As a new homeowner, there are many things you need to learn about and maintain regularly that you likely did not have to do before. Between lawn maintenance, upkeep on all your appliances, insurance, and various home improvement projects, you will likely feel a bit overwhelmed. The electrical system in your home is no different. To help make the transition to homeownership easier, here are some of the most common mistakes that new homeowners make regarding the electrical system–and how to avoid making them yourself.
Overloading Circuits: Each circuit can only handle a certain amount of power flowing through it–the standard for most homes is either 15-amp circuits or 20-amp circuits. These circuits run through localized areas of your home. Some power multiple outlets along a wall, while others will be “dedicated” circuits and are only used to power a single appliance, such as the refrigerator. When you demand too much power from a circuit by plugging too many devices in at once, you can overload the circuit and cause an electrical fire. Luckily, it’s easy to avoid overloading a circuit. Never plug more than two devices into an outlet. When using a power strip, only use it to plug in small devices like phone chargers; plugging in larger appliances will cause it to overload. You should also never plug appliances that demand a high wattage into an extension cord, as this can also overdraw power from the circuit.
Brushing Off Warning Signs: Understand the early warning signs that something is wrong with an electrical system component and have them checked out when they happen. Lights flickering once is not something to be concerned about, but if you notice it happening multiple times, you should have an electrician check it out. Check for discoloration on your outlets that could indicate burning or overheating. Sparks from an outlet or the smell of metal or plastic burning are less subtle signs and clearly indicate that something is malfunctioning.
Not Updating Outlets: New homeowners should expect to replace outlets every few years because they tend to wear over time and may crack or come loose. When you notice an outlet seems to be old or not working correctly, it is time to have it updated. Additionally, if you find any outlets that have only two prongs (as opposed to those with the third grounding prong hole), you need to have a three-prong outlet installed instead. The two-prong outlets pose a greater risk of injury or fire since they are not connected to a grounding wire.
Attempting to DIY Your Wiring: Electricity is hazardous, especially when you do not fully know what you are doing. There are many great projects and improvements that you can attempt with DIY tutorials, but electrical work is not one of them. It is always best to have a professional do the job so that you have the peace of mind that it is done properly and safely.
Forgetting Surge Protectors: We get a lot of thunderstorms here in Florida, which means that there is a high chance of power outages and lightning strikes. Be sure to protect your devices by having surge protection installed. You can find individual surge protectors as well as whole-home protectors that will help stop excess electricity from damaging your appliances.
New homeowners should consider an electrical inspection to assess the current condition and safety of their electrical wiring and systems. The team at Promise Electric is ready to help – we are the trusted electricians for both Sarasota residents and business owners. Call today for more information.
