7 Electrical Hazards at Home

Electrical hazards come in different forms. Some are easy to spot, like frayed wires, while others remain hidden, lurking behind walls or inside devices. It's important to be aware of both the obvious and hidden dangers to ensure a safe and secure living environment.

In this blog post, Mr. Electric walks you through some of the silent and often underestimated electrical hazards that may be lurking within your home.

• Overloaded Outlets

One of the common electrical hazards most homeowners don’t know about is plugging too many devices into one outlet. Overloading outlets can pose significant safety risks, including electrical fires and damage to electrical equipment.

Here are some tips to prevent overloaded outlets:

• Understand the amp rating of your electrical circuits and outlets. Do not exceed the amp rating for the circuit.
• Spread your devices across multiple outlets and circuits.
• For appliances that draw a lot of power, like refrigerators or ovens, consider having dedicated circuits installed to handle their load.
• When you're not using devices or chargers, unplug them.
• If you frequently find yourself overloading circuits, consider upgrading your electrical system.

• Wrong Light Bulb Wattage

Using light bulbs with a wattage that exceeds the fixture's recommended limit can overheat the fixture and cause fires. To prevent this dangerous situation, always check the wattage rating of your light fixtures and use bulbs that fall within the recommended wattage range. It's a simple but crucial step to ensure that your lighting remains safe and efficient.

• Ungrounded Outlets

If you live in an older home, you may have ungrounded outlets that lack the third prong. Grounding provides an important safety feature and helps prevent electrical shocks. If you have ungrounded outlets in your home, it's advisable to have a licensed electrician assess the situation and discuss potential solutions. In some cases, it may be possible to retrofit the outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), which provide a level of shock protection even in ungrounded outlets.

• Old Electrical Appliances

Aging appliances may have worn or frayed cords that can become a fire hazard. Regularly inspect the cords and replace damaged ones.

• Old Wiring

Older homes with outdated wiring systems may not be equipped to handle the electrical demands of modern technology. This can lead to electrical problems and safety issues. If you live in an older home, consider having your wiring inspected and updated if necessary.

• Space Heaters near Flammable Materials

Placing space heaters too close to curtains, furniture, or other flammable objects can result in fires, especially if the heater overheats. It’s advisable to maintain a safe distance from combustibles.

• Lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCIs are essential in areas where water and electricity may mix, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They protect against electrical shocks by shutting off power when a fault is detected. Failing to install GFCIs where necessary increases the risk of electric shock, electrical fires, and other potentially life-threatening incidents.

Have Mr. Electric Keep You and Your Home Safe

Now that you know the hidden electrical dangers in your home, have professional electricians inspect your electrical system and make your home safe. The certified and insured electricians at Mr. Electric can help you with everything from outlet installation to rewiring, lighting installation, electrical panel replacement and electrical repair service.