Be Aware of These Home Electrical Hazards
Part of being a homeowner is being aware of potential hazards that could harm the home or the people in it. And although most home’s electrical systems are fairly safe, it doesn’t mean that there’s no possibility of an electrical fire or other damage from an electrical malfunction. In fact, misuse of everyday electrical appliances and fixtures can lead to hazards that should be avoided with some basic precautions. For tips on spotting and avoiding 3 common electrical hazards, read on.
Power Strips
Not all power strips are created equal. And just because there are so many plugs on a strip doesn’t mean that they should all be used. In fact, overloading a power strip can cause a number of problems. It’s important to never run more voltage through a power strip than the strip is rated for.
The best power strips tend to have the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) seal of approval. Homeowners should also get power strips that have circuit breakers included. These breakers are designed to trip if the strip is overloaded, preventing electrical fire and damage to the home or appliances.
Wiring Issues
Another major cause of electrical hazards comes from the wiring in the home. In fact, most residential fires happen as a result of faulty wiring. This is why it’s very important to know the signs and symptoms of faulty wiring. Some signs that the wiring is failing are:
- light switches and/or plugs that are hot to the touch
- flickering lights
- constantly tripping breakers
- sparking plugs
- scorched plugs
But faulty wiring isn’t the only cause of electrical fires. The age of the wiring can be a cause, too. Homes that have wiring systems of 30 years or older are at increased risk of dangerous wiring issues. Those homeowners who live in homes with old wiring should have a professional electrician check the system yearly. Or, better yet, they should have the electrical system upgraded as soon as possible.
High-Wattage Light Bulbs
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that using the wrong light bulb can cause an electrical fire. While a fire may not be the first thing that happens when a light bulb overheats, it can also melt the socket and the wiring. This can cause expensive damage to the fixture even if it doesn’t cause a fire.
Light bulbs with a higher wattage than the lamp or fixture is rated for can cause damage. Luckily, it’s easy enough for homeowners to double-check the fixture and light bulb wattage to make sure that the bulb they want to put in is of an equal or lower wattage. Rooms that need more light are better off with a new, higher-wattage lamp instead of a high-wattage light bulb in a low-wattage fixture.
About Electric City
Electric City has served Katy, TX since 2008. They offer upfront pricing and super workmanship on every job. They also provide a satisfaction guarantee for homeowners’ peace of mind. Call today for electrical service!
