Understanding the Causes Behind Flickering Lights and Frequent Bulb Burnouts

As an electrical contractor, I've encountered numerous instances where clients complain about flickering lights or bulbs burning out far too frequently. While flickering lights might seem like a minor annoyance and frequent bulb replacements a mere inconvenience, they could indicate underlying electrical issues that warrant attention. In this electrical tip, we'll delve into the common causes behind these problems and discuss why promptly addressing them is crucial for safety and convenience.

Poor Electrical Connections:

One of the primary culprits behind flickering lights is poor electrical connections. Over time, connections can loosen due to various factors such as thermal expansion and contraction, vibrations, or simply poor initial installation. Loose connections lead to interruptions in the electrical circuit, causing lights to flicker or dim intermittently. Moreover, loose connections generate heat, further damaging the wiring and increasing the risk of electrical fires.

Voltage Fluctuations:

Voltage fluctuations occur when the electrical supply to your home fluctuates above or below the standard voltage level. These fluctuations can be caused by external factors such as power grid issues, lightning strikes, or internal factors like faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. When the voltage supplied to your lights is inconsistent, it can result in flickering or even premature bulb burnouts.

Overloaded Circuits:

An overloaded circuit means more electrical current flows through the circuit than it's designed to handle. This can happen when too many appliances or devices are connected to the same circuit, putting excessive strain on the wiring and causing lights to flicker or dim. Overloaded circuits not only lead to flickering lights but also pose a serious fire hazard if left unaddressed.

Faulty Light Fixtures or Ballasts:

Sometimes, the issue lies with the light fixtures themselves. Faulty fixtures, damaged sockets, or malfunctioning ballasts can all contribute to flickering lights or frequent bulb burnouts. If you notice flickering in specific fixtures or areas of your home, it's worth inspecting the fixtures for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

Aging or Incompatible Bulbs:

As bulbs age, their filaments weaken, making them more susceptible to burning out prematurely. Additionally, using bulbs that are incompatible with the fixture or rated for a higher wattage than recommended can also contribute to frequent burnouts. It's essential to use bulbs that are compatible with your fixtures and adhere to the recommended wattage to avoid unnecessary replacements.

As a Trusted Saskatoon electrician, I recommend promptly addressing these issues by inspecting the wiring, connections, and fixtures to identify the root cause. Professional assistance may be necessary to ensure proper diagnosis and resolution of the problem, ensuring the safety and functionality of your electrical system for years to come. Remember, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive regarding electrical issues.

Brown Electrical Tip: Upgrading Your Service or Panel Size 

As technology advances and our energy needs grow, many homeowners find themselves facing the question: Should I upgrade my service or panel size? This crucial decision impacts your electrical system’s safety, efficiency, and functionality. In this article, we’ll explore the factors to consider and provide insights from experienced electrical contractors at Brown Electrical Contracting to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding the Difference:

Before deciding, let's clarify the difference between upgrading your service and panel size. 

1. Service Upgrade: This involves replacing your existing electrical service entrance equipment, including the meter, service panel, and main breaker, to accommodate higher electrical loads. It typically requires the utility company’s involvement and adherence to local building codes.

2. Panel Size Upgrade: A panel size upgrade entails replacing your electrical panel (also known as a breaker box or distribution board) with a larger one to accommodate more circuits and breakers. This may be necessary if your current panel is at capacity or if you're adding new appliances or circuits.

Factors to Consider:

Several factors should influence your decision to upgrade your service or panel size:

1. Electrical Load: Assess your current and anticipated electrical load. Consider factors such as the number of appliances, electronic devices, lighting fixtures, and any planned renovations or additions to your home. An overloaded electrical system can lead to tripped breakers, overheating, and safety hazards.

2. Age of the System: Older homes may have outdated electrical systems that need to be improved for modern energy demands. If your home still has a fuse box or an insufficient panel size, upgrading may be necessary to ensure safety and compliance with current electrical codes.

3. Future Plans: Think about your long-term plans for the property. If you anticipate increasing your energy usage or adding new appliances or technologies (such as electric vehicles or solar panels), preemptively upgrading your service or panel size can save you time and money.

4. Safety Concerns: Electrical systems that are overloaded or outdated pose significant safety risks, including fire hazards and electrical shocks. Upgrading your service or panel size can enhance the safety and reliability of your electrical infrastructure, providing peace of mind for you and your family.

The decision to upgrade your electrical service or panel size is a significant investment in your home’s safety, functionality, and efficiency. By carefully assessing your current needs and future plans and consulting with qualified electrical contractors, you can make an informed decision that meets your requirements and ensures the reliability of your electrical system for years to come. Don't hesitate to contact Brown Electrical for guidance and assistance throughout the process. Your home's electrical infrastructure is too important to overlook.

LIST OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES: 

• Residential Electrical 
• Commercial Electrical  
• Industrial Electrical

If you are looking for reliable, honest Saskatoon electricians who work with safety and quality in mind, call Mitch at Brown Electrical Contracting today! 

Brown Electrical Contracting Is A Trusted Saskatoon Electrician

5 Electrical Projects DIYers Should Not Attempt

We know people out there in Saskatoon love to DIY, but when it comes to electrical work there are some projects better left to the professionals at Anytime Electric.

1. Replacing Wiring

The main factor when deciding whether an electrical project can be tackled by a DIYer or whether it should be handled professionally is the complexity of the project. Replacing wire is one of the jobs that are simply too complicated for even experienced DIYers. There’s just too much that can go wrong to make DIY wire replacement worth the risk. Faulty wiring leads to electrical shorts that can single-handedly cause a disastrous house fire. According to statistics Canada in 2014, in Saskatchewan, 50% of house fires were caused by electrical appliances or electrical distribution equipment.

2. Repairing or Replacing a Circuit Breaker

Another sure-fire (no pun intended) way to cause serious electrical problems in a home is to mess with the circuit breaker. Circuit breakers might seem simple from the outside, but they’re basically the brains of your house’s entire electrical system and is there to keep you safe. Making a mistake when you’re working on a breaker can cause power surges and damaged wiring throughout the home. Familiarize yourself with your circuit breaker so that you know when it’s not functioning properly and needs repair, but when it comes time to do the actual electrical work, hire a pro.

3. Replacing Burnt Outlets

Replacing outlets on their own is actually fairly simple and should not present too much of a challenge for experienced DIYers. But if an outlet is blackened, burnt, or even hot to the touch, don’t work on it. The issue here is probably related to overheated wires or overloaded circuits. If you just replace the outlet without looking deeper, you’re basically just applying a bandaid to an electrical problem. A professional electrician will be able to accurately diagnose whatever more advanced problem is causing the issue and then repair it correctly.

4. Installing Dedicated Circuits

Some appliances, especially those on the more heavy-duty side, require their own dedicated circuit for power so that they don’t cause the wiring to overheat. If you’re trying to set up a high-wattage appliance in a room without a dedicated circuit to spare, you might be tempted to try and install another one on your own - don’t. Installing a dedicated circuit requires more advanced knowledge of wiring and outlet installation, and if you get any of it wrong you’re just going to end up wasting time and money and creating a potential fire hazard.

5. Installing New Light Switches

Replacing switches that have gone bad or upgrading to a different kind of switch is not all that complicated. Installing an entirely new switch is. Avoid installing a new switch as a DIY project. A professional electrician will be able to do the job much safer and much more efficiently.