Flip's Facts or Fiction

Fact
Children are curious. Thousands get hurt in Canada each year by sticking small objects into electrical sockets. Over 40% of all treated electrical injuries in children under the age of five reported in Canada are doing just this.  

You can prevent this by bringing your house up to new code standards by installing tamper-resistant receptacles in you home. This is the best way to keep your youngsters safe from electrical shock. For more information about these devices, watch this video.

Fiction
If I press the button on my smoke detector and it starts to beep, it must be in good working order.

This is not true as we have had many detectors fail a smoke test after they did sound. Smoke detectors should be cleaned by vacuuming once a year. They only have a life expectancy of about 7-10 years.  Sixty percent of all fire related fatalities occur in homes without working smoke detectors.  If your home is more than 7 years old - you could be at risk.

 Fact
More people are killed each year from 110 volts than any other power source.

It is a good idea to install GFCI breakers or receptacles in areas where water or moisture is present. Wet conditions greatly increases the likelihood that receiving a shock can be strong enough to do you harm. Electricity and water do not mix.

Fiction
The bargain outlet stores have good deals on household electrical goods, and you can save a lot of money shopping there.

The 'bargain' outlets do have great prices on some products but be aware you may be puting your family at risk. The quality of these products is not the same . One example is CFL bulbs. There is a lot of offshore equipment making it into the country with false CSA stickers on them. The Canadian government is trying to stop this, but they are still showing up on our shelves. 

A cheap CFL bulb could actually use more power than a regular incandescent bulb and could cause fires. Some of them you actually have to watch as to how you install them in your fixture (right side up or upside down) as they are only rated one way. That is not such a good deal after all!

Fact
Do it yourself electrical repair is not always a good idea.

Electricity is not a hobby. In order to be a qualified electrical installer it takes many years of training. If you're not 100% sure how to diagnose and repair your electrical systems and you're not up on the latest safety codes, do not attempt it. You could be doing more harm that good. Call Westridge Electric to take care of your electrical needs in your home or office. We will keep you safe and up to date.

Fiction
Electrical permits are not necessary.

In Alberta, permits are required by law. You can get a home owner's permit yourself for your primary residence and do the work yourself, or you need a company that employs a master electrician to get a permit for you. If a company or person is not capable of obtaining an electrical permit for you, it is not legal for them to do your work. Westridge Electric employs 3 master electricians to ensure we have knowledgeable staff and to keep up with the changing industry.

Fact

Removing a third prong off of a plug can be dangerous and should never be done.

It is never safe to remove the third prong or "ground" from a plug. This is a safety feature designed to reduce shock and electrocution. Removing the third prong will diminish the grounding capabilities of the tool or appliance and could result in serious injury or even death in certain job conditions. All cords should be examinined periodically to make sure there are no nicks or cuts that are deep enough to penetrate the outer insulation jacket. If there are, discard the cord or have it repaired by a qualified Electrician.

Fiction

A lightning strike is the only source of a surge of Electricity.

Actually a lightning strike is the least common source of a surge. Although uncommon, a lighting strike can be devastating to electronics in your home. The best thing you can do during a lightning storm is to unplug your electronics. The most common source of a surge is actually caused by the use of high-powered electrical devices such as elevators, air conditioners and refridgerators etc. Other causes of a power surge are faulty wiring problems with the utility companies equipment and downed power lines.

Fact

Turning an appliance off onto standby mode is not the same as unplugging it.

Most devices continue to consume power when switched off, sometimes as much as when they are on. Products from air conditioners to DVD players cannot be switched off completely without unplugging it. We call this "Standby Power".

Fiction

Aluminum Wiring is safe.

Over time Aluminum Wiring can become very dangerous. As Aluminum heats and cools it can loosen connections and cause arcing (which is a fire hazard). If your house was built between the early 60's- Late 70's you could have Aluminum wiring. Call Westridge Electric for your FREE home safety inspection of your homes wiring. Westridge Electric has the ONLY permanent solution for your aluminum wiring without any holes needing to be cut in your drywall!

Fact
If you have any questions or concerns about the electrical in your home or office you can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will be happy to get back to you with an answer. Or call "FLIP - THE SWITCH" at 403-995-FLIP (3547) to book a qualified technician.