Don't take any risks. Call a licensed qualified electrician.

Electrical Safety

According to Fire Prevention Canada, fire kills eight people each week in Canada and residential fires make up 73% of these fatalities. However, with knowledge, care, and prevention, we can reduce these statistics and keep you and your loved ones safe.

You are important to us. Electrical danger is not an option!

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are a cause for real concern. Did you know that 20% of all fires in Canada are due to electrical fault? By the time somebody sees smoke, the fires could be climbing through the walls and it’s too late. It is important to be safeguarded from these dangers. There are many reasons for electrical fires:

Electrical outlets and old, outdated appliances
• Never use an appliance with a worn or frayed cord.

Light fixtures, lamps, and light bulbs
• Do not install light bulbs with a wattage that is too high. Always check maximum watts on fixtures and lamps.

Misuse of extension cords
• They are meant only for temporary measures. Appliances should be plugged directly into an outlet. Hire an electrician to install new outlets if necessary.

Space heaters
• Do not put them too close to curtains, beds, or clothing. Coil heaters are especially dangerous!

Outdated wiring
• This is the area which most needs our attention. If a home is over twenty years old, it most definitely does not have proper wiring capacity.

Wiring Dangers

Wires were the first item ignited in 32% of electrical fires. All wires can wear out and become brittle. Some warning signs of wiring issues can be:
• Circuit breakers and fuses blowing repeatedly
• Dimming and flickering lights when something else is switched on
• Sizzling or buzzing sounds from the electrical system
• A burning smell coming from appliances
• Discolored wall outlets
• Sparking outlets
• Outlets or switches that are hot to the touch

Prevention

It is said that “only a professional can determine if you are facing this issue and correct it.” The longer you wait to have it fixed, the greater the risk of having an electrical fire. After rectifying the situation, the home wiring should be checked every four years by an electrician. “Electrical fires are a risk that homeowners should bear in mind when reviewing fire dangers,” says Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of communications. “By taking early action to eliminate electrical hazards in your household and following safety guidelines, the chances of having a home electrical fire can be significantly reduced.”

Avoid Electrical Fires

According to Statistics Canada, Montreal has the highest number of fires per year in all of Quebec and residential fires make up 74.6% of these fires. 56% of residential fires started in places other than the garage or closets, such as the kitchen, bedrooms, living room, bathroom, or dining room. In 40.6% of residential fires, electricity was cited as the source of energy feeding the fire, the ignition point. 22% of all residential fires were attributed to electrical malfunctions. Source: SPQ

Danger of Aluminum Wiring

They say where there’s smoke, there’s fire, but when it comes to electrical fires, you don’t always see the smoke. Faulty wiring is the number one cause. Does your home have aluminum wiring? Did the previous homeowner hire a qualified licensed electrician? Consider updating the entire electrical system with copper wiring. Older homes with dated aluminum wires are more prone to electrical fires than those with more fire resistant copper wiring.

Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs)

Does your home have Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs)? This new outlet mandated by the Canadian Electrical Code is in response to concerns about children striking everything, and putting keys and their fingers into outlets. In a six year period, 365 kids were treated in hospitals for electrical injuries. The new outlets come equipped with spring loaded shutters, which won’t open unless two prongs are inserted simultaneously. Always ensure electrical products and components are approved for use, and are not counterfeit. They should be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and according to the Canadian Electrical Code. Recent incidents and reports of the increasing presence of harmful counterfeit electrical products are a cause for concern. In 2012, electrical products represented 12% of all products seized by the RCMP. Counterfeit electrical products bypass the quality controls that ensure relevant safety standards are met. Meeting those standards protects consumers, homeowners and their families. Source: ESFI.ca

Insurance Policies

Do It Yourself Risks

The current economic downturn has inspired more homeowners to tackle do-it-yourself projects than ever before, choosing not to pay for the services of a qualified professional. Electrical work can be risky, and the majority of homeowners recognize that some electrical installations are riskier than others. Homeowners do not have the training or experience needed to safely perform home electrical work. This increases the risk of immediate injuries, electrocutions, and potentially introduces new dangers into the home.

A 2012 Leger survey identified that 56% of Canadians are concerned about poorly repaired or installed electrical wiring. 72% consider that undertaking electrical work in the home is somewhat to very hazardous. Understand and avoid the risks. Use a qualified individual to do electrical work.

Qualified Professional Electrician

If you are doing some renovations, moving a fuse box, replacing a fuse box with
breakers, or replacing old, faulty wiring, then calling a master electrician to service the problem is a no-brainer.

Have your home inspected by a licensed electrical contractor. Why? Because given enough time, any home can be at risk of an electrical fire. Wire insulation dries out. Receptacles and switches can come loose or wear out. Oil and dirt can cause electrical components to overheat. Have your home inspected by a licensed electrical contractor and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home and your family are safe!

An electrical license is something you earn, not something handed to you. We take great pride in being up to date, on the ball, and caring for your safety.

Our promise to you.
SAFETY!
GUARANTEED!
PERIOD!

At Lighthouse Electrique, we care for you. Lighthouse Electrique has this commitment to you as we are licensed and certified under the CMEQ, RBQ, as well as ASP, and trained according to the newest electrical health and safety code known as Z462.

Electrical Safety

You are important to us. Electrical danger is not an option!

Our promise to you.SAFETY!GUARANTEED!PERIOD!

Our promise to you.
SAFETY!
GUARANTEED!
PERIOD!