Your home is a place of refuge, a shelter from the storms of life. But your household’s well-being can quickly become endangered if your electrical components aren’t kept in check. May is National Electrical Safety Month, a great time to assess your home’s defenses against electrical accidents, property loss, and catastrophes. Here are seven things to consider to keep your home the haven you have designed it to be.

Electrical safety requires regular maintenance to address signs of system distress. Contact a licensed electrical contractor at GAC Services at {{dc:acf:option_field field=”contact_info_phone_text”}} if you notice lights that flicker, outlets that don’t work, sparks, or wires that show visible wear.

Appliances

There are approximately 24,000 electrical fires per year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Most electrical fires are triggered by faulty electrical outlets and old, outdated appliances. Other culprits include light fixtures with improper wattage, misused extension cords, and outdated wiring.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from appliance-related electrical issues is to evaluate electric cords for fraying or cracking. Use appliances as they were designed to be used and keep them away from water.

Keep appliances clean and operating properly. If an appliance sparks, smokes, or causes electrical shocks, unplug it and cease operation until a qualified electrician can repair it.

Outlets and Overloaded Circuits

Never allow anything other than an electrical plug to be placed in an outlet. Parents and caregivers should use outlet covers or caps to protect children.

Ensure your circuits carry the proper load. Overloaded circuits are a major culprit of home electrical fires. Dedicated circuits are assigned a specific purpose and should be used accordingly. Their primary use is to power high-wattage appliances like HVAC systems, refrigerators, microwaves among others, safely. Use a dedicated outlet only for its intended appliance.

Contact us at {{dc:acf:option_field field=”contact_info_phone_text”}} to schedule an electrical inspection or speak with an electrician you can trust.

Cooking Safety

More than half of all accidental house fires start in the kitchen. In fact, research shows that most accidental fires caused by electricity are from misuse of electrical cooking appliances (including microwaves). Improve your safety when cooking by keeping the stove and oven clean and free from combustibles like towels, potholders, or napkins. Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Make sure you plug countertop appliances into GFCI-protected outlets. Don’t place any appliances near sinks.

Storms and Surges

Disruption to electrical power in your Maryland home increases your electrical risks. When a storm strikes, avoid the damage that can result from a power surge with a whole-home surge protection system.

Also, beware of storm flooding and water near electrical appliances or components. These electrical tools become hazardous when water is in or around them.

Our certified and licensed electricians offer complete electrical installation services to the Gaithersburg area. Receive the superior electrical service and solutions you need today by contacting us at {{dc:acf:option_field field=”contact_info_phone_text”}}.

Power Lines

Downed power lines are extremely dangerous. If you see one, don’t approach it and call 911. Also, make sure you watch for overhead lines when flying kites and climbing trees, etc. Be careful with tree pruning or digging projects. Hidden electrical lines can be under the soil so ensure you can dig where it is safe. When pruning trees, make sure that falling tree limbs can’t endanger nearby lines.

Old Wiring

Outdated wiring is a fire threat to homes. If your home is over 20 years old, chances are its wiring capacity is not sufficient for the increased number of electrical appliances in the average home.

Homeowners should evaluate their appliance’s wiring and other electrical tools weekly for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any, quickly replace the appliance, schedule a repair, or call a trusted electrician at GAC Services.

Contact us online now to schedule appliance wiring in Gaithersburg and the surrounding areas!

Electrical Installation

Don’t attempt appliance wiring by yourself. Failing to wire your new systems effectively can lead to considerable home damage, as well as a failure to stay within current electrical safety codes.

According to the National Electrical Code, all electrical installations and upgrades must have an electrical inspection performed by a licensed electrician. This inspection will ensure your new electrical equipment meets minimum electrical safety requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Contact GAC Services Today for Expert Electrical Services

Employ the experts at GAC Services to ensure your home is protected from any potential electrical hazards. Our family-owned and -operated business has been serving the Gaithersburg area for over 50 years with factory-trained and nationally certified technicians. With our upfront pricing and 100% service satisfaction guarantee, we’re the company you need to call for quality electrical service in Maryland.

Contact GAC Services at {{dc:acf:option_field field=”contact_info_phone_text”}} to schedule an electrical inspection today!