Master Electrician in Red Deer | New Updates to the Canadian Electrical Code and More!
Hey there! Welcome back to the LumenTek Electrical YouTube channel. My name is Trevor, and I’m here with Ryan, the owner and operator of LumenTek Electrical and master electrician in Red Deer, Alberta. Today, we’re diving into some recent updates, including electrical code changes, dimmer switches, Celebright® permanent Christmas lights, and a few tips for winter electrical maintenance. We’ll also touch on some unique customer stories and practical advice for homeowners.
Electrical Code Updates
Q: Ryan, you recently attended a code update. What’s new in the Canadian electrical code?
A: Not too much has changed this year, but one major update is that anytime you pull a permit for a building, you now have to label the entire panel. Previously, we only had to label the circuits we added, but now the entire panel needs labeling.
Q: That sounds like it could be time-consuming.
A: It definitely can be, especially in older houses where circuits have been added over the years. Tracing those circuits takes extra time, but it’s important to ensure accuracy. Hopefully, inspectors allow for general labels like “half of upstairs” for older systems. That’s more practical in some cases.
Q: Do you think this change is necessary?
A: Absolutely. Even though it’s more work, it helps future electricians and homeowners understand what’s connected where. It’s one of my pet peeves when a panel is poorly labeled or not labeled at all.
Dimmer Switches
Q: Let’s talk about dimmers. You mentioned working on a house with a lot of dimmer installations. What was that like?
A: A customer moved into a new house and wanted dimmer switches installed everywhere—bedrooms, living room, hallways, you name it. I’ve never done so many dimmers in one house before.
Q: Were these smart dimmers or standard ones?
A: Just regular dimmers this time. They weren’t looking for smart home integration, just simple functionality.
Q: Any challenges with installing dimmers in certain areas?
A: Personally, I’m not a fan of dimmers in hallways. When there are multiple switch locations, you can only dim from one point. If someone dims it all the way down, you might have to walk through a dark hallway to adjust it. It’s not very practical in those spaces.
Q: Where do you recommend installing dimmers?
A: Bedrooms and TV rooms are great spots. In a TV room, dimmers help reduce glare, and in bedrooms, they’re ideal for creating a relaxed or romantic mood. Bathrooms with open ensuites are another good option—you can dim the lights for nighttime use. Kitchens can also benefit from dimmers if you want adjustable lighting for different tasks.
Celebright® Lighting: Permanent Christmas Lights
Q: What makes Celebright® lights so popular?
A: Celebright® lights are discreet when off because they’re installed in color-matched tracks that blend into the soffit. When on, they’re highly customizable. You can set colors, patterns, and even dim individual bulbs through the app. The app is one of the most versatile I’ve seen.
Q: What kind of features do customers enjoy?
A: The scheduling feature is a big hit. You can program lights for holidays, birthdays, or daily patterns, and they’ll repeat every year. The app also adjusts based on sunrise and sunset, so you don’t have to manually change settings. Kids especially love the customizable patterns and colors.
Q: Where have you installed these lights?
A: We’ve done full-house setups, wrapped lights around decks and fences, and even framed garage doors. However, framing garage doors can lead to damage from vehicles or kids, so I’d recommend avoiding that. One creative installation was on a white vinyl fence, which reflected the lights beautifully.
Warranty Details:
- Parts: 5 years.
- Labor: 1 year.
Q: Any tips for getting the most out of Celebright® lighting?
A: Take advantage of the preset patterns in the app. Most customers find something they love without needing to create custom patterns, but for those who want full control, the customization options are endless. You can even adjust the speed of effects to fit your mood.
Winter Electrical Tips
Q: With winter approaching, what should homeowners check?
A: Test outdoor plugs and GFCIs before it gets too cold. Replacing them in freezing weather is a pain. Also, check extension cords for damage and ensure they’re rated for cold weather. If you have underground wiring, inspect it for potential repairs before the ground freezes.
Q: Any tips for using extension cords?
A: Use cold-weather cords—they’re more durable. Always wrap the cord around your vehicle’s mirror to remind yourself to unplug it before driving away. It’s a common mistake, but it’s easy to avoid with this trick. Damaging your cord or block heater plug can be costly and inconvenient.
Q: Any advice for block heaters?
A: Make sure your block heater cord is in good condition and securely plugged in. Test it ahead of the coldest months to avoid surprises. If you’re not sure whether it’s working, a simple plug tester can save you a lot of headaches.
Wrapping Up
If you need an electrician for permanent Christmas lighting, dimmer switches, hot tub hookups, or a panel upgrade for your basement development, call Ryan at LumenTek Electrical, master electrician in Red Deer. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you next time. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video!
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