If you’re like many homeowners, you use electricity throughout the day without putting much thought into the wires behind your walls. You might start the morning with a cup of brew made in your coffee pot, plug in your phone before heading to work, and turn on the lights upon returning home in the evening. You probably don’t think of these actions as particularly dangerous, and they inherently aren’t. However, electricity can have fatal consequences, so it’s important for you and your loved ones to review electrical safety tips for homeowners.
Update Outlets
Problems with your home’s electrical outlets can lead to both fires and electrocution. Old, worn outlets should be replaced to avoid a fire. You may notice that an outlet does not hold plugs as well as it used to, resulting in a loose connection. Another sign that an outlet needs to be replaced is if it has burn marks on it.
Also, some of your home’s older outlets may need to be updated. For example, the National Electrical Code requires ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets to be in place near water sources. The outlets by your kitchen and bathroom sinks should be this type to protect against electrocution.
GFCI outlets enhance electrical safety by monitoring the current flow in a circuit and detecting any discrepancies that may indicate a ground fault. The outlet contains sensors that continuously measure the current flowing from the live wire to the neutral wire. Under normal conditions, the flow between these two wires should be equal. If there is an imbalance, it suggests that some current is leaking out of the circuit, potentially electrocuting a person. GFCIs are highly sensitive and can detect differences as small as four milliamps. When an imbalance is detected, the GFCI responds by cutting off the power to the circuit. This rapid response significantly reduces the risk of electric shock.
Unplug Appliances
You might think that leaving the plug in the outlet is entirely safe as long as an appliance is turned off. However, fires can start whenever an appliance is connected to electricity. Make sure to unplug appliances when they aren’t in use if possible. It’s impractical to unplug things like your refrigerator regularly. However, you can certainly unplug your coffee pot, toaster, and microwave. Unplugging these items can also help reduce your energy bills.
Protect Children and Pets
Little ones might be curious about electrical outlets, or your pets might try to stick their paws in the holes. Get outlet covers to protect against devastating and deadly accidents. You can talk to an electrician about the safest child-proof outlet covers to protect against electrocution. Also, make sure that children and pets don’t have access to electrical cords, which could be strangulation hazards in addition to presenting a risk of electrocution.
Check the Wattage on Light Bulbs
When a bulb goes out, it’s crucial not to just replace it with any old light bulb. Always check to ensure that the new light bulb matches the correct wattage for the fixture. Using a bulb with a higher wattage than recommended can cause the fixture to overheat, potentially leading to a fire. Most light fixtures have a label indicating the maximum wattage allowed. If you’re unsure about the appropriate wattage for your home’s fixtures, consult the fixture’s manual or contact an electrician for advice. This simple step can prevent fire hazards and ensure your home remains safe.
Watch for Flickering and Blown Bulbs
Light bulbs should not flicker. Frequently flicking lights can indicate a major problem with your home’s wiring or light switches. You may also notice that the light bulbs dim throughout the house whenever a major appliance is on, which is a sign that a circuit or your electrical panel is overloaded.
A light bulb that constantly needs to be replaced could simply mean that that the fixture’s wiring is faulty. However, a more severe problem with your home’s electrical system can lead to fluctuating current, causing multiple light bulbs to blow regularly. Flicking, dimming, and frequently blown light bulbs are signs that it is time to contact an electrician to identify the cause of these issues.
Be Careful With Extension Cords
Extension cords are known for being tripping hazards, but these common home accessories can also lead to fires or electrocution. You should not plug one extension cord into another. If you’ve been stringing extension cords together to get an appliance to reach a certain outlet, the solution is to book an appointment to have a professional install an additional one.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Getting an updated electrical panel helps to keep your home safer. If you have an older house, your current panel may not have been designed to handle the current electrical load you put on it. Modern air conditioners and appliances draw a lot of electricity. Whoever installed your home’s wiring and panel probably did not consider these modern conveniences when designing your electrical system.
Pay attention to Unusual Smells
Some signs of possible electrical trouble, such as a burning smell, are clear indications that you need to contact the professionals. However, other signs appear in more subtle ways. You might not know, for example, that a fishy smell in the house could be a warning sign of an electrical fire. This odor is caused by the overheating of electrical components, such as wiring, circuit breakers, or outlets. When these components overheat, the plastic, rubber, or other insulating materials can emit a fishy or urine-like smell as they melt and potentially burn. If you notice unusual smells and cannot identify the source, contact an electrician to schedule an inspection immediately. You should consider this issue an emergency.
Consider Installing a Whole-Home Generator
Power outages can be more than just an inconvenience; they can pose significant safety risks. Attempting do-it-yourself solutions like portable generators to restore power during a blackout can be dangerous.
Installing a whole-home generator is a much safer and more reliable option to ensure your home remains powered during emergencies.
Whole-home generators automatically kick in when the power goes out, providing seamless and immediate backup power to your entire house.
Unlike portable generators, which require manual setup and can pose risks like carbon monoxide poisoning if not used correctly, whole-home generators are installed permanently and connected directly to your home’s electrical system. This means you won’t have to worry about running extension cords or manually starting a generator during a crisis.
Additionally, whole-home generators can power your HVAC system, medical devices, and security systems, which are essential during extended outages.
Contact the Pros
Here at Mend Services in Austin, we are committed to keeping you, your loved ones and your home safe. We offer a full range of electrical services, including whole-home electrification and generator installation. In addition, we install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. You can also count on us for your plumbing needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
