4 Hidden Electrical Home Safety Hazards

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4 Hidden Electrical Home Safety Hazards

Staff Writer · Oct 4, 2010

With respect to electrical home safety, it’s important to know what potential hazards may lurk in your apartment home. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, almost 90 people die each year as a result of electrocution from unsafe wiring. In addition, most fires that could be prevented begin in lighting or electrical systems that aren’t up to code. Therefore, make sure that your wiring is up-to-date and that you have any wiring checked or replaced that can present a hazard.

#1 – Look at Your Wall Outlets for Clues

Warm or discolored wall outlets or cracked face places indicate that the there is a problem with the wiring installation or the receptacle itself. Look at your wall outlets and their face plates. Check to see if they are warm to the touch. Also, if you feel a tingling sensation from an appliance plugged into the wall, the wiring could have a short. Unplug the appliance and call your apartment manager or an electrician. Don’t use the appliance or outlet until you can have the wiring fixed or replaced.

#2 – Beware of Flickering or Dimming Lights

If you notice that your lights will flicker or dim every now and then, you need to have your wiring inspected. Flickering or dimming lights indicate a short in the wiring or an over-extended consumption of electricity. You can experience this problem in older apartments (or, those that are over 50 years old). Since the lifespan of most electrical systems is about 35 years, many times, older buildings that still have the original wiring will not be equipped to handle the extra amps. Even if you live in a building built around the 60s or 70s, you may need your wiring updated as most buildings during this time installed aluminum wiring. Since aluminum wiring is known to corrode more readily than copper, it can pose a hazard if it’s not replaced.

#3 – Do You Use Extension Cords Regularly?

Another sign that you need to have an electrician look at your wiring is the overuse of extension cords. If this is the case, you  need to notify your apartment manager or an electrician immediately as your wiring is probably not up to code. Extension cords are only meant to be used as a temporary measure.

#4 – Arc Faults – A Deadly Threat

It doesn’t take much effort to produce an arc fault. An arc fault is an electrical current that is steered off course because of damaged wiring. Therefore, an arc fault can result when, say, a chair or other furnishing slices through a cord or an outlet possesses a loose connection. According to the National Fire Protection Association, arc faults in wiring are the primary cause of fires in the U.S. Therefore, you can prevent such an occurrence by installing a device known as an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). An AFCI is able to stop the wayward current before it strays from its course and starts a fire. In fact, the Electrical Safety Foundation International says the devices prevent about half to three-quarters of the fires resulting from defective wiring.

Also, note any burnt odors coming from appliances, and make sure that you are using cords that aren’t worn or frayed. Stay alert and keep “current” on electrical safety.

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