Category: Electrical Safety
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Why Are My Lights Flickering?
Flickering lights are a common phenomenon in many homes and commercial buildings, but not a particularly welcome one. Many people find flickering lights distracting and off-putting—some even wonder if they can be dangerous. Don’t worry; we’re going to show you some common reasons why electric lights flicker (and no, none of them involve ghosts). Read…
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How to Tell If a Fuse Is Blown
Every once in a while, everyone will have to deal with a fuse being blown. This is a common occurrence for most homeowners. Recognizing and replacing a blown fuse can be simple if you are prepared and know the process. If you run into any difficulties, contact 4-Star Electric and one of our professional electricians…
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Rookie Mistakes: How to Avoid Electrical Code Violations
Electrical code violations don’t just cause issues when trying to sell or insure your home, they can create the perfect environment for an electrical fire, electrocution, or worse. That’s why it is so important to invest in electrical inspections and licensed professionals in both new and old homes. Cutting corners when it comes to safety…
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Working With Aluminum Wiring
Installing electrical systems with aluminum wiring was a common practice for homes in the late 60s and 70s. At the time, it was considered a cheaper alternative to copper wiring. Being the more economical option, aluminum wiring became the norm for almost a decade, not only in Alberta but all-over North America. Unfortunately, this cheaper…
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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Electricity
Electricity powers our homes, our phones, our workplaces, and even some of our transportation. This week, we want to take a look at some of the interesting facts and figures that surround this ubiquitous energy source. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about electricity! An Exciting History You’ve probably heard about Benjamin Franklin…
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Electrical Considerations in a New Home
There’s something special about building your new home. Every aspect of the new space can be tailored to your needs. It’s true that all the customization can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the most common regrets that homeowners have after living in their freshly-built home is not paying enough attention to their electrical…
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Electric Water Heaters – What You Should Know
Hot, running water is a necessity in our modern-day world. In homes and other types of residential buildings, tank-type water heaters are the most common way of meeting that need. If your traditional gas water heater is coming close to its use-by date, or you’re just wanting a change, it may be the perfect time…
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Preparing Your Rental Property for New Tenants
Maybe you’ve been running a rental property for years, or maybe you’ve just become a landlord. Either way, getting your space ready for the next renter is vital to the success of your investment and the safety of your tenant. Here are some of the most important areas to pay attention to when preparing your…
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Accessibility Updates Your Electrician Can Provide
Did you know that 27% of Canadians over the age of 15 are living with some sort of disability that limits their daily activities? For people living with these challenges, accessibility is key to their health, safety and comfort. In addition to ramps, modified furniture and even widened doorways, there are some lesser-known electrical upgrades…
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How Malfunctioning Appliances Cause Damage to Your Electrical System
As technology progresses, modern homes have come to depend more and more on electrical appliances. From cooking to food storage, clothes washing to HVAC, these units are integral to our daily lives. Their constant use makes it necessary to maintain or even replace them every once in a while. Neglecting to do so could cause…