Recent news has highlighted several cases of fires in homes in the US. One of the leading causes of these fires is related to electrical issues, particularly in older homes that may not have been equipped to handle the increasing demand for power. Here are some important things that a professional electrician want you to know.
As technology advances, we’ve seen a surge in the use of power-hungry appliances like heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, washing machines, and computers in our daily lives. This article aims to shed light on some crucial aspects of electrical safety to help you keep your home safe from the risk of electrical fires.
Electrician Tips: Common Electrical Issues That Can Lead to Fires
1. Service Panel Capacity
Your home’s electrical system relies on a service panel to distribute power. However, every panel has its limits. If you start adding more and more devices to your home, you may exceed the capacity of your electrical panel. When this happens, the panel may struggle to handle the load, leading to potential issues.
To address this, it’s wise to consult with a qualified electrician who can evaluate your system and recommend solutions. In some cases, adding a sub-panel or even replacing the main panel might be necessary to meet your growing power demands.
2. Overloaded Circuits
Your home’s electrical circuits have a rated amperage, indicating the amount of electrical load they can safely handle. If you consistently overload a circuit by plugging in devices that draw more power than the circuit can handle, it can trip the circuit breaker.
An electrician in Myrtle Beach can inspect your circuits to determine if they are handling loads properly. If not, they may recommend adding new dedicated circuits to distribute the load more effectively, preventing potential circuit overloads.
3. Not Enough Outlets
It’s crucial to have an adequate number of electrical outlets in your home. Using multiple extension cords and power strips to compensate for a lack of outlets can pose fire hazards, especially if they’re not used correctly.
Extension cords are not designed for continuous heavy use and can overheat, potentially leading to electrical fires. If you find yourself relying on extension cords frequently, it’s time to consider adding more electrical outlets to your home, making it safer and more convenient.
4. Insufficient Feeder Wiring
In some older homes, the electrical wiring that connects your house to the utility pole may not be capable of supporting the electrical demands of modern appliances and devices. If you suspect this is the case, your local electric company can inspect and replace these lines if necessary.
However, it’s important to involve an electrician in this process, as upgrading the service panel may be required to ensure your home can handle the increased electrical load. If you have plans for future expansions or increased power usage, let your Myrtle Beach electrician know so they can design a solution that meets your long-term needs.
Taking these steps and being mindful of these electrical safety tips can help you protect your home and loved ones from the risk of electrical fires.
If you have any concerns about your home’s wiring or circuit panel, contact a qualified local electrician for a professional assessment and guidance. Call MB Electrician Pros now.
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MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com
Areas Served: Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Surfside Beach, Socastee
