They should be ok....I would get the one checked out by someone who knows what they are doing.
If it is the receptacle, it is easy to replace......
Outlet question
- Thread starter MadonnaLove
- Start date
If it is the receptacle, it is easy to replace......
How old is the house/apartment?
If the house is less than 40-50 years old, I'd educated-guess everything is okay. Individual plugs can fail. They are simple almost fool-proof devices and I've not heard of any major device quality issues (but I a NOT a professional electrician who does this everyday). I did ask my electrician friend yesterday and he agrees you should be fine, but also feels you should immediately replace the original sparking plug.
If the house is more than 40-50 years old .... just be aware and be cautious when plugging things in (make sure they are off first). Almost no possibility of a spontaneous fire, so don't worry about that. If a different plug sparks, get a pro or experienced handyman in to look at your house.
I could be wrong, but I believe that nowadays bylaws require that ANY work be done by a licensed electrician.
I was quite shocked when I heard Mike Holmes make that claim on Dragon's Den (he was guest hosting).
A woman was pitching a 'handywoman' service and he shot her down when she listed 'basic electrical, outlets, switches, fixtures' as one of the services.
Can anyone confirm?
I am pretty certain you don't need a licensed electrician or plumber, provided you get a permit.
Ref:I made sure no one pumped up a fuse to get more power out of an outlet........WTF! What fool what ever, ever do that??Did you beat them silly when they tried? Geeeesh.
Really .... you never heard of that ?? You don't think a any of the people buying heaters/ air conditioners haven't pumped up fuses from 15 to 20 amps ?? My parents place (copper) had four teens in the place and I doubt if the 15 amp fuses weren't in the minority of the fuse box.
True.....but the home-owner can get a permit, and have someone else do the work. As long as it's inspected, its all good. You might have to tell the inspector you did the work, or did it with a friend....I suppose that would be acceptable.
I have completed a lot of residential and commercial electrical work, but had the permit taken out by the home-owner or an electrician.
I believe you are correct, however the person doing the work should be the one getting the permit according to ESA:
https://www.esasafe.com/consumers/renos-and-repairs/who-can-do-electrical-work-at-home
http://www.esasafe.com/consumers/renos-and-repairs/safety-tips
"Homeowners in Ontario can do their own electrical work. That comes with responsibilities and risks. If you choose to do the work yourself, ensure it is done according to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code." <-- The webpage doesn't specifically discuss non-Licensed Electrical Contractors.
If a fire occurs after work is completed by a non-Licensed Electrical Contractor and no inspection is performed, Insurance companies will not pay-out, assuming it's provable.
I don't doubt you and I've heard of it, but never personally seen it. I know older fuse panels don't have the plastic key that is supposed to prevent it.
I did some research and found that 14 gauge wire melts at 166A in "free air". It's called fusing current. I couldn't find the equivalent number for a typical home wiring scenario. Assuming it's 50% less, a 20A fuse although not legal would not be particularly risky. Still .....
Yes, correct. The person doing the work takes out the permit...
Permits must be taken out by the party who is doing the work. If you’re doing the electrical work, you need to take out the permit. If you hire someone, they must take out the permit (see who is permitted to do electrical work in your home). Do not take out a permit on behalf of a contractor or anyone else.
I have helped a number of friends in their home, but they take out the permit.
And, I am sure you are correct on the insurance information....anything to get out of paying a claim.
