SRP Electric

When someone enters your home or business, you want to know about it. Similarly, when there’s no one around, why waste money to keep the lights on continuously?

Here’s another thing to consider: since no one wants to be left in the dark, who should be in control of the lights?

The answer is as simple as installing an occupancy sensor.

As home and business owners become more aware of the impact their habits have on the environment, as well as the rising cost of living, they begin to look for ways to save money and conserve energy. Occupancy sensors are typically installed in places in which the lights are expected to be on continuously, such as restrooms, warehouses, offices, and classrooms. After a few minutes of inactivity, the sensor automatically shuts off all lights, fans or other devices in the room, but will restart them if it detects motion.

Occupancy sensors operate using any one of the following three technologies:

1) Passive Infrared

How they work: detect heat energy.

Pros: work well in enclosed offices, warehouses and hallways where there is clear visibility and limited obstruction.

Cons: more sensitive to cross-motion than approaching motion; do not work well in restrooms or offices containing high-walled cubicles.

2) Ultrasonic

How they work: using high frequency, inaudible pressure waves that trigger the sensor when interrupted by a passing object.

Pros: work well in walled areas such as washrooms, as they are highly sensitive to any kind of movement and unaffected by physical barriers.

Cons: sensor effectiveness decreases as the distance between an object and the sensor increases.

3) Dual Technology: combines passive infrared and ultrasonic technology to prevent false on-off switching. In dual-operated sensors, both technologies are required to activate a device, but only one is needed to keep it on.

The following tips were provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

– Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords

– Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets

– In homes with small children, make sure your home has tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles

– Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords

– Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet

– Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time

– If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician

– Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the recommended wattage

– Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen, bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas

– Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed in your home to protect electrical outlets

A pool is a big investment and can cost a lot of time and money to maintain throughout the year. However, there are ways to save money and still enjoy your backyard when it’s convenient for you.

Most pool heaters – including those designed for above ground pools – can be outfitted with a timer to control when they run and for how long. Cycling your pool’s water at predetermined, off-peak times can help you reduce your electricity bill and spare you the trouble of remembering to check on your pool’s equipment during the day.

These aren’t the only benefits, of course. According to Rick Yates, Master Electrician at SRP Electric, pool timers can significantly reduce the length of time a pump is on, and in turn the amount of energy it uses. In addition, a timer can extend the life of your pool pump or heater, saving you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.

SRP Electric can ensure that your timer is installed properly and is performing at optimal levels. Intermatic’s diverse lineup of electronic, mechanical, and specialty controls, surge protection devices, and other accessories and enclosures can help you make the most of your pool or spa this summer.

Let SRP Electric help you with your next pool or spa installation by calling Rick Yates directly at 705-760-3270.

What is a T12 light, and why is it being banned?

T12 fluorescent lighting is often found in many small business offices. As an older, more inefficient type of lighting, it has been the target of numerous Canadian Energy Efficiency regulations that seek to curb the production and use of inefficient general service fluorescent (GSFL) lighting in Canadian workplaces. Once the ban takes effect, offices that currently use T12 lighting will no longer be able to buy replacement bulbs.

What options are available for small businesses?

Through the Small Business Lighting program offered by Peterborough Distribution Inc., eligible business owners* can receive up to $1,000 worth of energy-efficient lighting and equipment upgrades. The switch to T8 fixtures will provide better lighting for your office, store or workplace while saving you money on your energy bill.

The program also includes:

– A free assessment of your business’s lighting and water heating equipment

– Free supply and installation of energy efficient lighting

– Licensed electrical contractor to install the new system at a time that’s convenient for you

– Recycling and proper disposal of your old lighting

Where can I find more information?

To book your appointment for a free energy assessment, call 1-855-397-7784 or e-mail info@PDIconserves.ca.

*Businesses that have previously participated in Power Savings Blitz are not eligible

Calling all electricians!

Whether you’re looking for your first job or are interested in pursuing new opportunities in your field, if you’re a licensed electrician, SRP Electric might be the place for you.

We’re currently seeking a licensed electrician to join our dynamic team. Working with us will allow you to be part of an exciting, young company that makes a real difference in the community. You’ll also have a chance to learn from experienced team members who have worked on a variety of commercial, industrial and residential electrical and solar applications.

SRP Electric isn’t just interested in projects – we’re about people and building relationships, too. We believe that customer satisfaction, community engagement and continuous learning are the sine qua nons of good business.

Qualifications:

All interested candidates must possess:

– An electrical license

– A valid driver’s license

– Commercial experience

– Experience in solar applications is an asset

If we sound like we would be a good fit, please send your resume to service@srpe.ca or give us a call at 705-760-3270. If you are contacting us via e-mail, please be sure to include ‘Job Application’ in the subject line.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you an electrician looking for work?

SRP Electric is currently seeking to grow its team and is accepting applications for licensed electricians to carry out construction, service and solar work. All applicant information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone.

Interested applicants please e-mail your résumé to service@srpe.ca or call 705-760-3270.

Earlier today, we received a visit from the representative of Admax Marketing, who brought with him a stack of proofs of the April/May issue of Business Advantage magazine.

SRP Electric’s grand opening story begins on page 9 and details all of our available commercial, industrial and residential services, including our newly implemented Customer Care Program and e-newsletter that will soon be distributed to members of our mailing list.

The story also includes details about our upcoming draw to win an iPad mini as well as the opportunity for business owners to meet with Rick to learn more about SRPE’s services (free food and great conversation – how could you pass that up?)

If you can’t get your hands on a copy of Business Advantage, don’t worry – we’ll be posting a link to access the story online as soon as it becomes available, so be sure to check back on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Until then, consider joining our mailing list so you can stay up to date on exciting news, developments and offers. It takes less than a minute and is completely free.

Thanks, and have a wonderful weekend!

For new and seasoned homeowners alike, ensuring that your home’s electrical work is current and up to code can prevent costly repairs in the long run, and in some cases could even save your life.

The Electrical Safety Authority recommends that all electrical work – no matter how small the task – be carried out by licensed electrical contractors. In the event that a contractor identifies an electrical problem within your home or business, he or she will work with you ensure that the issue is resolved swiftly and in the safest manner possible.

At SRP Electric, we recommend the following tips to help keep you and your family safe from common electrical hazards.

1. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly (annually as a minimum, though biannually is ideal) to ensure they are in proper working order. The expiry date can be found on the back of the units, which should be replaced every ten years.

2. Inspect electrical panels every five years to ensure proper fusing and confirm that all contacts are tight and safe.

3. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles should be installed in areas where water and moisture is close by, such as in washrooms or exterior areas. This will prevent electrical shocks in the event that water comes in contact with the outlet.

4. Limit use of extension cords. In older homes, it’s common to have only one receptacle per room, but current electrical code stipulates that there be one receptacle every 1.8m.

5. Take care when using micro-furnaces and stand-alone air conditioners. They should each be on their own circuit to avoid overloading the system.

If you have any doubts about anything in your home or business or would like to request an electrical inspection, contact an electrical contractor and arrange an appointment.