How do I find a reliable electrician?
If referrals from family and friends are not possible, you can contact a few electrical contractors to ask them about their experience with the particular job you’re requesting. See how they respond, and be careful not to base your decision on the cheapest price. Sometimes, although not always, price is reflective of the electrical contractor’s experience. So use price as the final gauge. Fortunately, even though our electricians are experts in their field, if you’re in search of affordable electricians in Peterborough that provide high value, look no further. With our years of experience and reasonable price points, you’ll be in good hands with Electricians Peterborough. What questions should I ask an electrician?
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- “Are you able to provide a couple of references?” - asking for references may not be needed for all projects, but for some home- and business owners who are blindly looking for an electrical contractor, this question is a reasonable one to ask, especially for larger or more complex projects.
- “Do you have any warranties in case the equipment doesn't work?” - our electricians are highly skilled, but mistakes happen and we're all human. For jobs that need modifications and repairs due to human error, we will gladly rectify that deficiency. Do not hesitate to contact us if there are further concerns. We will do our very best to address them in a fair and timely manner.
What electrical mistakes do homeowners commonly make?
Unless you've got experience within the electrical contracting world, we highly advise you contact a knowledgeable licensed electrician to provide the bulk of your residential and commercial electrical services. Here are some common pitfalls made by the average homeowner that could create irreversible damage or safety risk:
Unless you've got experience within the electrical contracting world, we highly advise you contact a knowledgeable licensed electrician to provide the bulk of your residential and commercial electrical services. Here are some common pitfalls made by the average homeowner that could create irreversible damage or safety risk:
- Forgetting to install a GFCI outlet: A ground fault circuit interrupter is a device that automatically shuts off power when it detects an imbalance in incoming and outgoing current, thereby reducing or preventing the danger of overheating or electrocution. They are particularly important in areas with high moisture like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages and patios.
- Failing to install a junction box: Electrical boxes contain the wiring connections and therefore protect them from damage caused by sparks or short circuits, which would not be contained if a junction box was not installed.
- Electrical wires cut too short: The general rule of thumb for cutting wires is to have a minimum of 3 extra inches from the junction box. If the wires are pulled too tight or taut, there’s a risk of faulty wire connections.
- Leaving cables unprotected and exposed: Plastic sheathed cables, especially ones that run over or under walls or ceiling frame, are more prone to damage. They are safer if they're covered in a metal conduit.
- Using the wrong size wire: Using the wrong size wire for the amount of amperage in a circuit can spell trouble. Each gauge wire has a different amp capacity, so this must be taken into consideration. A smaller gauge number corresponds to a larger amp capacity.
What services do you provide?
We service clients who are looking for residential electricians or commercial electricians. The list below is by no means an exhaustive list, but our services include:
...and much more!
How do you know if you need a professional electrician to service a job? If you take a look at the infographic above, those are some examples of jobs that may require the assistance of a licensed electrical contractor. Add to that any job you're not sure of and/or are not qualified to do yourself, due to lack of experience or qualifications. Things like troubleshooting, diagnosis, repairs, upgrades, home addition electrical work - these all qualify as reasons to call us.
We service clients who are looking for residential electricians or commercial electricians. The list below is by no means an exhaustive list, but our services include:
- Lighting services (including ceiling fan installations and bathroom exhaust fans, pot light installation and chandelier installation)
- Whole house surge protection
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Fuse panel replacements and repairs
- Electrical wiring replacement (including knob and tube wiring replacement, aluminum wiring replacement)
- Emergency electrical repairs
- Electrical inspections
- New appliance wiring (including hot tub installations, dishwasher/washer/dryer/other large appliance installs)
- GFCI installation
- EV home charging station installation
- New home remodel
- Residential electrical services
- Commercial electrical services
...and much more!
How do you know if you need a professional electrician to service a job? If you take a look at the infographic above, those are some examples of jobs that may require the assistance of a licensed electrical contractor. Add to that any job you're not sure of and/or are not qualified to do yourself, due to lack of experience or qualifications. Things like troubleshooting, diagnosis, repairs, upgrades, home addition electrical work - these all qualify as reasons to call us.
As Peterborough electricians, we feel blessed to be serving a city as beautiful and diverse as Peterborough. The most recent census showed the population to be just over 81,000 and is a popular destination town for retirees. Here’s an interesting fact: Peterborough was the first city in Canada to use electric street lights back in the day, and therefore was dubbed “the electric city”. In recent years, the city has slowly shifted away from manufacturing and moved towards technology and service industries such as tourism. Some people also call this city the gateway to the Kawarthas or cottage country.
We are excited to serve all your electrical needs and we are confident we are the only ECRA/ESA certified master electricians Peterborough residents and business owners need (ECRA/ESA certification allows the contractor to operate an electrical contracting business in Ontario and therefore allowed to do electrical work in your home) - even master and certified electricians, even if they have a master electrician license or Ontario college of trades certification, cannot be hired directly to perform electrical work in Ontario; they must work for an ECRA/ESA certified electrical contractor business.
On a side note, we are also happy to partner with our Kitchen Remodel San Diego friends across the border, but if you live or work in Peterborough or surrounding Kawarthas and are in need of electrical service, give Electricians Peterborough a call.
We are excited to serve all your electrical needs and we are confident we are the only ECRA/ESA certified master electricians Peterborough residents and business owners need (ECRA/ESA certification allows the contractor to operate an electrical contracting business in Ontario and therefore allowed to do electrical work in your home) - even master and certified electricians, even if they have a master electrician license or Ontario college of trades certification, cannot be hired directly to perform electrical work in Ontario; they must work for an ECRA/ESA certified electrical contractor business.
On a side note, we are also happy to partner with our Kitchen Remodel San Diego friends across the border, but if you live or work in Peterborough or surrounding Kawarthas and are in need of electrical service, give Electricians Peterborough a call.
Call now for a no-obligation quote:
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See some of our customer testimonials:
We were looking for a reliable commercial electrician in Peterborough for our low rise office building, and asked around and were referred to them by contractors who love using them because they're "the best" (their words). No regrets.
- Josefina D.
From the first phone call to the final sign off of our electrical panel upgrade, the process was very smooth, and I felt very confident with this electrical company's abilities and professionalism. Great job.
- Amanda H.
I needed a service panel upgrade for our new income property and was referred to this company by my realtor. They did a great job and the process went very smoothly.
- Rachel K.
Frequently asked questions:
Can a contractor do electrical work?
In Ontario, a general contractor or handyman cannot perform electrical services. They must hire a licensed electrical contractor to do the electrical work, the latter needing to submit to ESA the notification of electrical work. Anyone other than a licensed electrical contractor who does electrical work would be going against the law and putting your property and its residents at physical risk.
When is an electrical installation required to be inspected?
Anytime there is any modification, replace or installation done to a property, whether it's residential or commercial, an electrical inspection must be conducted. This includes, but is not limited to: electrical services upgrades or changes, light fixture installations, renovations and new construction electrical work, and appliance additions such as hot tub installations, saunas, swimming pools and others. In Ontario, an ESA inspection would be required to ensure the all electrical work complies with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
When to replace electrical panel?
Some telltale sign you might need a electrical panel upgrade include: age over 30 years, a home addition which will require more power usage, use of multiple power strips, addition of more high-powered appliances. Feel free to consult with us to get a better idea of your home's power needs and whether you will need an electrical panel replacement.
how do i fix flickering lights in my house?
If a light fixture is flickering in your house, here are a few things you can do:
- Check the bulb: The first thing you should do is check the bulb to make sure it is screwed in properly and tightly. If it is loose, turn off the power to the fixture and tighten the bulb.
- Replace the bulb: If the bulb is old or damaged, it may need to be replaced. Turn off the power to the fixture and replace the bulb with a new one of the same wattage and type. In Peterborough, you can head over to the local Home Depot or Canadian Tire on Landsdowne St West or near your home to purchase the proper sized bulbs and type.
- Check the switch: If the bulb is not the issue, it could be the switch. Turn off the power to the fixture and check the switch for loose connections or damage. If the switch is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
- Check the wiring: If the switch and bulb are not the issue, it could be a problem with the wiring Turn off the power to the fixture and check the wiring for loose connections, damage, or corrosion. If you are not comfortable working with wiring, it is best to call a licensed electrician.
- Call an electrician: If you are unable to identify or fix the issue, it is best to call a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair the problem. Flickering lights could be a sign of a more serious electrical issue, and it is important to address it promptly to ensure your safety and prevent further damage.
how risky is aluminum wiring?
Peterborough's introduction of the famous Peterborough Lift Lock in the early 20th century attracted workers and families to this area. Along came other industries and companies like Quaker Oats and General Electric, resulting in a steadily growing population. More houses were built, and many that were built in between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s used aluminum wiring as a cost-effective alternative to copper. However, it was found that aluminum wiring was more likely to cause electrical fires due to several factors:
If you have aluminum wiring in your home, it is important to have it inspected by a licensed electrician to ensure that it is safe and up to code. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the aluminum wiring with copper wiring or use special connectors designed for use with aluminum wiring. Furthermore, did you know that your home insurance can experience a higher rate just because your property has aluminum wiring (as opposed to copper wiring)? That's just a bonus reason as to why you should consider aluminum wiring replacement. Electricians Peterborough has the experience and expertise to take care of all your home wiring needs.
- Oxidation: Aluminum wiring is more prone to oxidation than copper wiring, which can cause it to corrode and create resistance in the electrical circuit. This can lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire.
- Thermal expansion: Aluminum wiring expands and contracts more than copper wiring when it heats up and cools down. This can cause connections to become loose over time, which can also lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire.
- Incompatibility: Aluminum wiring is not compatible with some types of electrical devices, such as outlets and switches designed for copper wiring. If these devices are used with aluminum wiring, it can cause overheating and potentially cause a fire.
If you have aluminum wiring in your home, it is important to have it inspected by a licensed electrician to ensure that it is safe and up to code. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the aluminum wiring with copper wiring or use special connectors designed for use with aluminum wiring. Furthermore, did you know that your home insurance can experience a higher rate just because your property has aluminum wiring (as opposed to copper wiring)? That's just a bonus reason as to why you should consider aluminum wiring replacement. Electricians Peterborough has the experience and expertise to take care of all your home wiring needs.
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