Fluorescent ballasts are used in many industrial warehouses as they offer cheap and efficient lighting. These ballasts can last decades but depending on the type of environment (extreme cold/extreme heat), may be subject to a shorter lifespan. Check your ballast fixtures for these warning signs to see if it is time for a ballast replacement.

There are several signs that can indicate to you that it is time to replace your ballast these include:

If your ballast fixtures have any of these signs, it could mean that they are in need of replacement. Before scheduling and planning to have your ballasts replace, replace the bulbs with brand new bulbs. At times issues can relate to a specific bulb and not the ballast, giving off false symptoms.

For many handy people, they will feel confident in replacing a ballast themselves. If you are replacing a ballast yourself, please use the proper protective equipment and ensure that all power to the ballast is turned off to prevent electrocution. As part of the ballast replacement you will be required to cut and rewire the electrical wires. This can be technical and a mistake in the process can result in damage to the new fixture, bulbs, and possible electrocution. If you are not comfortable or knowledgeable with the process of ballast replacement, we would highly recommend that you contact a licenced electrician to complete the installation for you. This way you can be sure you will be left with a working ballast that is correctly installed and safe.

If your workplace, garage, or home is in need of ballast replacements, contact Expert Electric at 604-681-8338. One of our licensed electricians can help to diagnose the issues being experienced and bring everything back to working condition.

Every home has a fire detection system. This vital safety feature should be well understood. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and security systems give homeowners peace-of-mind. Furthermore, when combined with a security system, these devices work together to form a complete home protection plan.

The second type of detector is an ionization detector. It uses a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air in an internal chamber. This in turn, generates a voltage that can be measured. By-products of combustion will change the voltage that is generated and trigger the alarm. This type of detector is better at identifying active combustion with little to no smoke.

While both types of smoke detectors will safely alert a homeowner to a fire, combination alarms exist that employ both methods. Consequently, the responsiveness of the whole system increases. Hard-wired detectors are also available which can be wired to trigger all the alarms in a home if anyone detects a problem.

In any appliance that uses combustion, such as a furnace or stove top, a potential exists for hazardous carbon monoxide buildup. This by-product is tasteless, odorless, colorless, and highly toxic in large concentrations. Therefore, a carbon monoxide detector is highly recommended. It will monitor the levels of CO in the air and alert inhabitants before they become dangerous. They are available as stand-alone units that can be plugged in to standard wall outlets or as combination roof-mounted CO and smoke detectors.

Home security systems have been around for decades and make use of a combination of sensors including door, window, glass-break, and motion sensors. Historically, these devices were hard-wired and fed back to a central control panel. Many modern systems make use of wireless sensors that allow for easy retrofitting of existing homes. Door and window sensors utilize a small magnet and magnetic strip held open when the door or window closes. If the magnet is moved away, the magnetic strip springs closed and triggers the alarm.

Glass-break sensors are placed near windows and use a microphone to listen for the distinctive frequencies associated with glass breaking. Motion detectors take advantage of a variety of technologies, such as passive infrared, microwave, or ultrasonic. This technology detects something moving within its range. These can be part of exterior security lights or interior motion sensors. Security cameras can also play a role in home security. Install them indoors or outdoors.

When installed and used properly, a home security system can easily increase home safety while reducing the chances of burglary or fire. Most insurance companies offer discounts for home security systems. Because of this, the entire cost of the system may be offset or eliminated altogether. Be sure to ask your insurance company about discounts to homeowner’s insurance for improving or installing a new security system.