Make Sure To:
- Limit Extension Cord Use. These are meant to be used as short-term solutions. If you have had extension cords in use for a while or if you rely on them, consider having more outlets installed in your home instead. You should also never have any major appliances (fridge, washer, dryer, stoves, and more) plugged into an extension cord; these take a lot of energy and need to be plugged directly into the wall
- Test Your GFCIs. Your ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) ensures that you are protected against electrical shocks when there is a sudden surge of energy. This surge can be caused when an electrical device comes in contact with water, which is why you typically see GFCIs used in bathrooms. When you look at an outlet and see two buttons, oftentimes one red and one black, in between the two electrical sockets, those are for the GFCI. To test if your GFCIs are working, press the black lower button, usually labeled as “Test”. If your GFCI isn’t working, press the red button on top, usually labeled as “Reset”. If this also is not working, then your GFCI has probably failed and you will need the assistance of a professional electrical company.
- Install Surge Protectors. Surge protectors will keep your electronics safe in case of a power outage, power surges, grid malfunctions, and more. Without surge protectors, your electronics could be seriously damaged if there is an unexpected surge.
- Check Your Circuit Panel. This is good to do if your home is old or you see any rust on the circuit panel, but it is also a good idea after a storm. If you’ve had any flooding in the room with your circuit panel or in areas around it, you’ll want to make sure there is no water damage.
- Switch To LED Lighting. LED lighting is more energy-efficient but it also produces less heat, which lowers fire risks in the home. Although your home may need to be retrofitted for LED lighting, it will save you money by reducing power usage and by having to replace the bulbs far less often.
- Clean Out Dust. A part of your spring cleaning should involve pulling out the fridge, washer, dryer, deep freeze, or other large appliance that may have dust accumulated behind them. If dust heats up from the motor of the appliance or from getting near the electrical socket, it can start a house fire. Vacuuming behind these appliances on occasion is a simple way to avoid this risk.
- Inspect For Frayed Wires. Anything that has wires is at risk of fraying. This includes power tools, larger appliances, regularly used small appliances, power cords, and more. If there is any wire exposed, you are at risk for electrical shock and electrical fires.
Calgary Residential Electrical Services
If you’ve reviewed this checklist and found any issues with your electrical system, contact an electrical contractor right away to remedy the situation and ensure your safety. For this or to upgrade to LED lighting, contact an LED and electrical expert from Fluorescent Man Lighting and Electrical. Providing over 25 years of electrical services in the Chestermere and the Calgary area, Fluorescent Man Lighting and Electrical can offer you top-quality residential electrical services. We provide efficient and affordable service with a team of electricians with 5 to 8 years of experience each. To get a free in-home quote, contact Fluorescent Man Lighting and Electrical at 1-403-863-8529 or by filling out the contact form.
FAQ
Q: What is a lighting retrofit?
A: A lighting retrofit is a process of replacing certain components in an already existing lighting system with more efficient, modern solutions. This allows you to avoid buying brand new lighting fixtures for your entire space, which saves significant amounts of money.
Q: Can FM Lighting and Electrical do lighting maintenance inside and outside?
A: Yes, if you have lighting both inside and outside we can make sure both areas are in top quality shape, even in the cold Calgary winters.
Q: Can I do my electrical work myself?
A: Having yourself or a friend do your electrical work can be incredibly dangerous. If someone without their license or insurance does electrical work on your home or business and something goes wrong, you can be liable. You might not qualify for an insurance claim and you could be out a lot of money.
