
Electrical hazards can be a serious safety concern. Fortunately, following basic electrical safety guidelines, scheduling regular inspections, and working with a trusted power provider can help minimize the risks associated with these hazards in your home.
Flickering lights, tripping circuit breakers, burning odors, and outlets that feel warm are all telltale signs of electrical problems at home. Learn about 5 of the most common electrical safety hazards and how to prevent them.
Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring is one of the most common electrical hazards that can cause fires, electrocution, and other dangerous conditions. Faulty wiring is usually a sign of old or damaged wires and can be caused by a variety of factors. Flickering lights, tripped circuit breakers, burning odors, and loose outlets are all signs of faulty wiring that should be addressed immediately by an electrician.
Another way to spot faulty wiring is by noticing the presence of exposed wires, ensure safety and efficiency. Exposed wires can be a serious danger because they are at risk of being cut or chewed through by rodents, leading to shorting out and electrical fires. Another indication of faulty wiring is when you hear buzzing or fizzing sounds coming from the outlet. This indicates that electric current is jumping between the wires and causing them to spark.
If you notice a burning smell or see smoke coming from an outlet, it is important to turn off the power and call a professional. These are both signs of a severe problem that can lead to a house fire or even carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your home’s electrical system, it is recommended that you have a professional from Integrity Home Solutions inspect it and make necessary repairs. Preventing electrical hazards can be easy by following these tips and having your home regularly inspected by a professional. The safety of your family is worth the investment! Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our professional team is always here to help! We look forward to hearing from you. We offer a wide range of services including rewiring, surge protection, generator installations, and much more!
Overloaded Circuits
When too much power is drawn from one of your circuits, it can overload the wires and cause a fire. Electrical outlets and switches are designed with safety features, including circuit breakers that shut off the flow of electricity when it exceeds their limit. However, if these switches and receptacles are not properly installed or used, they can become overloaded. This is common when people plug too many devices into a single outlet or power strip, especially during pot lucks and holiday events. It is also possible for high-powered appliances like microwaves and air conditioners to draw too much power from the same circuit if they are plugged in with lower-powered items such as lamps or refrigerators.
Overloaded circuits may produce symptoms like flickering lights, blown fuses and frequently tripping circuit breakers. The best way to identify a problem with your electrical system is by turning off the breaker in the main panel or removing the fuse for older homes and mapping out the circuits through your home by testing outlets, flipping light switches and using a test light. If you find a circuit is overloaded, it’s important to redistribute the load or upgrade your electrical wiring.
Other common electrical hazards include the use of extension cords for long periods of time and daisy chaining them together, as well as tripping over or pulling on a frayed power cord that exposes conductive materials and can create an electric shock or spark a fire. These dangers can be avoided by following electrical safety guidelines, regularly inspecting and maintaining your home’s wiring and using qualified electricians for installations and repairs. In addition, ensuring proper installation of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) is another way to reduce the risk of an electrical fire.
Improper Use of Extension Cords
Many people use extension cords at home for a wide variety of purposes. However, if used incorrectly, these cords can lead to electrical fires and other hazards. One common misuse of extension cords involves overloading them with appliances that exceed their rated voltage. Another is using them as a permanent power solution instead of as temporary fix. Lastly, it is important to ensure that all cords are in good condition before each use. A single frayed wire can expose you to an electric shock and can easily cause a fire.
If you notice that your cords are becoming worn or damaged, it’s best to discard them immediately and replace them with new ones. It’s also essential to only use extension cords that are rated for the appliances and tools you’re plugging in, as well as being compatible with your outlets. Avoid cutting the third prong off of extension cords to force them into two-prong outlets, as this can damage the internal wiring and create a fire hazard.
Additionally, always check to make sure that extension cords aren’t being run through walls, doorways or ceilings, and never cover them with furniture or carpets. If a cord becomes covered in these materials, heat cannot escape, and this can also cause it to overheat and become a fire hazard. Also, never attempt to “fix” a cord by wrapping it with electrical tape, as this can be extremely dangerous. Instead, call a professional residential electrician to have the cord repaired properly for safety’s sake.
Exposed Wiring
Exposed wiring poses a major risk of electrical fires and electrocution. Over time, the insulation on wires can become brittle or crack, exposing the live conductors inside. These exposed wires are easily touched by curious children or pets, and can cause shocks or even ignite a house fire. If you notice exposed wiring, it is best to contact a professional immediately. The technician will be able to determine the further course of action, as well as test whether or not the wiring is still live.
Another common source of electrical hazards at home is overloaded circuits. Overloaded circuits can cause fires, especially when used with old and outdated appliances or with extension cords that are not plugged in correctly. To prevent overloaded circuits, ensure you have enough outlets for your electrical devices and never plug too many things into one outlet. Also, always use GFCI outlets in wet areas to protect against overheating and potential fires.
Keeping your home safe from electrical hazards requires a combination of regular inspections, using quality electrical products, proper cord care and usage, and educating your family members on electrical safety. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and exposed electrical components are among the leading causes of residential fires, and can pose a serious threat to your family’s safety. By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing an electrical accident at home. You can also help to mitigate the risks of these issues by having your home’s wiring inspected and upgraded periodically by a qualified electrician from Veteran Air. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment! We look forward to keeping your home and your family safe.
Frayed Power Cords
Over time, normal wear and tear can cause electrical cords to become frayed. This is a huge safety hazard and should not be ignored. When cords are frayed, they can break open and expose live wires. This can lead to a fire or electrocution. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that can help prevent and fix frayed power cords.
First, make sure to turn off the power to any outlets where you suspect a problem. Then, carefully inspect the cord for signs of damage. If you notice any nicks or cuts, it’s a good idea to replace the cord immediately.
You can use electrical tape to prevent both corrosion and shock if the cord is not too damaged. To do this, simply wrap the cut area several times with the tape, making sure that there are no gaps or wrinkles. You can also wrap the entire cord with tape to keep it from breaking apart, but this isn’t as effective since the cord will still have a center valley.
Heat-shrink tubing is a more permanent solution that will provide even more protection. Cut a piece of tubing twice as long as the exposed area. Then, place it over the damaged area and apply gentle pressure. Wait for 24 hours and the tubing will shrink down to protect the wires. This method will not work for cables with ends that are larger than the cable, such as chargers.
If the plug is the only part of the cord that’s defective, you can easily repair it with some basic tools. Start by removing the plug end from the cord. Then, strip away the insulation with a pair of wire strippers. Once you’ve removed the outer layer, you should be able to see each conductor wire. Identify which ones are black, white and grounding by looking for a ridge along the cord or printed identifying information on the caps.