My home still has the original Knob & Tube wiring. Is this a concern?

If your home has this method of wiring it means it was likely done well over 60 years ago to meet the requirements at that time. Our experience has shown that this wiring method leaves much to be desired given the increased demands on today’s average electrical system. Deteriorated wires, cracked or missing insulation, devices that are making poor connection because they are loose and not CSA approved, all present serious safety concerns. Subsequent modifications done by amateurs have often compounded the risks. Though the thought of rewiring your home may seem daunting, it is an investment that adds considerable value to your home will reduce your insurance premiums and provide you with the peace of mind knowing you have addressed this definite fire hazard. You can live safely and worry free in your charming character home for many, many years. Call Wayne’s Electric today and we will be happy to arrange for an estimate.

I’ve got a breaker that keeps tripping. Can I just pop in a new one provided the numbers on it match the old breaker?

Your tripping breaker is doing just what it is designed to do. It is protecting your home by terminating the flow of electricity in a specific circuit, warning you of a problem with your electrical system. Occasionally breakers do need to be replaced as they will wear out just like anything else in your home, but the tripping breaker may only be a symptom of a problem elsewhere in your electrical system. Using specialized tools, our licensed technician will be able to identify where the problem originates and then correct it. You have the peace of mind knowing the problem, and not just the symptom, has been addressed.

My electrical panel is making a buzzing sound and is quite warm to the touch, should I be concerned?

YES. Immediately reduce the load on your electrical system by turning off as many electrical appliances and lights as possible. Call a licensed electrical contractor and explain your situation. Wayne’s Electric can be reached at 519-364-4020.

My cousin/brother-in-law/neighbour is a certified electrician who has agreed to do some electrical work as a favour to me. Are there legal ramifications to consider?

While it may make sense to accept this kind of favour for some home renovation work, we strongly recommend you call a licensed electrical contractor for repairs to your electrical system. A contractor licensed with the ESA is bonded and must carry insurance policies that will protect you should anything go wrong. He is able to purchase the necessary permits which mean the work is regulated and inspected. Most electrical alterations to your home, without a permit, are illegal and may jeopardize your home insurance policy or affect its resale value, not to mention your family’s safety.

I have just purchased a new hot tub. Can I hook it up myself and can my existing electrical panel handle the additional load?

The hot tub is a popular choice for homeowners who want to create a backyard oasis. Correctly installed, this addition is a welcome retreat at the end of a busy day. Incorrect wiring can spell disaster, as water, electricity and naked people are not compatible elements. This is why we strongly urge you to call in a trained professional for this installation. Our technician will do a load calculation using the Canadian Electrical Code to check if upgrading your panel is required and make the necessary connections for you. Your new hot tub should give you years of safe and worry free enjoyment.

Do I really need surge protection for my house? Isn’t that little bar where my computer is plugged into enough?

A careful assessment of your home may reveal that you own a lot more sensitive electronic equipment than you first realized. It costs approximately $8,000 to $10,000 to replace the electronic equipment in the average home. This amount can more than double if you have invested in a sophisticated entertainment system, newer appliances, or if you work from a home office. Our technician can advise you on how you can protect your investment from most power surges, spikes and voltage impulses that are more common than you realize. A properly sized surge protector for your whole house can save you thousands of dollars through a single incident.

What’s the big deal about aluminum wiring?

Aluminum wiring was used extensively in homes built from 1960 to the late 1970’s because it was much cheaper than copper, even though copper is a superior product as it is a better conductor of electricity. It was later discovered that aluminum presents problems that copper does not. Aluminum tends to oxidize, causing overheating and eventually failure at the termination points. Aluminum is not as resilient as copper and also has a higher rate of expansion, which can result in loose connections, arcing, melting and possibly fire. Insurance companies are wary of homes with aluminum wiring and most require electrical modifications or complete rewiring to reduce the risk of fire. Each home is wired differently and must be assessed on an individual basis to determine the best and safest solution. We can help you with this; just call our office at 519-364-4020 to discuss your options.