Kitchener Electrical Repair: Why Outlets Spark

Having an outlet that sparks when you use it can be alarming. When you have electrical trouble, you need expert service that you can trust to do the job right the first time and for less. We are CJ Brubacher Ltd., and we specialize in electrical services in Kitchener, Ontario and the surrounding areas. As experts in our field since 1923, we frequently receive questions about sparking outlets.

There are several reasons why an outlet may spark. Some are cause for concern and should be dealt with right away, while others may not warrant worry. To help you identify the nature of your situation, let’s take a look at eight potential reasons for your outlet trouble.

1. The Wiring Is Loose or Frayed

While it may not be visibly noticeable, if the outlet’s wiring is loose or frayed, it can produce a sizzling sound when you use it. Common causes for loose or frayed wiring include improper installation, age and rodent damage.

2. The Wires are Short-Circuiting

If an outlet produces too much heat, it can cause the wire casing to melt, leaving wires exposed and dangerous. This issue needs to be addressed to prevent an electrical fire.

3. It’s Old

Time is not kind to electrical systems. If your home is older, its wiring probably has not been updated. Older wiring can wear out, leading to the issues mentioned above. Depending on the age of your electrical wiring, you may be due for a rewiring.

4. Improper Repairs Were Made

Unfortunately, unless you are the only one who has ever owned your home, it is hard to know the level of experience with which electrical repairs were made. If repairs were improperly made, this can lead to dangerous outlet sparking and a host of other electrical concerns.

5. The Outlet Is Overloaded

You may have too many things plugged into the same outlet. It is never advisable to use multiple outlet extensions, as doing so can overload the electrical outlet and cause issues, and sparking is one of them.

6. The Plastic Is Damaged

An often overlooked source of sparking, damaged outlet plastic can expose the inner workings and contact points of the outlet and lead to sparking. If your outlet looks a little worse for wear, it may be time to get it replaced to prevent fire damage.

7. Water Has Reached the Outlet

Often, outlets are placed too close to sinks. If the outlet comes into contact with water, sparks may result. Additionally, if you’ve recently had a plumbing leak, water may be interfering with the wiring in the vicinity. A professional needs to take a look if you believe water damage may be to blame for your outlet sparking.

8. It May Just Be Normal

Because electricity flows quickly, it can sometimes jump around too fast when you plug something in. If your outlet produces a blue spark when you use it, but it does not regularly spark, it is most likely just a normal occurrence. If you are unsure, reach out to schedule an appointment to have one of our electricians take a look.

If you have one or multiple sparking outlets that are causing concern, give us a call right away. Our technicians can accurately diagnose the problem and get you quickly on your way to a safe and functional home. No matter what the source of your sparking outlet may be, you can trust CJ Brubacher Ltd. to put your mind at ease.

You can reach our service team by phone or fill out our online contact form. No matter which method of contact you prefer, you will receive friendly, knowledgeable assistance from our professional team. Your safety and comfort are our priority and we look forward to serving you with our top-notch residential electrical services!

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.

Kitchener Electrical Services: Benefits of a Ceiling Fan This Summer

If you’re looking for a smarter way to cool your home this summer, consider mounting ceiling fans in the rooms in which you spend the most time. They’ll boost your comfort while doing less damage to your pocketbook and to the environment.

Here we’ll talk about just a few of the benefits of adding fans to your home. Then when you’re ready to play it cool by installing ceiling fans, contact an expert in electrical services in Kitchener like CJ Brubacher to review your options.

Lower Your Energy Bills

It’s a good thing that vacation time comes in the summer since you’ll need some major relaxation after seeing your first electric bill of the season! Each time you crank up the air conditioning, it sends your monthly charges soaring higher than the temperature. Fortunately, installing ceiling fans is a low-cost way to reduce your electricity bills.

Because overhead fans boost air circulation, they do a great job of moving conditioned air around your living spaces. With ceiling fans, your bedrooms, dining room, and family areas feel more comfortable even when you run your AC less.

By improving airflow with ceiling fans, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to cool down your rooms. You’ll save money by raising your thermostats a few degrees so your unit turns on less often, yet you’ll feel no noticeable warming. Top-quality ceiling fans draw little more energy than it takes to run a light bulb, so adding them to your home won’t cut into the savings you gain by operating your air conditioner less.

Stay Cooler

In addition to improving cold air circulation, ceiling fans make you feel cooler even when you’re not running the AC at all. This sensation isn’t just wishful thinking but rather the impact of wind chill, which is the cooling effect created by wind blowing over a surface.

In a room with a ceiling fan, perspiration and body heat are blown away from your skin by the spinning blades, making you feel colder than the air around you. You can even open a window and enjoy some fresh air, knowing that the hot outdoor air will feel cooler to everyone in the room when you’re running a fan overhead.

Help the Environment

Although modern air conditioners are more energy-efficient and emit fewer pollutants, they still have a negative impact on the environment any time they’re operating. Adding ceiling fans reduces your reliance on your AC units, allowing you to run them less frequently without sacrificing comfort.

Because of the wind chill effect, a ceiling fan shifts the focus from cooling a room to cooling the people in it. There’s no need to run your AC in an empty room so it’s comfortable when you want to spend time in it; instead, you can be kind to the environment by switching your thermostat and your ceiling fan on only when you’re ready to settle in.

CJ Brubacher Is Here To Help

Now that you know some of the benefits of installing ceiling fans in your home, it’s time to start feeling cooler and saving money and Mother Nature in the process. Work with an experienced residential electrical services team like the folks at CJ Brubacher Ltd. to select the best ceiling fan models and placement for maximum impact.

Call us at CJ Brubacher for any of your electrical, HVAC, or plumbing needs. We’ve been helping families and business owners in Kitchener, Elmira, and Waterloo for nearly 100 years, and our A+ Better Business Bureau rating reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy a cooler home this summer!

Elmira Electrical Services: Common Problems With Light Switches

It’s easy to take your home for granted. Take the light switches on the walls of your home. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t give them a second thought until the light doesn’t work. Probably nine times out of ten, when the light doesn’t come on, it’s because the bulb had an issue. It’s that other time that might be the problem.

A malfunctioning light switch is often due to an electrical issue, which is one of the most common reasons for home fires. When a light switch isn’t working, don’t panic. Troubleshoot the problem and make repairs. Contact a professional electrician for residential electrical services to make sure the problem is repaired correctly.

Flickering Lights

A flickering light can be an electrical issue, but it can also mean that the bulb is loose or going bad. Try tightening the light bulb. If that doesn’t fix the issue, it’s likely that there is a loose wire somewhere in the system. If possible, plug the lamp into a different socket to see if there is a problem with the lamp or in the wiring.

Sparks

It can be disconcerting to see sparks when you turn off the light, but it’s actually a normal thing in electrical currents when the contacts move apart. When the spark is large or loud, or both, it’s time to be concerned. Generally speaking, you probably have a short or other problem in the switch. If you smell or see smoke, you should keep the switch off until this issue can be addressed.

Noise

Normally, you shouldn’t hear any noise coming from your light switch. Dimming switches can buzz when the filament in the bulbs vibrate. If you hear any sizzling or popping sounds from the switch, turn it off and get it checked out. It’s probably something simple, a bad switch or loose wire, but it can cause a fire when left unchecked.

Heat

Light switches should not be warm, but some dimmer switches may feel warmer than regular ones because of the way they dissipate heat. When the light switch gets warm, it means that the electricity isn’t circulating correctly. Again, turn the switch off to get the problem checked out. It’s a fire hazard that could be problematic.

The Light Switch Doesn’t Come On

If you aren’t getting any light after checking the bulb, check the breaker. It’s possible that the circuit was tripped for some reason. There’s no need to panic if the breaker tripped once, but you may want to get it checked out. If the breaker hasn’t tripped, then it could be mechanical issues in the switch. If there is a delay in the light coming on when you turn the switch, it probably means that the switch is wearing out and needs replacing.

Safety When Dealing With Electrical Issues

Many homeowners can deal with simple electrical issues, but it’s important to have the right tools at your disposal. You’ll want a circuit tester, electrical tape, flathead and Philips screwdrivers, and needle-nose pliers. Take precautions by turning off circuits to the switch. Use protective goggles to protect your eyes. If you aren’t confident in your skills when dealing with electrical issues, schedule an appointment with CJ Brubacher Ltd. for electrical services in Elmira. Our electricians are licensed and insured to handle big and small jobs of all types. We keep your home well-maintained and functional for your family. We offer a free quote so there are no surprises when the job is complete. Think of CJ Brubacher for plumbing services, HVAC repair and more. We’ll come to your home and we even offer 24/7 emergency services.

Importance of Good Lighting For Your Commercial Office In Waterloo

Why Lighting Matters in Your Commercial Waterloo Office

People often take electricity for granted. Think about it, how often do you consider the engineering that goes into your lamps? While residential lighting is important, it doesn’t necessarily take priority over commercial lighting. Electrical services in Waterloo know full well how lighting can affect business profits.

As a commercial property or business owner, the effects of lighting need consideration. If you are a property owner, poor lighting can affect tenant turnover. As a business owner, lighting affects your profits and worker performance.

When considering the effects of lights, think about the people using the space. Different lighting can produce different feelings, affecting worker motivation and drive. As you prepare a plan for your property, consider the importance of good lighting.

1. Reduces Headaches

Most office spaces require workers to use computers. If the lighting in the office is too dim, the workers can suffer headaches. The headaches are a result of eyestrain.

While computers alone can cause headaches and eyestrain, poor lighting can cause it. When properties force workers or clients to operate in the dark, the eyes must work harder to focus.

Quality lighting should illuminate a workspace. A worker should not have to squint or strain to do their job. When space is well-lit, the eyes can relax, reducing potential headaches.

Unfortunately, appropriate lighting depends on the facility and the occupation. For example, a facility with plenty of natural light may not need as much manufactured light, especially when most active in the day.

2. Improves Work Activity

Dull and dim lighting work against the body’s natural rhythms. The human body sleeps at night and wakes during the day. The evening creates a surge of melatonin to prepare for a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, when an office is dimly lit, the body becomes confused. The low light creates sleepy conditions, potentially affecting productivity.

Mood lighting is okay for residential electrical services, but it is counterproductive for business. Bright lights tell your body that it is time to be awake and alert. Well-lit office space can promote improved energy and productivity. It is not uncommon for a well-lit commercial area to encourage better performance and increase consumer activity. Therefore, better light can mean greater profits.

3. Brightens the Mood

Think about how you felt the last time you sat in a low-light living room, watching TV. How long did it take for your eyes to get heavy or for you to fall asleep? While most people will blame the lack of energy on comfy furniture or a busy day, lighting plays a significant role.

Sit an office worker at their desk with paperwork to complete and turn down the lights. You will see them slowly nodding off, rubbing their eyes, or making mistakes. Additionally, you will see a worker that does not want to work, who possibly gets easily flustered and annoyed.

Bright light mimics the sun. It makes people happy and gives them an energy boost.

When was the last time you reviewed your building’s lighting situation? Is your facility still using incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lighting? If so, it might be time to consider an update. LED lights are more efficient and are better for employees. Additionally, the new bulbs are better for your business’s pocketbook.

Are you ready to upgrade your facility’s lighting, or at least entertain the idea? Contact CJ Brubacher Ltd. to discuss its commercial electrical services. The company will send out a licensed electrician to inspect your current system. After reviewing your specific needs, the electrician will create a custom estimate with their recommendations for critical upgrades. As always, the final decision is up to you.

Add Lighting to Your Living Room In Elmira

Refresh your living room design with reliable electrical services in Elmira. Your living room is a popular gathering spot for your family and friends. If you don’t have enough lighting, then a few additions can make all the difference for your next weekend or evening gathering. Check out these three ideas for living room lighting upgrades.

Stay Cool With a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan is a great addition to any living room. This popular upgrade keeps air flowing throughout the room. It’s a must-have for warm summer days, but can be comfortable any time of year.

Size a ceiling fan appropriately for your room. A fan that’s too small won’t give enough airflow in your living room. A large fan, however, may look unusual and may provide too much air.

Some large living rooms are best kept cool with multiple ceiling fans. Consider whether you should add two or more fans by discussing your options with a licensed electrician in Elmira.

Fans can be installed where existing lights are or as a new installation project in another area of your ceiling. Be sure you work with a professional electrician to be sure your fans are properly installed. Ceiling fans require a fan-rated electrical box. Without this box, a fan isn’t safely secured to your ceiling.

Consider a ceiling fan with built-in lights for even more convenience. Improve the airflow of your living room while lighting it up with a ceiling-mounted light and fan combination. Some fans with lights need to be flush mounted to maintain enough headroom to walk around. This depends on the height of your ceiling and your chosen ceiling fan design.

Personalize Your Lighting With Wall Sconces

Wall sconces offer the practical light of a lamp with wall-mounted convenience. These handy lights come in a stunning range of sizes, shapes and colours, so you can use them to personalize your living room design.

Installing wall sconces where there aren’t currently any lights requires an experienced electrician. It requires an electrician to run wiring to the sconce, a light switch and the breaker box. These residential electrical services can be dangerous if you’re not working with a qualified professional.

Ask a professional for recommendations on wall sconce design ideas and placement strategies. Properly placed sconces add convenient light as you stay up late or read a book in the early morning. Improperly placed wall sconces, however, are visually unappealing and don’t provide convenient light.

Some wall sconces require durable lightboxes. Don’t attempt to swap out sconces yourself, particularly if you’re upgrading to a larger, heavier design. Discuss your plans with a local electrician to be sure you have the proper support and wiring configuration.

Add a Touch of Style With Accent Lights

Create an iconic living room experience with accent lights. These dynamic lighting features help create a focal point in your room. Some accent lights are designed to light up works of art, while others create a vibrant wall of light as an accent feature.

Just like wall sconces, accent lights typically require new wiring and electrical expertise. Improper accent lighting installation isn’t just dangerous, but can actually detract from the decorative features of your living room.

A professional can help you explore your accent light options. Ask for recommendations on size, style and light colour to match your living room design.

Schedule Residential Electrical Services With CJ Brubacher

Explore your options with leading residential and commercial electrical services from CJ Brubacher. From a single ceiling fan to an entire living room makeover, our team offers reliable electrical repairs and updates in Elmira and the surrounding area. Request an estimate to see how you can refresh your living room for an affordable rate.

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.

Tag: electrical services