Trusted Saskatoon Electricians at Brown Electrical Contracting Ltd provide everything you need to keep your electrical systems operating well. They cover Saskatoon and the surrounding area, and they do it all! Electrical services for your home and business, including installation, maintenance, upgrades and repairs. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon Electrician tip, they examine why your appliance isn't working.
Electrical Outlet or Appliance That’s Not Working?
Hi, I’m Mitch Brown, owner of Brown Electrical Contracting in Saskatoon. Electrical issues can be frustrating, especially when an outlet or appliance suddenly stops working. Before you panic or call in the professionals, here are some common reasons your receptacle or appliance might not function and what you can do about it.
What Could Be the Reason?
1. Tripped Circuit Breaker
One of the most common reasons an outlet or appliance stops working is a tripped breaker. Check your electrical panel to see if a breaker has flipped to the "off" position. If you find one, reset it by switching it entirely off and then back on.
2. Blown Fuse (Older Homes)
You may have a blown fuse if you live in an older home with a fuse box instead of a breaker panel. Look for any fuses with broken filaments or discoloration and replace them if needed.
3. GFCI Outlet Tripped
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. If one trips, it shuts off power to the outlet and possibly other outlets on the same circuit. Press the "reset" button on the outlet to restore power.
4. Loose or Damaged Wiring
Over time, wiring connections can become loose, or wires can become damaged. If you notice flickering lights, sparking, or a burning smell near the outlet, turn off the power at the breaker and contact a licensed electrician immediately.
5. Faulty Outlet or Switch
Sometimes, an outlet or switch simply wears out. If you plug in different devices and none work, the receptacle itself may be the issue. It’s best to have a professional replace it to ensure safety.
6. Overloaded Circuit
If too many appliances are running on the same circuit, it can overload and shut down to prevent overheating. Unplug some devices and see if power is restored. If overloading happens frequently, you may need an additional circuit installed.
7. A Problem with the Appliance Itself
If only one appliance isn’t working, try plugging it into a different outlet. If it still doesn’t work, the problem is likely with the appliance rather than the electrical system.
8. Rodent or Water Damage
Rodents chewing through wires or water damage from leaks can cause electrical failures. If you suspect this issue, turn off the power and contact an electrician for a thorough inspection.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve checked these common issues and still can’t determine the problem, or if you notice signs of electrical damage like burning smells, sparks, or buzzing sounds, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Electrical issues can be dangerous, and it’s always best to have a professional assess the situation.
At Brown Electrical Contracting, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing electrical problems safely and efficiently. If you’re in Saskatoon and need expert help, call us!
Stay safe,
Mitch Brown
Brown Electrical Contracting
As Trusted Saskatoon electrical contractors, we are committed to assisting homeowners in addressing any concerns they may have regarding aluminum wiring or any other electrical issues. Our team of experts is equipped with the knowledge and experience to provide reliable solutions and peace of mind. If you have any questions or require assistance with your electrical system, don't hesitate to contact Mitch at Brown Electrical Contracting. Your safety is our top priority.
LIST OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES:
If you are looking for reliable, honest Saskatoon electricians who work with safety and quality in mind, call Mitch at Brown Electrical Contracting today!
Trusted Saskatoon Electricians at Brown Electrical Contracting Ltd provide everything you need to operate your electrical systems well. They cover Saskatoon and the surrounding area, and they do it all! Electrical services for your home and business, including installation, maintenance, upgrades and repairs. Their latest Trusted Saskatoon Electrician tip, is in regard to the safety of electrical panel wiring.
Is Your Electrical Panel and Wiring Safe? A Homeowner’s Guide
Hello Saskatoon homeowners! I’m Mitch Brown, owner of Brown Electrical Contracting. Today, I want to discuss something that often gets overlooked but is critical to the safety of your home—your electrical panel and wiring.
Electrical systems are the backbone of your home’s power supply, but many homes, especially older ones, may have outdated or unsafe electrical components. Let’s look at some signs that your home’s electrical panel and wiring may need attention.
Signs Your Electrical Panel May Be Unsafe:
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips – If your breakers trip often, it could be a sign that your panel is overloaded or faulty.
- Burning Smell or Scorch Marks – Any unusual burning smells near the panel or scorch marks on outlets are severe warning signs.
- Flickering or Dimming Lights – This could indicate faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit.
- Panel is More Than 20-30 Years Old – Older electrical panels may not meet today’s safety standards and should be inspected by a professional.
- Fuse Box Instead of a Breaker Panel – If your home still has a fuse box, it may not provide the protection needed for modern electrical demands.
Signs of Unsafe Wiring:
- Frayed or Damaged Wires – Visible damage or wear on your home’s wiring can lead to electrical hazards.
- Hot or Discolored Outlets and Switches – Overheating outlets can indicate loose wiring or overloading.
- Buzzing or Crackling Sounds – Electrical systems should be silent. If you hear buzzing, it could mean a wiring issue.
- Aluminum Wiring – Homes built in the 1960s and 70s may have aluminum wiring, which can pose a fire risk if not properly maintained.
- Two-Pronged Outlets – These older outlets are ungrounded and could be a safety risk. Consider upgrading to three-pronged, grounded outlets.
How to Ensure Your Electrical System is Safe:
- Schedule an Electrical Inspection – A professional inspection can identify any issues and help prevent potential hazards.
- Upgrade Your Electrical Panel – If your panel is outdated, upgrading to a modern breaker panel will improve safety and allow for future electrical needs.
- Rewire Old or Damaged Wiring—If your home’s wiring is outdated or unsafe, rewiring sections can enhance safety.
- Install Surge Protection – Whole-home surge protection protects your appliances and devices from power surges.
- Use Trusted Licensed Electricians – When in doubt, always call a professional to handle electrical work. DIY electrical repairs can be dangerous and lead to code violations.
At Brown Electrical Contracting, we prioritize your home’s safety and efficiency. If you’re unsure about the state of your electrical panel or wiring, call us. A quick inspection today can prevent costly and hazardous problems down the road.
Stay safe and powered up,
Mitch Brown
As Trusted Saskatoon electrical contractors, we are committed to assisting homeowners in addressing any concerns they may have regarding aluminum wiring or any other electrical issues. Our team of experts is equipped with the knowledge and experience to provide reliable solutions and peace of mind. If you have any questions or require assistance with your electrical system, don't hesitate to contact Mitch at Brown Electrical Contracting. Your safety is our top priority.
LIST OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES:
If you are looking for reliable, honest Saskatoon electricians who work with safety and quality in mind, call Mitch at Brown Electrical Contracting today!
The Trusted Saskatoon Team is delighted to welcome our newest Trusted Saskatoon Partner, a Trusted Saskatoon electrician. Get to know Brown Electrical Contracting, learn why WE trust the company, and meet the man behind the business in our latest Trusted Saskatoon article welcoming a new partner to our Saskatoon community of locally owned businesses operated with integrity!
MEET MITCH!
Mitch Brown, owner of Brown Electrical Contracting, is very well-referred. As we called through the list of references he provided us to call and survey, the same things were repeated over and over….Honest, reliable, fair pricing, high-quality work and operates with Integrity! To Trusted Saskatoon and our team, this means all the things we desire in a contractor.
Mitch comes from a family of go-getters. Entrepreneurship runs in his blood. Growing up on a farm instilled in him a solid work ethic and a "get it done" attitude. Watching his dad build a business based on honesty and integrity left a lasting impression on him. He follows in his footsteps, ensuring his company reflects those values.Mitch is a family man and you know he understands the importance of trust and reliability, especially regarding your home or business.
Mitch isn't just good with wires; he's also a people person. He genuinely enjoys helping others and exceeding their expectations, so it’s no wonder he's become the go-to guy in Saskatoon for electrical needs.
How Does Trusted select Saskatoon & Area businesses to partner with?
We look for locally accountable businesses with a reputation for quality-driven excellence in the Saskatoon market.
Customers, clients, and suppliers nominate businesses they are impressed with.
We personally survey a number of their past customers.
We check the business's online reputation, and we speak to business references
All past customers we speak to are surveyed - it is a pass or a fail!
We ensure any required licenses, qualifications, WCB, and insurances are valid and up to date.
What Did Brown Electrical Contracting Customers Say??
“I would say that Reliability is Mitch’s strongest asset. I have used his services for home and business projects, and I have found him to be well-trained and well-priced. He is honest and true. In fact, I have switched to using him as a primary electrician because he has been the most reliable of anyone that I have hired before”
Mac
“Brown Electrical Contracting, and specifically Mitch, are quick, professional, and crafty. We have given them irregular and interesting requests, and Mitch sorts them out, comes up with a plan, and it works. We trust he will get the job done well!”
Jon Fehr
We also read many great reviews on Google about Brown Electrical Contracting, as we were checking the company’s online reputation for ourselves - we wanted to share a few of those below
“ We were really happy with our service from Brown Electrical! They were able to get us in quickly, and we felt really good about the work they did and would trust them to do any other electrical work for us in the future. With reasonable rates and a great owner, Mitch makes this company highly recommend! Thanks so much for your help!” - Kelly Kirkpatrick Google Review
“ Mitch Brown came promptly when we needed someone to relocate a wiring job that was done improperly during a previous patio door installation. He came with very short notice during a windows and doors installation at our home- which was much appreciated as it didn’t hold up the job at all.
He was friendly, efficient, and easy to deal with. The job was done to our satisfaction, and we were very grateful! “ - Maggie N , Google review
So, if you need electrical work done in Saskatoon and the surrounding area, do yourself a favour and call Mitch at Brown Electrical Contracting. For all the right reasons, he has been given the “Thumbs Up by Trusted Saskatoon!”
