3 minute read
Apex Electric helping create a wireless future for homes and businesses
Owner James Benn stands in the showroom with a display board that helps customers visualize what a wireless home could look like. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Apex Electric is helping to create a future where homes and businesses are outfitted with Smart technology that connects everything wirelessly and can be controlled with just a smartphone. The Smart services the electrical company installs include lighting controls, audio and sound systems, security cameras, thermostats, doorbells, smoke alarms, TVs, blinds, and streaming and WiFi services. So, whether it’s Nest thermostats or booming Sonos speakers, customers can fill their homes with technology that requires next to no wires. The amount of Smart wireless technology that fills a home varies depending upon the person, explained Apex owner James Benn. Most homes have something wireless, from one to two light switches to everything being fully automated. Wireless light controls appear to be the future, but since everything is connected somehow, appliances, switches and devices will likely come together as part of the Internet of Everything. In Apex Electric’s front office at 1-75 Highland Road is a display board that shows customers how their Smart home can look. A floor layout shows the lights that
can be installed in rooms and the switches that can control them. There are also other devices connected to the display like smoke alarms and speakers. “It’s there for customers so that they can try it out and see if they like it (and) play with all the features,” said Benn. “Some are overwhelmed, and a lot of people … (can) grasp the whole concept and see how it works for them. So most people think it’s pretty cool.” Most customers don’t realize that Apex Electric sells Smart technology or that there are devices in stock in the showroom to review. This includes Mars Hydro lights and tents for customers who want to grow plants in a cost-efficient way. “Basically, we try to make everything in your house that you would buy that uses electricity available to you,” said Benn. “So that includes the grow tech and LED lights and everything else. “We want people to have proper installation and proper advice when they’re installing this kind of stuff in their houses … . Rather than letting people do it themselves and start fires, we like to give advice and help people along.” Benn is originally from Calgary, Alta., and began his electrical career in Medicine Hat in 2004. In 2009 he moved to Moose Jaw to pursue his own company with a business partner — and because his then-girlfriend and now-wife was also from The Friendly City. This past year has been incredibly busy for the company and work has not slowed down, said Benn. He was unsure why that is but thinks many people have extra money in their pockets since they have not travelled during the pandemic. Apex Electric offers many services to the Moose Jaw area, including for residential, commercial and farm customers. Some of its recent projects have included the Best Western Hotel and Temple Gardens Mineral Spa and ongoing work with both school divisions in Moose Jaw. Commercially, the company can perform lighting retrofits and upgrades, assist with new construction, install generators, add data cabling, install security cameras, help with repairs and maintenance, work with farmers and ranchers, and add solar or wind energy. On the residential side, Apex Electric can help with new home construction, provide service upgrades, install surge protection, perform home evaluations, install generators, and help with repairs and maintenance. “We have been around for 12 years now,” Benn said. “We like to supply good equipment for fair prices.” For more information, call 306691-2001 or email apexwiring@ gmail.com.
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