Service Calls

We provide ALL aspects of in-home service. It could be something as small as changing some outlets and fixtures, installing or replacing a GFI to more complicated repairs such as replacing faulty wiring.

On-board tracking installed in all our vehicles allows us to know exactly where each member of our team is – meaning we can often have a technician respond to your request on the same day you call. Our professional, knowledgeable, and friendly uniformed staff operate fully-stocked service vans so we're able to quickly and efficiently handle your needs.

Service Upgrades

Service upgrades are required when your wiring does not meet todays electrical code regulations or when the amperage of your home needs to be increased to handle the load, or demand, of the appliances. If you experience frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers then it's likely you would benefit from a service upgrade.

Today's higher demand electronics and electrical appliances put an increased demand on older electrical systems that they just weren't designed to handle. A common reason for this is the installation of a heat pump, heated pools or spa tubs. Residential amperage levels are currently 100 and 200. Some older homes may still operate on a 60 amp service which does not meet Code Regulations. This is not only a safety issue, but in the case of 60 amp service, is often required by insurance companies prior to qualifying for insurance.

If you are unsure about your current service or whether you need an upgrade, give us a call. We'll perform a demand load analysis, provide a recommendation and costs on available options if necessary.

Installation and safety standards created and enforced by Nova Scotia Power Inc. under the guidelines of the Canadian Electrical Code. Nova Scotia Power bulletin B-02-022 outlines the minimum requirements for a service upgrade. You can check out the link below.

http://www.nspower.ca/site/media/Parent/B-02-022.pdf

Code Violation Upgrades

Ensuring that your home adhere's to the province's electrical codes gives you the peace of mind that your system is providing the utmost in safety for you and your family.

Often associated with a home purchase inspection or when changing insurance coverage, a code violation inspection can identify issues with current electrical systems. We can analyze your present electrical system to determine if it adheres to today's code regulations and prepare a report and pricing for any necessary fixes.

Installation and safety standards created and enforced by Nova Scotia Power Inc. under the guidelines of the Canadian Electrical Code. Nova Scotia Power bulletin B-02-022 outlines the minimum requirements for a service upgrade. You can check out the link below.

http://www.nspower.ca/site/media/Parent/B-02-022.pdf

Aluminum upgrades

During the 1960's and into the 70's some homes were wired with aluminum wiring. Unfortunately it was later discovered that the connections to copper-based electrical outlets and switches and the aluminum wiring were prone to corrosion. Current electrical codes require special connections, or pigtail's, be installed at all aluminum to copper connections. Alternately we can replace the outlets or the wiring to eliminate the risk and hazards associated with corrosion.

If you suspect you may have aluminum wiring, give us a call. We'll come in and analyze your present system, determine if any fixes are required and recommend the best course of action.

Insurance Required Upgrades

Sometimes your home insurance provider may require that you complete upgrades to your wiring or amperage to keep your current homeowners policy in effect. Often these requests are made when changing policies or insurance providers, or are identified during a home inspections when selling or purchasing a home.

The most common area's of concern are the presence of aluminum wiring, knob and tube wiring or inadequate amperage service for the demand of the residence.

Renovations

We can complete a wide range of electrical renovation projects around your home – both inside and out. Renovations can greatly increase the enjoyment and some times even the value of your property. The most popular renovations include kitchen and bath renovations—each with very specific electrical needs which we can help ensure meet your present and future needs.

When undertaking any renovation, small or large, it's the perfect time to address any electrical needs. It can be far cheaper and less invasive to move, add or update fixtures, outlets or controls while walls are open than it is after the job is completed.

If you're planning any renovation work, give us a call and we can provide advice and a quote on any electrical needs you might have before the works gets underway.

Electric Thermal Storage (ETS)

Electrical Thermal Storage (ETS) heating systems are designed to use low cost, off-peak electricity for home heating 24 hours a day. Electric heating elements lie within high-density ceramic bricks capable of storing vast amounts of heat for extended periods of time. During off-peak hours, when electricity costs are lower, the heater will store electric energy as heat.

This stored heat is used to satisfy immediate heating requirements and to provide total comfort during peak hours, when a power company’s demand for electricity and associated costs are high. Power company’s generally offer substantial discounts for electricity used during the off-peak hours. With this rate discount, consumers can realize significant savings in their energy bills when compared to alternative heating options.

For more information, please view our quality partners.

Advantages of Off-Peak Heating

• A low cost heating option
• Electric is the safest form of heating
• No need to worry about filling an oil tank
• No worries about carbon monoxide fumes
• No routine maintenance
• Electric heating systems are very reliable
• No hassles or messes
• No smoke...no chimney

Peace of mind inspections

Are you considering purchasing a new home? Are you selling your home? Or perhaps you are concerned with the state of the electrical system in your current home. Leave the inspections to the professionals. We are trained in recognizing hazards that are not obviously visible to others. Our guidelines are based on the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and we ensure that all issues are corrected based on the most recent version of the CEC book.

Benoit Electric can complete an inspection of the electrical system in your home where we will remove all devices and fixtures, inspect any visible wiring and thoroughly inspect your electrical service and panel. You will be provided with a detailed report, and if required, we can offer estimates to upgrade any issues we encounter.

Emergency Service Repairs

Have you had damage to your electrical service? Benoit Electrical is trained and available to complete your repair quickly and efficiently.

Our staff is well trained with completing all emergency repairs and we keep a fully stocked warehouse so the material we need is available at all times. We are in regular communication with Nova Scotia Power so we can prioritize your emergency service repair to have your power back on as quickly as possible.

If you have concerns that your electrical service is in poor or hazardous condition, let us have a look and provide you with a free estimate to repair it and avoid emergency power outages.

When your power goes out, be ready with an Automatic Standby Generator

Generac’s prime focus is power generators. They’ve been in the industry for over fifty years and are today’s leader — preferred five to one over the closest competition.

Due to the broadest product line in the industry, Generac ensures the best possible backup power system for every homeowner with their true whole-house protection. Generac’s durable construction is ideal for Nova Scotia’s harsh weather. Patented Galvanneal steel enclosures with RhinoCoat provide substantial protection from the elements. For additional protection the all-weather aluminum enclosure’s corrosion resistance prolongs the life of your generator.

How a home back up generator works

The generator hooks directly to your electrical box. It monitors the power coming into your box, instantly detects if a power outage occurs and starts supplying power within 30 seconds, regardless of the weather conditions. The system continuously monitors the power and shuts off as soon as power is restored to your home.

The unit runs regularly scheduled diagnostics on itself to ensure it will be running in optimal condition when the need arises.

Regular maintenance is essential to the life of your generator. Benoit Electric is committed to providing customers with unsurpassed product support. Contact us with any product maintenance, repair, or warranty questions you may have. We are factory trained and certified to work on Generac products.

To see a Generac Automatic Standby generator in action visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47sNyxKOtxc

For more information about Generac generators, contact Benoit Electric today.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters

An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a type of circuit breaker that breaks the circuit when it detects a dangerous electrical arc, in order to prevent electrical fires. An AFCI distinguishes between a harmless arc that may occur incidental to normal operation of switches, plugs and brushed motors and an undesirable arc that can occur, for example, in a lamp cord that has a broken conductor in the cord.

AFCI breakers have been required for circuits feeding electrical outlets in bedrooms of homes by the Canadian Electrical Code since 2002.

Conventional circuit breakers only respond to overloads and short circuits so they do not protect against arcing conditions that produce erratic, and often reduced current. An AFCI is selective so that normal arcs do not cause it to trip. The AFCI circuitry continuously monitors the current and discriminates between normal and unwanted arcing conditions. Once an unwanted arcing condition is detected, the AFCI opens its internal contacts, thus de-energizing the circuit and reducing the potential for a fire to occur.

AFCI protection devices come with a test button on them. These should be tested once a month to ensure they are providing the proper protection to your homes electrical system.

In May of 2015, Canadian Electrical Code changed the rule pertaining to AFCI’s. It now requires all outlets in houses to be on have AFCI protection with a few exceptions.

If you would like more information, contact Benoit Electric and we would be happy to answer any questions you have.