The home is a safe haven for most — it’s where they make memories with family and friends, find comfort amidst a chaotic lifestyle, and sleep peacefully after a hectic day at work. But much as it is safe, it is dangerous, putting your and your family life at risk. For instance, a natural gas or carbon monoxide leakage in the home not only increases the risk of fire but can potentially be fatal through suffocation. So, as a smart homeowner, you need to know what precautions to take to avoid hazards at home and what to do if ever faced with one.
Finicky light fixture
Almost every home or a facility has one or two switches that don’t work correctly. Such switches will sometimes operate properly, and other times, they won’t. Occasionally, they may also flicker for a second before turning on a light. And even if you try installing a new light bulb, the flicker won’t go away. If you are noticing this, you may need to call an electrician in San Antonio, TX, as the chances are the light switch lacks proper connections.
The switch sparks
As you flip the light switch off, you may sometimes notice a spark within it. This is referred to as load arc, which occurs when the electrical connections within the switch get pulled away from each other. However, if you see a large spark accompanied by an audible snap or pop, it’s a clear sign that the switch has gone bad. If you wait any longer to call an electrical contractor in San Antonio, TX, to replace it, you may also start seeing smoke or scorch marks, which can be risky.
Noisy switch
Properly-working light switches don’t make any sound or noise when you turn them on and off. So, if there is audible clicking, buzzing, or popping when you flip the switch, it indicates that something within it is not right. Make sure you don’t overlook any noise coming from a light switch and call in professionals as soon as possible to get it fixed.
The switch is warm to the touch
It is acceptable for a dimmer switch to get a little warm after being on for a while, but if a standard toggle light switch gets warm after having been on for a while, it needs replacement. Light switches generally feel cool to the touch, and if they feel warm, it’s time to call an electrical contractor in San Antonio, TX, to replace them.
One of the common safety hazards in the home is an electrical fire. According to statistics, home electrical fires account for nearly 51,000 fires every year, causing 500 deaths, an estimated 1,400 injuries, and property damage of more than $1.3 billion. So, it’s vital to know how to prevent it and how to react if it happens.
In this blog, we will talk about how you can keep your home safe from electrical fires. Let’s dive in quickly:
Upgrade your electric panel in San Antonio
If your home’s electrical system is equipped with an outdated electrical panel and components, such as knob-and-tube wiring, 60-amp electrical parts, and aluminum wiring, consider calling panel upgrade professionals in San Antonio to replace your electrical system with a modern one. This is because those components and wirings tend to wear out and overheat quickly, which increases the risk of fires. On the other hand, modern electrical systems comprise copper wirings and 100-amps components, which reduces the risk of fires significantly.
Keep heat-generating appliances unplugged when not in use
When heat-generating appliances malfunction or are accidentally left plugged for a long time, they may overheat and catch fire. So, it’s always best and recommended to unplug irons, curling wands, toasters, kettles, geysers, and other heat-producing appliances when not in use.
Use extension cords temporarily
Many homeowners don’t realize that extension cords are not a permanent solution to the shortage of power sources in the home. These cords should only be used temporarily until you get the electrical panel upgraded in San Antonio for additional power sources. Any negligence in this regard can lead to an event of an electric fire.
Don’t ignore signs of an electrical fire
If you notice problems in an electrical switch or panel, call an electrician immediately to look into the problem and fix it. Some signs of electrical problems in the home are:
Noticing electrical problems in your home’s electrical system? Get your panel upgraded in San Antonio by calling us today.