CurrentSAFE® FAQ
Why Do My Breakers Trip?

Generally, this is due to overloaded circuits, weak breakers or defective breakers.

  • A circuit breaker is rated to protect a defined ampacity; exceeding the rated ampacity may cause "tripping" of breakers.
  • Breakers with a continuous heavy load or a load close to the circuit breaker rated value can stress the internal workings of the breaker and weaken the trip mechanism. This is a common cause of nuisance tripping and circuit breaker replacement and/or re-circuiting is recommended.
  • Circuit breakers can fail and I have yet to find an item that has never had a manufacturer's defect. We check for that!
     
Are There Requirements For Installing Smoke Detectors?

Yes!

  • Ceiling mounting is recommended.
  • The center of the room's ceiling is the most practical location. If there is a light fixture installed here, locate the detector nearer to the door.
  • Ceiling mounted smoke detectors should not be mounted closer than 4" to any side wall.
  • Avoid mounting smoke detectors in corners.
  • Sloped or cathedral-style ceilings should have smoke detectors mounted at, or within, three (3) feet of the peak.
  • All sloped ceiling with a horizontal 1' to 8' slope shall have smoke detectors mounted on the high side.
  • Areas with high humidity may cause nuisance alarming.
  • Keep smoke detectors 3' from whole-house ventilators, ceiling fans and forced air heating or air conditioning ducts.
  • Mounting smoke detectors near fluorescent lights may cause nuisance alarming.
  • Operating temperatures are limited to approximately 5 degrees Celsius to 38 degrees Celsius.
     
What Type Of Smoke Detector Should I Buy?

110 volt smoke detectors with battery back-up are recommended.

  • The National Building Code has updated codes to require that new homes be equipped with hard wired 110 volt smoke detectors. This permanent wiring feature provides a constant, 110 volt power circuit directly to the smoke detector, thusly eliminating the risks associated with not installing or not replacing batteries.
  • 110 volt smoke detectors need power to operate under normal conditions. There should also be a battery back-up for the system in the case of a power outage.
  • The standard 9 volt smoke detector, if checked and maintained regularly, is sufficient.
  • Next, determine if ionization type or photo-electric type would be best for your home.
  • Ionization smoke detectors sense invisible fire particles (common to fast-igniting fires) faster than photo-electric detectors.
  • Photo-electric smoke detectors sense visible fire particles (common to smouldering fires) faster than ionization detectors.
  • You may want to have an even mix of ionization and photo-electric smoke detectors throughout the home.
     
How Does CurrentSAFE® Test Smoke Detectors?

Comprehensive testing.

  • Obviously we push the button but did you know that the button only tests the alarm and the battery - NOT THE SENSOR!
  • We use unscented canned smoke to test the sensor. This service is used every day by hospitals, schools, churches and many commercial facilities.
  • This proven comprehensive method of smoke detector testing is now available for your home.
     
How Many Smoke Detectors Do I Need In My Home?

The national Building Code states that in new homes, smoke alarms shall be installed on each level of the home, including the basement and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics.

REMEMBER: Smoke detectors only detect smoke when it passes in front of the sensor. If a fire starts in concealed areas of the home, such as the attic, chimney or crawl space, the detector may not sense the fire in its early stages. We believe that in such cases, exceeding code requirements may be a wise decision.

NOTE: Manufacturer recommendations for maintaining smoke detectors include an annual vacuuming.

  • Each residence must have a minimum of one (1) smoke detector on each floor.
  • Stairways and stairwell areas are capable of acting as a chimney during a fire.
  • Homes built prior to the newest regulations are not required to meet the new code.
  • When remodelling or upgrading your home, you may be required to meet the most newly updated code requirements. Check with your local electrical inspector for full details.
  • We recommend that any room with a motor operating in it, such as a furnace, should have a smoke detector.
     
Is An Arc Fault Circuit Breaker The Same As A GFI Beaker?

No! The arc fault circuit breaker is designed primarily to protect against fires. The GFI circuit breaker is designed primarily to protect against shock.

  • The Canadian Electrical Code requires that all new homes shall have arc fault circuit breakers protecting bedroom circuits.
  • These breakers sense the stability of current flow through the circuit. When the internal circuitry of the breaker senses a disruption in the current flow, it will automatically determine if the disruption is a normal occurrence or an arcing situation. The breaker will automatically trip if arcing is identified.
  • Although these breakers are quite costly, you may consider upgrading in older homes to give an early warning of failing wiring.
     
What Is A Ground Fault Interrupter?

An electrical shock prevention device.

  • GFI electrical outlets and breakers constantly monitor the power flowing through them, sensing even a 0.5 millivolt change in current and shutting off the power to the outlet.
  • The National Electric Code requires that all residences shall have GFI protection in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor outlets. These devices are also required in areas which can be exposed to water. Detailed guidelines of installation locations can be found in the Canadian Electrical Code.
  • Carefully replace GFI outlets! If they are wired incorrectly, the "Test" button may work but power can still be flowing through the outlet.
     
I Have Knob & Tube Wiring, Do I Have To Replace It?

Let's see if there are any problems first!

  • We detect electrical problems that increase overheating and shorting risks. Identifying and eliminating immediate fire and shock risks allows you to determine if replacement is necessary.
Will My Insurance Carrier Give Me A Break On My Homeowners Policy?

You need to check with your insurance agent.

  • We have discussed the service with a variety of insurance agents and they were excited. Hopefully they will see the benefits and pass on some help to the homeowner.
Can You Find An Electrical Short In My Home?

Yes!

  • If the circuit is accessible for testing, we have the equipment to find an electrical short in your home.