Do you ever think about your home’s electrical system? No, right? And why should you? You flip a switch and the light is on. You push a button and there’s your Netflix on the screen. You plug in your hair dryer and it just starts working. Everything’s peachy… Until it’s not.
All of a sudden one of your lights starts to flicker or maybe a breaker gets tripped. Oh man, if only you didn’t ignore basic maintenance, you wouldn’t be in this pickle now.
If you ignore maintenance, you’ll be faced with big problems, like fire hazards, power failures, and expensive repairs. But the good news is that you don’t have to be an electrician to keep your home’s electrical system in good shape. All it takes is a few simple checks and routine maintenance habits to prevent things from getting dangerous (and expensive).
If you have a car, you wouldn’t think of driving it for years without checking its oil, so why would you ignore all those wiring and outlets in your home?
5 Tips
None of these tips are complicated and you don’t need to be a pro (or hire a pro) to do basic maintenance. Keep in mind, though, one of the best tips is knowing when to let a professional handle things because you can’t do everything on your own.
Just make sure that, when looking for a professional, they’re licensed in the state you’re in. All states have to follow some basics; Massachusetts doesn’t have the same laws and regulations as Alaska. An electrician in Massachusetts has to have a license issued by the state of Massachusetts, plus rules and regulations imposed by the state are different compared to those in Alaska.
One thing that’s the same is the licensing exam, which you have to successfully complete regardless of the state you live/work in. If you want to increase your chances of completing that electrical licensing exam in Massachusetts on the first go, then be sure to use exam prep for an electrical license in Massachusetts. Doing preparations for other states wouldn’t be of much use.
The same applies to any state, so make sure you check the requirements before you start any electrician-related endeavors. There’s many formalities, but they’re there for a reason.
Anyway, let’s get into the things you can do by yourself.
1. Regularly Check Power Cords and Outlets
This should go without saying, but we’ll say it either way. Power cords and outlets can be very dangerous if they’re damaged, so every few weeks, take a moment to inspect all of them in your home. Pay close attention to the ones that are connected to appliances you use a lot, like chargers, lamps, and kitchen stuff.
If you notice frayed, cracked, or exposed wires, stop using the cord right away and replace it. As far as the outlets go, discoloration, scorch marks, and the smell of burning are all signs that point to overheating.
2. Test and Reset GFCI Outlets Every Month
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are meant to prevent electrical shocks, especially in places where there’s water (kitchens, bathrooms, etc.). They automatically shut off power when they detect imbalance and protect you from getting electrocuted.
You have to test all of your GFCI outlets once a month to make sure they’re working as they should. Just press the “test” button and see if the outlet shuts off. Then, press “reset.” If it doesn’t shut off or turn on, you probably need to replace it.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker Panel Every Year
This is the heart of your home’s electrical system, so once a year (at least), open the panel and check for signs of trouble. Rust, buzzing, burning smell, all of these are signs of problems. Also, if your breakers are tripping all the time, something isn’t right. It could be an overloaded circuit or even a deeper electrical issue.
If there’s something wrong with the panel, you’ll need an electrician to fix it.
4. Prevent Overloading Circuits and Outlets
If you plug too many things into a single outlet or a power strip, it’s anything but harmless. In fact, it’s one of the most common causes of electrical fires. Each circuit in your home is designed to handle a specific load, so if you go over that limit, you risk overheating and damaging the inside of your walls.
Instead of overloading, use surge protectors to safely distribute power.
5. Replace Old or Damaged Wiring
Wiring won’t last forever, and if it’s outdated or damaged, it’s a fire hazard. If your home is older, there’s a chance you have aluminum wiring, which overheats more than copper wiring. But even in newer homes, insulation around wires deteriorates over time and exposes live electrical components.
if your breakers keep tripping, if the lights are flickering, if you hear buzzing coming from the outlets, or if you smell burning, you might need to rewire your home. Of course, that’s not something you should do yourself.
Conclusion
Electricity seems scary because it is. Although we all enjoy its benefits, things can go wrong in the blink of an eye if you don’t keep up with basic maintenance.
So, unless an electrical fire and a barbecued home sound appealing, take some time and check the basics to keep your home and your family safe.
share:
Be the first to comment