Electrical Hazards at Home and How to Avoid Them
Electricity is a very important part of our daily lives. Everything from our entertainment systems to our appliances is powered by it. However, if not handled carefully, it can also be quite dangerous. Homeowners must be aware of the possible dangers in their houses since electrical hazards cause thousands of fires, injuries, and deaths annually. Maintaining a secure and pleasant living space requires being aware of these risks and adopting the appropriate precautions. In this blog, we’ll explore common electrical hazards at homes, the causes behind them, and practical ways how to avoid electrical hazards. Let’s find out more!
What are Some Electrical Hazards at Home?
Despite being necessary, electricity may provide a hidden risk when anything goes wrong. The following are some of the most common electrical hazards examples at home that homeowners need to be aware of:
Faulty Wiring
Any electrical system relies heavily on wiring, and one of the biggest risks in a house is damaged or outdated wiring. Wires can degrade over time due to wear and tear, or they might have been improperly installed in older homes. Overheating, sparks, or even flames may result from this. If your home is more than 30 years old and hasn’t had an electrical inspection, there’s a good chance the wiring could be outdated or damaged.
Overloaded Circuits
Nowadays, we often have more gadgets and appliances plugged in than ever before. When too many gadgets are plugged into one outlet, the circuit may become overloaded, leading to sparks, overheating, and even electrical fires. The use of extension cords and power strips exacerbates this risk, especially when multiple high-wattage devices are plugged into the same circuit.
Arc Faults
Unintentional contact between wires may cause an arc fault, which can burn nearby things with heat or sparks. This often occurs as a result of bad connections in electrical outlets or switches or broken cables. Arc faults are a big cause of electrical fires, particularly in older homes where wiring insulation may have deteriorated over time.
Ground Faults
When electricity leaves the intended wiring and travels an unexpected route—often via a person—ground faults occur. This can happen when water comes in touch with electrical outlets, making bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas particularly vulnerable. Ground faults can result in electric shocks and, in severe cases, electrocution.
Wrong Wattage Light Bulbs
Using light bulbs with wattages higher than recommended for a fixture can cause overheating and pose a fire risk. Using a bulb with too high power may cause the wire in the lamp to melt, which might result in a short circuit or fire, although homeowners often ignore this risk.
Unprotected Electrical Outlets
Exposed electrical outlets are a big problem in houses with little children. Due to their innate curiosity, children may try to put things into outlets, which might result in burns or shocks. These apparently harmless plugs may become hazardous if the correct outlet covers are not used.
Most Common Causes of Electrical Hazards
Now that we’ve identified some of the main electrical hazards let’s dive into the common causes of electrical hazards.
Ageing Electrical Systems
Older homes often have electrical systems that aren’t equipped to handle modern electrical demands. Wires that were installed decades ago may no longer meet current safety standards, and insulation on those wires can deteriorate, increasing the risk of electrical fires or shocks.
Improper Use of Electrical Devices
One of the main causes of risks is the misuse of electrical wires or equipment. Common errors that may cause overheating and fires include using broken appliances, running extension wires under carpets, and plugging in too many gadgets into one outlet.
Moisture and Water Exposure
Water is a major conductor of electricity, and combining the two can be deadly. Serious electrical shocks may result from wet appliances, exposed outlets in kitchens or bathrooms, or outdoor outlets close to hoses or pools. This is why ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are critical in these areas.
DIY Electrical Work
Many homeowners attempt to fix electrical problems themselves, thinking they can handle basic repairs. DIY electrical work, however, may result in damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, and a higher danger of fire if done without the right equipment or expertise. Electrical repairs should always be left to qualified experts.
Rodent Damage
Sometimes, external elements, such as rats, cause electrical risks. Squirrels, rats, or mice can chew through wires, stripping away insulation and exposing live electrical currents. This may result in circuit shorts and pose a direct fire risk.
How To Avoid Electrical Hazards at Home
Wondering how can we avoid electrical hazards at home? The good news is that any kind of electrical hazard at home can be prevented with a few easy precautions. By staying vigilant and following these electrical hazard prevention measures, you can massively reduce the risk of electrical dangers in your home:
Regular Inspections
Regular inspections by a certified electrician are one of the best strategies to prevent electrical risks. This is very important for older homes, as outdated wiring solutions may not meet current safety standards. By planning an inspection every few years and rewiring, minor problems may be identified before they become major ones.
Use the Right Wattage
Make sure you are always utilising the right wattage light bulbs for your fixtures and lamps. Using bulbs with wattages greater than the advised level might result in overheating and fires. The maximum wattage is usually indicated on the lamp or fixture.
Install GFCIs and AFCIs
Installing GFCIs in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets can help prevent ground faults, reducing the risk of electric shocks. Additionally, installing AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters) on circuits throughout your home can help prevent fires caused by arc faults.
Don’t Overload Outlets
Avoid daisy-chaining power strips together and keep the number of devices connected into each socket to a minimum. It is crucial to spread the electrical load over many outlets and circuits since overloaded circuits provide a serious fire danger.
Childproof Your Home
Invest in tamper-resistant outlets or childproof outlet covers if you have small children. When not in use, these outlets automatically shut off, keeping kids from sticking things into the socket.
Call a Professional When in Doubt
It's usually better to be safe than sorry when doing electrical repairs. Contact a qualified electrician like Petrelli Electrical immediately if you detect any odd odours, sparks, flickering lights, or regularly tripped breakers. DIY fixes can often lead to massive problems, so it’s best to leave electrical work to the experts.
How Petrelli Electrical Can Help with Residential Hazards
At Petrelli Electrical, we specialise in keeping your home safe from electrical hazards in the home. From damaged wiring to overloaded circuits, our team of trained electricians has years of expertise locating and resolving typical electrical issues. To make sure your house satisfies modern safety regulations, we do thorough residential electrical inspections.
Whether you need a simple repair or a full rewiring of your home, Petrelli Electrical is here to help. Don’t wait for an electrical hazard to become a disaster – our residential and domestic electrical services can help. Contact Petrelli Electrical today to schedule an inspection or consultation and take the first step in making your home safer for you and your family.