This appeared in the Nanaimo/Parksville local newspapers

ELECTRICAL SAFETY MATTERS: AN INSPECTORS PERSPECTIVE

In this third issue we will be dealing with what is referred to as the overloading of circuits and the possible consequences. Overloading means that there is more of a constant demand on a circuit than the circuit is intended to handle. A simple 15 amp residential convenience receptacle, and associated components, is designed to carry 12 amps on a continual basis. The circuit wire is typical in residential and referred to as # 14 gauge NM90 and the receptacle is rated for 15 amps. This has been established in the lab to CSA standards and there will be a certification mark, or stamp, on all the components of this circuit. For the breaker, the Canadian Electrical Code rules 8-104 and 14-104 spell out the maximum allowed, and in this case that is 12 amps. Most domestic appliances are rated for this, or less, and there should be a nameplate indicating so. Watch for the proper approvals such as CSA, ULc, or other approved agencies, since there are a lot of counterfeit electrical products on the market. Approved certification agencies can be found on the B.C. Safety Authority website www.safetyauthority.ca.  Shock and potential fire hazards should be of concern to anyone purchasing products, so buyers beware. If any circuit is overloaded by a significant amount the breaker is designed to trip automatically. If, for example, a 15 amp circuit is subjected to a constant overload of just over 12 amps the breaker may not necessarily trip. This will create heat on all the components and there will be a slow degrading or fatigue factor on them. Excess heat will gradually break down the insulation of the wiring, especially older systems, and the possibility of a weak spot in contact with a combustible material could create a fire. An unapproved and/or poor handyman installation of electrical wiring, as described above, could ultimately create a fire. An investigation of an incident by the proper authorities, and the disclosure of an illegal installation, could lead to your insurance being voided. This definitely applies to new as well as older homes or commercial sites.

We are Phase One Consulting Services and we do exclusively electrical safety inspections.