One of the most dangerous threats to your home is right inside it. Electrical problems cause thousands of fires in the U.S each year. Fire isn't the only danger; non-fatal shock accidents occur each year in the United States.
Taking the following steps is a simple way to protect your home and family.
Make sure your electrical panel is up-to-date
Because your service panel is the heart of your home's electrical system, it must be updated to meet today's energy demands and safety standards. In the U.S., homes built prior to the mid-1960s had 30- or 60-amp fuse panels, but those built in the last 50 years have resettable circuit breakers installed.
Conventional circuit breakers alone cannot protect you from electrocution, your panel should also include a device to prevent electrocution. This device detects imbalances in the flow of current in and out of a circuit and immediately shuts off the circuit to prevent electrocution.
Find out how old your wiring is
Home fires are frequently caused by faulty or old wiring. The materials used in your home's wiring can often tell you how old it is. Aluminum wiring was only used in US homes from roughly 1965 to 1973 and is 55 times more likely than copper wire to reach "fire hazard conditions," according to the US. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If you have any concerns about your home's wiring, have a licensed electrician inspect it.
Repair or replace faulty outlets and switches.
Examine all of the light switches and outlets in your home. Cracked or broken plates pose a risk of electrocution, while buzzing or discoloration indicates wiring issues that could lead to a fire. If you have small children, ensure that every outlet is covered or plugged in.
Use appliances safely
Even if your electrical system is in good working order, your household appliances and devices could be dangerous. Worn cords and damaged plugs raise the risk of fires and electrical shocks. Improper use is also dangerous, such as running power cords under rugs or installing bulbs with a higher wattage than the light fixture was designed to handle.
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