Appliances & Electronics

Be Power Smart and buy energy efficient appliances. The ENERGY STAR symbol (open new window) identifies models that ensure that they are among the most energy efficient in their class and do not compromise performance. ENERGY STAR appliances are 10 to 50 per cent more efficient than conventional models. When you buy an appliance there are actually two “price tags”:

• the cost of the appliance;
• the cost of operating the appliance during its lifetime; consider this “second price tag” when purchasing your appliances.

Electronics such as DVD players, televisions, alarm clocks, and cell phone chargers use power even when they are not being used. The continuous use of electricity is called standby power.

ENERGY STAR electronics reduce standby power and are more efficient than standard electronics.

For more information on energy efficient electronics, visit the Natural Resources Canada website (open new window).

Source : Manitoba Hydro

Top Electrical Projects Best Left to a Professional

Electricity plays an important role in your home, running the heat and appliances among other things. There are plenty of repairs and other projects that will pop up and need immediate attention. While you may be able to handle small things like changing a light fixture or wiring in a phone jack, there are certain electrical projects that should only be handled by a trained professional.

Changing Out the Wire

Older aluminum wiring will need to be changed out to the modern (and much safer) copper wiring. This is an extensive job that requires hours of work and major lengths of wire. Not only is copper more resistant to corrosion, it is more flexible and adaptable in a variety of configurations and provides a much more reliable connection between the panel board and your outlets and fixtures.

In most cases house wiring needs to be done by a licensed electrician. In certain circumstances a homeowner is allowed to do the wiring in their own home, provided that all electrical safety codes are followed, a permit is applied for and regular inspections take place. But just because something is allowed does not mean it is recommended.

Whether you are replacing an aged wiring system or completing a basement renovation, this size of project needs to be handled by a professional.

Putting In a New Panel

Wiring is not the only thing that needs to be upgraded. Often the fuse panels that were used in older homes need to be replaced with breaker types. These newer panels eliminate the problem of overfusing (putting in a fuse that is too large for your wiring to handle) and cut down on maintenance. Breakers that flip as opposed to fuses that blow are much easier to maintain.

A professional electrician should always handle any work done on your panel. This is the connection between your home and the main service and any changes done here will affect the balance of your house power. Have a pro handle the panel to provide the safest electrical system throughout your home.

Appliance Repair

Not only does this void any warranty that applies, but attempting to fix your appliances can end up costing you much more than a visit from the repairman will. You may be tempted to pop open your refrigerator or dishwasher when there’s a problem, but one or two small mistakes inside can cause major issues with these often complex units.

If you know that a small replacement part will fix the problem, by all means give it a try, but for diagnosis and other more complicated work, an experienced repair technician or electrician is your best bet. Keep your appliances running well by having them maintained by those who are in the know.

Electrical repairs and projects are a common occurrence in the home. Although the services of a pro will cost you money, in many cases this is a safer and necessary choice. When upgrading your wiring or electrical panel a licensed electrician is the professional to call in. If your appliance is in need of repair, ask a technician to help you out. That way you can better rely on the performance and safety of the electrical system in your house.

Source : Handy Canadian

Information that is being provide is for Educational Purpose, Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.

Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #8  – Backstabbed wires are more likely to come loose

8. BACKSTABBED WIRES

What it means: On newer switches and receptacles, wires pushed in the back are more likely to come loose than those anchored around screw terminals.

Code violation? No. The practice is allowed, even for new construction.

Danger level: It depends. At a minimum, loose wires can cause a receptacle or switch to stop working. In the worst case, they can start a fire.

Solution: Check for back-stabbed connections by removing a switch or receptacle from its outlet box. If one is back-stabbed, there are likely to be more. Release the wires and attach them to the appropriate screw terminals on the receptacle.

Information that is being provide is for Educational Purpose, Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.

Source:This Old House

8 Things to Consider Before Starting an Electrical Project

Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.

Your home is full of electrical projects both big and small. With more and more technology in our homes the need for electricity and electrical upgrades keeps climbing.

But these projects require careful planning, good safety practices and the ability to work within your existing system.

1) Know Your Own Grid

It’s important that you have an idea about the services available in your home. Are you working with a breaker panel or a fuse box? How are the rooms and appliances wired? Much of this information can be gathered through simple tests of your breakers/fuses or by having an electrician in to inspect your home.

2) Consider Labeling Everything

This is a trick that will save you plenty of hassle for the rest of the time you live in your home. Label the breakers/fuses, label the wires if you can get at them and even label the major switches in utility rooms and outside the house. Don’t trust your memory or rely on a sketch filed away.

3) Understand the Basic Electrical Codes

Get a copy of the household electrical code for your region and read it through. This will give you an idea of the loads and limits allowed and should guide you through the basics of wiring, switch replacement and lighting installation.

4) Read the Installation Instructions Thoroughly

When you are installing or replacing a light fixture, built in appliance, switch or outlet be sure to read through all of the instructions that came with the product. Pick up a good DIY electrical manual to help you complete the project safely and efficiently.

5) Always Turn Off the Power

When working with electricity, always turn off the main power before you start. Don’t take any chances. Use battery powered flashlights or flood lights to illuminate your work area if necessary and be sure the power has been switched completely off.

6) Think About the Condition of the Materials

You may be tempted to reuse old wiring, switches and components to save money and time shopping for new material. Although it is possible to do at times, you can never be certain of the quality unless you have picked up the material yourself. Electrical supplies are not generally expensive and it’s a good idea to start each project with unused materials.

7) Work Through Your Lighting Needs

For additions, renovations and redecorating, you will usually be adding new light fixtures. Sit in the room and get an idea of what type of lighting you’ll need, where it should come from and where the switches should be. Consider traffic flow, the activities being done in the room and future use.

8) Get a Permit

Many regions require that homeowners get an electrical permit when they are adding a new panel, replacing the wiring or any other major electrical work. It will be an added cost and usually requires inspections, but this step will protect you and make your insurance company happy.

Always be careful when taking on electrical home improvements. Even skilled professionals practice safety while doing their job and always leave their work site neat and tidy. Plan well, do your homework and work carefully. Your electrical project will go much smoother and result in a brighter, more powerful result.

Handy Canadian Inc does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, safety, legality or usefulness of any Content.

Source : Handy Canadian

Information that is being provide is for Educational Purpose, Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.