How often should homeowners think about electrical safety? Usually, a catastrophic event causes homeowners to consider electrical maintenance or safety precautions, but knowing the basics regarding electrical protection in your home can help you prevent a surprise.
These tips keep the lights on and your family safe!
As a homeowner, you need an elementary understanding of your electrical panel. Get the panel inspected before buying or selling your home by a certified electrical inspector. It's best if you know the size or amperage pulled by the electrical panel and are aware of its location and condition. Knowing this information lets you know when something seems off, allowing you to get help before something goes wrong.
An electrical panel is fitted with circuit breakers. Each has an amperage rating telling how much electrical current that circuit will pull. Know what outlets and fixtures are on which circuit to avoid overloading them. Overloading a circuit means that there is too much current being drawn at once, and this will cause wires to overheat and inevitably lead to a fire. Don’t plug too many things into a single outlet, and try to avoid power strips to prevent this.
Another overlooked aspect of electrical safety concerns cords. There are some basic rules to follow regarding your electrical cords.
The National Electrical Code requires tamper-proof outlets to be installed in every home for accident prevention along with GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, outlets needing to be installed anywhere near a water source. Also, consider upgrading to ACFI or arc-fault circuit interrupter outlets to prevent arcing currents. Electrical arcs are the leading cause of home electrical fires. Outlet safety is a crucial component of keeping your home safe.
Appliance safety is easily overlooked, but some practices extend their lifespan, lower electrical bills, and ensure peace of mind:
The light bulbs and fixtures in your need the wattage they pull to match the circuit they operate on. You don't want a 100-watt light bulb in a 40-watt fixture, which can create a fire risk. The same goes for circuits, as you should have appliances on dedicated circuits and always make sure the size of the circuit is adequate to support the current pulled by it.
A safety precaution most people forget is cleaning exhaust fans, like on a clothes dryer. Things can accumulate in the exhaust over time, and it needs to be periodically maintained. Removing debris ensures fans function properly and hot air is removed from the appliance, preventing overheating and appliance fires.
The best thing to ensure your home’s wiring safety is to avoid DIY electrical work and leave it to your local professionals. Not only is electricity dangerous to work with, but only professionals fully understand electrical codes. Considering the potential danger involved with electrical work, there is a good reason that professional licenses are required to work with electricity. Leave any tasks you may have to a trained expert to avoid shock or electrocution. Plus, improperly repairing or replacing an electrical component causes fire.
Be aware that certain situations need a professional. It’s time to call a professional if you notice things like:
Don’t try to fix these things yourself; always call a reputable electrical contractor to investigate and repair these issues!
When it comes right down to it, you should feel safe at home. Homeownership is a beautiful reward for all the hard work you do, so keep yourself safe with these tips. Knowing what to look for and being able to assess the need for professional repairs will help prevent electrical problems that could cause a disaster.
Your home is your sanctuary. Keep it safe and comfortable, and always be aware if something seems off. Making it a point to know about your home’s electrical system will ensure that you can enjoy your sanctuary for as long as possible!
