Make Some Electrical Safety Improvements in 2023

3 Easy Ways to Improve Electrical Safety 

Electrical safety should be a year-round concern for homeowners. However, with modern electronics and infrastructure, electrical systems are so reliable that they are often forgotten in daily life. The beginning of the new year is an excellent opportunity to find some blind spots that have been neglected in the last few years, and a home’s electrical system is a great place to start. 

Even with stringent building codes and state-of-the-art technology, electricity in the home can still be a hazard. Every year some homeowners are exposed to electric shocks and electrical fires, which are some of the natural hazards of this important utility. To improve the home’s electrical safety, homeowners should take professional advice. Here are three important steps to take to keep the home safe in the coming year. 

Make Overloading Circuits a Thing of the Past circuit

One of the biggest focuses for electrical safety has to do with overloading circuits. Numerous strategies are used in building codes to prevent this problem, but it continues to be a significant issue in many homes. Electrical circuits within the home are intended only to carry a certain amount of current. When the circuit or branches of the circuit are asked to carry more current than intended, the wires and components can heat up and contribute to an electrical fire. 

The best way to prevent overloaded circuits is to become familiar with the wiring in a home. Learn which branches support certain rooms or appliances. Once homeowners understand the wiring scheme, they can more accurately distribute loads around the house to prevent overloaded circuits. 

Secondly, electrical inspections can reduce the chance of overloaded circuits. Circuit breakers and certain types of electrical outlets are designed to protect against overloads. By having these components inspected by a professional, homeowners can be assured that these components are still protecting the home. 

Schedule Electrical Inspections 

Electrical inspections are not just for preventing overloaded circuits. An electrical inspection from a qualified professional is intended to include every aspect of a home’s electrical system. The electrical system in a home is designed to prevent fires and electrical shock, but eventually, the parts that protect the home can wear out. When these parts wear out, then the house is unprotected. Giving a professional electrician a chance to do an electrical inspection of the home can reveal dangerous problems to fix like: 

  • Faulty circuit breakers
  • Outdated electrical panels
  • Loose or malfunctioning outlets
  • Malfunctioning GFCI outlets
  • Outdated wiring

Replace Old Wiring and Electrical Outlets 

outletEvery day the wires in a home carry electricity to power lighting and devices. Over time, electrical wires can become damaged from overloads or overheating. Constant overheating leads to a greater chance of electrical fires, and the best way to reduce this risk is to update old or damaged wiring. 

Outlets get used every day, just like the wiring. Most often, electrical outlets wear out from constant use and will develop problems like the inability to hold a plug snugly or the outlet itself getting loose inside its box. Replacing old and damaged outlets is a quick and easy process for electricians and can greatly reduce the chance of electrical problems down the road. 

About Modern Electrical Services

Modern Electrical Services has been serving Haverhill, MA, and the surrounding areas since 2016. They provide same-day service, on-time service, and straightforward pricing. Call them today for safety inspections, dedicated circuits, outlet repair, or electrical wiring services in Haverhill, MA.

Electrical Safety Tips to Keep the Summer Safe

Make May “Electrical Safety Month”

During the summer, homeowners become acutely aware of the power consumption in their homes. Once families kick on the AC and the bills spike, everyone starts paying attention. That makes now a good time to discuss electrical safety. Here are some tips for families to keep the home safe over the summer. 

Remember to Stop Overloading Outletsoutlets

One of the biggest problems that can arise in the electrical system is the result of overloaded outlets. In extreme cases, overloaded outlets can overheat to the point they ignite and start an electrical fire. In most cases, the outlet wears out faster, trips breakers, and damage electronics. 

Overloaded outlets are more common than ever since so many more electrical devices are available now. Too often, people use outlet splitters to add chargers, computers, and lamps to one outlet. These devices cause the outlet to use more power than it was designed to. To prevent problems resulting from overloaded outlets:

  • Split loads up between different outlets
  • Use power strips with overload protection
  • Don’t turn on too many devices pulling power from one outlet – i.e., running a fan, a lamp, and a computer on one outlet.

wattages

Get Familiar with Correct Wattage

For homeowners that aren’t familiar with the term “wattage,” there is no need to be ashamed. “Wattage” is a common term in the electrical field that communicates the power needs for a certain fixture or appliance. The easiest and most familiar way to understand wattage is by looking at light bulbs. This method has become harder to understand with LED lighting since they use far fewer watts than incandescent bulbs, but the principles are the same. 

Light bulbs that are brighter need to consume more power than dimmer bulbs. The power consumption of both light bulbs will be measured in watts, but the brighter bulb’s wattage will be higher. This is especially important when it comes to replacing light bulbs. Light fixtures are rated to handle a certain wattage. 

The wattage is usually etched into the light fixture or written on a sticker. Light bulbs with lower wattages than listed can be used. Higher wattages risk overheating the fixture and causing a fire, especially when using incandescent bulbs since they also produce more heat. 

Leave Electrical Work to the Professionals 

Most people aren’t so bold as to decide to work on the electrical system in their own house. However, some plucky homeowner always wants to save a buck and doesn’t mind risking their home in the process. In reality, it’s always better to hire a licensed electrician to do the work. Some of the reasons professional electricians are necessary are:

  • Electricians have years of training so they can understand complex electrical problems
  • Electricians can more safely complete their work because they know it better
  • Homeowners can void their insurance by making their own electrical repairs
  • Electricians carry special insurance that protects homeowners in the event of extra damage 

In the long run, hiring a professional is always the safest bet. Peace of mind is too valuable to put a price on. 

About Modern Electrical Services

Modern Electrical Services has provided its neighbors in Haverhill and Essex County, MA, with quality service and personalized solutions since 2016. They offer same-day service, straightforward pricing, on-time service, and 24-hour live answers. Call them today for electrical services in Groveland, MA.

Three Signs It Is Time For An Electrical Panel Repair

How To Tell If An Electrical Panel Needs Help

Since electrical problems in a home are infrequent, the electrical panel is often forgotten until the electricity is completely powered off. Homeowners shouldn’t wait until the last moment. Homeowners and residents need to know the signs that an electrical panel is not working properly. Once these signs are noted, the repairs and maintenance can begin before the damage worsens.

Flickering Lights

Lightbulbs wear down over time, and they do not last forever. When the light flickers, it can indicate that the lightbulb needs to be replaced or screwed in tighter. However, flickering lights could also signify that the electrical panel no longer works and needs to be replaced or repaired.

Flickering or dimming lights could result from something faulty in the electrical panel that sends the wrong signal and message to the light. Additionally, homeowners should pay attention to flickering lights when other appliances are powered on, as this could indicate wiring or power issues.

If homeowners notice this electrical quirk in their home, they should immediately call their local electrician so the problem doesn’t worsen over time, causing additional problems.

burning smell

Burning Odors

It is terrifying to smell burning or smoke in a house. If this occurs and a homeowner cannot figure out what is causing the smell, it could be from the electricity and the electrical panel. The scent is often said to smell like burning plastic.

Sometimes, when the electrical panel is not hooked up properly or is fried, it can cause a spark. This is dangerous because the spark can cause a fire that spreads to the rest of the home. Homeowners should take note of strange smells and look around for any smoke as well.

A burning smell can also indicate that the electrical panel or an outlet is overloaded and overheating. Electrical fires are very dangerous and can quickly spread to destroy a home.

 

Old Electrical Panelsold electrical panel

Electrical panels do not last forever. The average age of an old electrical panel is 25-40 years old. This depends on the exact brand, so it is important to talk to an electric panel expert who knows about the many models.

Homeowners can tell that their electrical panel is old by the outer appearance and the functionality. For example, if some of the switches on the electrical panel are not working properly, it could be a sign that it is time to schedule an electrical panel replacement.

Also, if there are burn marks or rust throughout the electrical panel, this shows age and signifies it’s time to replace it. Rust can interfere with the inside of the electrical panel, which is dangerous and can result in a random power outage.

About Modern Electrical Services

Modern Electrical Services is proud to provide the residents of Haverhill and Essex County, MA, with customized solutions for all their electrical issues. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical services in Groveland, MA.