Frequently Asked Questions

Aluminum wiring is still commonly used today and it is completely safe if used and installed correctly. The problem with aluminum wiring arises when not installed correctly and by not ensuring that the connections used are rated for aluminum and are terminated properly.

Older homes that were built using aluminum wiring can have some issues because contractors then did not fully understand the requirements that are inherently necessary with aluminum.

Homeowners should also be aware of any DIY upgrades that were done and ensure that the installer used the correct connectors.

A 60 amp service for your home is just fine. However your insurance company may want you to have a minimum 100 amp service. If this is the case and you need you service increased, give us a call today. We can come down and assess your needs.

Safety first! Make sure that the power has been turned off to the switch before you begin.

For a two wired switch, simply unscrew connections and make sure to match the wires up to the same sides when connecting up the new switch.

​ If the light switch has three wires, it is important that the wire that is on the black screw (the common screw, sometime it’s a darker copper) reconnects to the common on the new switch, otherwise the three way switch will not operate correctly.

To ensure a breaker has been reset, turn it all the way off and then back on. It should have resistance against it when you turn it to the on position. If not, there may be a problem with the breaker and you should call for service.

​To reset a GFI breaker you simply need to push the rest button HARD until you hear a click and it remains down. If this does not work, then there could be a ground fault or the GFI breaker is not working correctly. If this is the case, you should call for service to get it repaired.

BC Hydro is only going to charge you for the electricity you use. There are many things you can do to help save electricity and reduce your bill.

For example, electric hot water tanks are less efficient than gas ones, if you have and older electric water heater then consider and upgrade.

Monitor your electricity use, turn off lights and devices when not using them.

Change your lighting to more efficient bulbs Replace light switches with motion detectors in room to automatically turn light on and off.

Try to make use of natural lighting whenever possible

Switch to more efficient LED holidays lights. Change old incandescent lights, older fixtures and appliances to newer more efficient ones.

You can find many other great energy saving tips at www.bchydro.com

This can be caused by a broken neutral and should be looked at by a professional, give us a call to make arrangements for us to check on your wiring.

Did you replace your own plugs? A common DIY mistake is older homes is to forget to isolate the top and bottom plugs. By simply breaking the tab on the small slot side of the plug you create two separate circuits within one plug.

One of your outside plugs will have a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) breaker on it. This breaker protects all the plugs on that circuit. Find the outside plug with the GFI breaker (usually at front of house) and reset it. All your outside plugs should then work.

Before calling for an electrician to come for repairs, you should always double check and reset all your breakers and GFI plugs. This is commonly overlooked, and could save you the unnecessary expense of a service call.