To make your home as electrically safe as possible, the Electrical Safety Foundation International suggests that you make time each year to inspect the condition of your home electrical system, electrical cords, extension cords, power plugs, and outlets. Electrical Wiring Symptoms of home electrical wiring problems may include: - Household lights that dim or flicker, or a TV picture that shrinks in size;
- Evidence of arcs, sparks, or flashes of bright light in the electrical system;
- Sizzling or buzzing sounds emanating from the electrical system;
- Wire insulation that is visibly damaged, cut, broken, or cracked; and
- Fuses that blow frequently, or circuit breakers that trip often.
Electrical Outlets & Receptacles - Outlets are also safety hazards once they become worn or damaged, and should be replaced as soon as possible.
- Take a moment to gauge the temperature of the faceplates on your electrical outlets. If a plate is warm or hot to the touch, it could indicate a serious wiring problem that should be further investigated by a qualified electrician.
Light Switch Plates - Take note of any switch plates that are discolored. Discoloration could indicate that the electrical wiring behind the switch plate is overheating. In addition, inspect switch plates to see if they are warm.
- Once you have finished checking your electrical system, be sure to check for worn or damaged electrical cords and replace any that are in poor condition. Statistics show that two-thirds of all electrical fires are caused by these items.
Power and Extension Cords - Confirm that all cords between power supply, extension cords and wall outlets are secure, and that there are no exposed blades (prongs).
- Check all electrical plugs to make sure they fit properly into their outlets. Plugs that are loose in the outlets are potential fire hazards, and should be repaired or replaced.
- Make sure that no one in your home forces three-prong plugs into two-slot outlets. Appliances with three-prong plugs should only be inserted into three-slot outlets or three-slot extension cords.
- Finally, make sure that you have not overloaded any circuits or extension cords. Remember that extension cords are not intended to permanently extend a home’s wiring system, and should only be used as a temporary solution.
ESFI recommends contacting a certified electrician for electrical repairs. When work needs to be done to your electrical system, always disconnect power from the circuit breaker panel or fuse box before attempting to replace a worn or damaged wall outlet. |
