One of the single most important things that your electrician wants you to know about is how to keep your home safe from the risk of electrical fires. Household electrical wiring circuits can be a maze of confusion and potential safety hazards. That's why it's important that you understand the basics of electrical fire prevention and general household electrical safety. Here are some of the things that your electrician wants you to know in order to reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home.
Use Power Strips And Extension Cords Sparingly
It's tempting to plug a power strip or two in to expand the capacity in your electrical circuit. However, remember that a power strip expands the electrical draw on that circuit, and you may inadvertently draw more than the circuit can effectively handle. This can lead to an electrical fire due to overworking the circuit.
If you find yourself running out of available outlets, you may be tempted to just plug in a few extra power strips to expand your capacity. Instead, reach out to a local electrician and have your electrical circuit assessed for a better expansion.
Install GFCI Outlets
The outlets installed in your bathrooms, kitchen, and anywhere else where water exposure is a risk should all be GFCI outlets. These have integrated circuit breaker systems that shut the outlet off if there's a risk of water exposure. If you don't currently have GFCI outlets in these areas, you should reach out to a local electrician to have them installed. Additionally, you should test your GFCI outlets regularly to be sure that they are functioning the way that they are supposed to.
Upgrade Old Appliances, Outlets, And Wiring
Have your electrician examine your home for any old, outdated, or unsafe appliances. They should also test your outlets and inspect your wiring. Consider this type of inspection annually so that you can recognize and address any aging issues that may put your home at risk of an electrical fire. Remember that older appliances aren't designed for modern electrical demand, and a damaged electrical circuit or fixtures can be hazardous as well.
These are some of the things that you need to understand when it comes to residential electrical systems and protecting your home from electrical fires. The more you understand about your home's electrical circuit, the easier it is for you to protect your home and your family. Talk with your local electrician for more help and information. They can help you assess your safety risk and protect your home.