A Miami electrician can face a number of challenges while performing his work. Most of us have it easy: we flip on a switch to turn on the light or open the refrigerator to get a cold drink or snack and as long as everything works properly we don’t think about it. The average person doesn’t think about the wiring and circuitry that makes their home work efficiently, but this is something that is definitely on the mind of an electrician in Culter Bay and other parts of Miami.
Electrical Challenges
One of the biggest challenges facing a Miami electrician is a worn out and ineffective electrical system. This is something homeowners don’t usually consider, but the truth is an electrical system needs an inspection from time to time just like a car. Taking the time to call an expert electrician in Culter Bay to perform a safety inspection can be a great benefit for your home and can save time and money down the road.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) reports at least half of all house fires result because of electrical problems. This causes over a billion dollars in damage to property as well and many injuries and hundreds of deaths every single year. The USFA says the following are the major causes of residential electrical fires:
• Electrical outlets in need of repair or replacement
• Outdated wiring
• Switches and receptacles that are worn and dangerous
• Lamps and appliances in need of repair or replacement
• Placement of wiring in areas where wear and tear go unnoticed such as under rugs or other types of flooring
• Circuit overloads
Exercising Electrical Safety
While there is little doubt the job of a Miami electrician undergoes many challenges while he tries to keep his customers safe, there are some precautions consumers can take upon themselves in order to prevent the inevitable from occurring such as the following:
• Make sure to purchase appliances with certification by a testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
• Replace any frayed cords
• Get rid of any worn-out appliances that show signs of electrical wear such as giving off shorts or smoke
• Do not use extension cords to supplement a lack of electrical outlets
• Replace all broken covers on any outlets in your home
Consumers can do some things to spot electrical problems, but there are other things that only an electrician in Culter Bay or Miami can spot such as:
• Are the circuit breakers sufficient to handle the number of appliances in use in the house? If they frequently “trip,” the chances are you need to hire an electrician to upgrade your circuit breakers.
• Do you have enough outlets in each room? Are the outlets three-prong?
• Are the three-prong outlets properly wired or just converted? It can be dangerous to use converted outlets.
• In what kind of condition is your wiring?
• Are all your outlets operational?
• Do the areas near water have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet? This is an inexpensive safety upgrade an electrician in Miami can install.
Electrical System Upgrades
During your electrical safety inspection, you may also want to ask your electrician how to you can improve other areas of your home. Some of the areas may include adding outside security lights or increasing the efficiency of the indoor lighting. In the past homes were built without overhead lighting in many living areas creating a problem for those who wanted to read at night. Homeowners can add both elegance and style to the room with some simple and affordable lighting systems.
Conclusion
Electrical safety is an important part of a family’s overall safety. Never overlook things that may be hazardous now or in the future. Be on the lookout for potential dangers such as frayed wires and missing outlet covers. Make sure you have enough circuit breakers to handle all the appliances you are operating in your home and be on the lookout for breakers that frequently “trip” as this can be a sign of electrical overload and inefficient breaker capacity. All of these things can lead to electrical fires, one of the leading causes of all house fires in any given year.