Electrical Safety in Your Big Island Home This Fall
With the change of season you may be giving some thought to your home’s electrical safety. One has to wonder if there is anything behind the walls that could be a hazard to the family. Or perhaps you have had cause to notice an outlet running warm, a breaker tripping without explanation, or lights that flicker.
For the homeowners of Northwest and West Hawaii, Big Island Electric, Inc. is on hand to make sure their property is in good order and safe. We have been of service to the Big Island since 2004; should any question arise regarding your system, do not hesitate to put in a call to (808) 480-7080.
The fall lends itself to putting things on hold for a while and tending to those areas of the house that are otherwise neglected. Even though we are spared harsh winters here on the Big Island, the weather does shift and one is inclined to be inside more with the holidays upon us. It is as good a time as any to see how your electrical system is faring.
A Case for Checking Your System in the Fall
Holidays bring out the cooking and the devices and the strings of lights, which in turn puts more of a demand on the wiring. In an older home where the system has not seen an inspection in years it can be hard put to take that kind of load.
But there is no need for trouble down the road when a bit of attention will suffice. Put in the time to put right any small matters and you will not be caught off guard when the home is at its peak activity.
Some Straightforward Safety Checks
An electrician is not required to pick up on the usual warning signs. Make a tour of the house and be on the lookout for:
- Any switch plate or outlet that is warm
- Dimming or flickering of the lights under the strain of another appliance
- Breakers that will not reset or trip with some frequency
- Scorched or discolored covers on outlets
- A burning odour in the vicinity of fixtures or panels
- Cords with cracks or fraying, or ones that get hot
- Rooms with an abundance of devices yet only two-prong outlets
Should you come across any of these, put the fixture or outlet out of commission and get a professional to look at it. A burning smell or a warm outlet can indicate something amiss within the wall and must not be left to chance.
Extension Cords and Power Strips: Use Them Wisely
It is tempting to put in an extension cord or power strip when you are putting up seasonal lighting and decorations. Yet overloading them is what gets most people into electrical trouble.
Do not make them a permanent part of your wiring. And for heaven’s sake do not run them through a doorway or under a rug. Do not daisy chain power strips and be sure the cord is rated for what you are plugging in. Unplug the decorative lights when you head to bed or are out of the house. If you are using them constantly it is probably time to have some new outlets put in; it is an easy way to cut down on risk.
Kitchens, Outdoors and Other Wet Areas
Give extra consideration to any area in proximity to water. You want GFCI outlets in the laundry room, bathroom and kitchen to cut the power at the first sign of a problem. Have them put in if they are not already there.
Then there is the matter of the outdoors where our weather can be unforgiving on the lighting and outlets. See to it that the covers are in one piece and the fixtures are well sealed from moisture and free of corrosion or anything loose.
Make the Call to a Pro
There are some things a homeowner can do, but for many problems a trained eye is called for. Whether it is work on the panel, putting in circuits or finding out why a breaker keeps tripping, an electrician is needed.
We at Big Island Electric, Inc. are EPA Lead-Safe certified and have 20 plus years in the industry. Our apprentice electricians are well trained by us and we are particular about the quality of our work. We cover Captain Cook, Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa, Waimea, Kohala, Kealakekua, Kawaihae and the likes.
To have your home in safe hands this fall, we are at (808) 480-7080 for an estimate or to set up service. Come Monday to Friday between 7:00 and 3:30 we will be in the office and pleased to assist you in keeping your Big Island home secure for the season.
