Electrical appliances and faults account for nearly 40 per cent of home fires in Australia. Are you concerned about your home’s safety (not to mention your family’s and pet’s)? The good news is that you can take many steps for prevention and protection. Here are some of the top domestic electrical maintenance tips every homeowner should know.
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Schedule Regular Inspections
The first step to maintaining your home’s electrical system is arranging for a regular domestic electrical inspection.
During the domestic electrical inspection and testing process, a licensed professional will look at the following:
- Wiring
- Lighting and switches
- Power stability (and whether or not you’re experiencing power surges)
Electrical testing for domestic properties typically goes by very quickly and can help you identify potential problems before they escalate.
Some people are wary of the domestic electrical testing cost. Remember, though, that the price of testing is far lower than that of making repairs to your home after an electrical emergency.
Clean Your Circuit Breakers and Outlets
If dirt or dust builds up on your circuit breakers and outlets, the electrical components might become damaged. This damage will interfere with their performance and may result in increased energy usage even though you’re not doing anything differently in your home.
Regular cleaning with a lint-free cloth is an easy way to prevent these issues (and keep your home free from dirt and debris in general).
Don’t Overload Your Outlets
In addition to cleaning your outlets, it’s also essential that you avoid overloading them. In other words, don’t plug too many devices into one outlet.
If you overload your outlets, your circuit breaker may overload and trip, causing a power outage and, potentially, a fire.
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Avoid plugging in more devices than the outlet is designed for. You can also use a power strip if you need to plug in and use multiple devices simultaneously.
Keep Track of Cords
Frayed or damaged cords can also increase your fire risk, as well as your risk of electric shock.
Keep an eye on your cords, especially those for devices you use frequently (computer cords, appliance cords, hair dryer cords, etc. If you notice they’re starting to wear out or fray, stop using them and arrange for replacements right away.
Inspect Appliances Often
Along with monitoring the cords, be sure to inspect your electrical appliances often. Examples include your refrigerator, microwave, and range, as well as any other devices that you plug in to use in your kitchen.
Clean these regularly to prevent dirt and dust buildup. If you notice that an appliance isn’t working as efficiently as it once did, or if the cord is frayed, it may be time for a repair or, in some cases, replacement.
Look for Water Leaks
As you likely know, water and electricity should never mix. To prevent this issue, inspect your home regularly for water leaks, paying particular attention to areas near your circuit breaker, outlets, etc.
If you notice a leak, patch it, or contact a plumber to address it as soon as possible. Not only will this prevent electrical problems, but it also saves your home from moisture buildup and mould.
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Bonus Tip: Know When to Hire a Professional
You can do a lot on your own to maintain your home’s electrical system and prevent the need for domestic electrical repairs. In some cases, though, you’ll need a professional’s help.
For example, if you need help with domestic electrical installation, don’t try to handle this task yourself. The professionals at Staywired Electrical recommend always calling a professional for installation tasks, as well as wiring repairs or issues with your circuit breaker.
Working with domestic installers will help you save time and avoid errors that could end up costing you more money to fix.
Need More Domestic Electrical Help? Call an Electrician Today
As you can see, you can do many things to ensure your home’s electrical wiring and appliances are working correctly and in good shape.
If you notice something with your domestic electrics that seems off, don’t try to tackle it alone. Instead, reach out to a professional who can address the issue safely.
Are you looking for a home electrical service that can assist with repairs or electrical wiring for domestic installers? If so, we can help.