According to the National Fire Protection Association, the second most common cause of home fires in the U.S. from 2012-2016 was due to electrical failures. Just like your home’s appliances, furniture, and exterior work can become weak and outdated overtime, so can your electrical, and when this happens, it can be a serious and sometimes fatal safety hazard. From replacing electrical wires to upgrading service panels, here are four electrical safety tips that will help keep you and your family safe.
Avoid Overloading Outlets
If your electrical outlet is overloaded—meaning there are too many devices plugged into it—this can pose a safety hazard to you, your home, and your loved ones. In order to ensure that your outlet is not overloaded, make sure it is not warm to the touch. Install protective faceplates, and check that the outlet is working properly and does not have any burn marks. To prevent overloading your circuit, avoid using extension cords, plug in only one heat-producing device at a time. Using smart plugs also keep the outlet from overheating. It is also important to note that power strips are not able to change the amount of power, they only add outlets, so they are not an effective way to avoid overloading your outlet.
Pay Attention to the Condition of Your Electrical Cords
When electrical cords become frayed or cracked, they pose a serious electrical threat and can cause home fires and electrocutions. Because of this, it is important to regularly check the health of your extension cords. In addition to regularly checking the cords, do not place them under rugs. Power cords easily overheat and should never be stapled down.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panels
Because we consume more electricity today than we did several decades ago, older homes need updates to their electrical panels. Not only do old electrical panels prevent you from being able to incorporate more circuits into your home, but they also don’t have the capability to support today’s modern home appliances. To keep your home’s electricity flowing safely and efficiently, contact a trusted electrician to schedule your electrical panel upgrade.
Update Outdated Wiring
As a common cause of residential fires, outdated wiring is an electrical issue that you will want to address immediately. Fifty years ago, the most common type of wiring used in homes was aluminum. This is a soft, weak material, and oxidizes easily. All of this increases the chances of the wiring overheating, sparking, and potentially creating a serious safety hazard. These days, copper is used instead of aluminum, so if your home is fifty years or older—and has not been rewired—it is highly recommended that you address this as soon as possible.
Whether you are looking to replace your outlets, install new smoke detectors, rewire your home, or upgrade your lighting, the Master Electricians at Raynor Services in Mount Holly, NJ will make sure your home’s electrical is safe and effective. Contact us today to learn more electrical safety tips and schedule your appointment!
