Electricity is one of the things that keep a home running smoothly and comfortably. Without power, you and your family will not be able to enjoy modern amenities. Because of this, it’s necessary to ensure that all electrical components in your home are in good condition. Electrical system problems that are taken for granted may result in serious issues that can put you and your family at risk. Such problems can cause electrical shocks, fires, and other electrical issues.
Here are a few steps you can take to help ensure that your home is safe from electrical problems.
Consider the Age of Your Home
Most homeowners forget the importance of the age of their homes, but it has a great effect on electrical safety. Older homes are not designed to deal with all the electrical load modern appliances may require. The insulation on old wires may break which can result in short circuits and fires. Get an electrician to check the condition of your wiring and to update the capacity of your system so it can handle your current load requirements.
Revisit Your Electric Panel
Normal wear and tear may cause electrical panels to fail. Certain panel brands and models may have become obsolete. For example, it may be difficult to find parts for such brands as ITE Pushmatic, Federal Pacific, and Zinsco. You may also want to check its temperature to determine whether it is becoming too hot, which can indicate a problem.
Pay Attention to the Breakers
Breakers trip when they’re overloaded. When this happens, you may want to redistribute the load. Limit the appliances and gadgets that get energy from the same breaker and see if that solves the problem. If the problem persists, call a professional electrician to fix it.
Keep the Right Type of Fire Extinguisher on Hand
Electrical problems can start a fire, and many homeowners’ instinct is to douse it with water. But since water conducts electricity, that can be deadly. You need to use a fire extinguishers with a C rating to put out electrical fires. These are especially designed to be safe for use on electrical fires.
These are simple steps that any homeowner can do to help keep their electrical systems in good order. However, they shouldn’t substitute for regular electrical inspections that only reliable residential electricians can do. These experts know where and what to look for. They also have the knowledge and skills to make the necessary repairs to keep your home safe and secure from the dangers of electrical system faults.
Sources
7 Electrical Safety Tips Homeowners Should Know, Angieslist.com
15 Safety Precautions When Working with Electricity, Safetyrisk.net
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