As a homeowner, do you know much about the electrical work in your home?

If not, then you’ve come to the right place!

Homeowners should have some knowledge about their electrical work for several reasons. While homeowners don't need to become experts, having a fundamental understanding of their electrical systems can be highly beneficial for safety, cost savings, and overall peace of mind. If you're unsure about your electrical system, it's advisable to consult with a qualified electrician for guidance and assistance.

1. Know Where Your Electrical Box Is And How To Use It

Knowing where your circuit breaker box is and how to use it is essential for homeowners. Knowing how to utilize a Breaker in an electrical emergency can help you cut off power to a particular area. This in turn will help you eliminate risk of fires or serious injuries. 

You should become familiar with what controls what in your electrical panel. Being aware of which circuits control which areas of your home can help you manage your electricity efficiently. For example, If an outlet stops working, you can check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. Some minor issues can be solved by resetting a tripped breaker.

2. Be Careful With Extension Cords

To ensure efficient electrical, you’ll want to purchase high-quality extension cords. Cheaper, low-quality cords may not be as safe or durable. 

Continuously pushing extension cords to their limits can cause them to wear out quickly, decreasing the efficiency and causing a shortened life span. Overloading extension cords with too many devices can lead to overheating and fires. Extension cords are designed to handle a specific load, and exceeding this capacity can be hazardous. This can result in costly repairs or replacements.

3. Don’t Ignore Small Electrical Problems

Many electrical issues can escalate into serious fire hazards. Damaged outlets, Faulty wiring, or loose connections can cause a fire or other hazards such as electrical shock. Electrical fires can destroy your home, and even small problems can damage electronic devices, appliances, or other valuable items. 

What might have begun as a simple solution could result in an extreme upgrade or code violation, which can result in fines or legal issues if not addressed properly. 

4. Don’t Do Electrical Work Yourself

Completing electrical work on your own can be dangerous and is highly discouraged.

Professional electricians receive thorough training to work correctly with electrical systems and follow safety protocols. Electricians also have particular tools and equipment that are necessary for safe and reliable electrical work. 

Electrical work has strict regulations and codes. Performing electrical work without the correct permits and inspections can lead to fines and legality issues, for both businesses and homes.

5. Take Precaution With Potential Problems Both Indoors And Outside

There are many steps that homeowners can take to prevent potential power outages or other electrical issues both indoors and outside.

For example, trees and branches can quickly become an electrical hazard if not taken care of. When trees begin to grow weak or overgrown, homeowners should make sure that they are taken care of before they break off or fall into wiring.

As for indoor precautions, all homeowners should have annual electrical inspections completed. This allows for electricians to identify issues early on and create a solution before they become worse or cause an electrical hazard/fire. 

Homeowners should be aware of their electrical work primarily for safety and cost-saving reasons. Understanding their electrical system enables them to identify potential hazards, address common issues, and respond effectively during emergencies. 

Identifying how your electrical system works helps your electrician come up with a solution. Contact Malstrom Electric today to help you with your residential projects!