Top 8 Electrical Tips for Your Home – Part 2
As discussed in Part 1, every homeowner has to sometimes cope with an electrical issue at their house. Working with an experienced licensed electrician will ensure it is safe and you get the best results. Part 2 will discuss four more of the top electrical tips for your home.
Outdoor Receptacles Can Be Made Safer
The flat receptacle cover on your outdoor receptacles only protects the outlet when it’s not being used. Unfortunately, extension cords are sometimes plugged into them for extended periods, especially with holiday lighting. In contrast, outdoor receptacles with bubble covers are always protected. The National Electric Code (NEC) states that 15-amp and 20-amp receptacles must be both weather-resistant and tamper-resistant in damp or wet locations.
Protect Children by Installing Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Even though they are engineered to keep children from inserting foreign objects into them and suffering electrical shock, tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) act like typical electrical outlets. A TRR is different because it features a spring-loaded receptacle cover plate that prevents children from inserting a key, paper clip, or another small object into the outlet.
Upgrade Electrical Panel to Increase Power
If you own an older home, it may still be equipped with an outdated fuse box instead of a modern circuit breaker. Even if your home does have a circuit breaker, it can still trip if your home’s electrical system is not capable of meeting modern electrical demands.
Installing a new larger appliance, building an addition, or remodeling your home may raise your home’s electrical requirements beyond what your existing electrical panel can safely handle. A heavy-up, also known as an electrical panel upgrade, will let your home handle more electricity and make it safer.
Do Not Ignore Electrical Warning Signs
Symptoms indicating there are serious problems with your home’s electrical system should be addressed right away. Ignoring warning signs may result in a deadly electrical shock or fire.
Contact a local licensed electrician and request a safety inspection immediately if you feel a light switch that is hot to the touch. Other symptoms indicating danger are popping sounds from an outlet, burning smells from your electrical panel, scorch marks on electrical cords and surge protectors, and if you are unable to reset a tripped circuit breaker.
Electrical Peace of Mind
Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs. For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. We will be very glad to help you.