.

As always, one should consult an electrician or electrical contractor prior to installing a GFI or having new wiring installation done.

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What's Up With Ground Wiring?

Electrical codes often require the presence of a “ground” for new and existing connections, in addition to circuit breakers and other safety features. The ground wire isn't a part of the normal connection, yet modern building codes deem it important for overall household safety. You might wonder: What does “ground” mean, and how does it save lives?

Ground, in this context, simply means the earth below your house. Apart from the “hot” wires that supply the appliance with power, the “ground” wire connects the appliance to the earth, where it can discharge excess voltage in case conditions for tripping the circuit breaker occur. However, current in the ground isn't lost; it's simply stored for later use.

Ground wires have low resistance, which allows quick movement from the appliance to the ground in case of breaking conditions. Ungrounded connections will still have a place to store excess electricity; the bad news: it's you. The absence of ground connections can put you and your family at risk of being electrocuted.

Coupled with circuit breakers, ground wires can contribute to the overall safety of any connection in the house. As soon as things calm down within the connection, the electricity on the ground can return to the service line.

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Signs That Your Wiring’s About to Blow

An old house has a charm of its own. The history of the structure itself and the people who lived in it makes for a very interesting living experience. That charm, however, may soon be overpowered by the sheer age of the electrical wiring system. The owner of such a house should keep one eye out for warning signs of possible electrical trouble:

The breaker keeps acting up

Breakers and fuses help defend the house whenever the circuit begins to overload. If your breaker is always tripping on Thursdays at 7 and you need to replace a busted fuse every Sunday, take this as a sign that you need to upgrade your wirings immediately.

Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely

This line from Edna St. Vincent Millay’s defiant elegiac poem may sound hauntingly beautiful, but such an imagery is not what you’d want to encounter in your own home. If your lights start to go dim even when you’ve got no dimmer installed, you may soon need to replace old wiring.

This wire is on fire

Meanwhile, if you see charred outlets and switches, and you often notice a burning smell in the room, you should not hesitate to call the professionals right away. For all you know, some wires might be mere inches away from catching fire and burning down the entire house.

[greenplanetelec]

Electrical Safety Tips for the Holidays

The Christmas season is a great time for residents in Oshawa and other cities in Ontario to spread some good cheer. Aside from spending time with family and friends, and helping out the less fortunate, residents can also decorate their homes with festive Christmas lights. However, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) warns residents to follow holiday electrical safety tips to prevent combustion hazards due to loose wiring.

Residents are advised to choose the right decorative lights that have been rated for indoor and outdoor use. Aside from reading the package instructions carefully, residents are advised to avoid exceeding the recommended wattage. To prevent accidents, damaged electrical products such as cords, plugs, and ornaments should be replaced. Moreover, the number of lights and decorations that are plugged into an outlet should be limited to avoid overheating and combustion.

When installing decorative lights outdoors, residents are advised to use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). As for extension cords and plugs, residents should avoid overloading circuits with plugs and extension cords, as this could lead to overheating and combustion. If circuits frequently trip or fuses frequently blow up, it could indicate that too many items are connected to the circuit.

Extension cords should never be run under carpets, through doorways, or in places where they can be damaged by pets, human traffic, or furniture. Outdoor connections should also be kept out of puddles and remain above ground. Likewise, outdoor connections should be situated away from driveways and walkways to prevent damage.