Electricians: Ignite a Spark and Learn About Electricy

Electricians: Ignite a Spark and Learn About Electricy

Residential Electrical Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners

Byron Holmes

Many homeowners only pick up their phones to call electricians when things get out of hand -- for instance, when a fuse blows because of an electrical surge. However, by the time such an incident happens, it could be too late; your home might be engulfed in an electrical fire, causing thousands of dollars in damages or even deaths. Therefore, it is wise to perform necessary precautionary steps in all residential electrical outlets and fixtures to keep your home safe. Here are some useful tips to get you started.

Avoid Knock-off Electrical Gadgets -- Some homeowners may decide to skimp on electrical replacement parts to save a buck. However, knowingly or unknowingly, doing so is hazardous. A reliable rule of thumb is to purchase electrical parts such as switches, panels, cables and circuit boards from a reputable vendor that sells only certified components. Ask your electrician for replacement parts that are certified by reputable bodies.

Switch off the Mains -- When you notice any fault with your circuit, for example, smoke from a socket, you have to perform basic electrical safety precautions to stop the issue from escalating. Professional electricians recommend that you cut off the main power to your home. You can turn off power by accessing the main switch, which is located in the consumer box. Turning the electricity off prevents incidences of electrocution when you are accidentally exposed to uninsulated cabling. 

Maintenance of Wiring -- Over time, electrical wiring are damaged by water, rot, or vermin resulting in an electrical hazard, especially if you have children around your house. If you are a DIY-savvy person, you can perform simple electrical maintenance by replacing the old and damaged wiring. However, an electrician can save the day when the problem goes deeper than expected. For instance, wires that run through basements or hard-to-reach places will have to be replaced by a certified electrician to avoid electrical fires or injuries. The higher cost of hiring an electrician will be offset by the potential saving you will make when electrical fires do not damage your property.

Surge Protectors -- All electrical appliances such as TVs, computers, laptops and sound systems can malfunction because of excess current thereby damaging internal components. The cost of replacing these appliances can be astronomical, especially if you are on a budget. Therefore, consider buying a surge protector, which interrupts the excess current from reaching your devices. Most protectors are installed in the electrical extension cord, enabling you to attach multiple devices. 


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About Me
Electricians: Ignite a Spark and Learn About Electricy

Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Steve. After studying a lot of books on electrical codes and watching a great deal of videos online, I actually rewired my entire home. In this blog, I plan to give you tips on wiring, electrical safety and more. I also plan to write interesting facts about electricity, but don't expect this blog to be just about electricity--I love tech and other home improvements as well, so you may see posts related to that. Interested in learning? Then, take a look through these posts. I hope they ignite a spark of excitement in you.