Electrical fires are extremely dangerous. There are things that you can do in your own home to prevent an electrical fire. The Electrician, Inc’s experienced electricians in Madison WI can also help by inspecting your home’s wiring every so often to ensure everything works as it should. In addition to contacting our team of experienced professionals to assist with your electrical work, there are a few actions you can do on your own to vastly lower your risk of having an electrical fire break out.
Do Not Use Appliances with Damaged Power Cords
Over time, the power cord to a device may become frayed or cracked. Everything may seem fine as the appliance still receives power, but you want to replace this power cord as soon as possible. You need to repair it before you plug it in again.
Follow All of the Directions
When you receive a new appliance, such as a refrigerator or washer, you should receive a manual telling you how to operate it. This will include information related to plugging it in. This is also a good time to register your device, which will allow you to receive a notification in the event the appliance ends up being recalled.
Update Your House’s Electrical System
At a certain point, it is a good investment to simply replace your home’s electrical system with a new one. This is particularly important if you have just purchased an older home that may not be up-to-date. Older systems have a greater risk of overheating, especially when considering all of the modern electrical demands of modern society. Additionally, when you update your system, you may qualify for lower insurance premiums, too.
The U.S. Fire Administration says “While some electrical fires are caused by electrical system failures, many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords. There are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from electrical fires.”
You should never ignore the signs of electrical issues because they can cause electrical fires. Common warning signs include burning smells, burn marks around a socket, and electrical sparks when you plug in a device. In these instances, you need to contact The Electrician; we have an experienced team of residential electricians in Madison WI.