Older homes have an incredible amount of charm and nostalgia. While some of that charm stems from the old-world construction practices of ornate stonework and interesting woodworking, there are also negative aspects of living in a dated home, namely the electrical system. We bought our first older home a few years ago, and it has been interesting to see just how much of a problem the electrical system has been. We knew that we needed to update a large portion of the space, so we started going through and having sections replaced. This website is here to help other people to know when to work with electricians.
Electrical fires are a sobering reality for far too many American families each year. In fact, according to recent statistics provided by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), approximately 51,000 residential electrical fires occur annually, resulting in as many as 500 fatalities, as well as more than 1400 injuries, and an estimated $1.3 billion in property damage. Many home electrical fires are caused each year by the careless or improper use of electricity, connections, or appliances in the home. Families who want to reduce the risk of experiencing an electrical fire in their home can start with these simple tips.
Use extension cords correctly
Overheated or damaged extension cords are a frequent cause of home electrical fires. This most often happens when families begin relying on the use of an extension cord to replace a non-working electrical circuit or outlet in their home or when the extension cord is not properly sized for the use it is expected to perform. To lessen the risk of this type of electrical fire, families should only use an extension cord as a temporary measure, make sure to size the cord properly, and then use an extension cord only under the supervision of a responsible adult.
Inspect appliances and choose the right light bulbs
Homeowners should also take a moment to inspect the cords and plugs on each appliance before plugging it into the electrical system of their home. Damaged cords and broken plugs can cause the appliance to malfunction or overheat and potentially cause an electrical fire to begin.
It is also important to correctly size light bulbs to the lamp or light fixture in which they will be used to help prevent overheating and reduce the risk of electrical fire.
Invest in a home electrical system evaluation
Another critical step for avoiding a home electrical fire is to have your existing electrical system inspected by a certified electrical contractor. This is especially important for families who are currently living in an older home or those who suspect their wiring was installed or repaired by someone without proper knowledge or certifications to ensure that it was done safely. An electrical system inspection should include:
- an examination of the wire and connections to ensure they are safe for usage
- an evaluation of the electrical panel to ensure that it is properly sized and grounded for the electrical usage in the home
- an inspection of each circuit in the home to look for signs of potential damage, such as discolored or non-working sockets and switches and unsafe wiring connections and splices
To schedule an electrical inspection for your home, contact a business such as Double D Electric.