When it comes to safety, the importance of recognizing potential electrical hazards cannot be overstated. The top 5 common residential electrical hazards cause a lot of accidents in Canada every year, and electrical failures or system malfunctions aren’t uncommon—something that we, at BNR Electric, know everything about.
Here, we will cover five of the most common residential electrical hazards that you should be aware of. Read on for everything you need to know about identifying hazardous conditions in your home’s wiring setup!
1. OVERLOADING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
Overloading electrical circuits is a common cause of residential electrical hazards. When too many appliances or electronics are plugged into a single circuit, it can cause the circuit to overload and potentially start a fire.
How to prevent circuit overloading:
- Use power strips with circuit breakers to distribute the electricity evenly
- Avoid connecting high-wattage appliances to the same outlet
- Consult an electrician if you notice any warning signs like flickering lights or tripped circuit breakers
You can always use a Residential Electrical Contractor for all electrical installations and inspections.
2. EXTENSION CORD MALFUNCTIONS
Extension cords are usually guilty when it comes to most residential electrical hazards. Faulty wiring, damaged insulation, extension cords running under the carpets—these are all contributing to many fires and emergency room visits every year. Extension cords can also get frayed if they are walked on in high-traffic areas.
How to prevent extension cord malfunctions:
- Don’t plug a lot of appliances in the same extension cord
- Don’t extend the reach by plugging in multiple extension cords in one another
- Don’t use damaged or frayed electrical cords
Read about extension cord safety tips here.
3. FAULTY ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Appliances with damaged cords or wiring, loose connections, or improper installation can lead to electrical fires, electrocution, and other accidents. Appliances such as stoves, dryers, air conditioners, and space heaters are particularly susceptible to these hazards.
How to prevent faulty electrical appliances from causing damage:
- Regularly inspect appliances for signs of damage
- Repair or replace appliances or wiring as needed
- Make sure all appliances are installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions
4. OUTDATED WIRING
Many older homes were built with electrical systems that are now outdated and unable to handle the current electrical demands because they have fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers. You can prevent electrical hazards related to outdated wiring in older homes by:
- Making sure to have your electrical system inspected by a qualified electrician
- Updating the current electrical system
- Installing circuit breakers instead of fuse boxes
Not sure if your home has outdated electrical wiring? Find out here.
5. POORLY MAINTAINED ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Poorly maintained electrical systems and DIY electric repairs and installations pose a significant fire risk to homeowners. Also, older wiring can be made from materials that are now considered unsafe, such as aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring. Here are electrical hazard safety guidelines:
- Regularly inspect your electrical system
- Make sure to update your old electrical system
- Protect the electrical system from elemental damages
If you need electrical maintenance, get in touch with our professional team at BNR Electric via a contact form or just call us at 778-704-0312. We will be happy to help.