Walter Electric Tips and Advice

Prevention is the key to ensure your property is safe from fire.  Each year there are over 25,000 electrical fires in the United States.  Keep your property safe, and not a statistic.  Use this safety checklist, or even consult with an electrical contractor for a quick but thorough  safety inspection.  For a nominal cost, and an hour or two of your time, this could prevent catastrophe to your residence.

1. Do you have aluminum wiring in your buildings? Aluminum wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires, as it cannot withstand the temperatures that copper wiring can.   All properties are now wired with copper wire.  However, this was not the case before 1972, when aluminum wiring was regularly utilized.  If your property is over 40 years old, make sure any aluminum wiring has been remediated which is pig tailing the aluminum connections with copper wire at all termination points.
2. Replace bad cords on appliances or electronics. Any cord and/or receptacle which feels hot to the touch, or is damaged in any way is a hazard.  Advise your tenants to not put furniture up against a plug in an outlet, this could result in cord and/or receptacle damage.   Replacement cords and receptacles are inexpensive to purchase, and easy to install.  This type of safety check should be routinely done at time of “turnover” or even more frequently depending on length of time tenant has been in the unit.
3. Install dedicated circuits for appliances.  Overloaded circuits are another fire risk.  If a unit’s circuit breaker is constantly tripping, this is a sign too many items are on the same circuit.  An additional circuit should be installed to distribute the power consumption properly. Don’t assume each tenant’s electrical usage needs are the same.  Some may require more circuits than others.
4. Keep highly flammable objects away from appliances (heaters, etc) and outlets.  If an outlet sparks, a fire can erupt fast and furiously.  Cords should not be permitted under carpets, or up against furniture.  Damage to the insulation can occur, and expose heat and fire risk to carpet or furniture resulting in fire risk.
5. Make sure the appropriate wattage light bulbs are used in light fixtures.  Keep wattage limits clearly marked on all of your light fixtures on the property.  Using too high of a wattage light bulb can overheat the lighting fixtures and result in a fire.  Don’t leave it up to the discretion of the tenant-be clear safety comes first and identify appropriate wattage for the lighting fixtures.
6. Fire Extinguishers in every unit and Smoke Detectors in Every Room Acting quicky can prevent a flame from igniting or spreading.

Electrical fires are an event best to be avoided, and can be with proper prevention. In the case there is a fire, make sure you have an evacuation plan is in place, and it is clearly communicated or displayed.