Electricity improves the lives of millions of people; however, it comes with risks. Even a minor issue with the electrical wiring in your home has the potential to cause major fire damage. Follow these tips to protect your home and everyone inside.

Do:

Inspect the wiring periodically.

It’s natural for electrical wiring to deteriorate over time. Continuous usage, pests, and water damage are just a few examples of factors that can contribute to the system’s wear and tear. Have an electrician inspect the wiring in your home at least once a year as a preventive measure, especially if your home is over 10 years old.

Use surge protectors.

In the event of a power surge, a surge protector will prevent voltage spikes. Without these devices, the appliances plugged into the affected outlets may be supplied with too much voltage. If sparking occurs, a fire could result.

Review the surge protector’s maximum capacity beforehand, so you don't overload it.

Don’t:

Rely on extensions cords permanently.

Extension cords are meant to provide a temporary solution. If you rely on extension cords to power your appliances permanently, they’ll deteriorate rapidly. Roughly 3,300 home fires are attributed to extension cords every year because of overheating.

Ignore the warning signs.

A lot of the issues that cause electrical fires develop gradually. You can prevent catastrophe by addressing any minor problems as soon as they arise. Some of the most common signs of trouble include sparking outlets, burn marks or discoloration around sockets or switches, burning smells, appliances that feel hot to the touch, and flickering lights.

 

If you have reason to believe something is wrong with the electrical wiring in your home, turn to Oahu Electrical Services. Operating out of Waimanalo, HI, this licensed, bonded, and insured contractor serves residential and commercial clients on the windward side of Oahu. Their highly trained electricians often fix issues with electrical wiring during their first visit. To schedule service, call (808) 321-5748. To learn more about the work they do, visit their website.