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Practice Electrical Safety All Year Long

May is National Electrical Safety Month, so this is the perfect time to learn about some of the devices around the home that help keep homes and businesses safe from the hazards of electricity. This brief article can help homeowners understand and appreciate what goes into keeping a home safe from electrical hazards. 

Recognize Important Electrical Safety Devices 

Despite the inherent dangers of electricity, technology has made the utility much safer in the last few decades. Most of this is due to the development of regulating devices that prevent electrical hazards like fires and electrocution. Some common electrical devices in homes that must stay in working order are: 

• Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are a type of outlet located in areas with moisture, such as outdoors, bathrooms, and kitchens, to prevent electric shocks and electrocutions.
• Fuses protect circuits from receiving too much power, helping prevent electrical fires, but they must be replaced once the fuse blows.
• Circuit breakers are similar to fuses and trip to prevent too much power from flowing through a circuit, preventing overheating or fires, but they don’t need to be replaced every time like a fuse. 

Warning Signs of Overloaded Circuits 

One common electrical problem in homes is an overloaded circuit. Historically the problem has been much worse, but with advances in breaker panels, the phasing out of fuses, and the wide acceptance of circuit breaker technology, homeowners are more aware of overloaded circuits in the home. 

But, even with these advanced devices in nearly every home, overloaded circuits can still be problematic. Overloaded circuits can cause complications like burnt wiring and electrical fires, so it’s important to know the warning signs so an electrician can be called. Common signs of an overloaded electrical circuit are: 

• Flickering or dim lights
• Burnt smells 
• A buzzing or sizzling sound from outlets
• Constantly tripping breakers
• Outlets that look burned or are hot to the touch

Whole-House Surge Protection 

Power surges are a normal occurrence on an electrical grid. They can be the result of several causes, such as a weather-related event like a lightning strike or sudden drops in demand for power from the grid. When these occur, large spikes in voltage, many times the normal amount, can surge into the home's wiring. Electrical devices, especially digital devices like phones, entertainment systems, and computers, are particularly vulnerable to damage from large voltage spikes. When the power surge causes wiring insulation to melt, it can also cause fires. 

Installing a whole-house surge protector can protect sensitive devices throughout the entire home from damage from power surges, saving homeowners from paying for replacement electronics. These devices can also prevent electrical fires from voltage spikes while keeping all devices plugged into the home’s outlets safe from damage. 

About Trustworthy Electric 

Trustworthy Electric has nearly 30 years of experience serving Montgomery and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, on-time service, and fully stocked trucks. Call them today for electrical or GFCI outlet services in Montgomery, AL.

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