Electric Renovations

2/21/2019

If you are planning a renovation, you may want to consider updating your electrical system at the same time. You will save time and money by planning ahead and including electrical upgrades in your budget, while you have easy access to your wires, outlets and switches - to name a few!

Upgrading your Electrical

Want to avoid finicky electrical issues during your renovation? Some issues, while not necessarily 'unsafe' can be annoying, causing huge amounts of time to troubleshoot to resolve. While some issues caused by old wiring, improperly installed, unprofessionally retro-fitted or loose connections can cause serious issues.

Since the majority of your electrical system is hidden inside walls, it may not be obvious that your electrical needs attention until a component fails or a concealed fault causes serious damage. The benefits are huge when you take electrical upgrades into consideration while you have an opportunity to do so - when your ceilings or walls are open and easily accessible.

Planning Ahead

Renovations are a perfect time for you to plan ahead, not just for current electrical needs, but for future needs. Reisinger Electric can help you decide what to include during your renovation considering both the electrical work that needs upgrading and what your household will need in the future. Some examples are planning to install more outlets in key areas such as bedrooms, home offices, outdoor areas and kitchens - where the need for more outlets has increased, or will increase with new technologies. Reisinger Electric can assist you in identifying the key areas in your home and making suggestions for upgrading in the most efficient way.

Upgrading to Code

As electrical codes and local building codes change and are consistently updated with safer standards, Reisinger Electric recommends that homeowners consider installing or upgrading to the current standards wherever possible.

A great example is GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) that contain a safety device that turns off the electricity if the outlet comes in contact with any moisture. Typically GFCIs are installed in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas. While GFCIs are a current standard, many older homes are missing them entirely. Switching your outlets to GFCIs is a very simple task for an electrician and may be required as part of your renovation permit.

Another example is when you plug in electrical devices to an outlet and the plug falls out or the plug is loose. There is a device, like a clip, in outlets that hold plugs in place, but these clips can wear out over time. Worn out outlets are a serious fire hazard as they cause electric arcs and sparks. Reisinger Electric can tell if your home has issues such as these, contact us today!

Service Upgrades

While planning a renovation to your home, you should think about upgrading your electrical service from 100 amp to 200 or more. Outdated electrical panels become limited on available space to add circuits or have fuses instead of breaker switches - they can also be low quality and stop working entirely.

Reisinger Electric can let you know if you need to upgrade your panel, make recommendations if you are thinking of adding a large electric appliance such as an air conditioner, electric range, dryer or hot tub - or if you are planning to add a new living space like a basement suite. We can determine if your house can handle the increased electric load or if you need to upgrade your system.

Old Wiring

If you own a vintage home or a home built between the 1960's to mid-70's you must upgrade the wiring. Old wire types such as tube wiring or aluminum wiring are extremely dangerous. The best time to do this is during a home renovation, while you have open walls to access the electrical wiring. Renovations are the perfect time to update old wiring for safety, efficiency and to accomodate modern technologies.

Let Us Help YOU...

Contact Reisinger Electric if you planning a home renovation in the Greater Vancouver and Lower Mainland areas of BC. Call anytime to discuss your project and your short- and long-term goals.