Avoiding the Dangers of Faulty Electrical Wiring

Faulty electrical wiring is one of the main causes of home fires, especially in Houston, TX. In 2012, the US Fire Administration noted around 20,000 cases of fires in the US were caused by electrical malfunctions, with over 200 deaths from these incidents. These numbers clearly show the dangers that bad electrical connections pose inside a home if not properly addressed.

It’s important for homeowners to properly maintain their home’s electrical wiring to avoid any fire hazards that could threaten to burn down their property. Here are few handy tips that you can follow to see if your home is in any danger due to bad electrical wiring.

Look for and Replace Old Wiring

Old wires and cables have protective rubber or fabric covering that eventually deteriorates over time. This is can become a potential fire hazard, especially when the electronic device tied to the wiring malfunctions. If you spot any old wiring around your home, it’s best to replace them with newer PVC coating as soon as possible.

Avoid Octopus Connections

Overloading electrical sockets is one of the most common causes of electrical fires. Using an overabundance of extensions cords without increasing the number of circuits that you have inside your home dangerously increases the risk of fires. If you have to use extension cords, make sure you buy ones with an internal overload fuse, which can trip once it becomes overloaded.

Replace Outdated Circuit Breakers and Fuse Boxes

It’s not uncommon for old homes to have fuse boxes and circuit breakers that aren’t designed to handle the voltage requirements of more modern electrical appliances. Don’t hesitate to replaces these outdated circuit breakers and fuse boxes. Forcing them to carry the strain of these new devices can cause an electrical overload that can lead to possible electrical fires if things get out of control.

When in Doubt, Hire a Certified Electrician

There are homeowners that would rather do their own electrical home repairs instead of shelling out money to hire a professional. While this can save some money on the onset, if the wiring and the electrical work isn’t done properly, then the risk of electrical fires will certainly outweigh whatever initial savings that were made. Don’t put your home or your family at risk due to shoddy electrical wiring. Get a professional to do all the electrical work safely and efficiently.

Fire Alarm Houston can help reduce fire hazards by designing and installing high quality fire alarm systems inside your home. We bring you peace of mind, knowing that your home can easily be saved from any potential fires that should hit it. For more information regarding our services give us a call at 832-626-7837.

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