Approximately 200 electrical fires occur in B.C. each year with a large portion of these fires found in older homes. As sad as it is, it’s understandable. Homes built before 1970 didn’t have the types of technology we have today – not only to build a more sound electrical system but to sustain the types of products we now use on a daily basis (coffee machines, hairdryers, computers, the list goes on). If you live in an older home or are looking at buying one, be aware of these electrical hazards.

Wiring – New cables and methods of wiring have been introduced since the building of your old home. These new cables provided ground protection, higher rated insulation temperatures and are suitable for recessed lighting. This eliminates the need for knobs and tubes, which proved to be a fire hazard overtime.  If your wiring is older than 30 years, it is recommended to have an electrician review the safety of your wiring. If caught early, you may be able to simply modify your wiring rather than rewire your entire home.

Amps – The standard home in 1970 was equipped with 30 amps of power whereas now homes are equipped with anywhere from 100 amps to even 200 amps of power. With the increase in electrical devices used in a home, 100 amps have now become the standard requirements for all new homes. Review your home’s usage and determine whether it is necessary to improve your electrical system.

Arc Faults – When electricity is released unintentionally from a wire or cord the surrounding material can catch fire which is called an Arc Fault. Arc Faults are one of the highest sources of electrical fires. However, by installing an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (ARCI) you can prevent them.

Contact Expert Electric for assistance in determining the safety of your older home and how to prevent the tragedy of an electrical fire. 604-681-8338

Looking to jazz up your yard for this season’s summer festivities? A little outdoor lighting can go a long way! From fancy patios to tree-lined country yards, the right outdoor lighting can help you meet an array of needs, including illumination that makes tasks easier, sets the mood, and keeps your family and guests safe.

Cooking and entertaining festivities held outside after dark need lighting that is convenient and safe. Practical and economical, wall mounted lights can meet an array of needs, providing focused task lighting for…

Carriage lanterns can help define patio and walkway edges, lighting the path to doors and entryways and illuminating obstacles such as stairs and garden beds.

Parameter lights offer form and function, adding a decorative element, but more importantly, when properly placed at key points in your yard, add guidance to entry and exit points on your property.

Mixed lighting can create a truly magical effect throughout your property. Professional installation can save you time and money, conveniently planning and tapping into preexisting electrical lines.

To easily control brightness levels according to time or mood, you may wish to consider adding dimmers to newly installed or existing outdoor lighting.

Make plants and landscaping pop with LED illuminated planting pots. Far from the average run-of-the-mill flower pot, these amazing lights not only make plants pop, but radiate high level outdoor light, making them an excellent choice for walkways.

Not just for holiday lighting anymore, string lights can add sparkle and mood to any outdoor setting, such as trees, pergolas, arbors, posts, and furniture. They are also very effective when used to line railings, guiding guests along walkways.

From classic outdoor camping lanterns to fun craft finds, suspending lanterns from trees with fishing line can bring romance and magic to outdoor entertaining spaces. Battery operated or real tea lights make illumination a breeze, just be sure to keep candles a safe distance from leaves.

When choosing fixtures and bulbs for outdoor lighting options, consider energy saving LED options, which use up to 85 percent less energy than incandescents and up to 50 percent less energy than fluorescents. Hate changing outdoor bulbs? LEDs last more than 10 years on average - that's 25 times longer than incandescents and 2-5 times longer than fluorescents.

Solar lighting options are also an excellent choice, converting and storing the sun’s energy and coming in a variety of types and uses, including wall-mounted, lamppost, security lights, and lanterns. Be sure to check “nightly run times” on product labeling to ensure you have enough sunlight for operating solar lights in your area. Feeling crafty? Make a few solar decorative lights of your own.

Adding outdoor lighting to your property can be fun if it’s done properly and safely. Some installations may require running underground electrical cables, additional wiring within the walls of your home, the installation of fixtures, proper GFCI outlets, and more. Ensure all outdoor home electrical work is installed properly and safely by a licensed professional, using UL listed, weatherproof, safety compatible materials and devices.

Transform your space and take full advantage of your time outdoors. Contact Mr. Electric® and brighten up your yard with the latest in outdoor lighting today.

Being a home owner comes with more responsibility than some people realize, and it can get overwhelming. There are certain aspects about your home that you may have overlooked, or just thought wasn’t important, like your HVAC system. Not paying attention to your HVAC can become very troublesome for your home and cause several issues.

Finding the right electrician to provide for your needs can be a frustrating experience. There are a lot of options out there and it can be hard to choose! But when you need service, you don’t want just anyone. You want the best. So how do you find the best electrical services in Tampa? Well, there are some important bits of information you should hunt down before you decide!