Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few basic answers to popular electrical questions asked by our clients. Please note however that we recommend that you always use the services of a qualified and certified electrician to avoid damage and injury.
I need to replace a breaker, but I don't know what kind it is. Are they all the same?
No. The easiest way is to bring in the old breaker with you to ensure you buy the right kind of breaker. If you do not have the old breaker, the brand name of your service box might allow us to find the right kind of breaker.
One of my breakers tripped. Is it dangerous?
Tripping breakers are usually the result of an overloaded circuit If that is the case you may try running fewer appliances on the circuit, which should fix the problem. If however an overloaded circuit is not the source of your breaker tripping, you might be dealing with something more serious like a short, defective wire, plug or socket, in which case we recommend you call a qualified electrician without delay.
Can I install a larger breaker or fuse to prevent it from tripping?
In most cases the answer is NO. breakers and fuses are designed to trip when the current reaches a certain level in order to protect both your appliances from damage and your self from injury.
The plug from our dryer doesn't fit the receptacle in our new house. Can I fix this?
If the receptacle doesn't fit the plug, we strongly recommend you talk to a certified electrician. Plugs and cord ends are designed for differant voltage and current ratings and can cause a fire or damage to device.
What should a basic electrical tool kit contain?
Needle-nose pliers
Insulated screwdriver
Combination tool
Utility knife
Continuity tester
Circuit tester
Electrical tape
Wire connectors
What is a transformer, circuit breaker, & grounding?
A transformer is a device that converts voltage. In most homes, transformers reduce the voltage for use on low-voltage equipment, such as thermostats and doorbells.
A circuit breakers is a heavy duty safety switches that serve the same purpose as fuses.
Grounding is a system that requires all metal parts of any wiring system or anything connected to it be maintained at 0 volts during a short circuit to protect shock or death.
Electrical Tips
All wires are color coded. Hot wires are usually black or red but could be another color (excluding green, gray or white) and should be marked for safety's sake. Electricity can be dangerous when working with it so safety must be considered first and foremost. Never work on a live circuit, always make sure electricity is shut off when working on receptacles, switches, or anything that runs on electricity. In fact, when changing a fuse you must shut off the main disconnect. If your troubleshooting doesn't provide an answer or the job is more than something simple that you can safely, capably handle, contact us. We're ready, willing and able to help.
At Powercom Electric Ltd., we believe that routine maintenance and
common sense can help you through most basic electrical issues. For
instance, if a light's out, start by checking the bulb, but before you
undertake any electrical project you definitely want to consult an
electrician. Here at Powercom Electric Ltd., we're more than happy to
help you with any electrical issues you might have, but we offer these
simple electrical tips to help you better maintain and identify
electrical issues as part of our ongoing effort to provide the best
possible electrical services to our customers.
