Electrical maintenance is crucial for ensuring protection of your family and property. Outdated electrical wires and circuits can lead to a host of problems, one of which is electrical fires. Studies show that electrical fires lead to more than 50,000 fires each year, resulting in approximately 500 deaths and more than $1 billion in property damage. It also causes lots of inconveniences when something electrical that you don’t realize you use every day breaks. For example, you probably open and close your garage door countless times but you never think about having to get garage door opener repaired until it suddenly doesn’t work and you have to leave your car in the street. Homeowners, therefore, are required to have a sufficient understanding of potential electrical problems so they can effectively implement regular preventative electrical maintenance.
We at T&Z provide top tips you can use to ensure you take a hands-on approach to preventing electrical issues in your home. These are as follows.
Check your home fuse or breaker
If your house circuit breaker or fuse trips frequently, this is a sign that you have issues with your electrical circuit system. You may need a new panel. Newer homes have breakers while older ones have fuses. Be sure to check if they trip or blow on a regular basis. If this is the case, get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further problems, and you need to call us out to handle an emergency situation.
Avoid water from coming into contact with electricity
Always go the extra mile to ensure that water does not come into contact with electricity in anyway whatsoever. A failure to do this can increase the risk of you or your family member getting electrical shocks that can prove fatal. Therefore, make sure you turn off and unplug all appliances before you clean them with soap and water. Also, wear rubber-soled protective footwear and clothing and make sure your hair is dry and within good distance from the appliance.
Change frayed wires and bad plugs
You should also keep a lookout for frayed wires as these can easily emit sparks that can result in electrical fires. Instead of waiting for the fire extinguisher to put the fire out, plan in advance by having them replaced. Make sure you switch off all kitchen and household appliances and either unplug them or cut connection from its main source.
Replace aluminum wires with copper wires
If you home was built between 1960s and 1970s, it may be possible that you have aluminum wires. If this so, make sure you get them replaced with copper wires as the former has shorter lifespan than the latter. Aluminum wires can work efficiently, but if they are used for too long, it can result in overheating that may result in extreme burning and electrical fires.
Hire a professional service
It can be too easy to think you can carry out all electrical work by yourself. While you may be able to check a few wires, replacing and fixing old switches, circuit breakers, and frayed wires calls for professional help. Seeking preventative electrical maintenance services from a trained professional will ensure all your electrical maintenance work is carried out using best practices and in conformity with electrical codes. Electricians will have the expertise in inspecting all areas of your house and diagnose problems with the safest and quickest means. You need to make sure you get the right detection and alarm systems because if not that you’ll need some electrical maintenance to accurately diagnose your electrical issues.