An electrician is required to undergo extensive training before they can receive a license to handle electrical jobs on their own. They’re trained to spot electrical issues and handle safety concerns professionally and effectively.
Though there isn’t much that homeowners can do on their own when it comes to electrical repairs, they can take steps to increase electrical safety in the home.
Electrical Wiring
Walk through the home and look for exposed, melted, cracked, or frayed wiring. If you see a damaged cord or electrical wire, call Blue Apple for professional electric service.
Be sure to keep electrical cords away from doorways and never run them under carpets. If you don’t have enough outlets in the home to power your electronics and appliances, you may need to upgrade the electrical system to accommodate additional outlets.
Outlets
The next step on your electrical safety checklist is outlet inspection. Make sure each outlet’s wiring is properly covered to prevent electric shock or burns. Look for signs of burning, strange odors, or cracks in the cover. If you notice any of these signs, you’ll need to repair the case and have a licensed electrician inspect the outlet to identify the underlying cause.
Light Bulbs
Always match the light bulb’s wattage to the lamp’s wattage. If a lamp is only built to handle light bulbs of 60 watts, never go higher than 60 watts. Depending on the type of light bulb that’s used, it may generate heat and require a shade or globe to cover it.
Appliances
Avoid plugging multiple appliances into one outlet. Each appliance uses significant energy and may cause wires to overheat if both appliances are drawing power simultaneously. If you notice lights dimming while using the appliance, unplug it and call Blue Apple for a professional inspection. The underlying cause could be overheating or failing wires.
GFCIs
A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is designed to reduce the risk of shock by shutting off power to an electrical circuit when an outlet is exposed to moisture. GFCIs are typically installed in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, garages, and outdoor areas.
Taking these safety precautions will protect your family and extend the life of the home’s electrical system. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Blue Apple Electric for a professional electrical inspection.