Your Home’s Most Hazardous Electrical Issues – Part 1
Few of us can function without electrical power on a daily basis. Electricity makes life safer and more convenient, but it also brings dangers into your home. Studies by the ESFI (Electrical Safety Foundation International) estimate there are more than 50,000 electrical home fires in the U.S. every year. These fires result in more than 2,500 deaths and 11,000 injuries annually. The following will discuss your home’s most hazardous electrical issues and the ways to prevent them.
Unsafe Use of Extension Cords
We often rely on extension cords to supply electricity to rooms that do not have enough outlets. Even though convenient, they cause about 3,000 home fires every year. The risk of fire can decrease by using extension cords safely as set forth below.
- Inspect an extension cord before using it. Don’t use one that is damaged.
- Don’t connect two different extension cords so you can power an area farther away.
- Extension cords should only be used temporarily, and they should never be run through walls and inside ceilings for permanent use.
- Extension cords should never be laid over wet areas.
For the safety of your home and family, we recommend hiring a licensed electrician to install additional wiring and outlets in areas or rooms that need more power.
Overloaded Outlets
Using power strips or outlet adapters that have multiple appliances plugged in pose a greater risk of an electrical fire. Every outlet inside your house is rated to safely provide a specific amount of electricity. A licensed electrician can calculate the safe electrical load of every room. Knowing this information will help you avoid overloading outlets.
Electricity & Water
There is a wise saying that points out that electricity and water do not mix. Combining them may lead to an electrical shock that can be harmful or even fatal. In order to ensure safety, an outlet should be positioned as far as possible from the source of water and equipped with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). Featuring test and reset buttons, GFCI outlets are required for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where water is present.
Part 2 will cover Outdated or Defective Wiring, Insufficient Electricity, Incorrect Light Bulbs, and Unsafe Electrical Outlets.
Electrical Services You Can Trust
Founded in 1991, Meyer Electrical Services provides home and commercial electrical services in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., where we are licensed and insured. Based in Bethesda, our team proudly serves all of Montgomery County. Receive a free consultation for custom electrical work today by calling (301) 941-1400.