Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do my lights flicker?

Flickering lights are one of the most common electrical problems we hear about. This can be caused by loose bulbs, incompatible dimmers, faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or issues with the electrical utility supply. If the problem persists after tightening or changing the light bulb, consult an electrician to inspect your wiring or circuit breaker. If the lights are flickering across your entire house, this is more of a cause for concern and should be taken seriously.

2. What causes a circuit breaker to trip repeatedly?

A tripping breaker is often caused by an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, or a ground fault. Unplug devices and reset the breaker. If it continues to trip, there may be a deeper issue that requires professional attention.

3. Is it safe to use extension cords permanently?

No, extension cords are meant for temporary use. Permanent use can lead to overheating, fire hazards, or damage to the cord. Instead, have an electrician install additional outlets where needed. Be especially careful when plugging in appliances or space heaters to extension cords or power bars. They are not designed for this type of sustained current and this is a serious fire hazard.

4. Why are some outlets in my home not working?

Non-working outlets could be due to tripped GFCI outlets, a tripped breaker, or faulty wiring. Check nearby GFCI outlets (e.g., in kitchens or bathrooms) and reset them – there is usually a small test and reset button in the middle. If the issue persists, call an electrician.

5. How do I reset a tripped breaker?

This is the second most common type of service request, and often a source of confusion for many homeowners. Almost all circuit breakers move to the middle position when they trip. Depending on the manufacturer of the panel, this may not be very obvious so be extra thorough when checking for a tripped breaker. To properly reset a breaker, move it fully into the off position and then back to the on position. If it immediately trips again there is a fault and you should contact an electrician.

6. What’s the difference between a fuse box and a circuit breaker panel?

Fuse boxes were used before the invention of modern circuit breakers. Fuses are often ‘one-time-use’ and they must be replaced when they blow, while circuit breaker panels have switches that can be reset. In most residential situations, fuses are ‘plug type’ fuses and are small round devices that screw into the panel. Breaker panels are more modern and safer, and older homes with fuse boxes may need an upgrade.

7. Can I install a new outlet myself, or do I need a professional?

While DIY outlet installation is possible, it’s safer to hire a licensed electrician. Incorrect installation can lead to electrical fires, shocks, or code violations.

8. Why does my outlet feel warm to the touch?

A warm outlet could indicate an overloaded circuit, loose wiring, or a faulty outlet. This can lead to arcing, charring or even a fire. Unplug devices and stop using the outlet immediately. Call an electrician to inspect and repair it.

9. How often should I replace my smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years. Test them monthly and replace batteries annually (if not hardwired).

10. What’s causing a burning smell from my electrical panel?

A burning smell could indicate overheating wires, a faulty breaker, or other serious issues. Turn off the power at the main breaker and call an electrician immediately.

11. How do I know if my home needs a wiring upgrade?

Signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, outdated wiring (e.g., knob-and-tube or aluminum), or the addition of new high-power appliances. An electrician can assess your system quickly and easily.

12. Can I replace a two-prong outlet with a three-prong outlet?

Yes, but only if the wiring includes a ground wire. If not, you’ll need to rewire the circuit or use a GFCI outlet for safety. Consult an electrician for proper installation.

13. What’s the cost of installing a ceiling fan or light fixture?

Costs vary based on complexity, but installing a ceiling fan or light fixture typically takes 1 – 2 hours. Our cost would be anywhere from $250-$399.

14. Why does my GFCI outlet keep tripping?

GFCI outlets are designed to provide extra protection against shock in damp or wet environments.  They will trip due to ground faults, moisture, or faulty appliances. Unplug devices and reset the outlet. If it continues to trip, there may be a wiring issue or a faulty GFCI outlet. It is relatively common for these to only last about 20 years.

15. How do I know if my home has enough electrical capacity for new appliances?

Check your electrical panel’s amperage (typically 100-200 amps). High-power appliances like electric stoves or HVAC systems may require a panel upgrade. An electrician can evaluate your needs.

16. What’s the best way to childproof my electrical outlets?

Use outlet covers, tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs), or sliding safety plates. TRRs are the safest option and are now required by code in many areas. Please contact a licensed electrician to have tamper-proof receptacles installed. 

17. Can I install a smart thermostat myself?

Yes, if you’re comfortable working with wiring. Most smart thermostats use ‘low voltage’ wiring and this is safe to work on for most people. However, if you’re unsure or your HVAC system requires additional wiring, it’s best to hire a professional. In addition, note that there are now MYSA ‘line voltage’ smart thermostats for baseboard heaters. Please consult a professional to install these devices.

18. What is the lifespan of my electrical panel?

Most electrical panels last 25-40 years. If your panel is older, shows signs of rust, or frequently trips, it may need replacement. An electrician can assess its condition.

19. Why does my circuit breaker feel hot to the touch?

A hot breaker could indicate an overloaded circuit, loose wiring, or a faulty breaker. This is a safety hazard—turn off the breaker and call an electrician immediately.

20. How do I know if my home has aluminum wiring, and is it safe?

Aluminum wiring was commonly used in the 1960s and 1970s. It can be safe if properly maintained, but it’s prone to overheating and corrosion. An electrician can inspect and recommend solutions like copper pigtailing.

21. What is arc fault protection, and do I need it?

Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) protect against electrical fires caused by arcing. They are now required by code in most living areas. If you have an older house with older wiring, it may be a good idea to install these. Be especially careful if you have live knob-and-tube wiring and contact an electrician to have it protected with AFCI devices.

22. Can I add USB outlets to my home?

Yes, USB outlets can replace standard outlets and provide convenient charging ports. An electrician can install them safely and ensure they’re compatible with your wiring.

23. Why does my dimmer switch make a buzzing sound?

Buzzing can occur if the dimmer is incompatible with the bulb type (e.g., LED or CFL) or if it’s overloaded. Replace the dimmer with one rated for your bulbs or reduce the load. It is best to have an electrician do this.

24. Why does my outdoor outlet stop working after it rains?

This is likely due to a tripped GFCI outlet, which is designed to shut off when it detects moisture. Reset the GFCI outlet and ensure it’s covered with a weatherproof enclosure. It is almost always best to use ‘in-use weatherproof’ covers. These are sometimes called ‘bubble covers’ and are fully weatherproof even when a cord is plugged in.

25. How do I upgrade my home to support an electric vehicle charger?

You may need a dedicated circuit and possibly a panel upgrade to handle the charger’s load. A Level 2 charger (240V) requires professional installation by an electrician. In many cases a load management system can also be used to help manage additional loads on a panel without an expensive electrical service upgrade. 

26. What are the signs of faulty wiring in my home?

Signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, burning smells, discolored outlets, or sparks. If you notice any of these, contact an electrician immediately.

27. Why does my breaker box make a humming noise?

A slight hum is normal, but loud buzzing or crackling could indicate a loose wire, faulty breaker, or overloaded circuit. Have an electrician inspect it promptly.

28. How do I protect my home from electrical surges?

Install whole-house surge protectors at your electrical panel and use point-of-use surge protectors for sensitive electronics. This layered approach offers the best protection.

29. What is a whole-house surge protector, and do I need one?

A whole-house surge protector is installed at your electrical panel to protect all circuits from large surges. It’s highly recommended, especially in areas prone to lightning or power fluctuations. It can often be installed quickly and easily.

30. Why does my bathroom outlet keep tripping even when nothing is plugged in?

This could be due to moisture, a faulty GFCI outlet, or a wiring issue. Have an electrician inspect the outlet and wiring to identify and fix the problem.

31. How do I know if my home’s electrical system is up to code?

An electrician can perform an inspection to check for compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code. It is best to have this done periodically as various system components can degrade over time. In addition, if you are moving into a new property we would highly recommend getting a fully residential electrical inspection completed.