Considering a renovation or just checking whether your electric system needs any maintenance? As essential as electricity is for modern life, it’s also one of the most significant hazards within the home, leading to many emergency room visits.
If you need to work around your home’s wiring, it’s important to do things correctly. That’s why we’ve created this guide to electrical safety, which will explain:
- Common electrical hazards
- Essential electrical safety tips
- Signs you need to call a professional
- The importance of regular electrical inspections
- Elliot Services: An experienced electrical services provider
By following our tips — and getting your electrical systems inspected regularly by a professional — you’ll keep your family safe and prevent damage to your home.
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Understanding Common Electrical Hazards
Household electrical faults are responsible for about 51,000 residential fires throughout the United States and 500 deaths each year. Approximately 400 people are also electrocuted each year, so you should never underestimate the danger involved in doing your own electrical work.
However, even if you’re not changing light fixtures or pulling out old outlets, this doesn’t mean you’re completely safe. Common hazards faced by all households include:
- Damaged wires and outlets
- Overloaded outlets and circuits
- Broken light switches
- Water leaks into electrical fixtures
- Missing ground wires
- Lack of GFCI protection
- Lack of surge protection
- Faulty circuit breakers
The older your home is and the longer your electrical system has gone without maintenance, the more likely it is to be missing crucial safety elements or suffering from damaged components.
Essential Electrical Safety Tips
While you can’t always catch electrical problems before they happen, you can usually prevent the worst types of accidents by following these essential electrical safety tips:
- Avoid overloading circuits. Multiple power-hungry devices, such as space heaters or hair dryers, should never be loaded on a single outlet or circuit.
- Avoid daisy-chaining. Connecting multiple extension cords or power strips adds to overloading risks.
- Install GFCI outlets in wet areas. Kitchens and bathrooms should have GFCI protection to avoid electrocution.
- Ensure your electrical panel is accessible. You need to be able to shut off power quickly in an emergency.
- Replace or repair faulty appliances. Faulty appliances or power cords shouldn’t be used again unless a professional repairs them.
- Check your electrical system regularly. Look for damaged outlets and appliance cords regularly. Test all GFCIs and AFCIs monthly, and test all regular circuit breakers annually.
- Use weather-rated electrical equipment outdoors. Outlets should be covered and kept dry when not in use.
- Have a fire extinguisher. Always have an electrical fire extinguisher at home, but don’t risk your safety if a fire is already out of control.
Signs You Need to Call a Professional
It’s always better to leave electrical work to a professional, but how do you know when to call? Some of the most obvious signs of electrical issues include:
- Hot, tripped, noisy, or burnt-looking breakers
- Flickering lights and brief power outages
- Warm outlet covers or power plugs
- Sparks from outlets
- Dead outlets and circuits
- Unusual increases in energy bills
Cut the power and call an electrician immediately if you notice arcing or see smoke releasing from any electrical fixtures.
The Importance of Regular Electrical Inspections
If you’re moving into a new home, getting an electrical inspection is always a good idea to ensure things are working safely. From there, schedule the next visit based on what your electrician recommends. This might mean inspections every few years for a relatively new home, while very old homes need more frequent, typically annual, electrician visits.
Regular inspections catch many electrical issues before they worsen, helping to:
- Maintain compliance with codes and regulations
- Avoid fires and electrocution
- Avoid damage to appliances
Elliot Services: An Experienced Electrical Services Provider
Taking basic precautions when it comes to your electrical system and getting regular inspections are some of the most important things you can do for your home and family. If something goes wrong, Elliot Services is here 24/7 to help with all your residential and commercial electrical needs.
Get Peace of Mind With an Electrical Inspection from Elliot Services
Worried about your electrical system or looking for an upgrade? Trust the company with 75 years of experience. Our safe, reliable, and quality service delivers the electrical excellence your home deserves. Book electrical inspections or repairs today.
