National Electrical Safety Month is Here!

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.