Outlets & Switches
GFCI, AFCI, outlets, switches, and receptacles
How do I properly childproof my electrical outlets?
Childproofing electrical outlets is essential for home safety, and there are several effective methods ranging from simple plug covers to permanent ta...
Why is one outlet in my house not working?
A single outlet not working is usually caused by a tripped breaker, blown fuse, tripped GFCI, loose wiring connection, or a faulty outlet itself. This...
Can I add an outlet in my closet for a safe?
Yes, you can add an outlet in your closet for a safe, but this requires a licensed electrician and an ESA permit since you're installing a new circuit...
How do I install a motion sensor light switch?
Installing a motion sensor light switch requires turning off power at the breaker and working with live wires - while homeowners can legally replace s...
How do I know if I have grounded outlets?
Grounded outlets have three holes - two vertical slots and a round hole below for the ground pin. If your outlets only have two vertical slots, they'r...
How do I add an outlet behind my wall-mounted TV?
Adding an outlet behind a wall-mounted TV requires running new wiring and typically needs an ESA permit in Ontario. This isn't a simple DIY project -...
Why does my GFCI outlet keep tripping with nothing plugged in?
A GFCI outlet that trips with nothing plugged in typically indicates a ground fault in the wiring itself, moisture infiltration, or a failing GFCI dev...
Can I plug a space heater into a power bar?
You should never plug a space heater into a power bar or extension cord. Space heaters draw too much power and create a serious fire risk when used wi...
How do I upgrade my outlets to USB outlets?
Upgrading to USB outlets is a straightforward replacement project that most homeowners can handle themselves, as long as you're replacing existing out...
Can I add a 240V outlet for my welder in my garage?
Yes, you can add a 240V outlet for your welder in your garage, but this requires a licensed electrician and an ESA permit in Ontario. This isn't a DIY...
How do I reset a GFCI outlet that won't reset?
If your GFCI outlet won't reset, there's likely an underlying electrical issue that needs to be identified and fixed before the outlet will function p...
Is it safe to leave a power bar plugged in all the time?
Yes, it's generally safe to leave a quality power bar plugged in all the time, but there are important safety considerations to ensure you're not crea...
Why do my outlets have only 2 prongs instead of 3?
Your outlets have only 2 prongs because they're older, ungrounded outlets that lack the safety ground wire connection. This is common in homes built b...
How do I wire a 3-way switch for my stairs?
Three-way switch wiring requires working with live circuits and must be done by a licensed electrician in Ontario - this is not a DIY project for safe...
What is the code for outlet spacing in a kitchen?
In Ontario kitchens, the Electrical Safety Code requires outlets to be spaced no more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) apart along countertop areas, with addi...
How far does an outlet need to be from a sink in Ontario?
In Ontario, outlets must be installed at least 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) from the edge of a sink, or they must be GFCI-protected if installed...
Is it normal for outlets to spark when I plug something in?
No, outlets should never spark when plugging something in. While you might occasionally see a tiny, brief spark when plugging in high-draw appliances,...
Can I convert my gas dryer outlet to electric?
Yes, you can convert a gas dryer outlet to electric, but it requires installing a new 240V circuit since gas dryers only use 120V for controls while e...
How do I add an outlet to my kitchen island?
Adding an outlet to a kitchen island requires running a dedicated 20-amp circuit from your electrical panel and typically needs an ESA permit in Ontar...
Is it safe to use a 2-prong to 3-prong adapter?
Using 2-prong to 3-prong adapters is generally not safe and creates a false sense of security. These adapters don't provide the grounding protection t...
What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI outlets?
GFCI and AFCI outlets serve different safety purposes - GFCI protects against electrical shock from ground faults, while AFCI protects against electri...
How many outlets can I put on one circuit in Ontario?
In Ontario, the number of outlets per circuit depends on the circuit amperage and load calculations, but there are practical guidelines most electrici...
Do I need an electrician to change an outlet, or can I do it myself?
You can replace an outlet yourself in Ontario if it's a like-for-like replacement (same type, same circuit), but you must turn off the power first and...
Do I need a permit to add an outlet in my garage in Ontario?
Yes, you need an ESA permit to add a new outlet in your garage in Ontario. Any new electrical circuit or outlet installation requires a permit from th...
Do I need a permit to add an outlet in my garage in Ontario?
Yes, you need an ESA permit to add a new outlet in your garage in Ontario. Adding any new electrical circuit or extending existing circuits requires a...