An electrical fire has the potential to cause serious damage to your home. In addition to destroying the property, an electrical fire can lead to bodily harm or death. Fortunately, you can follow some tips to improve the electrical safety in your home in order to reduce the chances of a fire. You can also learn about the signs of a brewing problem.
Turn Off and Unplug Appliances
As long as doing so is practical, turn off appliances and unplug them when they aren’t in use. Appliances can still draw electricity when they are turned off. While unplugging the refrigerator or the television regularly is likely impractical, you can unplug coffee makers, lamps, microwaves, toasters, and other small appliances. When you’re finished charging your cell phone, remove the charger from the outlet as well.
Practice Electrical Cord Safety
Placing electrical cords under rugs or in other areas where they are exposed to damage and decay can lead to a fire. Do not place electrical cords in high-traffic areas where they can be regularly walked on or kicked. You also should not overload the cord either. Make certain that the cord is compatible with its intended usage. For example, if you’re running an electrical cord outside, you have to ensure that the cord is for outdoor use.
Use Space Heaters With Caution
Avoid using space heaters when possible. Space heaters can pose a number of hazards. The heat of the device could melt the wires, or the unit could tip over and set surrounding items on fire. If you must use a space heater, make sure that an adult is always monitoring the unit. Select space heaters that come with an automatic turn-off feature in the event that the unit tips over. Never use a space heater when you’re sleeping.
Be Aware of Amperage
Overloading your home’s electrical system can cause a fire. Knowing the electrical load that your home can tolerate is pivotal in ensuring that you don’t exceed that amount. If you’re unsure, one of our team members can check it out. You can also consider upgrading the amperage so that the system can more safely keep up with your home’s demands.
Understand Separate Lines
Certain appliances need to be on their own electrical line. Examples of appliances that typically require dedicated circuits include refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers. Schedule an appointment to ensure that the appropriate appliances are on dedicated lines and to make the upgrades if necessary. Without dedicated lines, these appliances can draw too much current and start a fire.
Clean the Dryer Lint
Cleaning the lint from your dryer should be a regular part of your fire-prevention routine. However, an occasional at-home cleaning isn’t enough. Schedule professional lint cleanings on a regular basis.
Watch for Loose Outlets
You might not think a loose outlet is that much of a big deal. However, a loose outlet can actually be a sign of a pending electrical fire. If plugs are constantly slipping out of a particular outlet or the outlet is otherwise loose, schedule an appointment for an inspection.
Replace Outlets
Outlets don’t last forever, and older outlets can pose greater fire-safety risks than newer models. The exact lifespan of outlets varies, but some can last for up to two decades. Our team can take a look at the outlets in your home to determine which ones should take priority when it comes to replacement.
Be Aware of Strange Smells
Any burning smell warrants immediate emergency intervention. A fishy scent in your home can also indicate a problem with the electrical system that requires immediate attention. Burning insulation, for example, can give off the smell of fish.
Address Flickering Lights
Lights should not regularly flicker. If you notice that the lights dance whenever a certain appliance is running or lamps are randomly flickering in your home, a serious electrical issue may be the cause.
Buy the Proper Bulb
When it comes time to change the bulb in a home fixture, you might think that any old bulb will do. The truth is, however, that installing the improper bulb can actually cause a fire. Be certain to install the correct types of bulbs in each light fixture.
Get a New Panel
Your home’s electrical panel plays an important role in protecting against fires. Speak with one of our technicians about options, such as breakers that will cut off power if a fault is detected in the system. You could also look into a smart electrical panel to have even greater control over and access to your home’s system. Watch for signs that the current electrical panel is malfunctioning. For example, if the breakers aren’t tripping when they should, the panel is likely in need of an upgrade.
Rewire the House
Old wiring can increase the risk of an electrical fire. A house that was wired decades ago likely does not meet current safety codes. You can learn about options for both full rewiring and partial rewiring, depending on the current status of your home’s electrical system.
Get the House Grounded
Our expert electricians can check to see if your home is grounded or not. An ungrounded house is at a greater risk of an electrical fire, so making this home upgrade a priority is wise.
Update Appliances
Older appliances also threaten your home’s safety. While replacing all of the appliances at once might not be possible, our team can assess which of your home’s current appliances are the most dangerous. When you do purchase new appliances, inquire about how often you should expect to replace them.
Upgrade Your Home Smoke and Fire Monitoring System
In the event that a fire starts, early detection is pivotal, particularly in alerting you so that you can get your relatives and pets out of the house. Make sure that your smoke detectors are all working. Consider detectors that are connected to your home’s alarm system so that the emergency authorities are also immediately notified.
Seasonal Electrical Safety Tips
Different seasons bring unique electrical challenges that can increase the risk of fire if not properly managed. During the winter, be mindful of the increased use of space heaters and holiday lights, ensuring that all decorations are inspected for frayed wires and used with appropriate extension cords. In the summer, make sure that air conditioning units and fans are plugged into grounded outlets, and avoid overloading circuits. Regularly check outdoor outlets and cords for wear and tear due to weather exposure. By staying vigilant year-round, you can reduce the likelihood of seasonal electrical hazards in your home.
Here are Potts Electric, with locations in both St. Louis and Overland Park, we provide a full range of home electrical services to keep you and your loved ones safe. Speak with one of our representatives about specific upgrades that will boost the electrical safety of your house and reduce the risk of fires. We perform commercial work as well. Make sure to check out our specials, including financing plans and our membership program. We serve clients in numerous areas in St. Louis County and Kansas City, including Richmond Heights, Saint Charles, Valley Park, Blue Springs, and Lee’s Summit.
To get started on making your home a safer place to live, contact Potts Electric today.
