May
is National Electrical Safety Month- we know; there is a month for everything!
We believe that electrical safety is a topic that warrants some extra
attention. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission the United
States averages 400 electrocutions per year and close to half of those are
related to products like large appliances, power tools, as well as landscaping,
gardening, and farming equipment. Did you know that over 47,000 home fires a
year occur as a result of electrical problems? Many people never guess that
number is so high. Most homeowners don’t realize just how dangerous the
electrical wiring around them can be if not used properly. National Electrical
Safety Month helps to educate homeowners to help reduce those statistics.
Helping Homeowners Stay Safe
Great Lakes Electric prides itself on doing quality
electrical work, but we also care a lot about making homeowners’ lives even
better. We have made a commitment to electrical safety within our company and
we regularly see issues that present danger to homeowners. Here are some of the
most common issues and the most effective ways you can protect your family and
home.
Understanding the Most Common
Sources of Dangerous Electrical Issue
It
can be a little scary to realize how prevalent electrical problems can be in
our homes. The upside is that with a little awareness, you can protect your
family and your home.
Homes
that were built prior to 1970 are at a higher risk for issues for the simple
reason that homes built in that era did not have the technology that we have
today. Devices have become a part of our daily lives and it can become easy for
homeowners to inadvertently overload their home’s electrical system.
Here
are a couple of things to look for:
·
Outlets
that do not work or where the plug hangs loosely when you push it in. This is a
problem that needs repaired.
·
Outlets
or switches that are hot to the touch, show damage, or make any kind of noise. If
you find either of these issues, be sure to unplug anything from the outlet
·
Inspect
power tools and appliances for frayed cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken
housing. Be sure to have damaged items repaired or replaced.
·
Be
sure to test your Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets by pushing
the reset button, plug in a lamp and turn it on. The light should be on. Then,
push the test button on the GFCI, the light should go off. Push the reset
button again to turn on the light. If the light does not go on or off as
described above, the GFCI may have been damaged or installed improperly.
If you identify any electrical issues in your home
or want to have this problem looked into by professionals, Great Lakes Electric is here to help. Since our talented team has
expertise with everything from new builds to home repair and remodeling, we
have technicians that are trained to correct electrical issues. Don’t hesitate
to get in touch with us to schedule a service call or estimate appointment.
