Unless you're an electrician, no one expects you to know everything about electricity. But as a property owner, there are some basic things you need to be familiar with. In most cases, electricians find that most electrical problems could have been avoided if property owners had known some of the most critical information about electricity and electrical systems.
With that said, here are the four most important things your electrician wishes you knew.
Don't Ignore Warning Signs
Your electrician may wish you would pay more attention to warning signs. Whether it's the light switch that is hotter than usual, a breaker that refuses to reset, flickering lights, or a popping noise from the outlet, it's critical that you take any noticeable issue seriously.
Most of these electrical problems can be easily solved if addressed early enough. But if ignored, they can develop to pose a safety hazard to you and your loved ones. Therefore, always be on the lookout for electrical issues and seek electrician services as soon as possible.
Avoid Turning off the Main Breaker Immediately
If you encounter an electrical issue, don't only shut off the main circuit breaker in your electrical panel. In most cases, turning off that main switch before the other miniature circuit breakers (smaller switches that control specific electric outlets or parts of your home) means a whole load of electricity now has nowhere to go. This could overload the panel, costing you much in repairs.
Therefore, unless you're in an emergency, the best option is to shut off all individual circuits before turning off the main breaker.
Know Your DIY Limits
Being able to complete most home repair or maintenance projects by yourself is a wonderful thing. But as a responsible homeowner, it's also important to know that many of your skills have limits.
Ideally, all electrical work should be handled by pros. If you have to do anything DIY, only work on components outside the wall. Attempting electrical work inside the walls without proper training on specifics can be inherently dangerous, as even a small mistake can lead to electrocutions or electrical fires.
Get an Inspection Before Buying an Older Home
If you're about to buy an old home, electric safety should be one of the top things on your mind. Therefore, have an electrician inspect it to determine if there are any electrical challenges. It also helps to know if the home adheres to specific Electrical Codes.
If the home is more than 25 years old, you might need to do some wiring upgrades or even a total home rewiring. By the time you enter your new home, you can have peace of mind that it's a safe space to live in.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for an electrician near you.