Electricity is essential to our daily lives as it allows us to do countless things that we do daily with minimal effort. Technology indeed improves our quality of life, but improper use can put us in harm’s way. Conducting your electrical repairs without proper knowledge can lead to risks and accidents. It’s best to leave it to the experts whenever electrical concerns occur in your home, and you are not confident in your skills.
If you want professional assistance should there be a need for an electrical repair in your home, you can count on us at Electricians Service Team to provide you with our best assistance, including wiring services and many more.
Here are seven essential safety precautions to take to protect your home and family from electric hazards:
1. Remove and replace frayed or damaged power cords. It would help if you never ignored the potential risk of exposed wiring. When you notice a wire’s insulation has worn away, it’s important to cover or replace it immediately.
2. Keep electrical loads to safe levels. One can only draw a maximum amount of power from any given outlet. Too many electrical gadgets plugged into one outlet can start a fire or even an explosion in your home.
3. Do not use the restrooms as storage space for electrical items. Since water is a conductor of electricity, even brief contact with this mixture can cause serious harm. Ensure the plugs are kept dry by cleaning up any spills when using an appliance near water.
4. Be wary of the cords and outlets in your home. Plugs and sockets need constant monitoring for wear and tear. Call a licensed electrician to fix or replace any appliances with frayed or burned wires.
5. Never run cords under the counter or near heat sources like a stove or toaster. Potentially catastrophic risks exist due to this.
6. Prevent electrical shocks by keeping young children away from outlets. When you have young children in the house, it’s important to protect all unused plugs with tamper-proof safety caps. Furthermore, all cords should be tidied up and stored out of the way so children can not pull them out and play with them.
7. Turn off electronics and lights when they are not in use. Make it a habit to double-check that all lights, fans, and other appliances that won’t be used for at least a few hours are turned off before you turn in or leave for the day.
The concept of electrical safety extends far beyond preventing minor incidents like a tripped breaker or a power surge that might damage your computer. You can rest easy knowing you’re not contributing to the leading cause of house fires by paying close attention to your home’s wiring.
Moreover, do not risk conducting electrical repairs without the proper knowledge and experience to avoid more complicated issues. Instead, choose the right company to hire and do the job for you so you can rest easy with electrical errors in your home at affordable and economically viable service costs.
Which Type of Electrical Wires Are Best to Use in Homes?
Electrical wiring is a universal requirement for any project involving electricity. You must be familiar with the type of wire or cable you need for a new wiring installation. Knowing the basics of electrical wiring will allow you to learn more about the circuits already installed in your home.
Check out six types of electrical wiring best used for your home:
- NM CABLE
NM cable, also known as Romex cable, after the most popular electrical wiring brand name, is the most popular type of home electrical wiring. The NM cables are composed of three or more separate conductors, all enclosed in a pliable plastic sheathing. Electrical appliances, light fixtures, switches, and outlets are all examples of things that can be wired with this material in a dry, indoor environment.
- ARMORED CABLE
Flexible metallic sheathing has been used in Armored cable wiring since the early 1900s, providing an extra layer of protection for the wires inside. Armored cable is not permitted in any commercial or residential structure with more than three stories.
- THHN/THWN WIRE
THHN and THWN wires are two popular options for insulation. These cables are not multi-conductors like NM cables; each conductor has its insulation color. Moreover, they are shielded by a plastic or metal conduit.
- UNDERGROUND FEEDER CABLE
An underground Feeder is an NM cable engineered for use in damp environments and underground installations. The UF cable is used when conducting electrical wiring on the ground or on outdoor projects. Alternatively, electricians can run underground PVC conduit and pull wires through it.
- PHONE AND DATA WIRE
Low-voltage wiring is used for both telephone and internet connections. Your phone and data cable could have four to eight wires, even though Category 5 is the most typical for this purpose. Category 5 cabling has eight individual wires braided into four separate pairs, the most advanced and reliable option for transmitting voice and data.
- LOW-VOLTAGE WIRE
Circuits that require fewer than 50 volts should be wired using low voltage. Low-voltage wiring is ideal for accessories like doorbells, thermostats, sprinkler systems, and landscape lighting that don’t use much power.
Whether installing new wires or replacing old ones, you need to be careful when choosing. Choose a wire for an electrical circuit only if approved for that application. For instance, UF wire is the best option for protecting your home’s electrical system from the elements when installed in damp outdoor areas. Every electrical project requires careful consideration of the amperage and voltage of each wire and the proper matching of wires to the project’s specific requirements. If you are unsure which type of electrical wire you need, best get a professional electrician to consult before installing any electrical lines in your home.
Don’t hesitate to ring our lines if you need help with your electrical system issues at home, and our experts at Electricians Service Team will provide you with the necessary aid!
