TIPS AN ELECTRICIAN WILL TELL YOU

You will probably read a whole lot of articles about electrical tips from all sorts of authorities, but the ones you really need are the ones from electricians themselves. Electricians are called to work on a variety of jobs, so they know which problems are the most common symptoms of trouble. They know how to prevent, fix and restore electrical wiring to its top shape. They are the experts, so here are a few tips from them that will guide everyone BEFORE a real problem escalates.

Before everything, there must be one main thing that must be pointed out: fixed wiring is the second most common cause of electrical house fires – next to light bulbs and lighting fixtures. The sad thing about it, problems of its nature are highly preventable –provided you seek the help of qualified electricians. Wiring problems usually are undetectable until the problems are already manifesting, since wiring is hidden, and not within plain view. There are some warning signs, though.

Observe switches and outlets. Switches and outlets must NEVER emit a buzzing of hissing sound. Cover plates must NEVER feel hot. If they are, this is an indication that the things plugged into it are defective – like an appliance, for example, or there is a defect inside the outlet itself. If you notice slight charring of any outlet, call your electrician and have them checked and replaced. It’s normal for switches to be warm, but if they’re burning hot - quick, call the experts in, and DON’T do it yourself.

Be wary of stinging and buzzing appliances. Have you ever touched the sides of a bread toaster and get “mildly electrocuted?” This is another cause for alarm. Unplug the toaster and have it checked by a certified electrician – not just a do-it-all guy.

Burning smell? No burning odor or the smell of burning plastic is ever a safe thing whenever wiring is concerned. If there is no logical explanation for it, assume that it is of an electrical origin, so call and schedule an inspection.

Exposed wiring – BAD! Inspect your electrical cords for nips (made by small animals and some pets) or cuts. These are highly dangerous, and may again be cause for electrocution or sparking, which lead to house fires.

Use extension cords to a minimum. Extension cords are not permanent or long-time solutions for the lack of proper wall sockets. Some multiple extension boards, especially those that enable the plugging of 4 or more plugs, are fire traps. If the total wattage plugged in exceeds the maximum voltage a board can take, then that’s an electrical fire waiting to happen. Not only that, all other appliances plugged into an extension board that explodes due to wrong usage will also be ruined. Better just have an electrician install more sockets fit for your power needs.