Electrician in Oakville

There is more to hiring an electrician than their rates and availabilities. While these are certainly important factors to consider, you also need to think about your Oakville home or business’s safety and being assured that whatever you have hired the electrician for, they have done the job right.

A lot of Oakville residents are easily tempted to hand over the electrical work they need completed to unlicensed contractors who promise to complete any installations or repairs at half the cost. At face value, we totally understand why, in this economic climate, home and business owners would let themselves get led astray by the promise of a lower price. Everyone wants a good deal, but is it really such a good deal when you consider at what cost you are receiving this lower price?

The reason an unlicensed electrical contractor can offer a lower price is because their work comes with no guarantees of correct procedures, no protective insurance or quality work. After all, you have to wonder whether getting the proper training and certifications is the only corner they’ll cut. So, you may receive a low price for electrical services rendered, but what good is the money you saved if it’s all going to go to expensive repairs when the electrical work provided does serious damage to your commercial or residential property?

If you don’t want to worry about fires, electric shocks and other safety hazards taking over your Oakville home or business because of inferior electrical work, give B & R Electric a call today. B & R Electric has been proud to provide homes and businesses all over Oakville with reliable and quality electrical services. Our entire team is made up of registered, licensed and insured electricians, which means you can be confident when you enlist our services. Our electricians have received the necessary training to conduct all types of residential and commercial electrical services and our safety track record is second to none in the area.

Plus, B & R Electric’s electricians are available to work on residential and commercial jobs at an extremely affordable rate, negating the argument for choosing an unlicensed electrician. If you want to take advantage of qualified, trustworthy, insured and affordable professional electricians, get in touch with B & R Electric today.

Signs You Should Upgrade Your Electrical System

An outdated or potentially overloaded electrical system is dangerous and hinders the functionality of your home or business. However, replacing one component doesn't always rectify issues that stem from the system's overall capacity. It would be like trying to fix a faucet leak by replacing the handle.

Two areas are typically prioritized when it comes to upgrades, with corresponding indications you need to address them:

Overloaded Circuits

  • Frequent tripping of breakers or blown fuses
  • Warm or hot outlets
  • Lights dimming or flickering (when multiple appliances are in use)

Outdated Equipment

  • Your home or business was built before the 1960s or 70s (when capacities were much lower)
  • You have knob-and-tube wiring
  • Aluminum wiring (can become loose over time)

If either of these situations applies to your electrical system, it's wise to call us for an upgrade.

Lighting Installation: Choosing the Right Fixtures

Fixture functionality and compatibility are two important qualities for lighting installation. Consider your space's purpose-think of task lighting for kitchens and ambient lighting for bedrooms. Consider the mood you want to create whether it's energizing, warm, or inviting.

Fixture wattage and circuit capacity should also align with your choices. The new fixture shouldn't overload existing circuits. We'll assess your wiring and recommend fixtures or additional circuits if necessary, ensuring compatibility between fixture type, wiring, and dimmers.

How Does 3-Way Switch Wiring Work?

A regular on/off switch has two terminals for connecting the incoming power and outgoing wire to the light fixture. A 3-way switch, however, has three terminals: a common screw and two "traveler" screws.

Flipping either 3-way switch alters the connection between the traveler wires, completing or interrupting the circuit to the light fixture. The specific positions of the switches determine whether the light is on or off.

Here are a few of the advantages these types of switches have over regular ones:

  • Improved functionality: Provides the ability to control a light from two locations, making it easier to navigate through specific areas.
  • Safety: Allows you to turn off lights from a different location, which is especially helpful in long hallways or stairwells.
  • Energy savings: Reduces the chance of accidentally leaving lights on in areas you've already exited.

How Do Electrical Inspections Help Improve Safety?

By inspecting your wires, outlets, panels, and other components, our electricians can identify hidden dangers or potential problems that compromise your home's safety. We can also ensure your system complies with current codes and advise on necessary upgrades.

During an inspection, our electricians will measure current draw and identify circuits struggling under the load. This is important because overloaded circuits can overheat and damage wires, which can cause electrical fires. In this case, we typically recommend redistributing appliances or upgrading your panel.

What's the Difference Between AFCI and GFCI Outlets?

AFCI and GFCI breakers (or outlets) both contribute to electrical safety but guard against different threats. GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protects you from shock hazards. It monitors the current flowing through the circuit and detects imbalances that could indicate a leak to the ground.

AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) breakers, on the other hand, focus on preventing electrical fires. They identify unusual electrical patterns that might signal arcing faults within wires or connections. These arcing faults can occur due to damaged wires or loose connections and can lead to overheating or fires.

How B & R Electric’s Electricians Can Help

One of the reasons B & R Electric’s electricians are the top choice for anyone who needs electrical work done in the Oakville area is thanks to their professional versatility. Most electricians are only capable of serving either residential or commercial clients. Then, there are residential electricians who can only help you with wiring repairs and certain commercial electricians who can only help with the installation of electrical appliances. These specialties often make finding the electrician you need much harder than anticipated.

B & R Electric has always wanted to help as many people as possible, which is why our electricians can help with virtually any residential or commercial electrical job.

Contact Us Today

For all your residential and commercial electrical needs, get the help from quality and reliable electricians when you contact B & R Electric today.