Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Common Home Electrical Hazards You Should Be Aware Of

Most home fires are attributed to some sort of electrical fault. In the interest of keeping your family safe and protecting your investment, it is only right that you are aware of the common electrical hazards. It is also prudent that you go through these concerns periodically to ensure that your home is safe.

Note that any electrical repairs, replacements or updates should be done by a Geneva, IL electric company or professional electrician. DIY may seem cheaper but it could cause serious injury and even death.

Improper Wattage Light Bulbs

Replacing your bulbs is often a harmless task but it is crucial that you ensure the bulb you are using is of the correct wattage in relation to the lamp. Using a bulb with a higher wattage than what the lamp can accommodate safely may cause the fixture's wiring to overload which in turn may cause a fire. Check the lamp sockets before replacing your light bulbs and ensure the new bulb is either equal to or less than the maximum wattage.

Poor or Outdated Wiring

The most common cause of residential fires is faulty wiring. You may be due for an update if your home is more than 30 years old and you have never updated your wiring. Have a St. Charles, IL electrical expert or electrician come in every few years to inspect your wiring to ensure that you are both safe and compliant. You can also watch out for common signs of outdated or faulty wiring including;

•   Sparks from the outlets
•   Outlets feel warm
•   Lights flicker randomly
•   Breakers trip often

Call a licensed, bonded and insured electrician the moment you notice any of the aforementioned signs.

Exposed Electrical Outlets

Children are naturally curious so you need to ensure all your electrical outlets are properly covered or protected. Inserting objects into the outlet can lead to electrocution, shock or burns. A simple and inexpensive solution is to cover all your outlets with plastic closures. Alternatively, mount child safety wall plates that are specifically designed to protect children from electrocution.

Make sure that you hire an electrician if you intend to change or replace your electrical outlets. A simple and well-meaning project can easily turn tragic if you don’t have the right tools and equipment for this kind of work.

Using Unsafe Appliances

It might be a washing machine that trips the circuit breaker or a toaster that emits too much smoke. If your appliance doesn’t work properly, replace it or have it looked at by a professional. These appliances can easily cause electrical fires, burns, shocks and other injuries.

The first line of defense is to hire a ST. Charles, IL power company to inspect your electrical and wiring and give a professional verdict or recommendation. This is especially important for older homes or if you have never had an inspection or are overdue for one.

For more information visit our website: www.vonselectric.com

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