Even seasoned homeowners need to give their home the occasional electrical checkup to assure that wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, and plugs are in good working order and, above all, used safely.
Electricity is a tool, and like any tool must be handled very carefully. In fact, if mishandled, it can kill. We think of electricity as our servant, but it is very powerful and we need to have a deep respect for that power. So here are simple tips and a list of what to double-check to assure your home is wired for safety:
•Breakers tripping, fuses blowing? This is not an item to ignore: breakers and fuses are devices sized to protect the wiring in your home. Time to bring in a professional.
•Be sure all your circuits are properly grounded. A circuit consists of wires that transport electricity to your lights and appliances. Grounded means wiring is connected, so electricity has an efficient path and won’t cause shocks by using a body as a conductor. Very dangerous.
•All outlets near wet locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. should be ground fault type. If not, upgrade today. Time to bring in a professional.
•Water and electricity definitely don’t mix! Unplug any appliance before you wash or even wipe it down.
•If you have children or grandchildren, put protectors in all your outlets or replace them with tamper resistant outlets. You can do this yourself.
•Replace any frayed wires in your house immediately they can potentially cause shocks or fires.
•Do you have any plugs that wobble or seem to have a loose fit in the socket? If so, it’s time to replace them. Time to bring in a professional.
•Never force a plug into a socket and never attempt to adjust a plugs metal prongs to make it fit. Both actions are dangerous! Use common sense.
•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 cords and don’t run cords under rugs or blankets. Think about the friction and chance of cutting the wire.
•Be smart and watchful of dimming lights, flickering lights, a sizzling sound, or a burning odor, which would mandate a prompt professional investigation. Time to bring in a professional.
•Don’t take generators for granted. Plugging a generator directly into your homes electrical system can unintentionally damage appliances or even put you at risk. Time to bring in a professional.
•When outside, only use cords (and items) labeled for outdoor use.
•Extension cords are a temporary solution: they shouldn’t be used to power home appliances on a permanent basis. Most extension cords aren’t built to handle high-power items such as air conditioners, refrigerators, or space heaters.
Here is another smart maintenance tip: Bring in a professional annually to check your electrical system just as you would get a health checkup.
A licensed electrician can check your electrical panel and tighten any wires that need it. They can even use an infrared tester to identify which circuit breakers are getting too hot in the panel.
Find out easy, cost-effective ways to give your family an extra measure of protection against electrical costs and danger. Call your local electrician if any of these items apply to you.
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