Tag: safety

Remember Electrical Safety for May

It’s Electrical Safety Month! 

Electricity is a powerful force, but because people are around it all the time, they sometimes forget the danger that it poses. However, because it’s National Electrical Safety Month, this post will go over essential safety devices found in most homes, what to look for that indicates overloaded circuits, and why every home should install a surge protector.

Household Devices That Ensure Electrical Safety

electricalFuses, circuit breakers, and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are all vital safety devices that can help protect people from electrical hazards. A fuse is a device that will open a circuit if the current flow becomes too high. This prevents an overload and protects against electrical fire or other damage to the wiring system. Fuses are typically rated for a specific type of current and should be replaced with the same size, style, and rating as the original. Circuit breakers provide similar protection to fuses but can be reset instead of needing to be replaced when they trip. They operate by monitoring the current flow in a circuit and will open if it becomes too high.

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are a type of electrical outlet designed to protect against electric shock. They monitor the amount of current flowing through a circuit. They will immediately open the circuit when sensing any imbalance between the hot and neutral wires, which could indicate an electrical shock could occur. GFCIs should be installed on all circuits with the potential for electric shocks due to water, such as those in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. All these safety devices are essential for protection against electrical hazards and should be regularly inspected by an electrician to ensure they work correctly.

Signs of an Overloaded Circuit

Though the above safety systems are in place in most homes, they cannot cover every possible contingency. An overloaded circuit means more energy is being pulled through the wires than they can hold. Some of the signs of an overloaded circuit are:

  • Buzzing Sounds: This can indicate excess energy or a wiring problem.
  • Dimming or Flickering Lights: If lights in one area seem to be dim or flickering, then there is a possibility the circuit connected to them is overloaded.
  • Outlets Hot to the Touch: If an outlet is hot when touched, there is likely an overload. Anything plugged in should be removed immediately.
  • Burning Smells: If a homeowner smells something burning, like burning plastic, this is a clear sign of an overloaded circuit.
  • Melting or Scorched Plugs: If there is visible damage on the plug, this is a major red flag.

Circuit overloads can be extremely dangerous because they can cause electric shocks, fire hazards, and damage to electrical equipment. To help prevent a circuit overload, ensure all devices and appliances are turned off when not in use and unplug them when not used. Also, be sure to contact an electrician immediately after noticing the signs of an overloaded circuit to prevent damage and electrical hazards.

Protection From Power Surges

surgeA power surge is a sudden, temporary increase in electrical current. It can occur from large appliances cycling on and off, nearby lightning strikes, or downed power lines. When an excessive amount of electricity flows through the home’s wiring system, it causes appliances to malfunction and can even damage them beyond repair. 

Whole-home surge protectors protect the home from dangerous power surges that can cause extensive damage to electronics and appliances. These units are installed at the main service panel, which ensures they capture all three phases of electricity entering the home. This allows them to provide complete protection against power surges originating outside or inside the house. Homeowners can combat power surges and protect their valuable electronics and appliances by installing a whole-home surge protector.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has over 30 years of experience serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding communities. They provide straightforward pricing, a 24-hour live answer service, and an on-time guarantee. Call them today for electrical and whole-house surge protection services in Pompano Beach, FL. 

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Improve Electrical Safety in 2023

Three Ways to Improve the Electrical System in the New Year 

Homeowners want to ensure their home is as up-to-date and safe as possible — starting with the electrical system. Taking some time to review how electricity is used in a home can help provide peace of mind for the future, reducing potential hazards and making it easier for appliances and devices powered by electricity to function more efficiently. Read on for three ways homeowners can improve their electrical systems in the new year. 

Don’t Overload Circuits overload

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) notes that overloaded circuits are a leading cause of electrical fires. There were nearly 45,000 electrical home fires in the U.S. alone, causing almost $1.5 billion in property damage costs. 

Homeowners shouldn't use extension cords to plug in major appliances and should ensure that only one heat-producing device is plugged into an outlet at a time to avoid overloading a circuit. Homeowners should also avoid excessively using extension cords and power strips. By being mindful of what they plug in and where homeowners can avoid the consequences of an overloaded outlet. Signs of an overloaded circuit include: 

  • Flickering lights
  • Burning smell 
  • A mild shock when unplugging something 
  • Blown fuses 

Schedule Electrical Inspections 

On the surface, a homeowner might think: “The electrical system’s fine! Everything works when I plug it in.” However, there are many small signs a homeowner could overlook pointing to a serious electrical issue. By having a professional examine the system regularly, homeowners can avoid the headaches that come with significant (and expensive) electrical problems. 

When conducting an electrical system inspection, a professional can: 

  • Insulate any exposed wires 
  • Replace any old fuses 
  • Make sure the outlets give the correct voltage 
  • Inspect outlets and wiring for damage
  • Suggest any measures that prevent fires 
  • Test circuit breakers 
  • Suggest measures to prevent outages 

Replace Old Outlets and Wiring outlet

During inspections, if outlets or wiring are found to be damaged, they should be replaced by an electrician immediately to prevent a fire hazard. The ESFI notes that every home, even new ones, could benefit from new outlets and wiring. Outlets and wires do more than transit electricity from point A to point B. They also: 

  • Prevent shocks and other injuries: Most (if not all) outlets come with a failsafe that prevents homeowners from suffering nasty burns and shocks. That way, a homeowner can plug and unplug items without fearing for their safety. 
  • Minimize the generation of heat: When electricity comes into contact with other items, temperatures can quickly get too high. As noted, this can cause burns and other life-threatening conditions. 
  • Keep electronic devices from getting destroyed: When an electronic device gets too much electricity, it can “fry” the battery, making the item unusable. This sometimes happens during lightning storms; a power surge can overtake a device and destroy its insides. 
  • Prevent electrical fires: Many outlets come with sensors that prevent electrical fires. Some older outlets don’t have this feature, increasing the risk of preventable accidents. 

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical 

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has over three decades of experience serving Pompano Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day services, straightforward pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for inspections, outlet, or wiring repair and replacement in Pompano Beach, FL.

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How to Practice Electrical Safety This Month

Common Electrical Safety Tips and Tricks for Homeowners 

Homeowners experiencing an electrical problem should leave it to the professionals because a lot can go wrong when trying to DIY electrical solutions. When solving an electrical issue, there is a lot to consider, including the proper wattage, safety equipment, and the warning signs of a problem.

It is easier for homeowners to prevent common problems like an overloaded outlet than to fix a larger wiring issue down the line. Use these tips to make any home safer this electrical safety month.

Stop Overloading Outlets

outletThere is not enough importance on learning how electricity works in a home. Not all homeowners understand surge protectors are necessary if they use more than one plugin an outlet. Not all outlets can contain the same amount of surge or wattage.

It is dangerous to overload an outlet. When an outlet is overloaded, there is too much wattage in the outlet, causing it to short and overheat. Appliances can also short and stop working if outlets are overloaded.

Although a non-working appliance can be frustrating, it's not the worst danger. When using too many outlets and appliances at once, outlets can overheat and cause electrical fires. This is more common when people are not home. Experts recommend using multiple outlets in a home instead of simply one and unplugging appliances when they are not in use.

Check For and Use Proper Wattage

wattagesNot all appliances and the plugs they come with are the same! It is important to learn what wattages are and the recommended wattages for an outlet and appliance. If the appliance holds a wattage higher than the outlet, this can cause the outlet to overload, short, and overheat.

A watt is simply a measure or a rate used to calculate how much energy is needed to power appliances such as lamps and light fixtures. If the correct wattage is not used with the right lamps and light fixtures, this can cause an increase in electric bills and the fixture to overheat. 

Stay Clear From DIY Solutions

Before trying to fix the problem, it is best to call an electrician. Electricity can be deadly and is not something to play with. Even a simple solution like an outlet repair can cause damage to a home or homeowner. Professional electricians train for just about any electrical problem, and many are happy to explain the recommended wattage to interested homeowners.

Electrical hazards are serious and should be avoided. Electricians have tools and uniforms that can protect them from these hazards. Instead of DIY solutions, homeowners should focus on staying safe with electrical safety tips like unplugging appliances and staying clear of open wires.

The tools that electricians use are also very expensive! It is not worth it to purchase the tools as they are expensive, and if homeowners do not know what they are doing, it can worsen the situation, causing a blackout.

About Mr. Air AC & Electrical

Mr. Air AC & Electrical has served the residents of Broward and Palm Beach County for over 35 years. They provide same-day, straightforward pricing, financing, and 24-hour emergency service. They also offer a membership club with special perks. Call them today for electrical services in Pompano Beach, FL.

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