How to prevent fires at home.
The warning sings…
- Breakers always tripping
- Fuses that blow constantly
- Faulty extension cords
- Old faulty space heaters
- Appliances giving off a burning smell when used.
- Electrical outlets that spark
- Faulty electrical appliances
- Light switches and outlets that are hot to touch
- Walls that are warm or hot.
- Loose plug fit in outlets
- Flickering lights
Electricity generates heat which causes your electrical wires to expand and contract over time. This can cause your electrical connections to loosen. When your connections are loose there is a chance of arcing. Arcing is responsible for many many fires every year in Canada.
Tips to help prevent electrical fires
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters
Using Arc fault circuit interrupters is one of the main ways to protect against arcing. AFCI breakers are breakers that know when arcing is occurring and shuts off the current in that circuit to prevent fire.
Before the use of Arc fault circuit interrupters the majority of fires started in bedrooms but after the switch to AFCIs, introduced in the early 2000s, the majority of fires now start in the kitchen or bathroom.
Wiring inspection
When buying an older home you should have a licensed electrician inspect as much of the wiring as possible. Attention should given to basements that are finished because many basements are finished by the home owner and may not have been done correctly.
Tripping breakers
Breakers trip because they are over loaded. Many times home owners will increase the breakers amps to 20 or 30 amps to try to stop the circuit from tripping but this does not solve the problem.
A breakers purpose is to protect the wire. Using a breaker with more amps will only cause the wire to heat up and over time fail due to the excessive heat. Once this happens a fire is very possible.
Do you have enough room on your electrical panel for everything you want? Is it time to upgrade your breaker panel?
Hire a professional
There are numerous projects a home owner can do themselves, but when it comes to electrical, leave it to a professional. You will benefit by having it done right the first time and also the benefit of safety for you and your family.
Other benefits include: peace of mind knowing that if you need a home appraisal for financing or refinancing or are selling your home, it will pass the inspections.
For a trusted Electrician in Hamilton call Stack Electric. 905-512-9428