Electric Vehicle Charger Information for your home

What You Need To Know About Home Electric Vehicle Chargers

Once only a prop in science fiction movies, electric cars have driven off the big screen and straight into the garages of everyday people. The current government has put forth a 2035 deadline for all new cars for sale in Canada to run on electricity rather than gasoline, this type of vehicle will only become more and more common on our roads.

What was once a rare customer request—installing home electric vehicle chargers—is now routine for the team at CJ Brubacher’s electrical services in Waterloo. If you are considering making the switch to an electric vehicle, here are a few things to consider about how you will charge it safely in your home.

Things To Know Before Requesting Electrical Services

The array of electric vehicles on the market vary not just in size and style, but also in the manner of charging them. Here are some important facts to consider before purchasing one.

Charging Levels

In the same way, various appliances require different sizes of batteries, and electric vehicles require different voltages to function correctly. You can classify them into the following three levels:

Level 1 – Hybrid vehicles typically use a 120-volt outlet and charge at a rate of 5 to 8 km per hour.

Level 2 – Fully electric cars must have a 208- to 240-volt charger and charge at a more rapid rate of 19 to 128 km per hour.

Level 3 – Cars using these DC chargers are ready to get back on the road in a matter of minutes.

Level one and two charging stations use AC current and are suitable for residential homes. Level three stations are more appropriate for commercial settings that already have the high voltage necessary to run them.

Connectors 

A connecting cord links the car to the charging station, and the type you need varies based on the car’s make and model. Here are the basic types:

  • The J connector is the most common but does not work on all vehicles.
  • Tesla has its own unique connecting cord, but the J model will also work with a special adaptor.
  • Most vehicles that BMW, General Motors, and Volkswagen produce use the CCS connector.
  • Mitsubishi and Nissan cars take the CHAdeMO model.

Talk to your electrician about the type of vehicle you are planning to purchase so you can be sure you have everything you need to start charging it immediately.

Ways To Stay Safe Around Electric Charging Stations

Once CJ Brubacher has installed your home charger, take the following precautions to keep your family safe.

Check for Damage

A quality charging station that a licensed electrical contractor installs will provide safe charging for years to come. However, rodents, weather events, and rough handling can all damage wires, leading to electrical shorts. For this reason, visually inspecting the station before using it is a good habit to develop.

Do Not Use an Extension Cord

Besides posing a tripping hazard, extension cords increase the risk of shorts and electric shocks. Luckily, consulting with an electrician before you buy means your charger will always be within easy reach of your car.

CJ Brubacher Provides Electrical Services 

Installing electric vehicle charging stations is just one part of CJ Brubacher’s residential electrical services. Our staff are all Ontario Licensed Electrical Contractors, so you know that our work complies with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

Before purchasing your electric vehicle, contact us for an estimate on a customized charging station. We are also available for any electrical services in Waterloo. Call us to report a problem or book your next project anytime. We are ready to serve all your residential and commercial electrical needs.

Commmon Workplace Electrical Problems

Waterloo Electrician: Commmon Workplace Electrical Problems

Many commercial properties have an onsite maintenance staff. While a trained staff can handle many common issues, only licensed electrical services in Waterloo should inspect or correct electrical systems.

Too many people make the mistake of assuming building wiring is straightforward when it is a complex and potentially dangerous interconnection of circuits. Through the years, codes change and technology develops, resulting in many companies operating with a mix of old and new wiring, which can present challenges and risks to inexperienced, well-meaning onsite staff. Even common problems can become significant risks if a person is not a professional.

Therefore, while the onsite staff is qualified for various tasks, they cannot and should not interfere with a property’s wiring or electrical systems. A licensed electrician is the only professional qualified to handle common and complex electrical system problems.

Understanding 3 Common Electrical Problems

Do not assume that because an electrical issue is common that it is safe for unqualified individuals to correct it. Even the most common problems can have disastrous outcomes when mishandled, such as electrical fires. That said, many commercial facilities experience a few of the same issues, and they should understand those issues, but only to recognize when a professional is necessary.

1. Old Wiring

Commercial facilities may have old wiring stretched throughout the property and connected to newer outlets or circuits. The older wiring is more prone to damage from electrical surges or overloaded circuits. Also, mixing and matching electrical components is never a good idea.

A professional electrician can help companies review their systems and suggest necessary upgrades. Sometimes upgrades are required to meet existing building and safety codes. Businesses must remain compliant with current regulations to maintain operational licenses and insurance.

2. Flickering Lights

Commercial and residential electrical services often assist property owners with flickering lights. Business lights might flicker for many reasons, but the most common are loose connections.

However, flickering lights can also occur because of overloaded circuits or faulty wiring. Each potential issue comes with an escalated sense of urgency.

As much as companies want to save money and subvert certain operational expenses, it is never wise to neglect electrical issues. Contact a licensed electrician to diagnose and resolve flickering lights or other lighting problems.

3. Sparks

Sparks can happen even with healthy electrical systems, but they should not remain persistent. Most sparks will occur around outlets, which often indicates an upgrade is necessary. However, if sparks happen often or employees notice outlets heating up, it is crucial to react. Employers or maintenance staff should cut the main power immediately.

Continuous or frequent sparks and heating outlets represent a significant concern. Fire risks are possible in these situations. Therefore, it is crucial that property owners call a licensed electrical service.

Hiring a Professional To Intervene

Licensed electricians are the only qualified professionals who can work on a building’s electrical systems. They understand building and safety codes and know how to perform electrical work safely.

While onsite maintenance can handle more minor issues, such as swapping out an outlet or replacing a fuse, any situations that require investigating entire systems or wiring require a professional. The risk of electrocution is too great for a novice to attempt system repairs. Also, working with unlicensed repair persons risks the safety of all employees and the business.

Licensed services and technicians have the training and experience to correct various issues, from the common to the complex. If you notice any electrical problems in your building, contact CJ Brubacher Ltd. immediately. The company will send a licensed professional to assess the building’s systems and resolve any existing issues. The technician may also suggest necessary upgrades to ensure the property meets current codes and regulations.

Why Surge Protectors Are Important in Any Waterloo Home

Why Surge Protectors Are Important in Any Waterloo Home

Compared to just a few decades ago, today’s homes look like high-tech command centers. Chances are your kitchen, family room, and home office each contain more electronic gadgets than entire houses did when you were growing up.

All that equipment represents a sizable investment, so protecting your electronics is paramount. That’s where adding surge protectors in every room or to your whole house comes in. Read on to learn about the importance of these devices, and how the electrical services in Waterloo that CJ Brubacher LTD. provide are there to ensure your electronics and your home are safe from harm.

Understanding Surge Protectors

Electronics require a consistent amount of energy to operate correctly. Spikes in energy caused by anything from lightning strikes to faulty wiring to equipment malfunctions are dangerous for most devices. The ensuing damage to internal batteries or circuit boards may render electronics unusable.

Many people confuse power strips and surge protectors, but the two are not interchangeable. Some power strips simply act as additional outlets or extensions and don’t provide any protection from electricity spikes. Don’t assume that the power strips you’re using combat surges unless they specifically refer to suppression or protection when you take a close look at them.

How Surge Protectors Preserve Your Tech

By plugging your items into a surge protector rather than directly into a wall socket, you ensure that excess electricity is diverted away from your device before damage results. That’s why it’s important to route all power cords belonging to expensive tech devices through a protector.

Be aware, however, that using a surge protector isn’t a “set it and forget it” cure-all. They are subject to wear out over time, so periodically check the indicator light on all of your protectors to be sure they’re still working properly.

How Surge Protection Saves You Money

Using surge protectors is a clear case of spending a little to potentially save a lot. Compared to the cost of replacing fried televisions and computers, the amount of money you’ll shell out for a few quality protectors is negligible. Think of it as purchasing an insurance policy for your important devices.

Why Every Home Needs Protection

It’s not just your devices that can incur serious problems due to energy spikes. Sadly, overheated electronic equipment may catch fire, causing danger and damage to more than just the affected items. That’s why using surge protectors is an important safety measure for every homeowner. As troubling as burning out your entertainment system due to electricity spikes would be, losing your home and imperilling your loved ones would be devastating.

For many homeowners, investing in a whole-house surge protector is a wise investment. Although it requires professional installation and is more expensive than picking up a few socket-based protectors, the enhanced security against spikes is well worth it. Call an expert from CJ Brubacher to evaluate your home and your needs, as some houses may need more than one protector to cover every area.

Contact CJ Brubacher, Ltd for the Right Protection

Because protecting your electronics, your home, and your family is paramount, always hire top professionals in residential electrical services like CJ Brubacher to ensure you’re working with the best. With our A+ Better Business Bureau rating and almost 100 years of experience, you can count on CJ Brubacher Ltd. to handle all of your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC needs.

Give us a call or fill out our online contact form today. The sooner you connect with our expert team, the sooner you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is protected from dangerous electrical surges.

Waterloo Electrical Services: Pros and Cons of Motion Sensor Lighting

Waterloo Electrical Services: Pros and Cons of Motion Sensor Lighting

When considering electrical services in Waterloo, you might want to think about a significant change that can offer multiple benefits to you, your family and your property. Motion sensor lighting is designed to turn on the illumination in your home in response to your natural movements. It offers many advantages, but it might not be correct for every property. Here is a look at its advantages and disadvantages.

Motion Sensor Lighting Pros

When the motion sensor detects movement in the room, it turns on the lights. When you leave the room and are no longer moving around in it, it turns the lights off. This is a more efficient use of energy because the lights only go on when you need them. Because you use less power, you may see a significant decrease in your monthly utility bills.

If you are a parent, you know that children can be absent-minded and distractable. Sometimes they forget to turn off the lights when they leave a room. Other times, they purposely do not turn off the lights because they only intend to be out of the room for a moment, but then they get distracted by something else and do not return for an hour or more. Then you are stuck paying the bill for the wasted energy. You don’t have to worry about this with motion sensor lighting because the lights go off automatically when the children leave the room. It is also good for young children who cannot yet reach the light switches as well as family members who have difficulty operating them, such as elderly people with arthritis or people with disabilities that affect manual dexterity and motor skills.

Another common reason why people consider residential electrical services to install motion sensor lighting is security. If a burglar breaks into your home, the lights will go on automatically. This alerts you to the threat so that you can call for help and may scare the burglar away.

Motion Sensor Cons

For all the many benefits of motion sensor lighting, it has its weaknesses as well. To take full advantage of the convenience they offer, you have to give up a measure of control. For example, the lights may go on when you do not want or intend them to. If the sensors are sensitive enough, the lights may go on as you are just walking by a room. Some homeowners find this to be an annoyance.

The motion sensors detect movement but cannot tell what is causing it. Therefore, the lights may go on when the room is empty except for a dog or a cat, animals that are equipped by nature to navigate effectively in a dark room and do not need the lights on to get around.

The opposite problem can occur as well. You may find that the lights go off when you do not want them to if you have been still for a long time while watching television or reading a book. It can be annoying to be suddenly plunged into darkness without desiring or even expecting it. However, this is a problem that can be remedied, either by making a point to keep moving at certain intervals to keep the lights on or by combining the motion sensor lighting with lamps that you can operate manually.

Contact Us for Electrical Services in Waterloo

CJ Brubacher Ltd. has been providing both residential and commercial electrical services in the Waterloo area for nearly 100 years. Our experienced technicians can install your motion sensor lighting and, if you ever have a problem with it, perform repairs as necessary. Find out more about the potential benefits of updating the lighting in your home with a motion sensor system.