Dangerous electrical hazards around house - Maines Electrical

Are you aware of the electrical hazards around your house? Knowing potential hazards and being able to prevent them can help you avoid any electrical emergencies and accidents, such as fires or electrocution.

So what are the most dangerous electrical hazards around your house?

1. Old wiring

Have you noticed the wiring in your house is looking old? This can increase the risk of fire or power surges within your house.

Make sure the wiring in your house always meets safety standards. If you are concerned about the quality of the wiring in your house, don’t hesitate, call an electrician.

2. Overloaded switchboards

As we continue to buy more technological devices, we buy more plugs to charge them. When we don’t have enough outlets, we can often resort to using extension cords or power boards. However, beware of overloading these. This can cause the power to trip.  

Before adding another device to your switchboard, make sure you check the capacity of the switchboard. Can it handle another large appliance, or should this be plugged into its own outlet? Items such as air conditioner units will generally need their own outlet.

3. Smoke alarms

Do you know if your smoke alarm still works? Making sure your smoke alarm works ensures you can avoid any fires in the house.

As of 2017, all interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are required in all new dwellings and substantially renovated dwellings in Queensland. As of 2022, this legislation will apply to all domestic dwellings leased or sold, and all other domestic dwellings by 2027.

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4. Placement of outlets

Are your outlets too close to a water hazard? This can often happen in the bathroom and kitchen. Water conducts electricity, so it is important to have the outlets as far away from the water source as possible in order to avoid any electric shocks.

5. Extension cords

Sometimes there is no way to avoid it - devices require extension cords.

If you are using extension cords, make sure these are secured and in place to avoid it becoming a tripping hazard.

If you are going to use an extension cord, make sure you avoid overloading the cord.  

Do you see something that may be a dangerous electrical hazard around your house?

If this is the case, remember:

• Do not try to repair the hazard yourself - this could cause damage to your house, the appliance, or even cause injury to yourself
• Monitor your appliances, cords and plugs for damage
• Avoid overloading power boards and extension cords
• Always dry your hands before using an electrical appliance or touching an outlet
• When cleaning areas such as the bathroom, kitchen or laundry, make sure to keep outlets off
• Make sure pets and children cannot access outlets or electrical cords

Do you need an electrician to fix hazards around your house? Contact Maines Electrical today. Call us, or get your quote online now.

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