Is Your Wolseley Heritage Home Insurable? The Truth About Knob And Tube Near Vimy Ridge Park

A Wolseley home near Vimy Ridge Park has real charm. But if old wiring hides behind the plaster, getting home insurance can become a problem.

Can A Wolseley Heritage Home With Knob And Tube Wiring Still Be Insured?

Yes, sometimes - it depends on what's active, how much remains, and what your insurer requires. A Wolseley home with active knob and tube isn't automatically uninsurable. Some insurers decline immediately, others offer conditional coverage with a rewiring deadline, and some want a licensed electrician to confirm what's active and what needs attention.

Older Wolseley homes often have piecemeal updates: Original lighting circuits, a later kitchen upgrade, a newer breaker panel or old fuse box, and one forgotten run still feeding a light. That patchwork is what makes insurability tricky.

Knob and tube uses single insulated wires on porcelain knobs and tubes. Insurers care because active runs can involve ungrounded wiring, hidden splices, overloaded circuits, and wiring buried under attic insulation - creating a serious fire hazard when heat builds up.

Legal status and insurability aren't the same. In Manitoba, old wiring can exist without being illegal, but an underwriter can still decide it doesn't meet their standards. If it's fully abandoned, disconnected, and documented, some insurers are comfortable. Documentation is key. Your Winnipeg electricians can help you get clear answers that complement Statistics Canada health data.

What Your Insurer, Broker, And Electrician Need To Confirm

Your broker and underwriter need to know: Is the old wiring live? How much of the house does it serve? Are there related issues like a fuse box, weak grounding, aluminum branch wiring, or unsafe DIY splices? 

The best workflow is broker first, electrician second, underwriter third. Your broker tells you what the insurer wants, then we complete an inspection to answer those exact questions.

In Wolseley homes with plaster-and-lath walls, we don't need to open every wall. We start in the basement ceiling, attic near joists, service entry areas, and original fixture boxes. After inspection, the insurer typically wants panel photos, service amperage, confirmation of active versus inactive wiring, deficiency notes, attic insulation contact status, grounding and bonding condition, and a recommended scope with timeline.

If you're buying the house, timing matters - your mortgage lender expects proof of insurance before closing. If no insurer will issue a binder, the deal can stall. For more on insurer expectations, see our guide to insurance companies that cover knob and tube wiring.

Rewiring A Winnipeg Character Home: Costs, Timelines, And Heritage Features

In Winnipeg, there's no one-size-fits-all number for rewiring a character home - access drives price more than square footage. A house with open basement access and a reachable attic is very different from one with finished ceilings, tight cavities, and layered renovations.

We can usually inspect within the same week, then provide findings and a scope for your broker. A full-house rewire in an older plaster home takes longer, especially when working around heritage details. Partial rewiring doesn't always solve the insurance problem if active legacy wiring remains elsewhere.

Insurers also care about related upgrades: Replacing a fuse box with a breaker panel, improving grounding, confirming service size, and adding AFCI and GFCI protection under the Canadian Electrical Code and Manitoba requirements. Learn about the cost to replace an electrical panel here.

The good news - rewiring doesn't mean gutting every wall. At Powertec Electric, we fish new runs through basements, attics, closets, and existing chases, using selective access cuts instead of opening everything up.

For more on risk and upgrades, learn about the dangers of knob and tube wiring, read about electrical safety in heritage homes, our knob and tube removal services, understanding Electrical Code requirements, and common electrical problems during home renovations.

FAQ: Knob And Tube Insurance Questions For Wolseley Homeowners

Can I get temporary insurance while rewiring is scheduled?

Sometimes. Some insurers offer short-term or conditional coverage if rewiring is booked and documented, while others won't insure active knob and tube at all.

If only part of the house has active knob and tube, is that enough for insurance?

If even one active circuit remains, many insurers still see unresolved risk. Partial upgrades don't automatically fix the insurability issue.

Is knob and tube wiring illegal in Winnipeg?

It's outdated rather than automatically illegal. The bigger issue is whether it's still active and whether it meets your insurer's standards.

Book A Wolseley Knob And Tube Inspection With Powertec Electric

If you're near Vimy Ridge Park or anywhere in Winnipeg, we'd be glad to help before renewal dates, purchase conditions, or closing deadlines press in. With Powertec Electric, you'll get an electrical inspection, clear confirmation of active versus abandoned wiring, and an insurer-ready plan that respects your home's character.

Contact us today for professional knob and tube removal service.

Buying A Heritage Home In Silver Heights: What You Need To Know About Knob And Tube Insurance

Silver Heights is one of St. James’ most iconic neighbourhoods, known for its mid-century charm and beautiful heritage-style bungalows. However, for many buyers, that vintage appeal comes with a hidden technicality: Knob and tube (K&T) wiring. If you are eyeing a home in this area, understanding how insurance providers view this outdated electrical system is the difference between a smooth closing and a collapsed deal.

Knob and tube wiring is widely considered a fire hazard (Winnipeg Electrical By-Law 72/2022) due to its age and inability to handle modern electrical loads, which can significantly impact insurance coverage and make obtaining a policy more difficult. 

Knob And Tube Is Common In Silver Heights

Because much of the housing stock in Silver Heights was developed in the late 1940s and 1950s, knob and tube wiring is a frequent find during home inspections. Knob and tube wiring was originally installed by threading wires through ceramic knobs and tubes within the wood framing. While the system was once standard, this old wiring can deteriorate over time, and the insulation may become brittle and crack, exposing bare wires to flammable materials. 

K&T also lacks a ground wire, which is a critical safety feature that provides a backup path for electrical current in case of a surge or fault. The absence of a ground wire increases the risk of electrical shock and fire. Overloaded circuits are another common hazard with knob and tube wiring, further elevating fire risk. Regular inspections by a licensed electrician are recommended for homes with knob and tube wiring.

Can You Buy A Home With Knob And Tube?

Yes, you can buy a home with K&T wiring, but you might not be able to insure it. Knob and tube wiring is widely considered a fire hazard due to its age and inability to handle modern electrical loads, which can significantly impact insurance coverage and make obtaining a policy more difficult. Because of these risks, most buyers prioritize professional knob and tube removal in Winnipeg to secure their investment and protect their families.

The Insurance Reality: 30 Days To Fix It?

In the Winnipeg market, many insurance companies will not provide coverage for homes with active knob and tube wiring due to safety concerns, but some may offer coverage under strict conditions; some specialty providers offer a “grace period.” Typically, you are given 30 days from the date of possession to have the knob and tube wiring replaced by a certified professional to maintain your coverage. Homes with K&T wiring may be subject to strict replacement timelines, typically requiring an upgrade within 30 to 60 days after policy inception.

Insurance for homes with knob and tube wiring in Silver Heights is often limited and usually comes with higher premiums. Homeowners should have a plan for the timely replacement of knob and tube wiring and schedule inspections as required by insurers to ensure continued coverage.

It’s Not Just About Insurance

While getting a policy is the immediate hurdle, the long-term benefits of removal are significant.

FAQ About Knob And Tube In Silver Heights

Will insurance companies in Winnipeg cover a home with knob and tube wiring?

Most insurance companies consider knob and tube wiring a fire hazard and will decline to provide coverage for homes with active K&T. Many standard insurance carriers simply decline to insure such properties. However, some specialty insurance carriers may offer coverage, but this is not guaranteed and usually comes with higher premiums due to the increased risk. Insurance for homes with knob and tube wiring is often limited and subject to strict conditions, such as requiring certification by a licensed electrician that the system is safe. Some insurers may offer a short window (usually 30 days) to replace the wiring, often at a higher premium until the work is certified.

How much does it cost to replace knob and tube wiring in a standard St. James bungalow?

The tube wiring replacement cost for knob and tube wiring typically ranges from $7,000 to $15,000 or more. Several factors, including the size of the home, accessibility of the wiring, local labour rates, and permit requirements, influence replacement costs. Insurance providers often consider these replacement costs when assessing coverage options and premiums, as upgrading outdated wiring can impact both safety and resale value. Homeowners should budget for a professional assessment to determine the full scope and cost of decommissioning and replacing knob and tube wiring.

Is knob and tube wiring illegal in Manitoba?

No, it is not illegal to have it in an existing home, but it does not meet modern building codes for new construction or significant renovations.

How can I tell if a house in Silver Heights still has active knob and tube?

Look for white ceramic “spools” (ceramic knobs or porcelain knobs) and ceramic tubes mounted on or running through wooden beams, such as basement joists or attic rafters. These ceramic knobs, ceramic tubes, and porcelain knobs are used to support and insulate the wires, preventing contact with wood or drywall. However, the only way to be 100% sure is to have a professional electrician perform a dedicated assessment. Homeowners should also consider a full home inspection to identify knob and tube wiring and assess its condition.

Book An Assessment

Don't let electrical uncertainty stall your dream of living in Silver Heights. Whether you are a buyer performing due diligence or a seller looking to increase your sale value, getting a professional opinion is vital. Contact electricians in Winnipeg today for a comprehensive inspection. Our team specializes in knob and tube removal in Winnipeg to ensure your home is safe, insurable, and ready for the future.

The Heritage Home Audit: Electrical Safety In River Heights

Heritage homes are unique and uniquely beautiful. In Winnipeg, we have several neighbourhoods where heritage homes are common, from Scotia Heights to River Heights.

Technology, building techniques, and our understanding of safety have been completely transformed over the last century; many homes in River Heights were built 60-100 years ago. These homes may lack energy-efficient windows and roofing materials, have poor insulation due to old-school construction techniques, and/or have foundation problems.

We’re electricians, so when we see an old home, our minds immediately jump to panels and wiring. We’re going to give you some insights into the electrical problems these older homes can face - and how to fix them: 

Preserving The Charm: Electrical Safety For River Heights Heritage Homes

River Heights is full of beautiful character homes; many of these homes were built during the housing boom after World War II, while some homes, especially in River Heights East, were built over 100 years ago. A 2004 report on inequality conveniently provides us with the average age of homes by neighbourhood, and you can quickly see how much older River Heights is compared to many other Winnipeg neighbourhoods.

Older homes were built with older electrical wiring; some River Heights homes may even still have knob-and-tube wiring (though most have been upgraded since then). Other potential problems include:

Common Wiring Challenges In South River Heights Character Properties

Working in old River Heights homes can pose a few distinct challenges. These challenges include:

There’s also the challenge of bringing everything up to code. You might call an electrician because your lights are constantly flickering, only for the electrician to discover a host of wiring problems that all need to be addressed to bring your home up to modern standards. 

These fixes all come at a cost - but in many cases, what we’re fixing are serious safety issues. We’ll give you all the info you need before proceeding, so you can make informed decisions about any modifications we make to your wiring. 

Modernizing Electrical Panels Near Central River Heights

80+ years ago, when many River Heights homes were built, air conditioning wasn’t nearly as common as it is today; to this day, fewer homes built before 1960 have air conditioning than any other age of home. 

Other modern conveniences like laundry machines and dishwashers were also far less common. The consequence? Many of these homes were built with 60-amp or 100-amp service, and they cannot keep up with today’s electrical demands.

Modern HVAC systems, appliances, and other mechanical systems (all equipment used for heating, cooling, ventilation, and water heating) require more electricity than they did when most River Heights homes were built - and that’s without even talking about other modern amenities, like electric vehicle charging stations.

Modernizing your panel can help you get more out of your River Heights home while keeping you, your family, and your property safe.

Ensuring Code Compliance Near Grant Park Shopping Centre

We’ve already touched on code compliance; let’s take a moment to delve a little deeper: 

Your home does not have to comply with modern electrical codes; it only has to comply with the codes that existed at the time it was built. There are two major caveats, however:

This means that if you hire us for a job, and there are all sorts of things in your electrical system that are not code-compliant, we will tell you about them; from there, you will decide what work we do. We’ll tell you very precisely what our scope of work will be, as any work we do must comply with the current electrical code.

Getting your home up to code has a number of advantages; you may need to pay less for insurance (because there are fewer safety concerns), and you’ll likely have an easier time selling your home or getting permits for projects. You may even benefit from greater energy efficiency! 

Why Older Rockwood Homes Require Specialized Inspections

Older homes require specialized inspections because they may feature any number of serious problems, from old wiring to cracked foundations. In Rockwood, many homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s, so you may even have to deal with asbestos insulation.

A detailed home inspection can help you uncover everything from air leakage to faulty wiring; if you’ve never had one done, it can be worth the money, especially if you plan on renovating or selling. 

Choosing The Right Professional For Electrical Work In Winnipeg

Many homeowners in River Heights require extensive electric work on their homes, whether it’s to attract more potential buyers or to upgrade their service to charge a new EV. 

No matter what kind of electrical work you need, you should hire qualified, experienced electricians. Companies with knowledge of local codes and experience working in older homes are your best bet.

Powertec Electric has the knowledge and experience you’re looking for; if you need Winnipeg electrical services in River Heights, we have you covered. 

Loose Electrical Outlets And Their Dangers

If you’ve wondered, “Are loose outlets dangerous?”, the short answer is yes. A loose electrical outlet is never harmless. In fact, it is a genuine electrical hazard that can lead to arc faults, overheated wires, and even a fire. This is why it should be repaired as soon as you notice the first sign of trouble.

Signs That An Outlet Is Loose

A loose outlet often gives itself away with visible or physical warning signs. Watch for:

Any of these issues indicates that the outlet is loose, the outlet box may not be secured tightly, or the outlet’s wires have started to shift. 

What Causes An Electrical Outlet To Become Loose? 

Frequent Plugging & Unplugging Of Cords

Repeated movement inside the receptacle can weaken the contact points and eventually loosen the outlet box or the screws that hold the receptacle in place.

Improper Installation

A poorly aligned electrical box or loose screws can make the outlet unstable from day one.

Aging Components

Old outlet hardware, brittle wires, and weakened clamps contribute to loose electrical outlets in older homes.

Loose Screws

Screws inside the receptacle or face plate can back out over time, leaving the outlet unsecured.

Temperature Changes Or Humidity

Canadian homes experience seasonal shifts that cause materials to expand and contract, gradually loosening electrical sockets and increasing potential hazards.

When an outlet becomes loose, the two loose blades inside the receptacle stop gripping the plug properly. This creates heat, sparks, and the kind of high-energy discharge that leads to arc-fault conditions.

Dangers Of A Loose Outlet

A loose electrical outlet affects more than the wall it sits in; it threatens the entire electrical system in your residential or commercial property. Key risks include:

Fire Hazard

A loose outlet can cause electricity to arc. When electricity jumps between connection points, the heat can ignite surrounding material inside the wall.

Electrical Shock Hazard

Any shifting inside the outlet exposes you to electric shock, particularly when plugging in devices.

Device Damage

Loose contact points cause inconsistent power. Sensitive electronic devices can fail or suffer internal damage as a result.

Overheating Wires

A loose outlet increases resistance, which causes excess heat. Overheating wires behind the wall become a hidden danger that may not be noticed until it’s too late.

What Should Be Done About A Loose Electrical Outlet? 

Fixing a loose outlet requires more than tightening a screw. The safest solution is to call a professional electrician who can inspect the outlet box, wiring, and receptacle. A licensed electrician will:

DIY fixes or installing shims without proper knowledge can create additional electrical problems or increase the risk of fire.

Preventing Loose Electrical Outlets In The Future 

A few simple habits help reduce wear and tear:

Staying ahead of issues keeps your electrical sockets, outlet boxes, and wiring in better condition long-term.

Final Thoughts

Loose outlets are dangerous, but they are easy to handle when addressed promptly. If you notice sparks, a wobbly outlet, or plugs that fall out, treat it as a potential fire hazard and get help right away. Powertec Electric’s licensed electricians in Winnipeg can assess, repair, or replace any loose electrical outlet to ensure safety in your home or business.

How Preventative Maintenance Saves Money In The Long Run

How Preventative Maintenance Saves Money In The Long Run 1

We all use electricity at home, in an office, or at a job site. Each time your electrical system is in use, it works hard to provide an optimal output, just like any other system. If used daily without proper maintenance, it can malfunction, resulting in a loss of power. Luckily, preventive maintenance exists and is a great way to safeguard your electrical equipment from sudden vulnerability. 

What Is Preventive Maintenance?

Preventive maintenance tasks are just what they seem—maintenance activities designed to prevent electrical problems from happening. A preventative maintenance plan can include cleaning, wiring maintenance, etc.; a preventive maintenance program is designed to help ensure all electrical equipment operates at its peak condition every day.

By addressing potential electrical vulnerabilities early, you can significantly reduce equipment downtime and costly repairs. You will also lower the chance of electrical malfunctions, which can lead to devastating fires. 

5 Ways To Save Money Through Preventive Maintenance

Let's look at the benefits of preventive maintenance and how it can save you money in the long run:

Reduced Downtime

If you do not focus your efforts on preventative maintenance, some electrical machinery and systems may malfunction, resulting in downtime. This downtime can become extremely expensive in a workplace setting—after all, "time is money." However, downtime can be equally frustrating in a home, so an effective preventive maintenance plan is vital. 

Greater Operational Efficiency

When a professional implements preventive maintenance properly, the upkeep of your electrical equipment results in optimally run machinery that doesn't need to use as many resources and energy. Your machinery will work much more efficiently when regularly maintained. 

Reduced Costs

Preventive maintenance is designed to help you avoid corrective maintenance, which can be incredibly expensive. When something electrical breaks unexpectedly, you will have to hire a maintenance team as soon as possible and pay a premium for their emergency service—not to mention the cost of added parts and major repairs. 

Lengthened Equipment Reliability & Lifespan

Implementing preventive maintenance means regularly maintaining your electrical equipment, thereby extending its lifespan. When all your machinery works optimally, you can be sure it will last longer and give you more bang for your buck, as you won't have to replace machinery as often. 

Reduces Overall Risk 

Add a preventive maintenance schedule to your regular maintenance schedule—both these maintenance programs can be done in tandem in your home or office. This will ensure the area is free of risks such as fire hazards or a breakdown of your entire electrical system. The fewer the risks, the more at ease your mind will be about everyone’s safety. 

Implement A Preventive Maintenance Program Today

As we’ve seen above, preventive maintenance is an extremely valuable practice that can help save heaps of time and money. If you think preventative maintenance could help you, speak to the pros at Powertec Electric and get started with preventative maintenance in Winnipeg today. 

How Can You Prevent Your Pets From Getting Electrical Shocks At Home?

How Can You Prevent Your Pets From Getting Electrical Shocks at Home

With pets, some shocks are unavoidable - like the shock of an unexpected medical bill or the shock of your cat knocking over your favourite vase at 3 AM. Static shocks can be hard to avoid, too - if you’re walking around your carpet in wool socks all day, your dog is going to get the surprise of its life when you pet it.

Serious electrical shocks, on the other hand, can and should be prevented. Let’s look at a few of the ways you can reduce the risk of your pet being harmed by electricity:

Why do pets chew on cables?

Furry and feathered friends of all kinds love to nibble on cables. You might think that seems strange, but if you’ve ever had Livewire candy in your life, you may start to see the appeal.

Realistically, animals chew on cables for a wide variety of reasons. Your cat might think cables look similar to rodent tails. Your dog may love to chew on everything: Bones, chew toys, cables, and whatever else they can find. 

Anxiety, dental problems, boredom - all of these things and more can cause your pets to chew on cables. Pets are complex, and we can’t predict their behaviour - so we need to do our best to make the environments they live in as safe as possible.

Proper cable management 

The first step is getting cables away from your pets - out of sight, out of mind. 

Cable management is time intensive. You’re going to have to unplug all of your cables, tie them together with cable ties (zip ties work, Velcro ties are better), then feed them through cable raceways or cable sleeves to protect them before plugging them back in.

We recommend following The Lazy Gamer’s Guide to Cable Management - the content is catered toward gamers, but it will work beautifully for home offices and home theatres. The best part? It’s incredibly simple and direct - which helps reduce some of the labour involved in the project.

Once your cables are hidden, protected, and tucked away together, your pets should be less inclined to chew at them. Every once in a while, however, an industrious, cable-loving animal will still find a way to chew on electrical cords. When that happens, we recommend buying bitter or spicy animal-safe sprays from the pet store and spraying down your cables.

Not so safe and warm

Pets - especially cats - love finding a warm spot to sleep. Sometimes that spot is behind electronics, like dryers and computers. When possible, correct this behaviour - but we know pets can be stubborn. If all else fails, make the area behind your electronics and appliances inaccessible to pets. You might have to move things closer to the wall, or use pet gates or other barriers. 

Walking hazards

So far, we’ve addressed electrical shocks at home - the main theme of this article - but we wanted to take a moment to address electrical shocks that can occur while you’re on a walk with your pet. In wet conditions, including our brutal Winnipeg winters, electrical currents can sometimes occur on metal surfaces. When it’s wet or snowy outside, guide your pets away from storm drains, light posts, and other metal surfaces. 

Love and care go a long way

Pets will often chew on cables because:

Chewing cables is often a sign of a deeper problem. Take your pet to the vet. Find your pet other chew toys and playthings. Be sure to spend plenty of time with them, and show them lots of love! 

Our electrical contractors in Winnipeg love pets - but our work can be dangerous to your furry friends. When you call us for electrical work, let us know in advance that you have pets. That way, we can show them a bit of extra love - and we can work around them to keep them safe.

Why Should A Homeowner Have An Electrical Inspection Performed On Their Home?

Why+Should+a+Homeowner+Have+an+Electrical+Inspection+Performed+on+Their+Home

Homeowners have a lot of things they need to juggle to keep their property updated. Many people overlook the importance of their electrical system because it’s hidden away behind their walls. However, if you want your lights and appliances to work properly, this is one system you don’t want to ignore. 

An electrical inspection might be a necessity to get your home in proper order, particularly if you are buying or selling. Here are a few reasons why you may want to have an electrical inspection performed on your home or on a property that you’re planning to purchase:  

Prevention

If you bought your current home without getting an electrical inspection beforehand, it may be time to invest in this report. An electrical inspection can clue you in to major problems with the property that could result in dramatic issues like an all-consuming house fire. You never know what modifications the previous homeowners may have made to the electrical system that could be improper. 

Older Homes

Additionally, older homes should always have an electrical inspection done. Standards change as the years pass, and you need to know that your home is still in good shape. This isn’t the kind of thing that you want to defer until it’s too late (or too costly) to make the necessary upgrades. 

Things can change radically across the decades. It’s typically recommended that you have your home evaluated every three to five years. If you haven’t had a professional electrician evaluate your home in this time period, it’s time to have an inspection done.  

Selling the Home

Sometimes, the best time to get an electrical inspection on your home has nothing to do with wanting to ensure that it’s safe for you to live in. You might want to have an electrical inspection done in advance of selling your home. It could reveal some of the same things we looked at in the last section, but it’s best to know that all is up to code before a buyer completes their own inspection of the property. 

Buying a Home

Everyone has heard horror stories of what it’s like to purchase a home that turns out to be a money pit. You could spend thousands of dollars just to get your home up to code. Before you purchase a house, give yourself some peace of mind and have the electrical inspected. You’ll want to know upfront if you have to sink a lot of money into the property just to keep it safe for yourself or your tenants to live in. 

Hiring the Experts

If you want to get an electrical inspection done on your home, then you need the expertise of the top Winnipeg electrical companies: Powertec Electric is here and ready to help you with your inspection. Give us a call today to learn more about our process for conducting electrical inspections, regardless of whether you’re buying, selling, or just doing some much-needed maintenance!

How Can You Avoid Power Point Overloads?

How Can You Avoid Power Point Overloads

Who of us hasn’t blown a breaker before? We’ve all made the mistake of turning on two power-hungry appliances at once, like using the microwave while we make toast. 

Every electrical circuit has its limits. When you overload a power point, all of your appliances and lights will abruptly shut off. Depending on your electrical system, you’ll either need to replace the blown fuse or reset the breaker to repair it. 

Let’s start by defining what a power point overload is. A power point is any electrical outlet in your home. If you draw too much power from the outlet, the electrical circuit will be overloaded. 

In most homes, there are several safety measures to prevent fires from overloaded circuits. One is a circuit breaker; if it detects too much current, it will cut off the power so that the wires aren’t overloaded. 

Still, you want to avoid drawing too much power. Try out these energy-saving tips to avoid tripping breakers or blowing fuses:

Spread Out Your Appliances

Do you have too many high-power appliances in one room? A few signs that a power point is overloaded include:

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to move some of your electronics around. Two appliances that draw a lot of electricity (or produce heat) should rarely be plugged into the same power point. That is, unless you know the outlet can handle it. But don’t leave it to chance.

Instead, try to shuffle around the placement of these appliances. Perhaps you could move the microwave to one end of the kitchen, and plug the toaster into a different outlet. 

Use Power Bars

These days, it seems like we always have more electronics than we do electrical outlets. Most rooms have 1 to 2 power points, but you might need to plug in 5 different devices. What can you do? 

Using a power bar, you can add more power points to one outlet. One great feature of power bars is that when you’re not using them, you can simply turn off the power switch. This prevents appliances from drawing power when they’re out of use; it lowers your electrical bill, and prevents appliances from overheating. 

A word of warning: you also need to avoid overloading the power bar itself. Check the product package to see how many amps the bar can handle. 

Upgrade Your Electrical Capacity

Maybe you’ve tried all these tricks, but your breaker is still overloading. Not only is this an inconvenience, but it’s also a safety hazard. What would happen if your electrical circuit failed to shut down? You could be at risk of a house fire or electric shock. 

Power point overloads are especially dangerous with knob and tube wiring; these outdated electrical systems have a higher risk of overheating. For your safety, we suggest replacing your electrical system.

At Powertec Electric, we can upgrade the electrical circuits of your home, add more power points, and replace knob and tube wiring. Click here to learn more about our services.

The Dangers Of A Loose Electrical Outlet

The Dangers of a Loose Electrical Outlet

Most of us plug our electronics and appliances in without a second thought. It’s such a common task that we rarely step back to take a closer look at our electrical outlets. 

If an electrical outlet is slightly loose, is it really dangerous to plug something into it? Here’s our advice: don’t plug anything into an outlet that isn’t flush with the wall. If you do, you may see sparks flying - and not in a good way.

As time goes on, electrical outlets often become damaged or loose. They can start to sit further away from the wall and hang from the wires. Sometimes, when you plug something in, it may fall right out of the outlet only minutes later. Not only are these things annoying, but they’re also downright dangerous.

We’re going to describe why outlets wear down, what hazards this may cause, and why you should call your local electrician for repairs:

Why Do Outlets Get Loose?

Over time, many appliances and systems in your home start to deteriorate. Electrical outlets are no different. Here are a few common reasons why outlets come loose:

Regardless of why the outlet is damaged, one thing remains the same: for your safety, it’s best to schedule repairs ASAP.

Potential Hazards

Since we use electrical outlets every day, it’s easy to forget how dangerous they can be. To protect ourselves from the high-voltage electric current, we rely on secure wiring, a stable outlet box, and a plastic shell that sits securely against the wall.

House fires are fatal for hundreds of Canadians each year, and cause injuries for thousands more. Unfortunately, loose outlets often cause these devastating fires.

If your electrical outlets lack the proper protection, you could be exposed to an electrical shock. This may occur the next time you plug something into the outlet. Depending on the voltage of the shock, it may cause burns, or even be fatal!

Another hazard is that the wiring could become frayed or exposed. When electric current flows through faulty or loose wires, it may start a fire. 

Finally, the instability of the outlet can damage your electronic devices. If the outlet is loose, it will result in an inconsistent connection with your phone charger, desktop computer, or kitchen appliance. 

Call Powertec Electric Today

If you have a loose outlet, be sure to avoid using it until you can have an electrician repair it. We strongly recommend that you do not try to fix the outlet yourself; doing so can put the health and safety of your family at risk. 

Doing electrical work without the proper licencing and permits will affect your home insurance; if you eventually make a claim, your home insurance provider may decline it.

At Powertec Electric, we’re passionate about helping people prevent electrical hazards in their homes and businesses. If you have any electrical issues at your residential or commercial property, we’re here to help! To read more, visit our website today.

How To Reset A Tripped Circuit Breaker

How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker

You’ve just come home with a brand new TV, and you can’t wait to see the high-definition screen in action. Once you finish setting it up, you sit back, kick your feet up, and switch it on.

But suddenly, the TV loses power. It seems that you’ve tripped the breaker. Was your new electronic device too much for the outlet to handle?

Before circuit breakers were invented, most houses had fuse panels instead. When the panel was overloaded, the inside of the fuse would melt and need to be replaced. But with a circuit breaker, solving the problem is as easy as flicking a switch.

However, in some cases, you may need help from an electrician. We’re going to explain how you can reset your circuit breaker and prevent it from happening again:

Resetting the Breaker

Before anything else, you should ensure that all your appliances and electronics are unplugged from the circuit. Check that all the lights are switched off, too.

Next, you’ll need to find where the electrical service panel is located in your home. Some of the most common spots include:

Wherever the panel is located, it will probably be dark. Use your phone or bring a flashlight so you can get a clearer look at the panel.

If you’re lucky, the electrical panel will be labelled. This makes it much easier to find which breaker tripped. And even if it’s not, you can identify it by finding the switch that’s in a different position than all the others. It will be the only one in the OFF position, while other switches will be switched ON.  

Once you find the right breaker, switch it once to the ON position, then back fully OFF again. You should hear a distinctive clicking noise when it’s turned off. Then, you can finally turn it back ON again. Now, power should be restored to your home.

After the breaker is fully reset, you can start turning your devices back on. We suggest labelling the breaker while you’re there; that way, you’ll have an easier time finding the switch next time. 

What if the circuit shorts again? Then you’ll need to look to our next solution: 

Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping?

It may seem like a breaker trips to inconvenience you, but they’re an important safety feature. Without a circuit breaker, the wires may melt, and could even start a fire.

If you want to prevent this from happening, you need to reduce the number of appliances that are plugged into one circuit. Consider moving some of your electronics to another room, or only turning on a limited number at one time. 

Some electronics demand more electricity than others. These include laundry machines, HVAC systems, and kitchen appliances. 

If too many of these electronics are turned on with the same circuit, the breaker may trip repeatedly. You might consider increasing the capacity of the circuits themselves. To solve this problem, you’ll need to call electricians in Winnipeg. 

At Powertec Electric, we can upgrade the electrical capacity of your home to supply it with ample power. We can even set up a dedicated circuit for the most demanding appliances. Call today!