Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Trusted Regina Electricians Active Electric Share A Tip About Flickering Lights

Active Electric are Trusted Regina Electricians and they get it right the first time, delivering all electrical services including installation, upgrade, and repair solutions. In their latest Trusted Regina electrician tip, they share a tip about flickering lights. 

Active Electric are your TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICAL EXPERTS



What does it mean when the lights in your home start to flicker?


While there are a few benign issues that could be at play, flickering lights are not to be treated lightly. In many cases, they’re a telltale sign of a much more serious electrical issue that requires immediate professional attention. Today, we’re taking a look at the most common culprits behind this issue so you know what you’re working with and who to call for help.


What Causes Flickering Lights?


The occasional light flicker might be caused by a number of problems, some of which aren’t a cause for extreme concern.


The top four minor complications that could cause them to behave this way include:

  • A problem with your lightbulb (e.g. wrong bulb type for the dimmer, loose socket connection)

  • A faulty light switch or fixture switch

  • A loose connection between the light plug and outlet


In addition, if you have any appliances that require substantial current on startup, the resulting voltage drop can also cause your lights to briefly flicker on and off. Inspecting your lights can often reveal if any of these issues are at play. Sometimes, you just need to screw the bulb in a little tighter or make sure light is plugged more firmly into the wall socket.


However, while these issues might be to blame on some accounts, they’re not typical. More often, flickering lights are a more serious symptom of a much deeper problem. Let’s take a look at five of the main ones.


1. An Overloaded Circuit


As mentioned, infrequent flickering that happens right when a major appliance starts up isn’t usually critical. This can happen in even the best-designed electrical systems, where larger loads have their own dedicated circuits. On the other hand, it’s worth checking into if the flickering is:

  • Consistent

  • Severe

  • Persistent

In this case, the issue might be with the appliance, not your lights. For instance, if it’s experiencing bearing failure, the motor will strain to pull more current during startup. Or, a given circuit might be experiencing sensory overload.

Rather than try to inspect the circuit yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional electrician to do the job.


2. Electric Utility Service Issue


Especially if you live in a neighborhood, your home likely shares a transformer with surrounding homes. This means that your electrical supply is tied to their respective loads.

If someone down the street is engaging in heavy electrical use, it can cause your lights to flicker. If this isn’t the case or if the lights are also flickering at their house, the issue might lie with your utility service. An electrician can determine if it’s time to call them for a repair.


3. Fluctuating Electrical Voltage


On a standard, 120-volt circuit, your home should have a reading of between 115 volts and 125 volts. If you have a voltmeter, you can check that reading yourself. If it comes back higher than 125 volts, that could be the reason your lights are flickering.

There are many reasons why the voltage in your house might be too high. Most of the time, the issue is technical in nature and points to serious faults in your electrical system. Other signs associated with this issue include unpredictable dimming and frequent bulb burnouts.

Excess voltage can be a safety hazard in your home and lead to an electrical emergency. That’s why it’s imperative to call an electrician to diagnose the problem immediately.


4. Loose, Outdated Wiring Connections


The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that 67% of home fires caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment can be traced back to wiring issues.

Not only can loose and outdated wiring cause your lights to flicker, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. If you have a loose connection in a light, outlet, or switch box, it can lead to a phenomenon called arcing. This is when the electrical current travels over gaps in the connection, “jumping” as it does so.

Each arc can exceed 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and will often spark an electrical fire. If you haven’t made any changes or upgrades to your electrical system but are still noticing flickers, loose wiring could be to blame. The issue can originate in a number of places, including:

  • Loose wiring in a fixture

  • A switch failure

  • Over-worn breaker box connectors

  • Loose service conductors in the main electrical panel

Loose wiring is nothing to contend with.

Contact an electrician as soon as possible if you believe this could be the reason your lights are flickering. If only one light is flickering and you suspect that loose wiring is to blame, make sure to turn the light off at the circuit breaker before inspecting it. Again, it’s best to let your electrician perform this step.


5. Main Connection Issues


You might notice the lights flickering in just a few areas of your house. Or, you might see it all over. If it’s the latter, go ahead and call an electrician right away.

If this activity is occurring without rhyme or reason, it likely means there’s a bigger, underlying concern with your main meter box connection. Or, the issue could lie with your service cable connection. Either way, it’s best to let an electrician handle these high-capacity wires.

Address and Repair Your Flickering Lights Today

It might seem like a minor issue, but flickering lights can turn into a serious problem in no time. Even one loose connection could be enough to spark a fire or cause a major electrical issue throughout your whole house. If you’ve noticed yours acting this way, don’t try to investigate or remediate the issue yourself. These connections are dangerous and should only be handled by skilled, experienced electricians like the ones on our team at Active Electric Regina. 


ACTIVE ELECTRIC are TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICIANS 

Active Electric Trusted Regina Electrician Tip on How To Lower Your Electrical Bill

Active Electric Regina Electricians get it right the first time, delivering all electrical services including installation, upgrade, and repair solutions. Active Electric are your TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICAL EXPERTS

Active Electric Tip About How To Reduce Your Electrical Bill


Few people enjoy spending money unnecessarily but many of us spend money on our electrical bill that could have been saved by making a few simple changes.  Many of us are using more power than ever, with kids back and forth from an online school or you working possibly from home.
That is why Active Electric, has provided these easy-to-follow licensed electrician tips for lowering your electric bill.  Active Electric is passionate about keeping our clients safe and saving them money on electrical services, which is why they offer a variety of residential and commercial electrical services. Reducing electricity usage has the added bonus of being good for the environment, so you can save money and feel good about doing it!

Tips to Conserve Electricity

While there are some big changes that you can make to your home that will save on electricity, like upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels, there are also many smaller changes and tricks that can be employed to conserve energy. Some tips to reduce energy usage include:

Switch to LED Lighting

LED bulbs use much less power and last longer than conventional light bulbs and they are available in a variety of colours and styles.

Optimize Operation of Dishwashers and Laundry Machines

Most electrical providers decrease the cost of electricity during off-peak hours, like early morning or nighttime. Running heavy power-using appliances during this time, rather than at peak hours, can save you a lot of money. Also, only run these appliances when you have a full load to reduce the time that they are operating.

Keep Your Thermostat Steady

Drastic increases or decreases in temperature create an unnecessary electrical strain. Keep your thermostat steady within two or three degrees.

Use a Thermal Wrap on Your Water Heater

Water heaters are one of the biggest consumers of electricity, so insulating your water heater to prevent heat loss will reduce electricity expenditure.

Clean and Replace Filters

Air filters on appliances and ventilation gather dust and debris and the more clogged they get, the more power it takes to get air moving. Clean the filters on your dryer, furnace, fridge, and air conditioner to help them use less electricity.

Turn Off the Lights

Just turn off the lights every time you leave a room. Leaving any electrical device or light on when you are not in the room is wasteful.

Insulate Doors and Windows

A lot of heat can move through doors and windows, even when they are closed. Be aware of open doors or windows and install the proper weather stripping and insulation to minimize heat loss.

Read a book or get outside

What we do for entertainment can have a massive effect on our electricity bills. A television consumes more electricity than a reading lamp. Pursuing hobbies that do not use as much electricity will also typically help you to stay healthier!

If you are interested in finding out more licensed electrician tips for home electrical safety for winter, or If you are ever uncertain about a potential electrical issue in your home please Contact Active Electric.  and one of their qualified professionals would be happy to help.  They also provide free quotes! 


ACTIVE ELECTRIC is a TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICIAN 





Trusted Regina Electrician Shares a Tip About Home Electrical Safety for Winter

Active Electric are Trusted Regina Electricians and they get it right the first time, delivering all electrical services including installation, upgrade, and repair solutions.

Active Electric are your TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICAL EXPERTS

Active Electric Shares a Tip About Home Electrical Safety for Winter

We all know in Saskatchewan the winter season comes with difficulties and hazards. Winter brings weather that can create further dangers in the form of electrical hazards. Active Electric wants to ensure that everyone is equipped with the right licensed electrician tips for home electrical safety for winter to keep them safe and warm.

Electrical Winter Safety Tips

When winter comes around, it is important to be prepared for the difficulties that can come with the cold, wet weather. Some tips to keep in mind to make sure that you and your home stay safe this winter include:

Heater Safety


If you are using a space heater in your home, make sure you place it at a safe distance from furniture, walls, rugs, curtains, and other belongings. Space heaters are a great way to keep specific rooms warm without ramping up monthly heating bills but, because of the high heat output of electrical heaters, it is important to keep them away from flammable material. If you feel objects around the heater becoming hot, move the heater. Fires can easily be started by an unattended heater. Always turn off the heater when it’s not in use.

Prepare for Power Outages

The increase in snow and icy weather can cause downed tree branches and car accidents, which can damage power lines and cause electrical outages. In the event that there is a power outage, you should be as prepared as possible. Sometimes power can be out for hours; other times, it can be out for days. If an outage occurs at night, you cannot rely on space heaters to keep you warm. Be prepared for extended power outages with an emergency kit. 

The emergency kit should be readily accessible and contain batteries, flashlights, blankets/sleeping bags/warm clothes, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and sufficient water for your family. This will help to keep your family warm, fed, and safe during an emergency.


If you have a backup generator, ensure that it is ready to go. The start of winter is a good time to have regular maintenance and check-ups done on your generator. Have a professional inspect it to ensure that oil and gas levels are correct and that the connection to the home or business is safe and secure. If a power outage occurs, you want to be confident that you can rely on your backup power supply.


Avoid using candles during power outages. Many people use candles to light their rooms during power outages and, while this can deliver a nice ambience, it is very dangerous. If the candles are unattended or wax drips and causes build up around the candle, it can result in a fire. Instead, use flashlights or LED candles.


Preparing Your Home’s Electrical Setup

Power outages can do damage to your home, and harsh weather can be a hazard to many of your home’s electrical components. There are a few ways you can defend your home’s electrical setup against winter:


Be aware of water and exposed wires. With freezing and thawing occurring repeatedly, it is possible for water to find its way into some of the nooks and crannies of your home. Walk around your home’s interior and exterior walls and look for any exposed wires that could come into contact with water. Make sure any problems are addressed quickly.

Having a home surge protector will help suppress surges to prevent electrocutions and damage to appliances and electronics.

You can also protect your appliances and electronic devices in your home with surge protectors. Review your home setup to check if surge protectors are active and still functional.

During an extended power outage, unplug your major appliances (oven, fridge, freezer, television) and turn off light fixtures (although you can leave on some lights so that you know when the power returns). This can prevent power surges from occurring and damage the appliances when power returns.

Keep Away from Downed Power Lines


If an icy tree branch knocks down a power line or if a car hits a power pole and the electrical wiring falls down, keep at least three metres or 10 feet away at all times. Power lines are very powerful and can cause serious electrocution if you are not careful. Keep your family and children educated, as they could come across a downed power line during their daily commute. 

Always call 911 when you see a power line down.

If you are interested in finding out more licensed electrician tips for home electrical safety for winter, or If you are ever uncertain about a potential electrical issue in your home please Contact Active Electric.  and one of their qualified professionals would be happy to help.  They also provide Free quotes! 


ACTIVE ELECTRIC is a TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICIAN -  Check out his listing here in REGINA ELECTRICIANS on the Regina Directory of excellence!

Trusted Regina Electrician Active Electric Share a TIP on Why You Should Install a Generator

Active Electric are Trusted Regina Electricians and they get it right the first time, delivering all electrical services including installation, upgrade, and repair solutions.

Active Electric are your TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICAL EXPERTS

Experiencing Power Outages?  Active Electric Shares A Tip on Why You Should Install a Generator

When most people think of generators, they tend to think about things such as construction sites and those who are turning to off-grid solutions for everyday living. The fact is, however, that more and more people are choosing to install generators in their homes and businesses.

A generator will power your home through power outages caused by storms, other weather, or man-made problems.  Generator installation is on the rise, be a part of the community and be prepared.  Below are a few reasons home generators can be a practical, cost-effective solution at your home or business.



Emergency Preparedness

Storms not only have damaging wind and rain that can knock down power lines, in some cases, but they also spawn tornadoes that can do even more damage to the power grid.  Power generators ensure you have access to electricity in emergency situations. Storms, rolling blackouts, and damage to power lines are just a few of the things that can come about when you least expect them. Having a power generator in place before these problems occur means you never have to worry

Furthermore, if a disaster were ever to occur, scrambling to find a power generator may be the last thing you want to do.


Backup Power For Home Appliance & Medical Devices

When the power is out, appliances shut off. Usually, worst-case scenario is having to reset clocks and power devices back on when electricity becomes available. Some appliances however have consequences. Food storage for instance can constitute a problem if refrigerators and freezers become inoperable for any substantial amount of time, as many items can spoil in just a few hours at room temperature.  


A much more serious reason to have a power generator on standby is the need for home medical devices. Equipment such as a CPAP machine for those suffering from sleep apnea, electrical hospital beds and chairs for those with mobility issues, heart monitors, dialisis machines and more are all dependent on electricity without fail. When you depend on one of those, you cannot tolerate the risk of a power outage.


Using a generator in a storm can preserve food, it can keep damaging mold from growing in your house from a lack of air-conditioning. A generator can let you operate pumps to keep your home from succumbing to water damage from flooding. It can allow your business to keep running during a power outage and prevent profit losses.

In cases where these devices are present, it is a good idea to have a power generator on standby that is dependable and will not let you down. This is a situation where you will want a professionally installed system that you know you don’t have to worry about.

Safety and Security

As many security experts in Regina will tell you, one of the first things many home intruders often do with the increasing presence of home cameras and security is cut the power of a home. In the absence of backup power or batteries, this will not only turn off the lights but shut down cameras and alarms preventing anyone home or away from that there may be an intruder.

Permanent power generators that automatically turn on with power loss can mitigate these concerns, and ensure continued security and monitoring in the event of a blackout or loss of power.


What type of generator do you need?

If you are only interested in keeping a refrigerator going and perhaps a few small appliances, a portable generator is the best. If you have a home or business and want to keep the air conditioner and all the electric powered items going, then a stationary (standby) generator is best. This generator should be installed by a licensed electrician to ensure it works correctly when a power outage occurs.


Portable Generators

These types of generators are much less expensive than their permanent counterparts. However, they are completely dependent upon your presence.

You have to manually start the generator and, if you have to use it for any length of time, monitor the gas consumption. 

Furthermore, a portable generator must be no closer to your home than ten feet, because of the carbon monoxide emissions. At the same time, you will want to house it in an enclosure that keeps it safe from the elements but also allows for free movement of air.

If you are using a portable generator in an emergency situation, it’s likely that it will only be able to power the most important appliances in your home. They simply are not big enough to handle the brunt of everything from appliances, televisions, lighting and everything else. Plan to downplay your energy output if you will be depending on a portable.

Permanent Placement Generators

You can find these in many different sizes, but all in all the expense will be more. The main reason for this is that you are paying for more peace of mind. Should you need to leave your home for vacation or business for a few days, you can rest assured your generator will take care of any random power outages. 

They are very quiet, much safer than a portable generator and, should you decide to sell your home, they can bring about 50% of their original cost in the sale.

The downside to permanently placed power generators is that they need maintenance every two years. However, with that maintenance, the reliability can be determined, and if there are needs such as medical equipment involved, the peace of mind is absolutely priceless.

If you are considering a home generator, and need assistance with electrical or infrastructure to ensure the safety and reliability of your investment, feel free to contact us for cost estimates and recommendations. 

If you are ever uncertain about a potential electrical issue in your home please contact Active Electric and one of their qualified professionals would be happy to help.  They also provide Free quotes! 


ACTIVE ELECTRIC are TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICIANS -  Check out his listing here in REGINA ELECTRICIANS on the Regina Directory of excellence!

Active Electric is a Trusted Regina Electrical Expert - Check out this video to see why!

ACTIVE ELECTRIC REGINA IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL WORK. 

Active Electric are Trusted Regina Electricians and they get it right the first time, delivering all electrical services including installation, upgrade, and repair solutions.

Whether it's hanging a ceiling fan, installing a custom-designed landscape lighting system, installing a state of the art home theatre system or rewiring a commercial structure, or other electrical services, you can call Active they are here eager to help and no job is too small! Customer service is always their top priority and they should be your first call for a Regina Electrician! 

Active Electric are your TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICAL EXPERTS

Whether you require a hook-up for your new appliance, hot tub or full house renovation, we have the experience to get the job done right and on budget.


Active Electric has a variety of services to help you with all your electrical needs:

• Complete Home Renovations

• Garage development electrician Regina

• Basement Development

• Panel and Service Upgrades

• Lighting Upgrades

• Device Upgrades

• Home entertainment

• Intercom systems

• Emergency generators

• Pools and Hot tubs

• Outdoor Security and sensor lighting

• Seasonal Lighting


Check out his listing here in REGINA ELECTRICIANS on the Regina Directory of excellence! 

http://www.trustedregina.com

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