7 Tips from Electrician of Central Coast to Prevent House Fires We usually take electricity for granted though it is a part of our daily lives. The same current which powers your lights and refrigeration can spark a fire under the right circumstances as no home would be the same without it.
Through these important tips which we are providing your today to help prevent electrical fires at home, stay safe by utilizing the services of the best emergency electricians of the Central Coast.
Upgrading extension cords When necessary, extension cords can be convenient, temporary solutions though they are not designed to be permanent extensions of your home’s electrical system. Too many older cords however, lack the modern safety features and increases the risk for fires according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Unless they are 18 AWG with special fuse protection, they recommend extension cords be at least 16 AWG and AWG reflects the size of the wire. On every cord, this information is imprinted, polarized blades and protective safety closures are included as the other critical features.
By an independent testing laboratory such as Intertek (ETL) or the more commonly recognized Underwriters Laboratory (UL) should be recognized. And these are all ensured when you avail the electrical services of Central Coast.
Using only the right size light bulbs It is tempting to put a larger than minimum size light bulb in a lamp or other fixture but, Ryan Bealmear, President of Teague Electric says that it is a big mistake in a pinch. Larger bulbs create more heat and if a 100 watt bulb is put in a lamp rated for 40 watts it could easily overheat.
It not only damage the fixture but also the wiring of the wall as homeowners think about the bulb size in watts and the amount of light they can expect. These things are all under the shade when emergency electrician of Central Coast performs their services.
Avoid using extension cord with a space heater A portable space heater can be a life-saver but the Electrical Safety Foundation International is quick to remind the homeowners that extension cords and heatproducing appliance do not mix when the temperature drops. Easily overloading even a heavy-duty extension cord, the amount of power required to generate heat is high. By no other devices, space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
Installation of Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters With Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) can prevent about 50 percent of home fires though nearly 20,000 home fires are annually caused by an electrical malfunction. An arc-fault is a risky electrical problem which occurs because of damaged or overheated power cords and overloaded circuits according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Providing valuable protection the AFCIs trip breakers whenever a dangerous situation is detected is the sole concern of the Central Coast electricians.
Considering home electrical inspection Its electrical system may not be up to par if your home is more than forty years old. An inspection through the electrical contractors of Central Coast is required before selling your home, but having a qualified electrician could help you identify potentially dangerous issues which might be present in your home. Your electrical system could use an update if you have the following warning signs:
Lights which are flickering Hotter switch plates or cords Premature burn out of the light bulbs While plugging in a cord, sparks or shocks from an outlet
 Looser outlets which do not hold the plugs properly  Buzzing sounds or burning smells which are unidentified  Tripping of the circuits repeatedly
Prevention of power cord damage The top cause of electrical fires is the damaged cords. In ways that put stress on the wires and cover, cords should never be installed in tight spaces where they are pinched or twisted in ways. Under carpeting never install cords. The main recipe for fire is the combination of a damaged cord and the presence of combustible material.
Considering hiring qualified electrician A highly qualified and reputable electrician has a higher level of expertise and in most cases can get the job done faster and with minimal disruption is what a skilled, as a safety-minded homeowner can tackle simple electrical repair. To ensure that you are receiving the advanced, code-compliant upgrades and repairs, their extensive knowledge of current standards and guidelines will help you. By making an electrical safety a top priority in your home this season, protect your home and loved ones. Build on your awareness as you start with these tips as safety matters!