Common Electrical Faults: When Do I Need an Electrician?

As an electrician in Vancouver, BC, you sometimes come across householders who have attempted to repair a fault themselves. DIY has its place but when dealing with electricity it’s usually wisest to defer to a specialist. It’s easy to take it for granted but every year hundreds of people are killed in electrical accidents.

Basic Electrical Faults

Of course there are simple faults like power surges which don’t require an electrician. If you experience a sudden loss of power to your household appliances, to sockets or to light fixtures, the first thing you should check is the circuit breaker. When a short-circuit or overload occurs, a circuit breaker is designed to interrupt the flow of current. This can easily be remedied by locating the circuit breaker panel (what was formerly the fuse box) and resetting the safety switch. Breakers are safety devices and are designed to protect circuits from serious damage.

Reoccurring Power Surges

If you find that the circuit breaker is tripping regularly, there is probably an issue with an appliance or fixture. It may be that several high-wattage appliances running on the same circuit are causing an overload. If this is the case you may have to switch some appliances to a different circuit or have a new circuit installed. You should also check light bulbs to ensure they match the wattage capacity of their fixtures.

If an electrical outlet doesn’t work but no breaker has been tripped, check the other outlets on the circuit. If the problem is isolated to one socket, it’s likely that the outlet had burnt out. Where blackening appears on a socket, avoid using that outlet as it may constitute a fire hazard.

Every licensed electrician in Vancouver will have extensive training, including first-aid techniques. They are the only people qualified to carry out complex repairs on your circuits and appliances. It’s not simply a question of competence. It’s a question of personal safety.

Trades Explained: What Are the Different Types of Electrician

Looking for some wiring done on your Vancouver home? But you don’t know a fuse from a circuit breaker? There are a number of things to consider. Electricians come in many varieties. They occupy a broad field and there are many niches and specialties. Knowing when you’ve found the right electrician in Vancouver can be far from straightforward.

You’re probably most familiar with residential electricians. If you’re looking for an electrician in Vancouver to check the circuits to your kitchen appliance, this is the kind you need. Residential electricians are responsible for installation, maintenance and upgrades for houses and apartments.

Commercial electricians on the other hand, you’ll find on big building sites, or in commercial premises, often servicing mechanical electrical systems. Commercial work can involve security systems for businesses, key systems, water heaters, installation work etc. Most commercial buildings and premises require occasional troubleshooting or upgrades. Part of an electrician’s job is often to identify and isolate specific problems such as faults in the wiring. As you’d expect the licensing standard for commercial electricians is particularly strict and they must serve their term under a master electrician.

While the two most obvious types of electrician are residential and commercial, there are others. Journeymen electricians for instance specialize in certain types of mechanical connections, power supplies or lighting installations etc. Master electricians on the other hand are exceptionally qualified and often work in supervisory capacities or as contractors. When seeking an electrician in Vancouver for your home or business, ensure that they have the relevant background and experience. 

Tradespeople in Vancouver: Electrical Contractors

Have you ever needed an electrical contractor in Vancouver, B.C., for residential or commercial work?  If you ever do, it might help to clarify exactly what a contractor does. An electrical contractor is an individual or company. They provide specialized electrical services, often to the construction industry. The contractor will have a team of journeymen electricians and probably at least one master electrician to serve in a supervisory capacity.

When you hire an electrical contractor in Vancouver, you’re not simply hiring an electrician; you’re hiring a whole company. Of course there are many types of electricians. Some work as freelance tradespeople, some work in the industrial or manufacturing sectors and others work as contractors. Broadly speaking, electricians work on the installation, design and maintenance of electrical systems and machinery. Their specific role will differ according to their specialty and level of experience.

Whether a large contractor or a freelance tradesperson, they still require the proper licensing and insurance to carry out their business. Many electrical contractors are themselves, master electricians. In order to become a master electrician you are required to take an exam and have worked in the industry for a set amount of years. Master electricians are highly qualified. They command higher salaries for their work and often function in supervisory roles.

It’s a broad industry. Some contactors work in areas such as power line maintenance, for instance.  However, you should be able to find an electrical contractor in Vancouver who provides the services you require, whether the job is big or small, residential or commercial.