When spring rolls around, many of us pull out our dusters, brooms, and mops to give our homes a good scrub-down. Although you might have a spring cleaning checklist that you follow every year, it’s important that you think about electrical safety as well. There are various parts of your electrical system that can become damaged or faulty over time, which can lead to unexpected dangers.
While you don’t have to stress over every electrical hazard known to man, such as overhead power lines, there are certainly a few hazards that you should be on the lookout for in your home. Are you unfamiliar with the common electrical hazards? Don’t worry; we’ll go over these issues in detail.
So if you’re ready to get started, let’s discuss some of the most noteworthy electrical damages to look for during spring cleaning.
Why Should You Be Concerned About Electrical Damages?
Believe it or not, some of the most common electrical hazards can put your safety at risk. As a homeowner, it’s important to understand why electrical damages need to be addressed in a timely manner. Take a look at this guide to understand the various dangers that electrical hazards can pose:
Which Electrical Damages Should You Look For?
Are you ready to address electrical hazards before they can lead to fire hazards and electrical shocks? Knowing which electrical damages to look for during spring cleaning can seem like a daunting task, but we’re here to make the process as simple as possible. Below, let’s review some of the most common electrical damages you may encounter in your home.
Frayed Wires
There are probably many cords in your home that go overlooked. Unfortunately, frayed and exposed wires can result in an electrical accident if you aren’t careful. You’ll want to thoroughly inspect wires for potential damage, including extension cords, to ensure they don’t pose any sort of threat.
If you notice damaged wires, it’s crucial that you don’t continue to use them. Instead, it’s a good idea to get rid of the cords as soon as possible — but remember to use caution and put your safety first.
Bad Circuit Breaker
Your circuit breakers have an important job in that they’re responsible for protecting your home from electrical faults. When a circuit overload, short circuit, or power surge occurs, your circuit breakers will trip, cutting off the flow of electricity. As a result, these circuit breakers can help you avoid a dangerous house fire or electrical shock.
Unfortunately, your circuit breakers can go bad after a long time. There are various telltale signs that you need new breakers, including a burning smell coming from the electrical panel. If your circuit breakers trip frequently or have visible damage, this can also indicate that they’ve gone bad.
Dead Outlets
Among all of the electrical damages to look for during spring cleaning, you won’t want to forget to look for dead outlets. Although dead outlets can seem like a minor inconvenience, they can actually pose more of a threat than you realize. When there are dead outlets throughout your home, you may feel tempted to use more extension cords, which can potentially result in circuit overloads and frequently-tripping breakers.
There can be many different causes for dead outlets, so don’t hesitate to call an electrician for help. An expert will identify the root cause of the problem and provide the right solution.
Damaged Plugs
It’s pretty safe to say that you have many appliances and devices scattered throughout your home. Sadly, the power cords on your appliances can become damaged, which can put your safety at risk. These damaged power cords are some of the most common electrical hazards.
You’ll want to thoroughly inspect your appliances’ power cords and plugs, looking for any visible signs of damage. These damaged cords are just like other types of electrical hazards in that they can lead to electric shocks and fires if not addressed — so don’t ignore them!
Improper Grounding
When a short circuit or circuit overload occurs, electrical grounding diverts the electrical current to the ground. Proper grounding is critical, as it can protect you against fatal shocks and safeguard the appliances in your home against high voltage.
Unfortunately, electrical grounding can be improperly installed, which can put the safety of you and your family at risk. If you want to avoid serious fires and prevent electricity from shocking you, you’ll want to have an experienced electrician check your grounding.
Feel Peace of Mind With an Electrical Safety Inspection
Hopefully, you now know which types of electrical damages to look for during spring cleaning. Performing a thorough inspection can make a significant difference in your safety and feeling of security while in your home.
Of course, it’s also important to have your home inspected by a professional electrician. With an expert checking your electrical system, you can be sure that the most important components, including GFCI outlets, are working properly and that your lights are in the correct wattage.
Spring is the perfect time to schedule electrical work for your home! At Keefe’s, we’re highly familiar with the most common electrical hazards and can perform a comprehensive safety inspection for your peace of mind. We also have the necessary electrical tools and equipment to perform repairs or replacements if necessary.
We have many specialties, from new electrical panel installations to electric charging stations in New Orleans. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment!
