Our day-to-day lives are almost completely powered by electricity. Think about all the ways you use electricity just to get ready for your day! You flip on lights, make your coffee, check the weather – all by using electricity. Even the water tank that provides hot water for your shower is powered by electricity.
Electricity can be a wonderful tool. But just like any tool, it can be a serious hazard when not handled properly. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), the second leading cause of home fires from 2012-2016 was electrical issues. With our growing dependence on electronic devices, it’s important to take steps now to save us from future hazards. Fortunately, home electrical fires are preventable with proper safety precautions.
There are some simple steps you can take today to keep your loved ones safe from electrical hazards.
5 Safety Tips to Reduce Electrical Risks at Home
You can reduce the risk to your home and family with a few electrical safety tips:
• Shut off the power during installations and inspections,
• Avoid overloading your circuits with heated appliances,
• Check your power cords for fraying or exposed wiring,
• Pay attention to wattage when dealing with lighting, and
• Know where your electrical lines are before climbing or digging.
This list is just a start, but each item only takes a few minutes of your time. You will find more information about home electrical safety tips in the links below. We have also included a link about how to talk to children about electrical safety.
Inspecting Your Electrical Panel
These devices can last 40-60 years – but age isn’t always the best way to know if you need an electrical panel upgrade.
There are many factors to consider when determining if your electric panel needs an upgrade or replacement. First, there are some outdated brands found in older homes that no longer meet safety standards and should be replaced as soon as possible. But there are several other reasons to give your electrical panel setup another look, including –
• Rust inside the electrical panel
• Tripping circuit breakers
• Undersized electrical panels
• Scorching inside the electrical panel
• Faulty breakers
• Bad or old wiring
• Dimming or flickering lights
• Frequent overloading of powerstrips
The answer to your electrical panel issues could be an upgrade, a subpanel, a panel relocation, or a replacement. The links below can give you more details about what these warning signs mean and other things to consider.
Upgrading or replacing your home’s electrical panel is not a small job – but it is an important one. Ultimately, the goal is to keep your family safe and your home properly supplied with electricity.
Understanding the Difference Between a Fuse and a Circuit Breaker
A fuse and a circuit breaker both work to protect your home’s electrical system from an overload. But they work differently, and both have pros and cons.
• A fuse works more quickly to stop the electrical power flow by melting the metal filament, but it needs to be replaced when it goes bad or is overloaded.
• A circuit breaker is more costly upfront, but when a circuit is tripped, you simply flip it back into position.
An experienced electrician can help you determine whether fuses or circuit breakers are best for your home.
FAQs
What does the term “short circuit” mean?
Electricity likes to follow the path of least resistance. When a hot wire and a ground wire make contact (such as when extreme heat causes them to melt together), the electricity follows this easier path to the ground, causing a “short” circuit.
Shorts can be caused by many things, including:
• Damaged outlets or switches,
• Water coming into contact with electrical wires,
• Pests chewing through electrical wires,
• Power surges,
• And more.
Short circuits can cause electrical shock and structure fires. If you are concerned about a short circuit in your home, schedule an inspection with our licensed electricians.
When would I need a dedicated circuit?
A dedicated circuit is needed when a peace of equipment or appliance is using more than 50% circuit. They are used with equipment or appliances that draw large amounts of power to give them access to enough amperage without overloading your electrical system.
All of your major home appliances should be connected to their own dedicated circuit, such as your:
• Refrigerator
• Ovens
• Microwave
• Washing machine and dryer
• Dishwasher
• Electric ranges
• Garbage disposals
• HVAC units
• Water heaters
• And more.
You may need to have a dedicated circuit installed if:
• You notice that using certain appliances frequently causes a breaker to trip,
• You’re unable to use more than one or two appliances at a time (like your toaster and blender, but not your microwave) without tripping a breaker, or
• You’re running something that has its own motor and it’s not already on a dedicated circuit.
Give the experienced electricians at Taddeo a call if you think you need additional dedicated circuits installed in your home.
Does aluminum wiring in my home need to be replaced?
If your home contains aluminum wiring instead of the standard copper, it does need to be replaced or updated.
There are several reasons for this, including:
1. Aluminum wiring is not durable. It is more likely to create hotspots or rust when compared to copper wiring.
2. Many insurers will not insure homes with aluminum wiring. Likewise, it can be harder to sell a home with aluminum wiring.
3. Many of today’s wiring devices are not rated for use with aluminum wire.
4. Our growing use of electronics has increased the electrical load on our homes, and aluminum may overheat and create electrical hazards.
The most likely problem spots in your home’s wiring are at the connection points (such as outlets and light switches).
Taddeo Electric Electricians are trained in using aluminum-copper (Al/Cu) connectors to repair aluminum wiring.
Our process is approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The money- and time-saving installation of Al/Cu connectors will bring your home up to code.
Can I do my own electrical repairs?
Most electrical repair work in Florida requires a permit. As a homeowner completing work on your own property, there are a few projects you can complete yourself with a permit. However, most electrical work does require a licensed electrician.
There are several advantages to hiring a professional electrician, including:
• The electrical contractor can take care of pulling all the necessary permits.
• The electrician will be able to complete the job quickly, safely, and cleanly.
• The contractor will provide a warranty on the work (With Taddeo, the warranty is for a year on most projects.)
You will be able to assure future buyers that electrical work has been professionally completed.
