Practice Electrical Safety for Electrical Safety Month!
In honor of National Electrical Safety Month, experienced electricians want to remind homeowners to practice electrical safety not just this month but all year round. Electrical safety is critical for preventing electrocutions, electrical fires, and other accidents in a home.
Homeowners can take simple steps to ensure their electrical systems are safe, starting with awareness and knowledge. In this article, these experts share some essential electrical safety tips and devices that every homeowner should know about to keep their homes safe.
Essential Electrical Safety Devices for Your Home
To protect the home and loved ones from electrical hazards, it's crucial to have the right safety devices in place. Electrical safety devices such as fuses, circuit breakers, and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are designed to prevent electrical fires, shocks, and other electric hazards. Installing them in any electrical system is a must for ensuring safety, and it’s essential to ensure that these devices are regularly tested and maintained to remain in working order.
Fuses protect against overloads by detecting an increase in current and automatically disconnecting the circuit. They are made of a metal strip that melts when too much current passes through them, thus breaking the connection and preventing further current from flowing. Circuit breakers detect a potential problem, such as an overload or short-circuit, and then automatically open the circuit, preventing further current from passing through and protecting the circuit from damage. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) protect people by detecting any difference between the incoming and outgoing electrical currents, indicating a potential shock hazard. If such an imbalance is detected, the GFCI will automatically disconnect the circuit, preventing anyone from being shocked.
Ways to Identify Overloaded Electrical Circuits
As the number of electronic devices and appliances used in homes increases, the risk of circuit overload also increases. Overloaded electrical circuits can cause damage to appliances and devices and even start an electrical fire, so it’s vital to identify the signs of an overloaded circuit to prevent hazardous situations. Here are some signs of circuit overloads to look out for:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Breakers that trip frequently
- Buzzing or sizzling sounds from outlets or switches
- Warm or discolored outlets or switch plates
- Burning smells coming from outlets or switches
- Outlets or switches that don't work properly
If homeowners notice any of these signs, it is crucial to contact a qualified electrician to inspect the electrical system and address any issues that may be present to prevent electrical hazards.
Protect Electronics With Whole Home Surge Protection
Every year, power surges caused by lightning, electrical grid disruptions, or high-powered appliances damage countless electronic devices in American homes. A power surge can fry expensive electronics and cause irreparable damage. That's why investing in whole home surge protection is essential to protect appliances and devices from power surges.
A whole home surge protector will act as a barrier between the power source and the home’s internal wiring. It effectively blocks any potentially damaging power surges and prevents surges from reaching electronics, ultimately extending their lifespan and saving money in replacement costs. In addition, they can also protect against power outages and voltage fluctuations. By installing a whole home surge protector, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their valuable electronics and appliances are safe from sudden power spikes.
About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air
Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has been serving residents of Jupiter, FL, and the surrounding areas since 1988. They provide upfront pricing, on-time arrivals, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical or surge protector services in Jupiter, FL.