top 5 tips to maintain a healthy electrical system

Here are 5 tips for maintaining a healthy electrical system in your Peterborough home. It's something that's often overlooked, but it's crucial for the safety and functionality of our homes:

1. Regular Inspections: Regular electrical inspections are the backbone of electrical system maintenance. Hiring a professional electrician to assess your wiring, outlets, and appliances can catch potential issues before they become major problems. It's a small investment that can save you big in the long run.

2. Upgrade Outdated Wiring: This is a point that many people might not consider until it's too late. Older homes may have outdated wiring that can't handle the demands of modern appliances and technology. Upgrading to newer, safer wiring not only prevents electrical issues but also enhances energy efficiency.

3. Don't Overload Circuits: Overloading circuits is a common mistake, especially in households with numerous devices and gadgets. It's important to distribute the load evenly across circuits to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Using surge protectors and being mindful of which devices are plugged in where can make a huge difference.

4. Replace Outdated Outlets: Outlets, like anything else, have a lifespan. If you notice outlets that are loose, cracked, or discoloured, it's essential to replace them promptly. Faulty outlets can lead to shocks, fires, or power outages. Plus, upgrading to outlets with built-in safety features is a smart move.

5. Invest in Whole-House Surge Protection: With the increasing number of electronics in our homes, power surges can be a real concern. Whole-house surge protectors can safeguard your expensive appliances and sensitive electronics from voltage spikes. It's a proactive step that can save you a lot of money in the event of a surge.


Case Example

​At Electricians Peterborough, we recently completed a comprehensive electrical maintenance project for a homeowner in the Northcrest area—a community where roughly 35% of homes were built before 1980, many still with outdated wiring systems.  Over two days, we replaced ten worn-out outlets—including adding modern tamper-resistant GFCI outlets in high-risk areas—as recommended by Peterborough’s Electrical Safety Awareness guidelines . We also rewired an aging circuit feeding their kitchen and basement lighting, replacing old aluminum and knob-and-tube wiring with up-to-code copper conductors, boosting safety and capacity. A full electrical inspection followed, during which our licensed electricians identified and corrected overloaded circuits and improper connections, bringing the system fully up to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

As a result, the homeowner now enjoys safer, more reliable power—no more flickering lights or hot outlets. The upgrades also reduce the risk of electrical fires and help meet insurance requirements that increasingly mandate modern wiring and GFCI protection. With Peterborough’s nickname “The Electric City” and its history of storm-related power issues , our work helps ensure that their home remains safe, compliant, and fully functional—backed by peace of mind and professional excellence.


Overall, these tips are spot-on for maintaining a safe and efficient electrical system in our homes. It's important to remember that electricity is not something to take lightly, and a little prevention can go a long way in ensuring our homes are not only comfortable but also secure.  For further assistance, contact your local electrician in Peterborough.

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