Maintaining your home’s electrical system is crucial in providing electrical safety for you and your family. According to the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association), electrical malfunctions in one- or two-family homes were responsible for an estimated 43,000 fires, resulting in 430 deaths between 2007 and 2011. Fires do not pose the only problem when it comes to electricity. Faulty electrical components can also cause serious injuries due to electrical shock.
By familiarizing yourself with the warning signs that indicate a problem, you can quickly act to eliminate the potential hazards associated with it. While a few of the problems can be remedied yourself, others might require the services of a certified electrical contractor.
Power and Extension Cords
Use extension cords and outlet adapters sparingly to avoid overloading your home’s electrical circuits and wiring. These common devices are intended as a temporary solution and should never be used as a permanent extension to your home’s wiring system. According to the National Electrical Code, the use of extension cords should not exceed 90 days of constant use.
Verify that three-pronged plugs are only inserted into three-slot outlets. Forcing a three-prong plug into a two-slot outlet creates a serious safety hazard. You should also verify that all plugs are plugged into wall outlets securely and that the blades of the plug are not exposed.
Electrical Wiring
The following symptoms may indicate a problem with your home’s electrical safety:
- Worn, cut, cracked or broken wire insulation
- Circuit breakers that trip often or frequently blown fuses
- Buzzing, cracking or sizzling sounds emanating from the circuit breaker box
- Visible evidence of sparks, arcs or flashes of bright light anywhere in your electrical system
- Dimming or flickering lights
Electrical Outlets and Receptacles
- Replace worn, loose or cracked wall receptacles or switches.
- If you notice heat emanating from the receptacle or switch plates, you might have an overloaded receptacle, faulty receptacle, loose connection, or serious wiring problem.
- Discolored switch plates are usually damaged from heat emanating from within, which indicated a serious wiring problem.
Safety
If you suspect any of your electrical equipment is unsafe, call a professional immediately. If you are inspecting your own equipment to look for the problems above, follow these safety procedures.
- Before inspecting electrical wiring or its components, verify that the electricity is off by flipping the main breaker in the circuit panel box to the off position.
- Always wear heavy, rubber-soled shoes when you’re working with electricity.
- Recruit an assistant to help with your inspection to take notes and to provide an additional layer of safety in case of accident.
- Never work around electricity in wet conditions, thunder storms or when water is present. Water increases the risk of accidental shock.
While the homeowner can identify and correct some of these problems easily, others require the attention of a certified licensed electrical contractor.
Norcross-area homeowners who are apprehensive about working around electricity and electrical components should always contact a professional, state-certified licensed electrical contractor. If you notice or experience any of the symptoms listed above, act quickly and do not hesitate to remedy the problem. The safety of you and your family may depend on it.
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