Most Common Electrical Issues We See in Prince George Homes (And How to Prevent Them)

If you own a home in Prince George, BC, your electrical system works hard year-round — especially during long winters when heaters, lighting, and appliances are under constant load. At Fraser Current Electric, we regularly help homeowners with preventable electrical problems that can affect safety, comfort, and reliability.

Below are the most common electrical issues we see in Prince George homes, why they happen, and what you can do to prevent them.

1. Frequently Tripping Breakers

One of the most common calls we get from Prince George homeowners is for breakers that won’t stop tripping.

Why it happens

• Overloaded circuits (space heaters, air fryers, holiday lights)

• Older electrical panels not designed for modern demand

• Faulty appliances

• Loose wiring or deteriorating breakers

How to prevent it

• Avoid running multiple high-draw devices on the same circuit

• Replace aging breakers or panels

• Have a licensed electrician assess circuit loads

⚠️ Repeated breaker trips aren’t just annoying — they’re a warning sign.

2. Outdated Electrical Panels (60–100 Amp Services)

Many homes in Prince George were built decades ago and still operate on 60-amp or 100-amp electrical services, which often aren’t sufficient for today’s power needs.

Common signs:

• Lights dim when appliances start

• Breakers trip regularly

• Limited space in the panel

• You can’t add new circuits

Prevention

• Upgrade to a 200-amp electrical panel

• Plan ahead for EV chargers, hot tubs, or renovations

• Ensure your panel meets current BC Electrical Code

Panel upgrades are one of the best long-term investments for safety and resale value.

3. Aluminum Wiring in Older Homes

Homes built in the 1960s–1970s may contain aluminum wiring, which behaves differently than copper and requires special connections.

Risks include:

• Loose connections

• Overheating

• Increased fire risk if improperly maintained

What to do

• Have aluminum wiring inspected by a licensed Prince George electrician

• Install approved copper-to-aluminum connectors

• Never DIY repairs on aluminum wiring

4. Outdoor Outlets Not Working (Especially in Winter)

Outdoor receptacles are commonly affected by snow, moisture, and freezing temperatures in Northern BC.

Causes:

• Tripped GFCI outlets

• Moisture intrusion

• Damaged weatherproof covers

• Wiring deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles

Prevention tips

• Use in-use weatherproof covers

• Test GFCIs regularly

• Avoid extension cords in snow

• Have outdoor outlets inspected before winter

5. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering lights can be harmless — or a sign of a more serious electrical issue.

Common causes:

• Loose connections

• Failing switches or fixtures

• Overloaded circuits

• Service connection issues

When to call an electrician

If flickering happens throughout the house or when major appliances turn on, it’s time for a professional inspection.

6. Not Enough Outlets (Overuse of Extension Cords)

Many older Prince George homes simply weren’t designed for modern electronics.

Risks of overusing extension cords:

• Overheating

• Tripped breakers

• Fire hazards

Prevention

• Add new outlets where needed

• Install dedicated circuits for high-load areas

• Avoid permanent extension cord use

7. DIY Electrical Work Gone Wrong

We frequently fix electrical issues caused by well-intended but unsafe DIY work.

Common DIY mistakes:

• Improper wire sizing

• No permits or inspections

• Loose connections

• Code violations

In BC, most electrical work requires permits and inspections — and mistakes can void insurance coverage.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician in Prince George

You should contact a professional electrician if you notice:

• Burning smells or buzzing sounds

• Warm outlets or switches

• Repeated breaker trips

• Flickering lights across multiple rooms

• Electrical issues after renovations

Trusted Electricians in Prince George

At Fraser Current Electric, we provide residential electrical services throughout Prince George, BC — from troubleshooting Electrical Issues in Prince George Homes and repairs to panel upgrades and safety inspections. We also work in commercial and industrial electrical, bringing the same safety-first standards into every home we service.

If you’re unsure about your home’s electrical system, a professional inspection can help catch small problems before they become expensive or dangerous.