Looking at going electric? You’re not alone. With more and more people switching to electric cars, it’s no surprise that interest in having electric car chargers at home has spiked. While installing a charger in your home may seem like a no-brainer, there are still a few things you should think about before deciding to do it. Here are three things to consider before installing an electric car charger in your home.

Location

If you have a large garage, it’s important to carefully consider exactly where you want your charger to be located. Make sure you pick a spot where you can park your car for an extended period of time and where the charging cable won’t be in the way of anything else you need to do. Picking the right spot in your garage can make all the difference between your charger being a convenience and a hassle. If your charging spot is going to be outside, it’s important to pick a weatherproof charger that will be able to work and hold up in a variety of conditions.

Features

While an electric car charger is obviously meant to do only one thing, some models come with extra features for added user convenience. Many chargers, for example, are Wi-Fi compatible, allowing you to monitor power use and control the charging process from your smartphone. Be sure to carefully consider your options and choose the charger that’s right for you.

Cord Length

Finally, you should give some thought to the length of the charging cord itself. While many chargers come with a standard 14-foot cord, others have cords that extend to 20 feet or even more to give you more versatility. The cord length you need will ultimately depend on where your car is going to sit in relation to the charging station and whether or not you intend to park it in exactly the same place every evening.

Once you’ve given some thought to these matters, you’ll also need to find a certified electrician capable of installing your new charging system. Since 2004, Rooham Electric has been providing residential electrical services to customers in and around Kamloops, BC. When you’re ready to have your new electric car charger installed, Rooham Electric can provide you with the expert service you need to get the job done right.

We’ve officially entered the season of PSL’s, candy from strangers and hearing the furnace kick in. Yes, Fall is here (though dare we say, that 2 degrees this morning felt more like Winter!).

With the change of season, comes an opportunity to check-in on your home electrical for a few things, both indoor and outdoor, in order to keep your home safe. Here’s our top tips to ensure your electrical is in tip-top shape as we head into the Fall and Winter seasons.

Indoor Tips:

• If you plan on using heated blankets, heating pads or space heaters to keep extra warm during the colder seasons, carefully inspect them for loose or frayed wiring. Find some? It’s time to replace that item. (The same goes for Christmas lights!)
• Speaking of space heaters – please remember that extension cords and power bars are not meant to be a permanent solution. If you’re planning on having a space heater plugged in for the whole season, plug it directly into a wall socket. Run out of room? We can install more exactly where you need them – just give us a call.
• Install whole-home surge protection. With winter weather and the increased demands on your electrical over the winter (especially during Christmas with all your pretty lights), power-surges can be common. The last thing you need in 2020 (because we’ve all had enough to deal with haven’t we?) is to lose valuable electronics due to a power-surge. Make sure your electrical circuit can handle the increased load and have extra protection measures in place.

Outdoor Tips:

• Time to bring your tools inside and prep them for Winter storage by ensure to drain any remaining fuel from your outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers and trimmers.
• Weatherproof any tools or equipment you plan to use outdoors this Fall and Winter such as leaf- or snow-blowers.
• Ensure that areas around any outdoor electrical outlets are clear of any potential fire hazards such as dry leaves and grass, and ensure to stay vigilant in keeping these areas clean through the Fall.
• Prepare for getting those Halloween and Christmas decorations up by ensuring you have adequate electrical for all that you want to power. Need some more? Or ready to up your lighting game for the seasons with these ones? Give us a call.

Keeping your home and family safe is important to us. If this checklist brings up some points for attention with you in your home, give us a call – we are here to help.

With Christmas just around the corner (don’t stop reading quite yet, we aren’t really ready for it either), are you starting to dread the annual task of putting up the Christmas lights?! Finding that big ladder, untangling the mess from last year, and getting them all up only to discover that a strand has burnt out?

We don’t like to think of it either.

The good news is, there is a far better solution and one that will mean you NEVER have to hang Christmas lights again. And on top of that? They aren’t just Christmas lights!

Gemstone Lights are your year-round outdoor lighting solution. Make your home spooktacular just in time for Halloween (like this: https://gemstonestage.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/Outdoor+Halloween+Lights+Make+Your+House+Look+Halloween+Awesome!.mp4), give – your home beautiful architectural lighting, yourself the gift of time and reduced stress at Christmas and most beautiful Christmas lights you’ve ever had and making your home stand out from the crowd the rest of the year too.

How do they work?

Gemstone Lights come with their own custom app that allows you to fully customize your color choices. And when we say fully, we mean FULLY. Choose from pre-set color combinations or choose your own exact shade from the app. Set timers for when you want them on and off or to change from one color scheme to another – you are fully in control of what colors or patterns you turn on, for when and how long, and even how bright. And all of this from your phone! Which means – from anywhere you have internet connection! On top of all of that, Gemstone Lights come with individual waterproof connections which means in the unlikely event that one of your LED lights burns out and malfunctions, it’s a quick switch of one light, instead of a whole strand. Plus, they come with a bumper to bumper warranty to put your mind at ease.

They are truly an incredible and beautiful solution to your outdoor lighting needs. Learn more about the lights here: https://www.roohamelectric.ca/gemstone-lights/ and give us a call today to schedule your free quote. As the sole provider of Gemstone Lights in the Kamloops-Thompson Region, we are your Gemstone Lighting experts and here to help.

Although many homeowners enjoy the challenge of DIY projects, there are some aspects of home maintenance that should always be handled by a certified professional. Among these, one of the most important is troubleshooting electrical issues. Here are five reasons you should never try to fix an electrical issue on your own and should instead call in a qualified electrician such as one at Rooham Electric.

1. Electrical work can be unsafe if you are inexperienced | The first and most important reason to avoid tackling electrical projects on your own is to keep yourself and your family safe. Electricity can be extremely dangerous. If you aren’t properly trained and equipped to work with it, and you could be risking serious injury or even death by trying to fix electrical problems yourself.
2. You could cause further damage | In addition to safety risks, electrical work can cause property damage when done improperly. From shorted circuits to potential electrical fires, work performed by a non-professional can cause all manner of trouble. To ensure your home stays in top condition, it’s best to let a qualified professional handle your wiring.
3. A professional will save you a lot of time! | Many people try to do electrical projects on their own to save money. While hiring an electrician does involve labor costs, it’s important to consider what your own time is worth as well. A project that might take an experienced electrician one hour could take you several, preventing you from getting more important things accomplished.
4. Unprofessional electrical work may make your home harder to sell | While you usually don’t think much about the wiring in your home, work that has been done by a non-professional may raise some red flags with a home inspector when it comes time to sell your house. By having all of your wiring done by a certified electrician, you can keep your property value high and prevent difficulties if and when you decide to sell.
5. You could have trouble with your insurance | Depending on the nature of the work and the terms of your homeowners insurance, you may lose coverage in the event of future electrical damage if you try to tackle projects on your own. Many insurance companies refuse to cover anything related to electrical work that has not been done by a certified professional.

For these reasons and many more, you should always call in a certified electrician when you need electrical work done in your home. While there are many projects around the house that are suitable for DIY, electrical work should always be handled by a trained professional, such as one of our certified team members. Give us a call today to speak about your electrical needs.

Interior lighting is one of the most important aspects of home decor. While new, stylish lighting fixtures can make your home look great, outdated lighting will invariably make it seem old and tired. If you’re looking for an easy way to update the look and feel of your home, new lighting is a great option. With all of the choices out there though, it can be hard to narrow it down. If you main aim is to stay up to date with the current trends, here are four styles we would recommend right now.

Geometric Fixtures

At the moment, lighting fixtures with complex linear geometric are quite popular with interior decorators. Seen as combining the best of modernistic design and classic appeal, geometric fixtures look good in just about any room and mesh well with a range of different design styles. This type of look is especially popular in chandeliers, which are often focal pieces in the rooms they occupy.

Wicker and Rattan Fixtures

Wicker and rattan are experiencing a major renaissance as popular materials and it’s not hard to see why. The natural element and feel they bring to a space exudes warmth, and casual elegance – perfect for everyday living. From lampshades to chandeliers, these materials have found their ways into many light fixtures used in modern home design. These materials can be especially effective in living rooms with ample natural lighting, where they will help to create a semi-outdoor feel.

Low-profile Sconces

While older lighting sconces typically jutted out from the wall, the sconces that are most fashionable today are ones that sit flush against the wall and have a relatively low profile. Sleek and modern, these lighting scones can almost instantly bring your home’s appearance into the 21-st century while still maintaining a tasteful balance.

Matte Black and Lots of It

While many trends focus on specific materials or styles, colours should also be considered. At the moment, matte black is one of the most popular and stylish colours you can incorporate into your home lighting. From matte black metal fixtures to black lamp shades, homeowners are turning to this dark, eye-catching colour to help give their interior lighting a more pronounced look that is suitable to modern tastes.

With these style tips in mind, you should easily be able to pick out some trendy lighting fixtures to update your home’s appearance. Keep in mind that if you’re putting in sconces or chandeliers, you’ll need the services of a qualified electrician. By bringing in a professional electrical worker, you can make sure the work is done correctly and save yourself time and trouble down the line.

Need help installing a light fixture? Contact us at Rooham Electric.

These days, we are learning just how important it is for us, as individuals, and as a collective, to find ways to become more environmentally friendly and reduce our carbon footprint. Starting with our own homes and habits is a great step in making a big difference, and it’s not that hard. Here are four of the top ways you can work with an electrician to help make your home greener and more sustainable.

1.  Installing Energy Efficient Appliances | When it comes to choosing energy efficient appliances, an electrician’s advice can be invaluable. A qualified electrician can not only help you choose the appliances that will cut your home’s energy usage, but they will also install them for you when the time comes. If you are retrofitting an older house, it’s also a good idea to consult with an electrician to make sure the wiring you currently have is compatible with the most modern appliances.
2. Switching to LED Light Fixtures | There’s no question that LED light bulbs are vastly more energy-efficient than any other kind of lighting. With that said, it’s a bad idea to use LED bulbs in standard fixtures, as they may burn out prematurely or give off less light than they should. By having an electrician install LED-specific light fixtures in your home, you can enjoy the benefits of efficient lighting and modernize your house’s appearance all at the same time.
3. Detect and Fix Energy Drains | In any home, there’s bound to be some wasted energy. In some cases, though, the energy waste problem can add up to a considerable amount over time. An electrician can help you figure out where you may be wasting energy and fix the problems to help your home run more efficiently. Common energy drains that are overlooked by homeowners include water heater thermostats that are set too high and irregular heating and cooling patterns.
4. Making the Jump to Solar | One of the best things you can do from an environmental perspective is to put your home on solar power. By having your electrician install solar panels and an accompanying battery system, you can make your home energy independent and ensure that no fossil fuels are being burned to generate your electricity.

These are just some of the ways in which a qualified electrician can help make your home more sustainable. Whether you just want to switch over to LED bulbs or are planning to make the jump to solar power, a good electrician is an invaluable resource in your efforts to go green and play your part in keeping the environment healthy. If you’re ready to make your home a little greener, contact us today to set up a consultation.

When it comes to electrical safety using electrical devices, appliances and power tools, most points are pretty common sense. That being said, it can be easy to become complacent about things we don’t generally think about, and a quick refresh on some easy safety steps can ensure that you keep yourself, your family and your home safe.

1. Burnt toast? Bagel not wanting to come out? Ensure to unplug your toaster before prying out your breakfast.
2. Unplug your electrical devices and gadgets (think phone chargers, slow cookers, kettles, power tools) when they are not in use. TIP: Before leaving your home on vacation, even if just for the weekend, do a quick walk through of your home and ensure there is nothing plugged in or turned on that does not need to be.
3. This ones pretty self-explanatory: keep your electrical devices away from sources of water. Move the kettle or the toaster farther away from the sink, and don’t take your phone or tablet with you into the washroom.
4. Do not cut the grass when it’s raining or extremely wet (we know you know this, but it’s good to be reminded from time to time).
5. Ensure that all of the appliances and tools that you have in your home or business have been certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA)seal or another accredited Standards Council of Canada
   

Adapted from BC Hydro’s Electrical Safety Tips: https://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/electrical-safety/safety-at-home/electrical-safety-tips.html

It’s the simple things that are often the most effective. Keep you and your family safe, by following these simple electrical safety tips when it comes to cords, extension cords and plugs in your home.

1. We all do it occasionally, but it’s important to remember to pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting any electrical device.
2. The third prong of a plug does exist for a reason: safety! Do not break it off in order to make the plug fit an outlet or bypass it in any way.
3. Using extension cords outdoors? Only use three-pronged ones.
4. It’s easy to keep “meaning to replace it” but when it comes to cords and plugs that show signs of wear or damage, it’s extremely important. If you have a cord that you know needs to be replaced, stop using it and replace it as soon as you notice the damage.
5. Did you know that extension cords have different ratings? Ensure to always use ones that are properly rated for the amount of electricity you’ll be using. Not sure? Give us a call – we can help.
6. Extension cords are not intended to be a permanent solution. If you find yourself using one all the time in a particular location, give us a call so that we can determine the best course of action for you (generally installing additional plug points that are closer to your electricity needs).
7. Run out of outlets and need a power bar? Ensure to use a certified one if you need to plug multiple things into an outlet. An even better and safer solution? Have us install some extra plug points for you.
8. Do not place electrical cords under carpets, through doorways or anywhere they could be stepped on. Not sure what to do with the cord? Call us. Better safe than sorry.
9. Coil up extra cord length and keep the coil intact by using plastic ties or Velcro straps.

These simple practices will help keep you, your family and your home safe and help us sleep better at night.

Adapted from BC Hydro’s Electrical Safety Tips: https://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/electrical-safety/safety-at-home/electrical-safety-tips.html

It’s the simple things that are often the most effective. That’s why, we are introducing this short, three-part mini-series on electrical safety. Keep you and your family safe, by following these simple electrical safety tips when it comes to electrical panels, fuses and outlets in your home.

1. If a fuse blows, ensure to turn off all your appliances and lights that are on the circuit before changing the fuse. An important note on blown fuses: if a fuse repeatedly blows, give us a call right away rather then replacing or resetting it. Consistently blown fuses are often a sign of an underlying electrical issue that needs to be dealt with properly to ensure your safety.
2. Did you know that fuses have different ratings? If you need to replace a fuse, ensure to do so with one that has an identical rating. Better yet? Give us a call and have a certified assessment of the situation to ensure that any possible risks or hazards are mitigated and that you don’t have any issues going forward.
3. Loose fuses are at risk of overheating, which is a fire hazard. If you have plug-type fuses, ensure to periodically check them to ensure that they are snug.
4. If you find that one or more of your fuses are blowing on a regular basis, or know they need to be repaired, lot or if it needs to be changed out because there could be other underlying issues causing it to happen that we should assess.
5. Use ground fault circuit interrupters on all outlets located outdoors. (Not sure what that means? Call us. We can help)

Need help with any of these checks? No job is too small for our team. We are happy to help and here for you with friendly, prompt and certified service. Give us a call today and let us help keep your home safe.

We hate to say it after what feels like a two-week summer, but the feel of Fall is in the air. And while that means we aren’t going to hit our quota of hot summer days; it does mean cooler nights which are perfect for jumping in the hot tub.

If you’re thinking the same thing and getting ready to add one to your backyard paradise, make sure to give us a call first to ensure that your home’s electrical is set up for it.

Why?

Most new homes are set up with a 200amp electrical service that can easily handle a 50 or 60 amp hot tub without a problem. However, things get a little more questionable when you are in an older home. So if you’re not in a new build (the last few years), give us a call so that we can give you some insights into what your current service can handle and whether you need to budget to upgrade your service when you purchase your hot tub. The last thing you want to do is buy your dream soaker and not be able to install it because you haven’t budgeted for the electrical upgrade.

Give us a call today and get ready to soak your day’s worries away in your new hot tub!