Electricity is such an essential part of our lives that it’s easy to forget how powerful it is. Like any tool, electricity must be handled carefully. It’s mighty, and we need to have a deep abiding respect for that power.
Even if you’re a seasoned homeowner, you need to give your home the occasional electrical checkup to ensure that your wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, and plugs are in good working order and are used safely. Regular safety check ups can save you time, money, and keep your home accident-free.
This article will explain why electrical equipment maintenance matters for your home’s safety and what you should do to keep your house secure.
Some essential safety tips
Accident prevention is a crucial element of proper maintenance. Most of the electricity-related accidents in homes happen due to a lack of knowledge of electrical safety and know-how. Here are some tips to prevent accidents and electrical oversights:
- Make sure that all electrical equipment is in proper working condition.
- Always switch off the main power during major electrical maintenance activities.
- Check all the outlets in the house occasionally – warm or hot outlets signal trouble.
- Always have a fire extinguisher handy in the house. Never use water to put out any electric fire, no matter how small.
- Do not use extension cords as a permanent source of power. Also, don’t leave extension cords plugged in if they’re not in use, as they can create an electrical or fire hazard. Lastly, when outside, only use cables (and items) that are labeled for outdoor use.
- Avoid overloading a single outlet. Outlets are made to put out a certain amount of energy. Multiple high-wattage appliances plugged into the same outlet can be very unsafe.
- In case of any doubt, seek the help of an expert. Always reach out to a well-trained electrician if an issue seems to need professional intervention.
What you can do to keep your house safe
If you want to maintain your home’s electrical system properly, here are a few tips and tricks that are going to help you work smarter:
Replace old and damaged wires
In older homes, in particular, it is essential to check your power outlets regularly. Search for rayed or burnt wires. Note anything that looks out of place. If there are damaged wires, you should replace them. Don’t try to cut costs by repairing these wires. You can call an electrician to help you.
Don’t try to save money on electrical parts
When it comes to home electrical systems, you get what you pay for. One of the ways manufacturers lower prices is by lowering quality. This can be a problem because lower quality parts will wear out faster—the best way to avoid this problem is to buy higher quality products. When you go purchasing electrical components, read reviews online to see if they have any known issues.
Check the product description for the quality of materials used in assembly. Remember, a one-time investment can save you loads of money in the long run; for example, you could replace incandescent bulbs in your home with LEDs.
Know which appliances are power-hungry
Toasters, microwaves, toaster ovens, and other appliances should have their own outlet because they draw a lot of power. If multiple devices are plugged into the same outlet, you may trip your breaker.
Another important thing when dealing with outlets is where you are plugging in your electronics. For example, if you are in the kitchen, keep your appliances away from the sink. Overall, water and electricity don’t mix, so unplug any appliance before washing or wiping it down.
Ensure all your devices are correctly grounded
A circuit consists of wires transporting electrical current to your lights and appliances, so properly grounded wiring is connected to a ground wire in your home. All outlets near wet locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms should be equipped with Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).
Pay attention to plugs
Replace all plugs that wobble or fit loosely in the socket. Also, never force a plug into a socket, and never attempt to adjust a plug’s metal prongs to make it work. Doing this is extremely dangerous.
Stay away from heat
Make sure all plugs and cords are kept a safe distance from heat sources such as radiators or space heaters. Don’t place furniture on top of cables, and don’t run cords under rugs or blankets. Avoid any potential source of overheating or damage.
Know what you cannot do on your own
Any indication of dimming lights, flickering lights, a sizzling sound, or a burning odor demands a quick, professional investigation. Contact a qualified electrician immediately.
Electrical maintenance and home safety
You should regularly carry out electrical maintenance and keep all the electrical material fittings, appliances, and devices in and around your home in excellent working conditions. If in doubt, reach out to a Tacoma Electrician like Tapps Electric.
Doing so will ensure the smooth running of all the electricity-powered items in your home while creating a safe environment free from all sorts of hazards.
Regular electrical safety check ups make it possible to avoid unplanned and often very high costs of repairing or even replacing badly affected electrical devices. They are an easy way to discover small problems early before they turn into significant issues.
Proper and timely maintenance of critical electrical components of a home ensures that safety is not only achieved in multiple ways but also upheld.
Conclusion
In our homes, electricity is one of the most valuable assets. But, it can also quickly become hazardous if you do not provide it with proper care.
Hire a professional electrician annually to check your electrical systems, just as you would get a checkup for your health. A licensed electrician can inspect your electrical panel, tighten any wires that need it, and even use an infrared tester to identify which circuit breakers are getting too hot in the fuse box. This keeps your electrical system working efficiently and gives you peace of mind about the safety of your home.
