Best Electrical Advice

  Upgrading your electrical panel is more than just a modern convenience—it's a crucial step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home or business's electrical system. Here are ten compelling reasons why you should consider making this important upgrade. 1. Increased Risk of Electrical Fires Older electrical panels often lack the capacity to handle the demands of modern appliances, which can lead to overheating and increase the risk of electrical fires. An upgraded panel can prevent these dangerous scenarios, keeping your property and loved ones safe. 2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips Are your circuit breakers tripping more often than they should? This could be a sign that your current panel is overloaded. Upgrading to a new panel can provide the necessary capacity to support your electrical needs without interruptions. 3. Inconsistent Power Supply Outdated panels can cause fluctuations in power supply, which can damage sensitive electronics like computers and televisi...

  The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is in full swing, and with it comes the need for efficient and accessible charging solutions at home. If you own an electric car or are considering getting one, planning how to charge your vehicle conveniently and effectively is crucial. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about EV charger installation services and how Hexagon Services can help you make the switch to electric with ease. The Growing Need for EV Chargers With the increasing popularity of electric cars, the demand for home EV chargers is rising. According to the International Energy Agency, the number of electric cars on the road worldwide is projected to reach 145 million by 2030. This surge means more people will need a reliable way to charge their vehicles at home. Installing an EV charger not only ensures that your car is ready to go when you are, but it also contributes to a more sustainable future by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Benefits ...

As solar power becomes a more attractive option for Canadian homeowners looking to reduce energy costs and environmental impact, understanding the electrical considerations is crucial. This guide explores the key aspects of integrating solar power into Canadian homes. 1. Assessing Solar Viability Before installation, assess your home’s solar viability. Factors such as geographical location, roof orientation, and shading play significant roles in determining the effectiveness of solar panels. 2. Electrical System Upgrades Integrating solar power may require upgrades to your home's electrical system to handle the additional load and energy management, including potential panel upgrades or new dedicated circuits. 3. Inverter Selection Choosing the right inverter is critical as it converts the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity used in homes. The capacity and compatibility with your home’s system are important considerations. 4. Grid Connection Most Canadi...

 Selecting the correct wire size is vital for both safety and efficiency in any electrical project. This detailed guide will delve into the nuances of wire sizing, including key considerations and practical tips for various applications. Understanding Wire Gauge and Its Importance The thickness of a wire is crucial because it dictates the current it can safely carry without overheating. Wire thickness is indicated by its gauge; lower numbers mean thicker wires. Thicker wires carry more current, which is essential to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Factors to Consider When Choosing Wire Size Current Load : The primary consideration is the current load the wire must support. This determines the minimum gauge necessary to safely carry the current without excessive heat buildup. Voltage Drop : Particularly important in longer wire runs, voltage drop can affect the performance of electrical devices. Choosing a thicker wire can help mitigate this drop. Length of the Wire...

Navigating the complexities of electrical codes can be daunting. This article highlights frequent electrical code violations and offers guidance to ensure your installations comply with safety standards, helping avoid costly fines and dangerous hazards. 1. Overcrowded Wiring Overcrowding wires in a junction box can lead to overheating and potential fires. Avoidance Tip : Ensure that all wiring is neatly organized and that junction boxes are appropriately sized to handle the number of wires. 2. Incorrect Circuit Breaker Size Using a circuit breaker that is too large for the circuit it's protecting is a common violation. Avoidance Tip : Match the breaker size exactly to the specification of the wiring and load requirements. 3. Unprotected Electrical Outlets All outdoor and wet area outlets should have ground fault circuit interrupter ( GFCI ) protection. Avoidance Tip : Install GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and all exterior locations. 4. Absence of Arc-Fault Circui...

 Upgrading an electrical panel is essential to accommodate modern energy demands, especially in older homes not designed for today's high-powered appliances. This guide details the process of a panel upgrade, exploring why it’s necessary and how to execute it safely and effectively. image from https://hexagonelectrical.ca/ Why Upgrade Your Electrical Panel? Capacity Enhancement : Many older homes come with panels that support 100 amps, which is insufficient for modern appliances. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel ensures your home can handle additional electrical loads without risking overload. Safety Improvements : Aging panels can have degraded components that pose a risk of electrical fires or malfunctions. Upgrading enhances safety by replacing old wiring and breakers with new, compliant materials. Future-Proofing Your Home : As technology evolves, so does the need for more power. Upgrading your panel prepares you for future innovations like home automation systems and electric vehi...

Surge protectors are essential devices that safeguard your electronics from voltage spikes. This article explores their importance, how they work, and whether you should invest in one for your home. How Surge Protectors Work Surge protectors monitor the electricity flowing into your devices. If the voltage exceeds a safe threshold, the surge protector diverts the extra electricity into the grounding wire, thereby protecting your devices from damage. Types of Surge Protectors Not all surge protectors are the same. They vary in terms of protection levels, outlets, and additional features like USB ports. It's crucial to choose one that suits your specific needs. Do You Need a Surge Protector? Anyone with electronics that are expensive or sensitive to electrical fluctuations should use a surge protector. This includes computers, TVs, gaming consoles, and other high-end appliances. Installation Tips Ensure that the surge protector has enough joules rating to handle potential surges. ...