Electrical

The Electrical section is one of the largest on HandySkook, covering breakers, receptacles, lighting and cords. You will find Siemens dual-function CAFCI/GFCI breakers, Eaton BR and Square D Homeline plug-in breakers, ENERLITES floor boxes, USB and smart in-wall outlets, Sunco canless and retrofit LED recessed lights, 12/3 and 14/3 outdoor extension cords, smart plugs, bathroom fan assemblies and circuit testers. Leviton, Schneider Electric, Shelly and Southwire are among the brands represented.

Compatibility is the deciding factor with breakers: a breaker must be the type listed for your panel, so a Homeline breaker belongs in a Homeline load centre and a BR breaker in a BR panel. Match amperage and pole count to the circuit and wire gauge, and consider AFCI or GFCI protection where code calls for it. For receptacles, note the 15 A or 20 A rating and whether tamper-resistant or weather-resistant versions are needed. For cords, a lower gauge number means heavier wire; 12-gauge suits high-draw tools and long runs better than 16-gauge.

Canadian homes run on 120/240 V split-phase service, and devices should carry a CSA, cUL or cETL mark showing certification for use here; check the listing before you buy. In most provinces, work inside the panel or adding new circuits requires a permit, and some require a licensed electrician. Turn off the breaker and confirm with a tester before touching any device. For winter use outdoors, look for cords whose jackets stay flexible in deep cold.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put any brand of breaker in my panel?

No. Panels are tested and listed with specific breaker types, and the label inside the panel door names them. Square D Homeline, Square D QO, Eaton BR, Eaton CH and Siemens QP are not interchangeable even when they look close. Some classified breakers are listed for other panels, but only use one if the panel label or breaker listing allows it.

What is the difference between a GFCI and an AFCI breaker?

A GFCI responds to current leaking to ground, which protects people from shock near water. An AFCI detects the electrical signature of arcing in damaged wiring or loose connections, which reduces fire risk. Dual-function breakers, like the Siemens CAFCI/GFCI model, combine both on one circuit. Which protection a circuit needs depends on the room and your provincial code.

What gauge extension cord should I use for a power tool?

Check the tool's amp draw and the cord length. A 14-gauge cord is generally fine for moderate loads over 15 metres, while 12-gauge handles 15 A tools over longer runs with less voltage drop. A 16-gauge cord suits lights and small appliances. Undersized cords run warm and starve motors, so size up for long distances.

Do recessed lights need an IC rating?

If the fixture will touch or be buried in ceiling insulation, it needs to be IC-rated, meaning it is designed for insulation contact. Non-IC fixtures need clearance from insulation to shed heat. Many canless LED wafer lights are IC-rated, but always confirm on the product label, and choose airtight models to limit warm air leaking into the attic.