Electrical hazards can be scary, but they don’t have to be. We all use electricity every day in our homes and offices, so it’s important to take the time to protect yourself from electrical problems that could lead to fires or other damage.
Commercial electrician Shaun says, “Many homes and businesses are at risk of electrical hazards. When we visit a client, we always share everything they can do to fix their electricity problems to eliminate all risks of hazards.”
So, here are four potential electrical hazards that could affect you.
1. Arc Faults
Arc faults are created when electricity jumps from one wire to another, often as a result of damage to the insulation. This can create a fire hazard, as the electrical current can heat up the wires and start a fire. Arc faults are especially dangerous because they can happen without any warning, so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your family from them.
An arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) cuts the power to the circuit if an arc fault is detected, protecting you from electrical fires. It’s more effective than a regular circuit breaker in detecting low-level arcing before it becomes a fire risk.
For your safety, we recommend using AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) for all circuits in your home. If you have an electrical fire, do not use water to put it out. This will make the fire worse and increase your risk of getting electrocuted.
2. Old Wiring
If you have your wiring done professionally, it will last a long time. But make sure that the wiring can work safely with all your appliances. Incompatible or faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of fires.
If your wiring is old, you should have it inspected every year. Do not try to fix these problems yourself. Our certified electricians can make sure it is compatible with your appliances and recommend upgrades that will keep you safe.
Electrical testing and tagging expert Gerry says, “It is important to test your electrical wirings, especially if they are old. Old electrical wirings are full of safety hazards and don’t meet many of modern standards. To keep electrical hazards away, always check your wirings.”
3. Overloaded Outlets
We all have a lot of stuff that needs to be plugged in – but only so many outlets on our walls. Sometimes we put our TVs, speakers, computer, and everything else in the same spot. This can create a problem because there might not be enough plugs for everything.
Each outlet can handle a certain amount of amps. The maximum amount of amps that an outlet can handle at one time is 15. When you have multiple outlets on the same outlet, it increases the number of amps that are being used. This raises the risk of short circuits and fires.
Set a schedule for when you’ll be shutting off the power and cleaning your home. If you have too many appliances plugged in at once, you may not realise that some of them are still on until it’s too late. Turn off everything but the essentials (or one per socket in each outlet), unplug anything you aren’t utilising, and set a schedule for when you’ll be doing a deep clean.
4. Unprotected Outlets
Children are curious. It is natural for them to explore their surroundings. But that also means that you should invest in covers for your electrical outlets. Otherwise, tiny fingers or objects could find their way into the outlets, resulting in burns, shocks, or even electrocution.
There are two ways to protect your child from electrical outlets. You can use plastic covers, or you can buy wall plates that have covers that automatically snap into place when not in use. These are similar to the ones you see outside on outlets to protect them from the weather.
Another option is to have one of our electricians change out your accessible outlets to “tamper resistant” ones. Tamper resistant outlets are the standard in new homes and will protect your children from getting hurt.
Home security expert Steve says, “When we do our risk assessment at client’s homes, we always see that there are a number of unaddressed electrical hazards. Sometimes we get told we are too pedantic but we like to pay attention to detail. One small faulty wiring can potentially cause a huge fire. And as a security company, it is our responsibility to keep our clients safe from all preventable hazards.”
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the dangers that exist in your home and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. We have provided four tips for avoiding electrical hazards in your home. Remember to use arc fault circuit interrupters, upgrade your old wiring, unplug unused appliances, and use outlet covers. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of certified electricians are here to help keep you safe.
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