What is an electrical transformer? Well, chances are you’ve seen one before, possibly without knowing it. They come in all shapes and sizes and there’s likely one in your neighbourhood or possibly even in your toy train set. And no, we’re not referring to any type of extraterrestrial robot. Larger ones are usually grouped together and can often be found enclosed in isolated, fenced-off areas or power plants. Although at some point in time, you’ve probably been told not to get too close to one, their function might still be unclear. We get more in depth about their overall purpose below:

Electrical transformers are electrical devices used to transfer electricity from high voltages to low voltages and vice versa. Most electrical transformers are built for the latter. Without getting too technical, the process used to transform this energy is known as electromagnetic induction which utilizes magnetic fields throughout the process.

There are many different types of electrical transformers that serve different purposes depending on the size of the task. Everyday uses around the household may include powering appliances, equipment and even children’s toys. The power that stems from large power plants is usually too powerful for its intended use; therefore, an electrical transformer is used to downsize the electricity into an appropriate voltage that is then transferred through coils.

Aside from powering our home appliances and equipment, electrical transformers have an enormous impact on our everyday lives. Many homes and businesses aren’t located within a close enough proximity to a power plant. So how do these homes and business’s get enough energy to operate? That’s where electrical transformers come in handy. The technology behind these transformers allows them to transfer energy from far away at an impressive speed. The next time you heat up a meal in the microwave or flick on the lights in your house, you’ll know exactly where that energy came from!

For more information on electrical transformers and professional electrical services, contact a licensed electrician at Expert Electric today or call us at 604-681-8338.

Electricity is a modern marvel that most people don't really put much thought into -- unless it isn't working properly. You flip a switch, twist a knob or insert a plug into an outlet, and -- presto! -- the room is lit up, your television springs to life or your phone is charging. As wonderful as electricity is, it can also be dangerous. The following safety tips are ones that you should always keep in mind to stay safe from the inherent dangers of electricity. 

1. Spring for an inspection

While this tip is especially important for older homes, even newer homes could have faulty equipment inadvertently installed in them that could increase the potential for danger. That being said, if your home is older, chances are that it wasn't built to handle the increased reliance on electricity that is a given these days. An electrical inspection will pinpoint those potentially hazardous areas and advise you on how to address them. 

2. Buy a fire extinguisher

If your home catches fires due to an electrical issue, the only safe way to put it out is to use a fire extinguisher that is designed to retard chemical fires. If you attempt to put the fire out with water -- which might be your first instinct -- you will only make things worse. This is because water conducts electricity. Make sure that you keep fire extinguishers on every level of your home. Store them in a place that is easy to reach. Make sure to inspect them regularly and replace them as needed. Stay up to date on how to use it correctly. 

3. Get to know your outlets

When considering solar power, most people picture complete independence from traditional electrical utilities by harvesting enough solar energy to provide their home with the amount of electricity it needs to function each day. Many homeowners look into this, only to discover that this large of an undertaking and the cost of solar panels is beyond their means. Rather than looking further, this is the point that most people give up and move on to something else. Fortunately, there are a variety of affordable solar options that can get you started without the need of a large solar array.

If you have considered solar power, but believe it may be too expensive for you, take some time to browse the solar panel info site at. We specialize in solar leasing and other affordable ways to add solar panels to almost any home.(Read More)