In Canada, there is no rule for how high electrical switches must be. The Canadian Electrical Code provides many rules and regulations governing electrical circuits, but they’ve opted not to put in strict height requirements to allow electricians to modify the location of switches; this allows electricians to tailor their work to different occupancies. Individuals who have impaired mobility, for example, may not be able to access switches that are high up off the ground; lower switches can make their lives easier.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the recommendations for electrical switch heights in Canada:

Standard Light Switch Height Requirements

With no set rules in our local building codes, how high should a light switch be?

Typically, light switches are located 120 cm (4 feet) from the floor. This gives most people the ability to access the light switch without any difficulty. Codes in other regions (like California) can be stricter than the codes in Canada, which may be why some Canadians believe there are strict requirements for light switch heights here. 

Edge Cases and Other Situations

Kitchen Light Switches

In kitchens, countertops and other obstacles may impede access to light switches. To help remedy this, light switches should be located at least 15 cm (half a foot) above the countertop. Ideally, this will still place the light switch about 120 cm above the floor. 

Best Height for Accessibility

When designing an electrical system for people with impaired mobility, it may be best to lower the height of electrical switches—though this depends on the nature of their impairment. For people who use wheelchairs, consider lowering the height of electrical switches to 90-100 cm above the floor (about 3 to 3½ feet). 

Switches To Disconnect Furnaces

While there are no specific rules regarding the height of furnace disconnect switches, all furnace disconnect switches must be located so that:

• They can be readily accessed without having to go near or pass by the furnace
• They are within sight, and within 9 metres of the furnace

This means the furnace disconnect switch must be unobstructed, and typically located near the entrance of the room where the furnace is located. 

Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposal switches should be located near the garbage disposal; they’re typically placed in the cabinet under the sink or on the backsplash. When placed on the backsplash, be sure to place them at least 15 cm (half a foot) above the countertop. Placing the switch within a cabinet can impede access, so we typically recommend placing it on the backsplash instead. 

Hot Tubs/Whirlpools

While the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) does not require hot tubs and whirlpools to have disconnect switches within sight, they are highly recommended. These switches should be located far enough away that they don’t risk water damage, but close enough that they can be easily accessed. 

Though not strictly related to electrical switches, you may be interested to know that all hot tubs must be connected to a GFCI-protected circuit; these circuits help to prevent electrocution and are commonly used where circuits may come in contact with water. 

Scheduling Installation Service With Powertec Electric

The team of electricians at Powertec Electric takes the guidelines, your needs, and their own experience into account when installing light switches. Looking for electricians in Winnipeg to tackle your next project? Call the pros at Powertec Electric! 

WINNIPEG, MB:  Powertec Electric, a Winnipeg-based provider of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this May.  The award-winning company has become a household name in Winnipeg over the past decade and is well-known for its impeccable service standards, industry knowledge, and exceptional customer service.  

Founded ten years ago by experienced electrical industry professionals Daniel Hartley and Gareth Williams, Powertec Electric quickly grew into an in-demand electrical services business offering quality workpersonship, fair pricing, and a diverse array of services.  Today the company boasts an experienced team of over seventy qualified electricians who meet and exceed customer expectations for every project they take on.  Powertec Electric’s wide selection of service offerings includes service upgrades, knob and tube removal, home renovations, emergency services, phone, data, and television cabling, lighting solutions, home EV charging stations, tenant flip-ups, and much more.  In addition, the company’s solar division offers comprehensive solar installation services throughout the province of Manitoba and beyond.  

This May, Powertec Electric will be celebrating its tenth anniversary serving the Winnipeg community and President Daniel Hartley could not be more proud.  “This anniversary marks an exciting milestone for us,” he said, noting that Powertec Electric continues to grow and thrive every year.  “Our commitment to do every job in a timely fashion and leave each client feeling confident that their project has been professionally completed and that they’ve received good value for it underscores the reality that we’re not satisfied until you are.”  

Hartley would like to thank each and every member of his phenomenal team for the impact they make in the lives of customers every single day.  He eagerly looks forward to another decade of success!  

Powertec Electric has been a three-time Consumer Choice Award Winner and has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.  For more information about Powertec Electric and the services it provides, visit https://powertec.ca.  

WINNIPEG, MB: Powertec Electric Inc., a top residential and commercial electrician services company in Winnipeg, is thrilled to announce the installation of its new EV charging system, available for consumer use in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The electricians at Powertec Electric professionally installed the charging station. The station is part of the ChargePoint network; it features 2 Level 2 J1772 charging ports at 27 A and 6.5 kW. As the most ubiquitous charging port in North America, compatible with the J-plug and Teslas with J-plug adapters, it can be used by virtually all commercially available electric vehicles. The charging station is available on-site at Powertec Electric’s headquarters. 

The team at Powertec specializes in installing EV chargers for homeowners and business owners. With the news that the Government of Canada is set to require all new cars to be zero-emissions vehicles by 2035, the team at Powertec Electric recognized that the time was right to use its knowledge and technical skills to provide EV charging for Winnipeggers. In an effort to ensure EV charging is accessible to their visitors, Powertec Electric has opted to make its EV charging system free to use.

“We are proud to announce the installation of our new EV charging station; it’s a perfect example of our commitment to both our craft and our customers,” said Daniel Hartley, President of Powertec Electric. “With this two-port system in place, we can provide our staff and our visitors with much-needed access to a charging station at no cost to them. The feedback so far has been extremely positive, and we’re excited to play our part in creating a greener, cleaner world.”

Powertec Electric is a leading residential and commercial electrician services company serving Winnipeg and the surrounding area. It specializes in various residential and commercial electrical projects, including EV charging installation, knob and tube wiring replacement, solar panel installation, and more. Additionally, it works with general contractors and developers to offer electrical installations for new builds and renovations. 

To learn more information, visit www.powertec.ca. 

WINNIPEG, MB:  Powertec Electric, an established provider of premier electrical services in Winnipeg, has recently launched a new orientation website.  The website, which will guide new hires through an overview of the company’s values, policies, safety information, and more, is designed to expedite, standardize, and streamline the employee orientation process.  

Founded in 2012, Powertec Electric has been a leader in the Winnipeg electrician industry for more than a decade.  With a current team of more than seventy experienced electricians, it offers services ranging from service upgrades to knob and tube removal, home and office renovations, lighting solutions, emergency services, and much more.  Catering to residential, commercial, and industrial clients alike, the company also offers solar installations through its solar division, Powertec Solar.  Powertec Electric has an outstanding reputation for top-notch quality work and exceptional customer service.  

As a continually growing and expanding company, Powertec Electric is always looking for ways to streamline and improve its operations.  For owner David Hartley, improving the orientation process for new hires has been an ongoing priority.  “When new team members join our company,” says Hartley, “We want to ensure that they’re welcomed with warmth and receive a clear foundation and guidance every step of the way.  That’s the aim of our new online orientation process.”  

Powertec’s orientation website includes: An outline of the company’s values, history, services, people, and roles; gathers information from new hires; goes through policies, timekeeping, and attendance; and provides access to safety videos, quizzes and ongoing training.  The information has been thoughtfully put together to maximize relevancy and engagement and is ready to go live.  

Hartley looks forward to hearing feedback on the program and tweaking it as necessary to ensure that new team members continue to be oriented and welcomed to Powertec Electric as smoothly and comprehensively as possible.  

For more information about Powertec Electric and the services it provides, visit https://powertec.ca.  

You’re a do-it-yourselfer—the kind of person who will build a new bedroom, pave a new driveway, or, dare we say it, run their own electrical wiring to new fixtures or outlets.

We always recommend you hire a professional electrician for any electrical work—the risk to your health and home when playing with your electrical system goes way beyond a simple electrical shock. You could fry your whole electrical system, and you’re risking serious harm.

With that said, we know that some of you will still insist on rewiring things on your own—you’ve got the power tools you need, and you feel like your skill level is high enough that you can successfully rewire your home.

That’s why we’ve written this article; it features electrical safety tips and the dos and don’ts of DIY. Let’s dive right in!

Do: Consult With Local Guidelines

The government here in Winnipeg has created an electrical installation homeowner’s guide—the Government of Manitoba has created a similar set of guidelines for everyone outside the city.

We’re assuming most of our readers live in the area, but Google can be weird—if you live outside of Manitoba, find your own local guidelines. Follow them carefully—they’ll keep you safe. 

Don’t: Mix Water With Electricity

This might be one of the most obvious electrical safety tips, but it’s worth making it as clear as possible:

• Don’t work on electrical equipment with wet hands
• Don’t place electrical outlets near water sources

By keeping everything dry, you can avoid serious accidents, including serious electric shock. Keep you and your family safe—water and electricity don’t mix!

In spaces where water and electricity are likely to mix (in the bathroom, near sinks, and the like)—install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). These outlets will automatically shut off when a change in flow is detected to prevent electrocution.

Do: Plan Carefully Before You Begin

Installing a new electrical outlet or light fixture takes a thorough understanding of your home’s electrical system. You want to ensure that you’re not overloading the circuit breaker and that you’re working with the right wires.

Take a look (or create) diagrams of your home’s existing system, then carefully plan where you’ll install your new outlet or fixture. This is an absolute “measure twice, cut once” scenario—you want to be sure you won’t be cutting into any existing wires or plumbing.

Don’t: Try This Without Any Experience

There’s a reason it takes years of school and practice to become a licensed electrician—this work isn’t easy, and it can pose serious risks. Working as an electrician goes well beyond the basic precautions we can lay out here—you need to be able to predict electrical problems and prevent potential accidents, including electrical fires.

That’s why we can’t go into thorough detail here—we don’t want to encourage anyone who isn’t licensed to wire their own electricity at home. Our advice to you is to hire an electrician—we’ve got electrical contractors in Winnipeg who can help you today. At the very least, call us for a consultation—we can help keep you, your home, and your family safe.

WINNIPEG, MB: Powertec Electric, one of the leading electrical companies in winnipeg, has recently acquired a Wirewerks certification for structured cabling.

Now that more businesses are operating remotely, the speed of your internet connection has become increasingly important. It directly impacts a company’s overall performance and productivity. With a structured cabling system, businesses can better adapt to the changing landscape of the online world. It will also reduce downtime caused by a disorganized cabling system or outdated hardware.

Structured cabling is a telecommunications infrastructure made up of six subsystems, all working together to create an organized and effective digital infrastructure for modern businesses. Structured cabling supports internet streaming for remote companies, provides higher connection speeds for computers, and makes cable management easier.

Structured cabling systems are designed to transmit data at higher speeds and make cables simpler to organize. They reduce power consumption and offer more reliable performance. Overall, structured cabling is more cost-effective than point-to-point cabling systems.

Business owners seeking to upgrade their cabling system can turn to Powertec Electric for their installation services. The Wirewerks certification ensures that customers will get a high-quality installation from a trained technician. Wirewerks is a manufacturer of structured cabling solutions.

With this certification, Powertec Electric engineers are trained and qualified to install optical fiber structured cabling systems. They have honed their skills and learned the best practices for installing optical fiber cables and connectors.

For those looking to install a new cabling system in their apartment building, office, or other commercial business, a structured cabling design will provide faster speeds and better cable management. 

Powertec Electric is one of the top electrical companies in Winnipeg,  offering premium services for industrial, commercial, and residential areas. Powertec Electric also provides knob and tube replacements. For more information about the company and the services it provides, visit its website at https://www.powertec.ca/. 

WINNIPEG, Canada - Powertec Electric Inc one of the fastest-growing and most innovative electrical companies in Canada, is thrilled to announce the installation of solar panels and an electric vehicle charger at their head office. The company has been growing exponentially as the demand for solar power has increased due to rising energy prices and environmental concerns. Powertec Electric is committed to helping the environment, so the management team felt it was only suitable to lead by example and install solar panels at their home office. The solar panels will help reduce the cost of energy that the company faces while also moving them closer to its ultimate goal of becoming a carbon-neutral business. 

“As a business, we are fully committed to the environment and to doing as much as we possibly can to minimize our carbon footprint,” said Daniel Hartley, President of Powertec Electric. “We always felt that fitting solar panels to our building and an electric charging point was congruent with this aim, which is why we made it one of our priorities. We want to show our current and future customers that we are fully committed to both the environment and the products we install, and so what better way to do this is by using solar power ourselves. We are very excited about the future of solar power and the projected growth of our company, and we are convinced that these installations will contribute further to our ongoing success.” Powertec Electric Inc. provides a variety of electrician services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. They get the job done and don’t just meet expectations – they exceed them! Their customers keep coming back because they are dependable, knowledgeable, and pleasant to work with. Their high-quality workmanship and fair prices make them the perfect choice for every project. For more information about the company and the various services that it provides, visit the website at https://www.powertec.ca.

WINNIPEG, Canada - Powertec Electric Inc., one of the largest and most successful electrician firms in Winnipeg, Canada, is bracing itself for exponential growth as the country prepares for the huge switch to electric-powered vehicles. Ottawa recently announced a $155,000 investment to Eco-West Canada so the company can install 31 Level 2 electric vehicle charges in the province. This is likely to be the first of many such investments, and Powertec is well-placed to assist with what will be a huge and unprecedented project. 

In addition to the federal government, many private homeowners will opt to install an electric car charger at home for convenience and to ensure that they have a fully charged vehicle at the start of every day. In much the same way as people have got into the habit of charging their phones overnight, this will become the new norm for car owners. 

“As an electrical company, we are very excited about the future, with governments and car manufacturers pushing the switch to electric vehicles,” said Daniel Lacovetsky. “Although the federal government is investing heavily in electric vehicle chargers, as more and more electric vehicles hit the road, the demand is going to soar. We are already ensuring that all of our electricians are fully trained in the installation of electric vehicle chargers, and we are expecting to be extremely busy over the next decade and beyond.” 

Powertec Electric Inc. provides a variety of electrician services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. They get the job done, and they don’t just meet expectations – they exceed them! Their customers keep coming back because they are dependable, knowledgeable, and pleasant to work with. Their high-quality workmanship and fair prices make them the perfect choice for every project. For more information about the company and the various services that they provide, visit their website at https://www.powertec.ca.