May is National Electrical Safety Month and it’s the perfect time to stop smelling the flowers for a few minutes and turn your attention to making sure your home electrical system is running properly.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates each year there are 140,000 electrical fires nationwide resulting in 400 deaths, 4,000 injuries and $1.6 billion in property damage.
The biggest hazards include:
1. Aging wiring or aluminum wiring
2. Lack of surge suppressors and use of extension cords
3. Electrocutions from power lines, large appliances and defective wiring systems
Here are some warning signs of potential electrical issues:
- Dimming or flickering lights
- Sizzle or buzzing sound
- Odor of overheated plastic
- Plugs that pull out of the outlet easily
- Flashes of sparks
- Outlets that are hot to the touch
- Fuses that burn out or circuit breakers that need to be reset often
If you are experiencing these warning signs, do not hesitate and call an electrician. Walter Electric is here to keep you home running safely and smoothly.