Whether you’re upgrading your home’s lighting, doing a full-on renovation, or adding a hot tub to the backyard, you’re going to need to modify the electrical wiring. For many jobs, the choice to call a professional electrician is your own. Although some electrical tasks always require a certified electrical expert. If you are planning to […]
What Do I Need an Electrician For?
Home renovations in DIY projects are always exciting. And there are lots of things you can do yourself or learn to accomplish when it comes to home improvements. But your home’s electrical system is one of the things that requires a professional. Not every single electrical function in your home needs a certified pro. But […]
Should You Replace Old Electrical Outlets?
Homeowners depend on electrical outlets to power most of their appliances and gadgets, from refrigerators to phone chargers, yet most don’t pause to consider them until there’s an issue. The Canadian Electrical Code (NEC) advised that all homes built after 1962 must have 3-prong, grounded outlets, and some older homes may still have 2-prong outlets. […]
Electrical Problems to Watch For When Buying a House
Purchasing a new home can be an exciting, yet stressful process! It’s challenging to remain practical about safety and budget constraints when you’ve fallen in love with what appears to be the perfect place. At 4-Star Electric, we recommend looking past the aesthetics of your possible new home, and diving right into details about the […]
10 Signs of Electrical Issues & How to Fix Them
Electrical fires account for about 3,000 structural fires in Canada every year, so electrical problems need to be taken seriously and addressed as soon as they become apparent. That means homeowners need to get better at recognizing electrical problems before they can become significant hazards. But where should you start? Right here, that’s where. We’ve […]
Why Are My Lights Flickering?
Flickering lights are a common phenomenon in many homes and commercial buildings, but not a particularly welcome one. Many people find flickering lights distracting and off-putting—some even wonder if they can be dangerous. Don’t worry; we’re going to show you some common reasons why electric lights flicker (and no, none of them involve ghosts). Read […]
How to Tell If a Fuse Is Blown
Every once in a while, everyone will have to deal with a fuse being blown. This is a common occurrence for most homeowners. Recognizing and replacing a blown fuse can be simple if you are prepared and know the process. If you run into any difficulties, contact 4-Star Electric and one of our professional electricians […]
Rookie Mistakes: How to Avoid Electrical Code Violations
Electrical code violations don’t just cause issues when trying to sell or insure your home, they can create the perfect environment for an electrical fire, electrocution, or worse. That’s why it is so important to invest in electrical inspections and licensed professionals in both new and old homes. Cutting corners when it comes to safety […]
Working With Aluminum Wiring
Installing electrical systems with aluminum wiring was a common practice for homes in the late 60s and 70s. At the time, it was considered a cheaper alternative to copper wiring. Being the more economical option, aluminum wiring became the norm for almost a decade, not only in Alberta but all-over North America. Unfortunately, this cheaper […]
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Electricity
Electricity powers our homes, our phones, our workplaces, and even some of our transportation. This week, we want to take a look at some of the interesting facts and figures that surround this ubiquitous energy source. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about electricity! An Exciting History You’ve probably heard about Benjamin Franklin […]