This Friday the 13th, make your own luck with electrical safety tips for your home. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), there are an estimated 51,000 home electrical fires each year. This accounts for nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and 1.3 billion in property damage. To help combat this problem, it is important to pay attention to your home\u2019s electrical system. Being mindful of small warning signs and taking immediate action when a problem arises will go a long way in keeping your household safe from electrical fires. The experts at Home Service Heroes want to ensure our Tampa Bay neighbors have \u201cgood luck\u201d with their electrical system, so we\u2019ve compiled a list of tips recommended by the ESFI.<\/p>\n
Installing smoke detectors is a proven method for keeping a household safe. But in addition to proper installation, proper maintenance must be followed to ensure the units perform when needed.<\/p>\n
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are circuit breakers that \u201cbreak\u201d the circuit connection when an electric arc is detected \u2013 helping to prevent electrical fires. These essential tools can distinguish between a harmless arc and a more potentially dangerous one. Since 2014, the National Electrical Code (NEC) has required them to protect most residential outlets \u2013 but older homes might need to be retrofitted.<\/p>\n
It is imperative that every household establish and practice an emergency evacuation in the case of a fire. Homes with small children will want to make sure that systems are in place for easy access and quick exit.<\/p>\n
Make sure that new light bulbs match the recommended wattage on the light fixture. Placing a higher wattage into a fixture is a dangerous fire hazard. Look for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which use less energy than the more common incandescent and last a lot longer.<\/p>\n
Flickering lights and appliances, sizzling\/bussing sounds coming from outlets, and circuit breakers that trip repeatedly are common signs of electrical system problems. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is imperative that you contact a qualified electrician to check them out.<\/p>\n
If you are using extension cords or have to unplug essential appliances to use others, you might need to have additional circuits installed. Outlets that are inundated with multiple adapters or power strips are also signs that an additional circuit might be needed.<\/p>\n
When purchasing new large appliances, make sure that they have been approved by Underwriters Laboratories (or another reputable consumer lab). This will ensure that the design has been thoroughly tested and approved for consumer safety.<\/p>\n
Regularly check appliance\/electronics cords for cracks, fraying, or kinks. This includes extension cords, outdoor tools, holiday lights, and anything in your home that has an electrical cord. If a cord has been damaged, it is always best to have the item replaced.<\/p>\n
Most modern homes are outfitted with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These are mainly installed anywhere inside (or outside) the home where there are water fixtures. These essential devices shit off the connected power circuit when it detects a current flowing along an unintended path (such as water or a person). These devices can also prevent some electrical fires, (which can happen when a live wire touches a metal conduit for example).<\/p>\n
If you have an older home, make sure that the electrical system has been inspected by a qualified electrician within the last 10 years. This will ensure that it meets the safety standards set by the NEC, which can help in reducing electrical problems \u2013 including fires.<\/p>\n