Most people take it for granted that everything will work as it should when they plug in their electronic devices. Unfortunately, because of the age of your system, wear and tear, or faulty installation, electrical hazards can be a reality in your home. Here are a few things you should look out for.
1. Arc Faults
Arc faults happen if there is accidental contact between connections or wires. You can imagine the electricity in your home traveling down wires as if they were a highway. An arc fault happens when the current travels down an unplanned path. This is seen frequently in homes with old wire insulation that has experienced wear and tear or been damaged by pests.
An arc fault creates a high temperature that burns the material around it and can cause an electrical fire. Arc fault interrupters can protect your home by detecting a low arc before it is a fire hazard.
2. Old Wiring
Wiring that is installed correctly should last for a long time. On the other hand, faulty wiring is one of the biggest causes of household fires.
Residential electrical work that was done decades ago should be inspected annually. Replacing old electrical wiring is not a do-it-yourself project. You should leave it to certified electricians who have experience handling residential electrical installs. They can make sure that the wiring is compatible with your appliances and can give you suggestions on how to upgrade your system to keep you and your family safe.
3. Incorrect Light Bulbs
It is frustrating when the light bulb on your lamp blows out. It feels great to put in a new light bulb and re-illuminate your living space. However, you need to guarantee that you are using the right light bulb for your lamp. When you replace a light bulb, its wattage should be equal to or less than the maximum wattage allowed for the lamp. Most lamps have a sticker on them that displays their wattage.
4. Overloaded Outlets
It’s common for homeowners to have multiple appliances that need to stay plugged in at all times. However, this can be difficult if you have a limited number of wall outlets. While it may be tempting to plug all of your appliances into the same outlet, this is a common mistake that can cause serious damage. When you put multiple plugs on the same outlet, you raise the used amps. This increases the chance of a fire caused by a short circuit.
Now that you know potential electrical hazards, take steps to keep your home safe. Professional electricians can inspect your home and make recommendations to save you time and money.
Well-explained electrical hazards but if you do extra care while building your home or after purchasing a built one then you might feel safe and can use electrical devices safely.