There are a number of electrical hazards that could leave your home vulnerable to significant damage. You could also be leaving your family vulnerable to bodily injury or death. Therefore, it’s important to understand what these hazards are, the signs that a hazard might be present in your home, and what you can do to mitigate an issue in a timely manner.
An Overview of Common Electrical Hazards
If the wiring in your home was installed at any point during the 20th century, it should be replaced as soon as possible. At a minimum, it should be inspected annually for your protection. An annual inspection may also be ideal if you think that your home has wires that weren’t properly installed or have experienced other types of damage.
When used properly and in good working order, an appliance should remain relatively cool to the touch even when in operation. Therefore, if your washer starts smoking while doing a load of towels, it may be a sign of a serious issue. Typically, an overheating appliance is a sign that the circuit is overloaded, which could indicate an issue with the electrical panel.
Finally, if you see water near a cord, you should immediately turn off the power to whatever that cord is attached to. It’s not uncommon for water to accumulate in basements where washers and dryers tend to be located. In some cases, this happens because the basement isn’t properly sealed, and excess moisture could also be caused by a water heater leak. Regardless of the cause, trying to unplug a potentially wet live cord could put you at risk of electrocution.
The Signs of a Potential Electrical Hazard
If a wire, outlet, or switch is hot to the touch, it could indicate a serious issue. Left unchecked, that wire, outlet, or switch could become hot enough to catch fire. You may also have a wire or circuit issue if you notice that lights dim or randomly stop working after they are turned on.
You may also notice that lights dim or go off after you turn on an appliance or when the furnace or air conditioner activates. This typically means that the electrical panel doesn’t have enough amps to power everything that you want or need to run at the same time. Often, specific circuits inside of the electrical panel will break, which is why the lights or other items will stop working while others remain operational.
Finally, you may hear hissing or popping noises from an outlet when you plug something in. It’s also possible that you’ll see a spark when you plug in a computer, vacuum, or other object into a defective outlet.
What You Can Do to Mitigate an Electrical Hazard
The fastest and easiest way to prevent an electrical fire is to turn off the power to any outlet or object that is buzzing, popping, or smoking. If a circuit has already broken, you may want to call a professional before you turn it back on to make sure that it is safe to do so.
You can also make sure that you are using the proper cords in areas that are prone to moisture, such as the basement or attic. Water-resistant cords should also be considered mandatory for any objects that are located outside of the house, such as a hot tub, a heat pump, or a generator.
Call Mister Sparky for Assistance Today
Another easy way to protect against electrical hazards is to call the team at Mister Sparky for help today. We can do a thorough inspection to diagnose the cause of any known hazards as well as detect issues that you might not be aware of. Our team can also replace worn or defective wires, install new cords, or take other steps to ensure that your home is safe to live in for years to come.