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Electrical Help

Protect your family from the "silent killer"

8/30/2019

1 Comment

 
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As the colder weather starts to settle in and our furnaces kicks on, we need to be extremely vigilant when using gas burning appliances to prevent deadly exposure to the serious hazards of carbon monoxide (CO).
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Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer” because we  cannot see it, smell it or taste it. It is an invisible, odorless gas that can poison, and even kill you. Breathing in carbon monoxide can make you feel sick, and feel as if you have the flu. You may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath. Your family most at risk are infants, small children, pregnant women, elderly people, and people with heart or lung problems.

Carbon monoxide gas is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels. It can be released by gas furnaces, hot water heaters, cars, fireplaces, wood stoves and kerosene heaters. Faulty burners or clogged chimneys are often part of the problem. To avoid the production of CO, you should have your chimney, furnace and gas-fired appliances checked yearly.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/on-demand-hot-water-heater-carbon-monoxide-death-airdrie-1.4526132

A carbon monoxide detector is the best way to protect you and your family. Install CO alarms where they can be easily heard, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. When installing a CO alarm, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or hire an electrician. Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace batteries according to manufacturer’s instructions.

To reduce the chances of you or a loved one getting carbon monoxide poisoning, follow these tips:
  • Eliminate CO at the source. Make the maintenance of your furnace, fireplace, and all fuel-burning appliances an absolute priority. Have them checked and cleaned each year.
  • Install a certified carbon monoxide alarm on every floor in your home and check it regularly to make sure the battery is working.
  • Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. If they appear, it is important to get everyone, including pets, outside to fresh air immediately.
  • Never heat your home with a gas stove.
  • Never use a barbeque, charcoal or hibachi grill in the home or in an enclosed area.
  • During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow.
  • Never use a gas-powered generator inside your home.

If your CO alarm sounds, make sure to get out of your home immediately and call 911 from a safe place.

We have CO detectors that are also fire alarms. Call us to install them for you.
We’re available 24/7 
​
403.250.9301
First Aid Electric Calgary electricians are ready for any emergency electrical repairs, as well as, electrical outlet/switch repair, tamper-resistant receptacles (TRR) installation, dimmer installation, ceiling fan installation, recessed pot lights pendant lighting installation, outdoor landscape lighting installation, wiring repair, and home electrical inspections. Call us today at 403-250-9301.
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Charging your electric vehicle at home FAST

8/29/2019

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Did you know that a regular outlet can take up to 24 hours to charge your electric vehicle (EV), but a dedicated charging outlet can charge it 3-4 times faster?

There are three ways to charge your electrical vehicle:
  1. Regular 120 V outlets are best used when you can park your car for up to 24 hours.
  2. 240 V outlets found at some homes and businesses charge faster at 3-4 hours for plug-in hybrid or 6-8 hours for battery electric vehicles.
  3. Direct current fast charger (DCFC) may be costlier but it charges the fastest.

Many EV owners have opted for a dedicated charging outlet that is 240-volt but please hire a qualified electrician to ensure your Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is safely installed.

Factors to consider for EV charging at home:
  • How much current (amps) will your EV use when charging?
  • What’s your existing electrical service panel capacity (e.g. 100 amp, 200 amp, etc.)?
  • Is there a 240-volt circuit already installed and available for use, and if not, is there room in the panel for a new 240 V double-pole circuit breaker?
  • Will the EVSE charging station be direct-wired or plugged in using a 240-volt receptacle?
  • How much will it cost you to change your home’s wiring?

Call 403-250-9301 or submit your request online. 
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We’re available 24/7 
​
403.250.9301
First Aid Electric Calgary electricians are ready for any emergency electrical repairs, as well as, electrical outlet/switch repair, tamper-resistant receptacles (TRR) installation, dimmer installation, ceiling fan installation, recessed pot lights pendant lighting installation, outdoor landscape lighting installation, wiring repair, and home electrical inspections. Call us today at 403-250-9301.
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Water and Electricity Don’t Mix

7/23/2019

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Install GFCI outlets
Have you ever been shocked by your appliance when you touch it with wet hands? Or, when you use electronic items too close to water? Having an outlet by the bathroom or kitchen sink increases this risk.

To prevent accidental electrocution, the Canadian Electrical Code requires ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets installed in all wet or damp locations such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, garages and outdoor receptacles.

GFCIs are so sensitive that they will trip at 5-milliamperes which is sensitive enough to protect an infant's heart from electrocution!

How does GFCI work?

When an appliance or device is plugged in, electricity moves from the hot to neutral poles in the circuit and everything runs smoothly. But if a toaster, for example, is dropped in water, it creates a ground fault with the electricity escaping and anything or anyone that happens to be in the way.

A GFCI outlet has a built-in circuit breaker that interrupts the flow of electricity the instant it senses a ground fault or current escaping from the circuit. But a GFCI must be connected properly to protect other outlets on the same circuit.

If you need a GFCI checked or installed OR ​If your electrical system has not been upgraded for 20 years or more, contact First Aid Electric's licensed electricians to install them for you to keep you and your family out of harms way. 

Call 403-250-9301 or 
submit your request online. 

IMPORTANT TIP: Test your GFCIs monthly to ensure they are providing protection. Press the TEST button, then RESET button. If the indicator light does not go out and come back on, or if the GFCI cannot be reset, it must be replaced.​ 

Flooded basement
We’re available 24/7 
​
403.250.9301

First Aid Electric Calgary electricians are ready for any emergency electrical repairs, as well as, electrical outlet/switch repair, tamper-resistant receptacles (TRR) installation, dimmer installation, ceiling fan installation, recessed pot lights pendant lighting installation, outdoor landscape lighting installation, wiring repair, and home electrical inspections. Call us today at 403-250-9301.
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