This page is not intended to teach anyone how to do any electrical work.
My best advice is to hire a professional. Maybe me!
The intent of this page is to provide answers to some of the questions that I am commonly asked and to forestall some of the more dangerous things do-it-yourself-ers do wrong. The answers presented here are intended to demonstrate the sort of knowledge an electrical professional brings to the job. An experienced electrician gets the job done right, and in many cases with fore-thought that will save you money in the future. Most significant is that a trained, licenced, bonded electrician will ensure that the job is done safely. That safety is the greatest value an electrician's services provide.
I.S. Electric provides electrical services in Chilliwack, Abbotsford and surrounding areas, so the information presented throughout this site is in the context of the BC Lower Mainland. Other jurisdictions, particularly outside North America, may have different voltages, frequencies and/or wire colour standards. They may even spell colour differently! Anyone working on electrical systems should be sure they know what they are doing in the context of their jurisdiction. If unsure, play it safe and hire an electrician.
Enlightening Info -- General electrical questions. (no relation to General Electric Corporation ;-)
Anyone can do house wiring, right? Ans.
Do I need a permit from the city (or the BC Safety Authority)? Ans.
If I'm hiring an electrical contractor, what should I look for? Ans.
Two-way switch, three-way switch, what are they and how do they work? Ans.
Why do my lightbulbs burn out so quickly? Ans
What are the requirements for billing tenants electricity use? Ans
How much power does my “whats-it” use? Ans
Shocking Details -- Questions about things with particular potential to be dangerous if done wrong!
Does “polarity” matter with AC? Ans.
Does it matter if I connect the ground wire? No current flows on it anyway... Ans.
How do I get power to my <whatever> outside? Ans.
How does a feed with red, black and white wires get connected in the panel? Ans.
How does a kitchen counter receptacle get connected? Ans.
If a wire doesn't reach can I just splice it? Ans.
Do I need to twist the wires together at a splice if I put the wire connector on really hard? Ans.
What is this insulation that came with my light fixture? Can I discard it? Ans.
Is aluminum wire safe? Ans.
Why do my lightbulbs burn out so quickly? Ans
Handy Calculators -- Some handy electrical calculation tools.
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