When it comes to lighting areas where color accuracy is crucial, such as portrait studios, retail stores, hospitals, medical and commercial offices, display cases, and warehouses, a high color-rendering index (CRI) is key. CRI refers to how accurately a light source reveals the true colors of objects, people, and surroundings and involves a distinct testing method with comparisons to incandescent light or daylight.

The spectral graph below can be helpful in understanding the advantage of high-CRI light sources. Lights with a low CRI will show fewer colors while high-CRI lights cover more of the spectrum. A light source’s ability to show more colors increases its accuracy in revealing the true colors of people, objects, and surroundings.

can light, linear light, or other high-CRI bulb or fixture. Lights with a CRI of 80 or higher are considered to show colors most accurately. The photo below shows how different CRIs can affect colors and skin tone.

People opt for an electric panel upgrade for many reasons, many of them linked to the increasing electrical demands of modern households. In today’s world, we need more power than ever as the devices we use become more sophisticated. With the growing importance of the technology around us, having an electrical panel that can support it all is critical. Beyond maintaining the standards of living we desire for ourselves and our loved ones, an electric panel upgrade is also necessary when it comes to safety.

Most electrical problems in your house will more often than not require an electrician to fix them, but sometimes, if you have some time on your hands and the right tools, there are certain things you may want to tackle yourself. In this post, we will look at replacing a junction box and fixing backstabbed wires.

Replacing a Junction Box Cover

Your existing junction box should already meet the required National Electrical codes of standards, but if you happen to find one in your home that is missing a cover, it is best to have it replaced immediately. Because the splices where wires are connected together are housed in a junction box, they could end up being inadvertently damaged and become a fire or shock hazard. If this has already happened, you may want to ask a qualified electrician for help.

Fixing this is as simple as using the original cover and some screws, or if it is lost or damaged, buying a new one for a few cents at your local hardware store and installing it with the accompanying screws.

Backstabbed Wires

Backstabbed wires occur when wires in newer switches and receptacles are pushed into the back. These are more likely to come loose than those that are held in place by screws. A wire that comes loose will most likely cause the terminal to stop working, but in some cases, it may even cause an electrical fire.

Carry out a check to see whether there are any switches with backstabbed wires. If you find any, release the wires and then attach them to the appropriate screw terminals on the switch. If you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself, your electrician should be able fix this for you pretty quickly.

The electrical infrastructure that is the backbone to power our electrical devices is a manmade marvel. The ability to provide power to cities and towns all over the country is a benefit that we can all enjoy. Power lines are a basic component to provide electrical current throughout cities, neighbourhoods and ultimately our homes. These high-powered lines are packed with strong current and can be highly dangerous if not respected. It is critical that we exercise caution when working around electrical power lines. We have assembled some tips to bear in mind.

Depending on the location of power lines around your home and property, you may encounter situations where you must work nearby electrical lines. Often trimming hedges or trees will bring us within a short distance of live wires or poles.

Standing on ladders, can put you into harms way. Power lines carry a high capacity of electrical current that flows through the wires themselves. By placing yourself closer to high power lines, you may be at risk of causing an electrical arc. If your hedge clippers or ladder comes too close to power lines, the electrical current may jump to the metal ladder, or electrical device. These objects act as a conductor for the electricity to travel to the ground. The result of this could easily be an electrical shock or burn to your body. When performing jobs near power lines, always look up and be conscious of your proximity to the lines. You should always remain at least three meters or 10 feet away from power lines.

If you are trimming a tree, take extreme caution that your falling debris does not come into contact with the power line. A falling branch could cause a spark or stress on the lines that may result in an electrical fire.

During periods of heavy wind, trees may bend and break under the stress of the wind. Should a tree or large branch break and fall, it may pull down and disconnect a power line from an adjacent pole. Should a power pole fail due to a car accident at the base of the pole, this may also cause power lines to break and fall. During any of these events, take extreme caution and remain at least 33 feet or 10 meters away from a downed power line (The equivalent of one school bus in length). The line is likely still active and charged. If you come across a downed power line ensure that nobody moves near the power line and call 911 immediately. Quick actions can prevent serious loss of life.

As much as we love electrical use in our daily lives, it can be very dangerous. If you have questions or concerns with power lines in your neighbourhood you can contact BC Hydro. For assistance with your home electrical, surge protection or service panel upgrades use a licence electrician. Contact your local Expert Electric at 604-681-8338.