Loads and warning signs
Portable heaters, cooking equipment and seasonal lighting can operate together for long periods. Watch for repeated breaker trips, warm or discoloured receptacles, flicker, buzzing, intermittent power and damaged cords.
- Do not increase breaker size to stop trips
- Do not conceal cords under rugs
- Keep heaters one metre from combustible material
- Use one heat-producing appliance per outlet
- Turn portable heaters off when unattended
Storm and outage preparation
Know where flashlights and emergency information are kept, protect sensitive equipment appropriately and follow utility instructions during an outage. Permanent or portable generator connections require a safe transfer method that prevents backfeeding.
Practical takeaway: Never connect a generator to building wiring through a receptacle or improvised cord.
Alarms and building systems
Test smoke alarms and maintain the protection required for the building. If an interconnected hard-wired alarm is being replaced, the replacement must not reduce the existing level of protection.
Frequently asked questions
Questions property decision-makers ask
Why does a breaker trip more often in winter?
Added heating and cooking loads may exceed the circuit capacity, but a fault or damaged connection is also possible. Diagnosis should identify the cause.
Can an extension cord be used for a space heater?
Follow the appliance instructions; provincial guidance advises plugging heat-producing appliances directly into a receptacle.
Current authoritative resources
Requirements and programs can change. Confirm current information directly: