How a Residential Electrician Can Help Keep Your Home Safe
Electricity is something that every home depends on every day. From cooking and cleaning to entertainment, electricity is needed to keep the home functional and productive. But did you know that your home’s electrical system is also one of the most dangerous parts of the home, as well as an area that’s prone to being compromised? Every year, house fires, shocks and other injuries caused by electrical problems result in billions of dollars’ worth of damage, as well as fatalities. It’s important to make sure your home’s electrical system is regularly serviced and maintained, but to do so properly, you’ll require the services of a trusted electrician. This article will go over some ways a residential electrician can help keep your home safe.
Inspect Your Home’s Electrical Wiring
Over time, your home’s electrical wiring can become worn or even damaged simply from daily use. Damage from severe weather as well as animals that burrow into spaces where these wires are installed is also common. If not repaired early, damaged wiring can easily lead to a house fire or other severe electrical faults. A residential electrician will inspect your home’s wiring and look for any signs of damage or unacceptable wear that could put occupants at risk. They can also make the necessary repairs to keep homeowners and other residents safe.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are devices that protect people from electrical shock as a result of ground faults. The device works by stopping the flow of electricity if a ground fault is detected. GFCIs can be installed in areas of your home that are susceptible to electrical shocks, such as kitchens and bathrooms, but other areas such as basements or garages can also be great places to install a GFCI depending on how extensively the space is used. A residential electrician can install as many GFCIs as is appropriate, adding another layer of safety to your home.
Install New Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are important devices that further help keep occupants of a home safe. Smoke detectors will alert you if there is a fire in your home, while carbon monoxide detectors will let you know if dangerous carbon monoxide gas is accumulating somewhere in the building. A residential electrician can update both devices in your home, ensuring they’re working properly as well as installing additional devices throughout the home where necessary.
Update Your Home’s Electrical Panel
Your home’s electrical system could be outdated, especially if your home is more than 20 years old. One way to tell if your electrical system is outdated is by looking at your electrical panel. Older electrical systems simply aren’t able to handle the electrical load of modern homes. A residential electrician can update your electrical panel, making your home’s electrical system safer and more reliable.
Conduct Regular Inspections of Your Home’s Electrics
Even if your home’s electrical system appears to be in good working order, it’s important to have it tested on a regular basis. A residential electrician can test your home’s electrical system to make sure it’s working properly. This testing can help prevent electrical problems before they arise, keeping your home and family safe.
