The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” definitely applies to the electrical wiring in your home and business. When you flip on the light switch you expect the lights to come on or the appliance to work, and in most instances that’s exactly what happens. But do you know what is lurking out of sight behind the walls in your home or office building? According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical fires kill more than 300 and injure over 1100 people in America every year. In addition to the human cost, losses to property exceed more than $1 billion. While there are numerous causes for these fires, over half of them are a result of faulty electrical wiring. Elcon Electric of Ft. Lauderdale, a licensed and local Fort Lauderdale electrician, offers the following advice to keep homeowners from become part of these sobering statistics.
Do have a safety inspection on any older home conducted by a licensed electrician. Fort Lauderdale building codes have changed numerous times over the past years to incorporate more advanced and safer technology. For example, in the 1970s aluminum wiring was popular in many areas. This is no longer used because the metal tends to contract and expand in reaction to temperature changes causing loose connections. If you have aluminum wiring you won’t necessarily have to replace it; simply have your Fort Lauderdale electrician place copper pigtails on the connections to keep them strong.
Do inspect outlets and switches periodically. Cracked units should be replaced. You should also be concerned if several outlets no longer work. Make certain two-prong outlets have not been replaced with three-prong outlets without the appropriate wiring changes.
Do replace any missing or broken outlet covers. Protective covers keep moisture out — as well as little fingers. And when you screw on the new cover make certain you use a regular screwdriver with a plastic safety handle and not that metal table knife. If you slip and stick the tip into the hole of the outlet you don’t want to be holding onto anything metal!
Don’t assume all electrical wiring is the same. Electrical wiring and switches come in various sizes and choosing incorrect materials can damage any attached appliances or even cause electrical overloads which pose a fire hazard. Be sure to ask your Fort Lauderdale electrician more about this.
Don’t install electrical wiring yourself. There are a number of home repairs which can be done by any do-it-yourself homeowner without posing a danger. If you install a kitchen sink improperly you may have to clean up after a leak but your house won’t explode into flame. Simple wiring mistakes are frequent causes for home fires. Companies such as Elcon Electric, a licensed and bonded Ft. Lauderdale electrician services company, are willing to do small jobs like chandelier and ceiling fan installations at very reasonable fees and you can rest assured that the work is correct and guaranteed.
Don’t allow an unlicensed person work on your electrical wiring. If you are having a portion of your home remodeled require the contractor to only use a licensed electrician from Ft. Lauderdale to do the electrical work. Don’t worry about offending anyone when you ask to see the electrician’s credentials. After all, the safety of your home and family is at stake.
If you have any questions about electrical issues call the licensed Fort Lauderdale electricians at Elcon Electric in Ft. Lauderdale. They’ll be happy to assist you.
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