There is no denying the influence electricity has on our modern lives. We use it to wash our clothing, cook our food, and power our communication and entertainment. An increase in electricity consumption also means there are more opportunities for things to go wrong. The following list identifies common electrical problems around the home and how to deal with them.

• Power Surge – An electrical surge can happen for many reasons, including poor wiring, lightning strike, or damaged power lines. Some of these things must be handled by your energy company. If wiring is the issue, then you may need to talk to an electrician.
• Uneven Power – If power seems to dip and surge at times, this could be due to the poor quality of the devices consuming it. Check your home for faulty or inferior-quality electronics and replace as needed.
• Circuit Overload – Circuit overload happens when too many devices are consuming power at the same time. This often occurs in older homes that haven’t been updated to meet modern electrical standards. You may need to upgrade or otherwise increase the power capacity in your home. In the meantime, you can unplug devices that are not in use to lower the load.
• Tripped Circuit Breaker – Circuits trip to protect your home. One of the most common causes is a high-wattage device like a microwave or hairdryer. Try using lower settings on these appliances or reduce the number of electrical devices in use at the same time.
• Malfunctioning Light Switch – If your light switch is faulty, there could be one of several issues. It may need to be replaced or rewired. Dimmer switches can have trouble adjusting, especially if they are not installed properly or use poor quality materials. An electrician can identify the cause and come up with a solution.
• Light Bulbs Burning Out – If you notice your light bulbs burning out faster than they should, you could have one of several problems. Common causes include poor wiring, wattage is too high, a dimmer switch is overloaded, or your insulation may be too close to the bulb.
• Lack of Outlets – Older homes were built with fewer electrical outlets. Using power strips to create more ports can work but can also become a hazard if too many devices are connected. The only way to fix this problem is to install new outlets. In some cases, you may need to rewire and upgrade the service box to handle the increased capacity.
• Electrical Shock – Electrical shock can be mild and may feel like a slight tingle when you touch an appliance. This usually indicates that something is wrong with the appliance or wiring that is powering it. You should be careful when handling these devices and replace them or fix the issue as soon as possible.
• High Electrical Bill – If you receive an unusually high electric bill, that could indicate a problem with your home. Old electrical wiring and poor quality or damaged devices could be causing power surges. You should unplug devices when not in use to lower utility costs.
• Lights Turning Off or Dimming – If your lights dim or brighten, you may be using the wrong type of bulbs. Lights turning off and on could indicate that the fixture is too close to ceiling insulation, causing it to heat up.

An electrician should be called anytime you cannot identify the cause of a power problem or if the problem is too complex to handle. Visit our website to learn more about using electricity at home.

The cost of rewiring a house will vary from one project to the next. Some homes are larger and require more outlets and wiring. There is no one-size-fits-all price for a rewiring job. Read on to learn more about what goes into the total cost and what to expect before you get started.

Residential Rewiring Material Costs

Materials make up the base cost of any rewiring project. No matter who you hire or what their rates may be, you will still have to buy materials. Copper wiring is expensive. That’s why there are reports of criminals stealing copper cables from train networks and other sources.

The price of copper wiring can start at around $600 and increases based on the size of the home and number of outlets being installed or updated.

Rewiring Labour Costs

Another major factor is the cost of labour. A qualified electrician isn’t going to work for cheap or free. You need someone who knows what they are doing and won’t cut corners. It is worth it to pay for an experienced professional that you can trust. Your home’s safety is on the line, and that should be taken very seriously.

Most electricians charge an hourly rate while some may be willing to give you a flat rate quote for the entire rewiring project. On average, you can expect to pay between $65 and $120 per switch, light fixture, or outlet. There are also costs that apply to upgrading the electrical board and other components.

Additional Costs to Consider

Each project is different, which means different requirements and obstacles. All these things will affect the final price. For example, if the structure has an easily accessible subfloor and ceiling space, then the job will go faster, and you will likely pay less in labour.

Some rewiring jobs may not require replacing everything. If you are not updating all the outlets, then this will also lower the end price. Some building materials can also add to the cost. Brick is usually harder to work with when installing new electrical points, while plasterboard is easier.

If you are handy, you could handle patching up the old electrical points yourself or hire a handyman to do it. Some electricians may not include this as part of the project. By doing it yourself or hiring a general handyman, you can lower some of the expense.

The Cost of Rewiring Your Home

The average cost to completely rewire a house usually starts at around $3,500 or $4,000 and can rise to $8,000 or more. This is based on a medium-sized home with easy access to areas that are necessary for the job.

Rewiring is a big project, but it can be well worth the cost. Older homes may have antiquated electrical systems that are hazardous due to age and a lack of safety controls. Newer devices and light fixtures are designed to be more energy-efficient, which can help you recoup some of the cost of the project in the long-term. The amounts listed here are only averages and general estimates. Contact an electrician to request an estimate for your home rewiring project.

If you have electronics in your home, you should also have surge protectors. These tools act as a buffer between the power source and appliance you are powering. They limit the amount of energy that reaches the device. Should a spike in electrical current, or power surge, occur, the protector will redirect the extra voltage to a grounding wire in the outlet.

Not all products are built with the same reliability and quality. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for when buying surge protectors for your home.

Surge Protectors vs. Power Strips

Surge protectors and power strips look very similar. However, they do not serve the same purpose. A power strip splits the outlet into multiple ports to power multiple devices. It does not stop excess voltage from reaching appliances or computers during a power surge.

Make sure the product you choose is labelled as a surge protector. This should appear on the packaging. It may also say “interrupter switch” or “fused strip.” If you see the words “power strip,” chances are it isn’t a protector.

Surge Protector Prices

Price can also help you determine if you are buying the correct type of product. Surge protectors will cost more than power strips.

It’s usually best to do your research and check reviews before you decide on a specific product. Low price is attractive but doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the protection you need. And you most likely won’t know you are trusting a sub-par product until it is too late. Saving money now could cost you hundreds or even thousands in replacement electronics later.

Surge Protector Ports

Surge protectors are available with different numbers of ports. You should know how many you need before you start shopping. Some have six or eight, while others can have more. Choose a model that can accommodate your electronic needs.

Also, consider any future expansions that might occur. For example, if you plan on getting the kids a new computer or if you will be upgrading to a better entertainment system, you may want to choose a surge protector with more ports than you currently use.

Check the Clamping Voltage and Energy Absorption Rating

Clamping voltage refers to the amount of energy that must reach the surge protector before it starts redirecting and absorbing excess energy.  You should choose a product with a clamping voltage of around 400V or lower.

The energy absorption rating refers to the amount of power the surge protector can absorb. You should look for a device that can handle at least 600 to 700 joules. A higher absorption rating is better.