Safety from electrical hazards is a top priority when building or renovating a home as electrical problems with complex solutions may arise later on, so a well-planned home wiring and rewiring job is extremely paramount. Also, when doing a DIY electrical repair or installation, homeowners must have the right tools and knowledge to perform the home electrical work.
Home electrical wiring is important but comes with potential risks of electrical shocks, accidents, or fires. As a homeowner, being aware of your home’s wiring and other electrical components is vital to making informed decisions when it comes to electrical repairs, electrical installations, or scheduling maintenance. So, here are our electrical safety tips for hands-on homeowners:
Safety comes first all the time.
When dealing with electrical wires, remember to prioritize safety by turning off the power circuit. With a voltage tester, verify circuit status and identify whether electrical outlets and switches are receiving electricity before doing any electrical work. It is extremely vital not to skip this step to avoid electrocution and other accidents.
Know your home’s electrical wiring.
You can determine your home’s electrical wiring through the home inspection reports or by checking the labels on electrical panels or exposed wirings. Electrical wires are different from cables since they are individual conductors. That means they conduct electricity and are either insulated or bare. They are also limited to White, Black/Red, and Bare/Green color coding. The white code signifies neutral wire, Black/Red wires are hot wires or one that carries electrical current like power outlets, and Bare/Green wires are ground wires that create the path for the current to return to the circuit breaker and shut off the electricity. Home electrical wires often have 12 – 14 gauge wire sizes.
See also: How to Improve Electrical Wiring In Your Home
Know when to seek professional Denver electrical contractors.
Not all homeowners are equipped or ready to handle electrical work, so if you feel uncomfortable repairing electrical wires or installing electrical devices, do not hesitate to call local Denver electricians. Knowing when it is time to seek professional Denver electricians can save lives and possessions and prevent irreparable damages.
Conduct regular inspections.
If you need to inspect your home’s electrical system, shut off the power to ensure safety. Then, carefully inspect the wirings for visible signs of damage or loose connections. Look inside the circuit breaker panel for signs of burnt marks, loose connections, or damaged wires.
Inspect the AFCI receptacles, power outlets, and power strips for signs of overloading. Ensure that each outlet or extension cord can handle all the appliances and devices plugged into them. When the power is back on, test the GFCI outlets in the bathrooms and kitchens by pressing the “Test” button. For electrical issues that are complicated to address, hire a Denver local residential electrician to handle the electrical work, as professional electrical contractors can identify and prevent electrical issues from escalating.
Use only approved electrical components and wires.
When doing electrical repairs or electrical installations, it is standard practice to only use approved materials. Over time, your home’s electrical wiring, cables, and other components like switches and electrical boxes will deteriorate, so when it is time for a home electrical upgrade, always choose to use certified products. Look for the UL Certified label which means the component has met safety standards or the IEC mark which signifies the product complies with international safety standards.
Determining whether your home’s electrical wiring is up to code can be done by looking for the marks on the electrical boxes, outlets, and switches. You can also check in the home inspection reports or home renovation documents.
Be vigilant for signs of electrical failures.
Are your lights suddenly flickering? Is your circuit breaker often tripping? Is there unusual burning smells coming from the power sockets, power strips, or light switches? All of these may indicate underlying electrical wiring problems that require immediate solutions.
Extreme weather conditions, rodents or pests chewing on wires, and incorrect wire connections are some of the reasons for a home’s electrical wiring to fail. Other reasons like previous DIY electrical work or deteriorating electrical wirings can also lead to hazards. Upgrading old electrical wires is the best solution for keeping your home safe, however, home wiring and rewiring work is complicated and requires the expertise of master electricians — hire a licensed Denver electrician to inspect your home and conduct the necessary home rewiring job.
Without experience in electrical wiring repairs, it is best to call ElectriCall. We can help make sure your household is protected from risks of power surges, fire, and other hazards. We offer Denver home electrical repair services that tackle all kinds of home wiring issues and electrical problems.
Be prepared for power surges.
Electrical wirings are conduits for power to be distributed throughout your home, and when a power surge happens due to lightning strikes or sudden restoration of power after an outage, the electrical wiring can be damaged. As a result, appliances, devices, or fixtures plugged in may be vulnerable to overheating and shorting. To protect your home, appliances, and devices, it is best to install a surge protector. These come in the form of various devices, be it a power strip, a device installed in the electrical panel, in-wall surge protection or receptacles, or a device directly attached to a home appliance.
Take a look at 3 Reasons Why You Should Have Surge Protection
The Bottom Line
Handling electrical wiring can be complex, so hands-on homeowners must be critical about their safety and ensure preparedness in case of emergencies. If you want to be actively involved in your home’s electrical repair, installation, or maintenance, you must have the knowledge and confidence to do electrical work.
For more information about electrical systems, or if you need professional electrical services in Denver, call us. ElectriCall can help make your home safe from hazards.