Common Problems With Light Switches

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

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.

How CJ Brubacher Can Help With Commercial Electrical Maintenance In Kitchener

How CJ Brubacher Can Help With Commercial Electrical Maintenance In Kitchener

When you work in a commercial building, maintaining your electrical system is vital for the success of your company. Your employees can’t be productive if they can’t work due to malfunctioning electrical sockets. If you live in Kitchener and need assistance maintaining your electrical system in a commercial building, CJ Brubacher is here to help. You should never attempt to perform commercial electrical services yourself because you likely do not have the tools and experience necessary to take care of any issues. Here’s why you should call us for help with electrical services in Kitchener.

Maintenance Keeps Your Power Running

Losing power is never good for a business. You may not even think about how much your company relies on electricity for day-to-day tasks, but even a power outage that lasts only a few hours can cost you a lot of productivity and profit. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep your electrical system in good shape.

Regular maintenance is the best way to make sure your system is functioning properly. During a maintenance visit, the technicians from CJ Brubacher will complete the following steps to check your electrical system:

  • Ask about any potential issues you may be aware of
  • Check connections and secure them when necessary
  • Clean wires and connections
  • Replace any components that aren’t working properly

Maintenance Ensures Safety

Electrical systems can be dangerous if they are not maintained properly. If your system malfunctions, it can catch fire and calls significant damage to your company building. Some electrical fires are so bad that they completely destroy business buildings.

Electrical systems are also dangerous to the people who service them. Is never a good idea to mess with electricity if you don’t know what you were doing. If you touch an exposed wire accidentally or make connections improperly, you could cause the entire system to crash. You could also cause significant harm to yourself. It’s always best to leave any type of electrical work, including maintenance, to professionals.

Add a maintenance visit, your technician can chat to make sure your electrical system poses no fire hazards. Keeping up with regular maintenance is important for ensuring the safety of your system as well as keeping it in top performance.

Maintenance Can Reduce Major Problems

Minor electrical issues can turn into major problems quickly. It is always more cost-efficient to catch issues and resolve them when they are still small. However, if you don’t keep up with routine maintenance, you probably won’t know that there is a problem until it needs major repairs that are significantly expensive.

Scheduling appointments for regular maintenance allows technicians to examine your electrical system several times each year to check for bad components. When we can replace aging parts before they start causing problems, we can save you a lot of money on major repairs.

Keep Your Electrical System Maintained

Electrical systems are complex, so you never want to maintain them yourself. You need to hire a professional technician to keep your system working properly. The experts at CJ Brubacher have all of the knowledge and tools necessary to keep your electrical system running at peak performance and reduce the risk of any issues arising.

Trust CJ Brubacher To Help With Electrical Maintenance

Any time you lose power to your commercial building, it causes you to lose productivity and can cost you a significant amount of money in profits. You may not be able to prevent power outages due to sudden storms, but you can prevent most other electrical problems by keeping up with regular maintenance. CJ Brubacher offers both commercial and residential electrical services in Kitchener. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for electrical maintenance.

Add Lighting to Your Living Room In Elmira

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

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.