6 Scenarios When A Master Electrician’s Or A Licensed Electrician's Expertise Is Needed

Electrical issues may be a hassle, but they are practically inevitable, especially in older houses. Many issues can be handled by a qualified licensed electrician, but Toronto houses that are over twenty years old typically require more maintenance and may need the involvement of a master electrician. The difference between a licensed electrician and a master electrician is in the latter’s higher level of education, training and expertise. Master electrician certification creates professionals who are able to handle projects that are more complicated and nuanced.

While a licensed electrician in Toronto can handle most of the problems related to a house’s wiring, lighting, and panels, there are certain situations when calling a master electrician may become necessary. In this blog, we will review six situations where an electrician is generally needed and then outline different scenarios that may require a master electrician.

6 Situations Where a Licensed Electrician is Needed

Faulty Light Switches 

Broken or malfunctioning light switches can be easily handled by a licensed electrician who will be able to diagnose the problem and replace the switches, ensuring a secure functioning of the system. Most of the issues pertaining to faulty light switches are straightforward and do not require complex resolutions.

When to Call a Master Electrician: In cases where the wiring behind the switch is outdated and poses a potential risk, or when you are looking to upgrade an outdated electrical system in an old house, a master electrician may be needed to safely handle the transition and ensure compliance with municipal codes.

Tripping Circuit Breakers

If your circuit breakers frequently trip (i.e., switch off) due to overloaded or short circuits, any licensed electrician in Toronto can easily add a new circuit or repair faulty wiring to resolve the issue. Usually, this is not a complex issue resulting from higher demands on the circuit and can be easily fixed.

When to Call a Master Electrician: In cases where your electrical panel needs a major upgrade or if you increased the strain on it with technologies that have high energy demands (like an EV charger), a master electrician’s knowledge may be needed to safely upgrade the system.

Lighting System Installations

Simple light fixtures in designated areas typically do not need any electrician’s involvement. However, if you are looking to redesign your space and install pot lights, for example, an electrician may be needed to deal with the rewiring and installation.

When to Call a Master Electrician: Large-scale renovations complete with new circuit installations and complex lighting systems in newer houses are usually handled fairly well by experienced electricians. However, these same projects can run into a lot of problems when it comes to older houses, where the systems may be outdated and the advanced expertise of a master electrician is needed to handle everything properly.

Electrical Wiring Issues

Wiring that is loose or outdated can lead to shocks, appliance damage and even fires. Rewiring jobs are easily handled by licensed electricians, especially when they have experience with older houses.

When to Call a Master Electrician: Rewiring an entire house or installation of new circuits, especially in old heritage houses, may require the expertise of a master electrician who will assess the requirements based on local electrical codes and perform the work in consideration of the particularities of the house.

Surge Protection Installation

Protecting your house against electrical damage during power surges (such as ones that happen during power outages, damaged wiring, or overloaded circuits) is now easily done with a surge protector installation. Licensed electricians are well-equipped to install surge protectors that will prevent your appliances and electronics from getting damaged during unexpected surges.

When to Call a Master Electrician: Your house may need an electrical upgrade to handle surge protection. This is especially true of older homes. In this case, a master electrician will be needed to conduct a proper assessment of the work to be done and to ensure that the installation meets all necessary regulations.

Electrical Code Violations

Houses can be flagged for electrical code violations by ESA inspectors. Electrical inspection is generally required in cases where an electrician comes in to do new installations and alterations to existing electrical systems in the home. However, if you bought a house where electrical modifications were done without notice to ESA, these may not be up to code and can be flagged post-factum by an inspector. In most such cases, a licensed electrician in Toronto would be familiar with the local codes and would be able to fix the issues.

When to Call a Master Electrician: Some code violations, particularly those pertaining to grounding, wiring in older/heritage houses, and complex installations that were done without a permit may need a master electrician to handle. Master electrician may have the knowledge necessary to resolve these types of complex situations and help the homeowner achieve a resolution with the ESA.

Conclusion

On a day-to-day basis, master electricians handle most of the same problems that regular licensed electricians do. Where their Master knowledge comes in, however, is in complex situations that require advanced assessments, as well as familiarity with code nuances, house particularities (which is especially crucial when it comes to heritage houses), and non-standard projects.  

A. S. Electrical Services Ltd. is a licensed master electrician that has expertise with complex projects and knowledge of electrical codes, regulations, and by-laws to ensure that your house is safe and meets all standards. Contact us today for an assessment.