Electrical Safety for New Homeowners
It may not be the most exciting aspect of buying your first home, but practicing electrical safety is an integral part of the homeowner experience. It allows you to garner a better knowledge of your own home, all while protecting it from the hazards a modern day electrical system presents. Here are some things you can do to improve electrical safety around the house.
1. Feel your outlets
Checking up on your outlets every so often is an easy way to ensure electrical safety in your home. Place your hand on the outlets and gauge the temperature you are feeling; if it’s overly hot, you might have a problem. A solution for this is to take the electrical load off the outlet by unplugging cords. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may have loose or melting wiring. This should be looked at by a professional as soon as possible. Be sure to replace any two-pronged outlets with the safer three-pronged variants as well. These are much safer and take less of a toll on your electrical system.
2. Check your cords
Just like any other household appliance, the cords in your electrical system break down over time. If any cords are frayed, cracked, or damaged, replace them as soon as possible. Beyond the safety hazards associated with this issue, it is also more difficult to replace these cords the longer you wait. Furthermore, take note of anything that emits small electrical shocks or sparks. These are also signs of damaged electrical products that will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. As a basic rule of thumb, be sure to check your household appliance cords as well. They can pose just as much of a safety risk as the regular electrical wiring.
3. Understand your electric panel
Electrical systems are constantly changing, and as such, you should have an innate knowledge of your electrical panel. Over the years, many different types and brands of electrical panels have been installed in homes. Those that are no longer being manufactured may pose electrical risks that could lead to a fire. Beyond learning about the make and model of your electrical panel, a basic rule for safety is that it should never feel hot to the touch. This is a sign that there may be big issues with your electrical system, and you should have it looked at as soon as possible.
4. Ensure annual checkups
Beyond the aforementioned safety measures, it’s important to have a professional run a diagnostic of your house at least once a year. Whether you are a new homeowner or a seasoned veteran, there are some aspects of your electrical system that are best left to experienced individuals. They can give you an educated opinion on how safe your home is, and alleviate any lingering worries about outlets and electrical panels.
Getting a better idea of how to be safe with your electric system is easier than you think. To schedule an appointment and learn more about our electrical options, contact the pros at SameDay Heating & Air.
Give us a call at (801) 726-3329, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter!
