While electrical safety should be a top priority for all homeowners, many people are unaware of the risks present in their own homes. The failure to adequately address electrical dangers in Niceville, like in many other places, can result in severe accidents, injuries and fires. Knowing the most common electrical safety concerns and how to mitigate or remove them will help keep your home safe and secure.
Definition of an Electrical Hazard
An electrical hazard occurs when there is a risk of electric shock, burns or fires caused by contact with electricity. Faulty wiring, broken appliances, inappropriate extension cable usage and other similar issues can all contribute to these dangers. Even though they might not be visible at first glance, electrical hazards can be a major risk to home safety if not addressed correctly.
Outdated Wiring
Many older homes in Niceville still use outdated electrical systems that can’t keep up with the power needs of today’s electronics and appliances. A lot of older wiring, such as knob-and-tube or aluminum, isn’t up to code and can easily rust. Overheating is a potential danger associated with this old wiring, which can lead to electrical fires. If your home is older than 30 years, you should think about getting a certified electrician to check the wiring to make sure it’s up to code and can handle all of your electrical needs.
Overloaded Outlets
A lot of people don’t realize how risky it is to plug in numerous high-wattage appliances—like air conditioners, microwaves and space heaters—to the same outlet. Overloading can lead to electrical fires due to the excessive buildup of heat.
Arc Faults
When electrical wiring or connections break, the inadvertent discharge of electricity, or an “arc,” can create heat and ignite surrounding items. Insulation failure, weak connections and faulty wiring are the root causes of arc faults. Extremely hazardous arc faults are a typical cause of electrical fires. One way to lessen the likelihood of fires caused by electrical arcs is to install arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) in high-traffic areas of your house, like bedrooms and living rooms. AFCIs cut power to the circuit before a fire can develop.
Broken Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms play an essential role in the safety of your home, especially when dealing with electrical hazards. A working smoke alarm alerts you to fire and smoke, allowing you to swiftly exit the home. However, when you need a smoke alarm the most, it might not go off because of a malfunction, dead batteries or lack of routine testing. You can keep the alarm working as it should by changing the batteries at least once a year and testing the unit once a month.
Not Using Extension Cords Wisely
While extension cables have their uses, they also pose several electrical risks if not used properly. Extending an electrical cord too far, using it as a permanent fix or connecting numerous cords in a daisy chain all increase the likelihood of fire, electrical shock and overheating. Another typical but potentially hazardous mistake is to use an extension cord that isn’t rated for the wattage of the gadgets attached to it. To avoid damaging your extension cords, never run them under carpets or in heavily populated areas, and make sure you select cords with the appropriate rating.
Ground Faults
When electricity flows in the wrong direction and hits the ground, it can cause electric shock, a phenomenon known as a ground fault. This usually occurs in damp environments, like outdoors, kitchens and bathrooms, where water can easily reach electrical systems. To prevent electrocution, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) turn off the power to the circuit the second they detect a ground fault. Because GFCIs are not always present in older homes, it is vital to have them installed in rooms that have a lot of moisture, like the kitchen and bathrooms, to increase safety.
Lights With the Incorrect Wattage
A fixture can overheat and catch fire if you put in a bulb with too many watts. The problem is known as overlamping, and it increases the likelihood of electrical failure or fire by putting extra load on the fixture and wiring. To stay safe, always verify the wattage recommendations for your light fixtures and use bulbs that are within the limit.
Unprotected Outlets
Having unprotected outlets in the house is really dangerous, especially if you have kids. An exposed outlet poses a risk of accidental shock if someone touches or inserts something into it. This is particularly risky in damp environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens, where the possibility of a shock is higher. Installing tamper-resistant outlets or covering existing ones is a good way to keep young children and other vulnerable persons safe in the home.
Faulty Appliances and Cords
Cords can become frayed or split as appliances age, exposing wires and increasing the risk of fire or shock. The best way to avoid electrical risks is to check appliances and cords for wear and tear on a regular basis. It is critical to fix or replace an appliance without delay if you hear strange noises, see scorch marks or notice any exposed wires.
Factors That Increase Electrical Hazards in Niceville Homes
A common risk factor for electrical fires in Niceville homes is the use of old-fashioned fuse boxes instead of new circuit breakers. Other sources of heightened electrical risks include renovations and do-it-yourself electrical work. Inadequate electrical upgrades, unauthorized alterations and poorly built wiring can all lead to dangerous situations. If you want your electrical work done safely and according to code, you must use a qualified electrician.
Additional factors that can heighten electrical hazards in the Niceville area include high humidity and frequent storms. Lightning strikes can generate power surges that harm wiring and appliances, and moisture can corrode electrical components. You can lessen the impact of these weather-related risks by grounding your electrical system properly and installing surge protectors.
If you’re experiencing an electrical hazard in your home, contact Mister Sparky today.