Whether over time or out of simple neglect, electrical hazards can easily occur within your household, threatening your comfort, safety, and health. Often even resulting in electrical fires without warning, these hazards can be easily avoided with just a few simple solutions, the first of which involves identifying potential risks. That's why, in this article, we will explore some common electrical hazards at home and what you can do to start fixing them today.
Outdated or Poor Wiring and Electrical Panels
Electrical wiring and panels can become corroded and damaged after prolonged usage, making it a common household electrical hazard. This is very true of exposed wiring, which is more prone to sustain damage from a variety of sources. Depending on the age and condition of your home, outdated or poor wiring and electrical panels can often result in electrical fires, making them an important fire safety issue. As such, you should make sure all electrical wiring and panels in your home are up to date and in good functional condition. This should be done at regular intervals with routine electrical maintenance checks.
Overloaded Circuits
An easy way electrical hazards can cause fires is from overloaded circuits in your home. Coupled with poor wiring and electrical panels, extended or extensive electrical usage can easily overload your circuits. As such, it is important to monitor your home electric usage to avoid an overload. A great way to avoid electrical overloads is to use Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GCFIs) outlets in your home, which help protect against such risks.
Wet Conditions
The most obvious electrical hazards come from exposure to wet conditions. When near wet or damp conditions, your appliances pose a higher risk of an electrical shock. It is important to avoid water exposure near or around your electronics at all times if possible. Appliances that incorporate water usage in their functionality, such as dish and clothes washers, should garner additional vigilance on the part of the homeowner.
Faulty or Damaged Appliances
Through time and extensive use, electrical appliances can pose a unique and alarming hazard to your home. Depending on the wattage, faulty or damaged appliances can cause electric fires and deadly shocks. Do not use these appliances under any circumstances, as they pose a severe threat to your safety. Avoid this hazard through the proper maintenance and/or replacement of such appliances as needed.
Wrong Wattage Light Bulbs
One electrical hazard that can be easily overlooked is the installment or replacement of wrong-wattage light bulbs. Using the wrong wattage can result in circuit overload or even catastrophic failure, leaving you susceptible to electric shock and/or bulb shrapnel. Be sure always to check the recommended wattage of your light fixtures to avoid this occurrence.
At Estes Services, we can take care of all your electrical maintenance needs. No job is too big or small, including replacing light bulbs. In fact, our Electrical Plan, a part of our Maintenance Membership gives you peace of mind by not having to worry about installing the wrong wattage light bulbs, a common and overlooked electrical hazard.
Unprotected Electrical Outlets
Fundamental to the functionality of most household appliances, electrical outlets are prone to become electrical hazards in a number of ways. Unprotected electrical outlets can easily transmit electric shocks due to exposed wirings, damaged coverings, and misuse.
Avoid these hazards by always ensuring your electrical outlets are always covered and safe from misuse by pets and/or children.
Improper Use of Extension Cords
While very useful for elongating access to an electric charge, extension cords can provide a few electrical hazards to your home. Be sure to avoid damaging the protective layer of your extension cord and to only use properly rated extension cords. Failure to do so can result in electrical overload and bring harm to both you and your home.
Schedule Electrical Inspection Today
These are some of the most common electrical hazards in your home. Are you curious about the current state of your wiring or other potential electrical risks you may have? Schedule an electrical inspection with us today.
At Estes Services, we want to ensure the comfort and safety of your electrical system. Our licensed and certified Atlanta electricians can help you identify and rectify electrical hazards in your home.
We have proudly served the greater Atlanta area since 1949 as a locally owned and operated family business. Give us a call or schedule service now for any of your electrical needs. You will be saying, "It's that Easy; it's Estes!"
