Fixing Electrical Problems in Homes: Advice from Residential Electricians

Many individuals only realize the importance of a residential electrician in Toronto when the power goes out while their neighbors have their lights on. Everyone is dependent on electricity because it makes life comfortable, but very few homeowners actually bother to call a residential electrician in Toronto to undertake preventive maintenance of their electrical system.
Common wiring problems in the home
Knob and tube wiring
Homes that have been built years ago typically have outdated wiring systems. Traditional knob and tube wiring which used to be the standard system cannot cope with the demands of modern appliances and electronic gadgets. If problems are encountered with the knob and tube wiring, the best solution will be to have a residential electrician replace it entirely with a modern wiring system.
Armored cable (Bx)
This is a successor to the knob and tube wiring. Today’s household wiring is insulated with plastic but armored cables are insulated with cloth-covered rubber. Since insulation can degrade over time, inspection must be carried out approximately every 5 years.
Fuse boxes
Fuse boxes are not dangerous but they have become rather uncommon in new homes because of the presence of circuit breakers. Fuse boxes work fine but many homeowners frequently make the mistake of installing fuses with higher amperage that the wires cannot safely handle. As a result, the wires overheat and the insulation gets damaged. The risk of fire increases even if the fuse has been replaced with proper amperage.
Code violations
Electrical codes are updated every now and then but you do not have to worry if you are hiring a residential electrician. Toronto code violations can turn up if you are not aware of the recent updates. Licensed electricians understand the procedure in obtaining permits and the need to have service inspection before finalizing electrical wiring.
Inadequate number of outlets
You thought it was all right to have a few outlets because it is easy enough to buy extension cords. Extension cords are not dangerous as long you purchase the heavy duty 14-gauge or thicker that will not overheat and cause a fire if the loads are too heavy. Do not forget that the thicker the gauge, the lower will be the number which means that a 16-gauge is less thick than the 14-gauge. However, a better solution is to ask the residential electrician to add more outlets. According to code, there must be receptacles within 4 feet of the doorway and every 12 feet thereafter.
