Every day, we are surrounded by electricity, one of the essential inventions of all time. It is a necessary aspect of contemporary life and benefits us in various ways. Without energy, we are nothing in the current day.
Electricity is a necessary part of modern life, and it benefits us in different ways, including the following:
- Keeping everyone comfortable no matter the weather
- Cook and store food
- Heats water
- Medical care
- Powers the devices and other modern technologies
- Impacts climate change
We at Home Alliance, the trusted local electrician for years, care about the safety of our customers, so we listed here 15 dangerous steps you need to stop doing with your electrical systems.
Not having a certified electrician inspect your home
First and foremost, you should engage with city electrical contractors for your safety, your family's protection, and your home's overall security. Working with electricity may be incredibly dangerous if you don't have the necessary knowledge, safety training, and equipment. A professional home electrician can:
- Detect any potential electrical problems in your house.
- Ensure that your household's electrical work satisfies government safety regulations.
- Recommend and carry out repairs or replacements.
- Inspect your breaker box and test smoke detectors and other fixtures.
- Advise you on what to do in terms of maintenance and correct power consumption.
Using damaged electrical cords
Damaged power cables provide a severe domestic electrical safety danger, as they can cause fires and electrocution. Ensure:
- All power and extension cables should be regularly examined for fraying and cracking and repaired or replaced.
- Power cords should not be fastened or run beneath carpets or furniture.
- Inspect cords under carpets that can cause tripping hazards and overheat.
- Check furniture that can crush cable insulation and harm wires.
Utilizing defective appliances
If you have a broken appliance, fix it or toss it away and replace it with a new one if you have the money. Do not operate it since it may create more serious problems with your electrical system. What may happen? Here's what's its consequences:
- For one thing, you may be electrocuted.
- It can cause surge damage and burn connections.
- And worst of all, it generates an electrical short that can eventually ignite a fire.
Overloading electrical outlets
To accommodate several appliances, homeowners use extension cables and power strips. Homeowners' basic thought is that they require power to use their equipment without contemplating the ramifications of putting too many items into a single outlet. And this causes electrical outlets to become overloaded. It is important to note that:
- When an electrical outlet overloads, it affects the entire circuit.
- It will overheat your circuit wires.
- Buzzing sounds, heated gadgets or outlets, and a peculiar odor indicate a wiring problem.
Failure to upgrade two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets
Your two-prong outlet may still be functional, but remember that it is no longer the contemporary safety standard. Three-prong plugs are increasingly standard in homes constructed after 1962. Because two-prong plugs are "ungrounded," they lack an additional "ground" wire that protects you from potential electrical surges. And without that added safeguard, you're more likely to encounter:
- Danger electrocution
- A fire caused by electricity
- Electronics failure
Having untidy used and unused cords
Electrical safety precautions do not apply to power cables when used; you must:
- Carefully and safely store cords to avoid damage.
- Keep cables out of reach of children and pets (who may chew on or play with the cords).
- Avoid wrapping cables tightly around things; this might cause the cord to strain or overheat.
- Never place it on a hot surface to avoid damage to the cord's insulation and wires.
Ignoring exposed wiring in the bathroom and other watery areas
Water is, of course, essential, while electricity is also needed in the bathroom area. Follow these:
- Repair any frayed or damaged wiring immediately - don’t be a candidate for electrical shocks or burns.
- Ensure that electrical sockets are far away from the shower or running water.
- Have the outlets equipped with GFCI.
- Do not use any electrical device while standing on the water.
- Have your electric heater hardwired into a circuit.
Overlooking Flickering Lights
Light flickering is common if you live in an older house, but the crucial word here is "occasional." If this occurs frequently, it indicates an electrical problem that needs immediate attention. Some of the causes of flickering lights are:
- Faulty light switches
- Difficulties with the light bulb (loosening sockets, etc.)
- Voltage fluctuation
- Overloaded circuits
- Loose electrical connections
- Overloaded circuits
When you notice any of the said symptoms, call a licensed emergency electrician right away to properly diagnose the problem and provide the best solution it needs.
Unplug unused appliances
When an appliance is not in use, unplug it. This precaution is one of the simplest electrical safety advice, but it is also one of the most often forgotten. Unplugging unwanted appliances will:
- Saves energy by lowering phantom drain (the energy the gadget uses even when not actively in use)
- Protects them from overheating or power surges.
Not having outdated wiring inspected
Electrical wiring is designed to survive 30 to 40 years, but outdated wiring can be a potential threat if you move into an old property. If you suspect your home has unsafe electrical wiring, such as the following symptoms, it is highly recommended to have an electrician inspect it and prescribe the next actions:
- Frequently tripped circuit breakers
- Flickering lights
- Buzzing or crackling sounds
- Frayed wires
- Aluminum wiring
- Warm or vibrating spots on outlets or walls
- Smoke from outlets or appliances
Rewiring your home might be an unexpected cost, but it will guarantee that your property is secure and up to code.
Not inspecting and maintaining a set of useful electrical tools
Always examine your tools before using them, and cease using them immediately if they need to be repaired. Look for:
- Frayed cables, exposed wires, and missing or loose prongs in your power tools.
- Look for fractures in the handles or body casings of your tools, broken switches and malfunctioning trigger locks.
- Use a damaged tool "just once more" before labeling it for repair.
- Remove damaged tools from service immediately, tag them so that no one else may use them, and engage in high-quality upkeep.
Using light bulbs with the wrong wattage
Something is fulfilling about changing out a light bulb. However, you must ensure that it is the correct bulb for your lamp, especially if you are utilizing smart home automation lamps. When replacing a bulb, do the following:
- Ensure the wattage is less than or equal to the lamp's maximum wattage - a sticker indicates this on the fixture.
- Ensure that any new lights you install in your home or basement are compatible with your existing electrical system.
Not using extension cords wisely
Our lives are made easier by extension cables. But did you realize they might be a major electrical threat at home? Using a defective, frayed, or loose extension cable is harmful, much like using other wires in your house. Using them for lengthy periods is also risky since they heat up quickly. So:
- Do not overload them
- Utilize three-prong plug extension cords
- Do not plug sensitive electronics
If you're regularly utilizing extension cords to gain electricity in a certain area of your house, talk to a certified electrician for safe and efficient house electrical inspection about adding more outlets.
Neglecting damaged smoke alarms
Smoke alarms are your first line of protection in a fire. They could save your life if they're genuinely working. It is suggested that you should:
- Have both battery-operated and hardwired smoke alarms.
- Change the batteries in battery-operated alarms at least once a year and test them once a month
- Test hardwired alarms once a month
Making Do-It-Yourself Repairs
Every DIY electrical project is unsafe, may be illegal, and puts your insurance at risk. Electricity, especially in complex constructions, is a critical matter. You might be:
- Electrocuted
- Set your property on fire
- Die
Saving a few dollars isn't worth it, especially if it results in calamity. Keep your safety in mind and consult a certified electrician when necessary. They are educated to analyze different types of electrical hazards and suggest appropriate remedies, and they also have the necessary equipment to get the job done safely and effectively.
People's actions and behaviors and inability to prioritize safety are typical causes of unintentional home fires. The good news is that you may change your poor habits and implement new ones at home, preventing electrical hazards and lessening the chance of accidents.
Have Home Alliance To Keep Your Home Safe & Functional
So now that you're aware of some of the electrical concerns, contact Home Alliance to ensure the safety and security of your home. We are your trustworthy 24 hr home service electrician near me throughout the region. We have been trusted for years as an electrician for home repair as we can detect unsafe electrical wiring and other shock hazard signs, providing safe and effective high voltage safety procedures and solutions for our customers. Want to know more about what to do when an electric panel is sparking? Contact us today for quality electrical service!
