Bathroom Reno? Don’t Mess With the Electrical!

Is your bathroom renovation becoming a larger project than you realized? A bathroom renovation is one of the best home improvement projects to raise the value of your property, but it can be more difficult than most homeowners realize. Find out why you should hire an electrician in Calgary to handle any electrical aspects of your renovation.

Electrical Features of a Bathroom

Bathrooms need to have two dedicated circuits, one for the lights and another for the outlets. A 15-amp circuit can power any light fixtures, assuming there aren’t any exhaust fans. A separate 20-amp circuit is required for outlets.

Other items, like a hot tub, require an additional circuit. As you remodel your bathroom, you need to update the electrical system to modern code requirements. This can be a difficult process if you aren’t aware of the specific features of the electrical code.

If your bathroom doesn’t already have these two circuits, or if you’re planning on moving outlets and swapping light fixtures, be sure to work with a local electrician. A local contractor can help you plan the electrical aspect of your renovation to avoid safety concerns.

Dangers of DIY Electrical Work

Choose professional electrical repair services to avoid the risks of a DIY electrical project. If you need to move an outlet, replace a light fixture or update an electrical breaker, there many the following risks:

• Electrocution
• Frequently tripped breaker
• Risk of a house fire
• Dim lights
• Unprotected outlets
• Inconvenient outlet placement

Electrical updates and additions require a skilled electrician. If you’re going to move the sink or other items in your bathroom, you may wish to move outlet placement to ensure cords will reach. This requires an understanding of electrical systems and the right tools.

Without moving an outlet, you may not be able to conveniently use a hairdryer or other items near the sink and mirror.

Older homes don’t have the proper wiring and electrical breakers. An unsafe breaker or outlet may not protect you in the event of an electrical shock. Reach out to a local contractor to inspect and, if necessary, update your bathroom electrical system as you plan out the perfect renovation.

Electrical Permits for a Bathroom Renovation

Any electrical alterations require a permit. Failure to secure a permit could cost you. If you don’t install electrical systems properly, you’ll need to correct any issues before your permit is approved.

To become approved, your bathroom must meet the permit requirements. A bathroom must have at least two circuits. All outlets in this room must be ground fault circuit interrupters or GFCIs. The breakers may be required to be arc-fault circuit interrupters or AFCIs. Both of these features reduce the risk of electrocution.

There are many other rules and regulations, including the number of outlets on a circuit and what wiring you need to use, so it’s best to work with a professional electrician. A skilled expert in your local area can point out and fix any issues that could prevent your project from moving forward.

When To Call an Electrician

If you’ve started a bathroom renovation and are in over your head, it’s not too late to contact a local contractor. Stay safe by contacting an electrician at the beginning of the process, or ask for professional assistance if you’ve already attempted electrical repairs and can’t complete the project safely. A contractor can offer the following renovations:

• New outlets
• New light fixtures
• Updated electrical circuit
• Safe wiring for lights, outlets and large devices

Work With a Professional Electrician in Calgary

Update your home with a convenient, modern bathroom. Request an estimate from your team at Handyman Connection in Calgary. Don’t attempt to handle DIY electrical repairs, but make a single call for full-service electrical inspections, repairs and renovations.