Your Home’s Most Hazardous Electrical Issues – Part 2

As covered in Part 1, every year in the United States there are more than 50,000 electrical home fires that cause more than 2,500 deaths and 11,000 injuries. Part 2 will cover Outdated or Defective Wiring, Insufficient Electricity, Incorrect Light Bulbs, and Unsafe Electrical Outlets.

Outdated or Defective Wiring

Two deadly hazards are related to the condition of electrical wiring. As wires and circuits are being used constantly, they gradually deteriorate over time. Many older homes still have the original wiring from when the house was built. These outdated and possibly defective wires need to be replaced because they may cause a fire.

Insufficient Electricity

When there is not enough electricity to meet your home’s power demands, there will be warning signs that should be addressed immediately and not ignored.

• Appliances frequently trip circuit breakers when turned on
• Burning electrical smells from walls, outlets, or the electrical panel
• Damaged or fraying wiring
• Humming sound coming from electrical systems
• Sparks and smoke coming out from electrical outlets
• Warm spots on walls

If you observe any of the above, ask a licensed electrician to perform a safety inspection. This professional may find a wiring upgrade or heavy-up (electrical panel upgrade) is necessary.

Incorrect Light Bulbs

Every light bulb should have numbers indicating their wattage and how they should be used properly. Each lighting fixture or lamp has a wattage rating, so only light bulbs that do not exceed the fixture’s rating should be used to prevent electrical fires.

Unsafe Electrical Outlets

Studies estimate 5,000 people in the U.S. are treated in emergency rooms because of injuries caused by electrical outlets every year. Many of the unfortunate victims are children who insert metallic objects into outlets, then suffer a painful electrical shock. Homeowners with young children should ask a licensed electrician to install electrical outlets that have tamper-proof covers.

Electrical Services You Can Trust

Founded in 1991 and serving Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., where we are licensed and insured, Meyer Electrical Services provides home and commercial electrical services you can trust, including:

• Standby Generator Installation
• Panel Upgrades (Heavy-Ups)
• Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations
• Structured Cabling
• Circuit Breaker Replacement

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.