This appeared in the Nanaimo/Parksville local newspapers

ELECTRICAL SAFETY MATTERS: AN INSPECTORS PERSPECTIVE

In this second installment we will be addressing what I refer to as the ‘handyman’s nightmare’. These are electrical installations that are done by unqualified persons. Part 1 of the Electrical Safety Regulations of B.C. is quite clear on who can and cannot install electrical equipment in British Columbia. These illegal installations are quite common and exist in both commercial and residential installations. I go into greater detail on my web site, but in part they represent the greatest risk to the general public for potential fires and shock hazards. The Insurance industry could very well void a claim if there is an incident where a ‘handyman’ installation exists. They may be present in residential dwellings in the form of secondary suites, new additions, completed basements, or just a newly installed microwave plug. Most people suspect dangerous wiring in older dwellings, which is more common, but the fact is the ‘handyman’ has also been installing unsafe electrical in new homes. The unsuspecting layperson may not recognize them without a qualified agency, such as ours, after doing a safety inspection revealing the subtle, and sometimes obvious, signs. They can become very dangerous situations in commercial applications where the voltages are higher than single family residential.

As a past electrical safety inspector I personally observed some very disturbing and unsafe wiring jobs and those were just the tip of the iceberg. A great majority of unqualified persons feel it is not rocket science, and some just plain do not like any authority and inspection process. We have electrical as a regulated industry for a reason, and we also have the qualified and registered contractors to do a safe install so as not put people or property at risk. If I were to buy or sell a home, or a commercial property, I would not want to jeopardize the sale, or any form of liability, by relying only on a home inspector who is only allowed to do a visual electrical inspection. There can be hidden and unsafe existing conditions that only a qualified electrical inspection agency can identify, with their expertise and specialized equipment. There is already a shift in the Insurance Industry to what is referred to risk based installations. If they require you to get an assessment of your electrical system, and necessary upgrades are completed, then you may qualify for a discount on your premiums.

We are Kenrick Electrical Solutions Ltd. and we do exclusively electrical safety inspections. Please visit our web site at www.kenrickelectrical.com. or call 250-619-8069.