There is an estimated 25,000 homes that catch a severe electrical fire across America each year. An electrical fire is often due to a problem with the home’s electrical system, either by exposed wiring, loose connection or an unknown power surge that frequently flows through the circuits. To ensure your home is safer from a potential electrical fire, Burley Electrical Services will share how you can prevent an electrical fire.
Never Overload Your Electrical Outlets
One common mistake many homeowners will make that results in a residential electrical fire is overloading an outlet. When you do not have enough outlets to service your electronic needs, it is all too tempting to use power strips or plug-ins to fit all of the devices. However, this is a major mistake. When you overload an outlet the outlet itself will overheat or spark which triggers a fire. When you do not have enough outlets you may want to consider adding more circuit lines throughout the home and more outlet sites as to not overload a single outlet.
GFCI Outlet Not in the Right Place
A GFCI is a special type of outlet that is used near water such as sinks, the shower, and outside. These outlets have cut off power to the outlet to prevent a fire and electric shocks. A GFCI outlet by code must be used in these areas. For those in older homes you may need to have these outlets installed. To ensure electrical safety, check your home outlets and make sure any that are outside and near water fixtures have a GFCI outlet.
Beware of Flammable Objects Near Electrical
When you want to focus on making your home safer, be on the lookout for flammable items. Avoid having curtains, furniture and other items making contact with or near outlets, lamps, and light switches. A single spark can ignite flammable items and fuel a fire. Additionally, look for exposed wiring. Any wiring that is exposed should be capped and secured in a safe place.
Know Circuit Breaker Limit
To help make your home a safer place you should know the amps to each circuit in your home. Each circuit will range in amps between 15 to 20 amp circuits, unless it is a dedicated circuit which is higher in amps but used for demanding appliances. It is important to know how many amps is on each circuit so you do not overload the circuit.
Protect Electrical Wires in the Wall
Behind the walls is the electrical wiring that is fed through conduits. The wiring and conduits are then protected by striker plates. When nails, picture hangers, or screws pierce the wall and if you feel like you have hit the striker plate, do not keep driving the nail or screw into the wall. Carefully remove the nail or screw and fill in the hole. Do not use the area with wiring to hang anything or you risk a major fire hazard.
Electrical Wiring Inspections & More in Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland & Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Electrical safety is a major concern for homeowners and commercial property. Take the needed measures to ensure your home’s electrical safety. For electrical inspection, repairs, and more, contact Burley Electrical Services today.