Spring-time electrical tips

Spring is a good time to perform regular maintenance on all outdoor electrical items. Use the following list as a guideline to check all your outdoor lighting and electrical outlets:

• Inspect all weather-proof covers for exterior plugs and switches. Make sure they are properly sealed and that there are no cracks in the covers. This will ensure that water and moisture don't enter the box causing corrosion, power loss or even a potentially fatal shock!
• Check landscape lighting for broken or damaged insulation on wiring
• Check that all landscape and exterior lights are working properly and that there are no burnt out bulbs or broken fixtures. Keep your home well-lit to prevent accidents or protect your home from burglary. Consider going with motion sensor lights for any that need replacing
• Make sure that extension cords are not being permanently used outside. Extension cords are not designed to withstand varying weather conditions and can deteriorate over time and cause an electrical shock - consider adding an additional exterior plug instead

Call us to get more information on repairing or installing any exterior lighting or electrical needs.

Do you have electrical problems?

Older homes, apartments and businesses sometimes have inadequate wiring which can be both a fire hazard and an electrical hazard. Symptoms of inadequate wiring can include:

• One appliance must be disconnected in order to plug another in
• Lights or outlets simply don’t work
• Sparks occur when you plug an item into an outlet
• "Octopus" outlets are used extensively
• Extension cords are used extensively
• Fuses blow frequently
• Circuit breakers trip frequently
• Appliances such as toasters or irons are slow to heat
• Lights dim noticeably when another appliance is used
• Furniture arrangement is limited because there are too few outlets
• Rooms and stairways must be entered in darkness because of a lack of three or four-way light switches

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have electrical issues. Call Pacific Star Electric for a free quote and assessment of how we can resolve your electrical issues and ensure your home is safe from electrical fires.

Be sure to read our checklist from the CMHC "Hiring a Contractor" (PDF) before you hire us or any other contractor!

Keep your home and family safe!

Use the following home safety tips to keep you and your family safe from electrical fires:

• Replace frayed, cracked or cut power cords immediately.
• If a switch or outlet is hot or discolored by heat buildup, immediately shut off the circuit.
• Only use extension cords as a temporary measure.
• Turn appliances off before plugging them in.
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet areas.
• Keep heaters and halogen lamps away from draperies, clothing or other combustible materials.
• Remove lint from clothes dryers.
• Do not place power cords under rugs, carpets or furniture.
• Do not overload outlets.
• Replace any item that causes electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or produces smoke or sparks.
• Use only three-slot outlets for appliances with three-prong plugs.
• Use safety closures to help child-proof outlets.
• Buy products which meet the CSA or ULC Underwriter's Laboratory standards for safety.
• Replace all smoke alarms that are greater than 10 years old as the radioactive material in the sensing chamber dissipates by that time. Test newer smoke alarms each time you switch your calendar or consider installing a “hard-wired” system.
• 2007 BC Building codes now require combination carbon monoxide/smoke alarms on all new construction. Consider replacing old smoke alarms with combo units.

Consider these home maintenance tips

• Install dimmers on all interior lights – dimmers save energy and extend bulb-life (a light dimmed to 90% will last twice as long!)
• Install timers or photo-cells on exterior lights – reduce your energy bill and protect your home from burglary by keeping the exterior well-lit.
• Install 30 or 60 minute electronic timers on all bathroom exhaust fans to save energy and avoid mold and mildew.
• Consider having your electrical connections inspected and tightened periodically. Electricity is generated at a speed of 60Hz per second. This means that the electrical power is changing direction and effectively shutting off 60 times in one second. This causes vibration, which will loosen all connections over time.