Every day electricians are called to homes to undo what a well-intentioned do-it-yourselfer has done. Electrical projects can be some of the most challenging for non-professionals, and can result in serious problems. Listed below are a few of the most common mistakes home do-it-yourselfers make.
Across the United States, many cities and towns are facing the burden of empty office space. Changes in the economy and business downsizing led to an increase in unoccupied commercial space. Empty buildings negatively impact tax revenue and are often the targets for graffiti, the homeless, and vandalism. They also decrease the value of surrounding property and create the feeling of an area in decline.
Home-based businesses are alive and well in today’s economy with some 38 million such businesses in the United States today. When home is your base of operations, you shouldn’t neglect planning an adequate electrical system to ensure it runs efficiently.
According to figures from the U.S. Fire Administration, Americans experience 25,000 electrical fires per year. These events cause property damage and up to 1,300 cases of injury or death per year. Sadly, most of these fires could have been avoided. Here are the common causes of electrical fires in the home:
Incorrect use of extension cords is a common cause of house fires. The Christmas season is the time when most extension cord-related fires occur. People tend to overload their extension cords with plugs from Christmas lights and other devices at this time of the year.
Figures from the U.S. Fire Administration show that American fire departments respond to about 26,000 residential electrical fires every year, which are responsible for nearly 300 preventable deaths and more than 1,100 injuries. These incidents also cost more than $1 billion in property damage.
Checking your home’s electrical wiring is one of the best ways to prevent these tragedies from happening but how do you know that your house needs rewiring? Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
Rodents chew virtually everything; they do not just gnaw on edible items. They also chew wires and insulation, which could result in electrical malfunctions and hazards in your home. Damaged electrical connections and insulation may result in a deadly electrical fire so it is crucial that you protect your electrical wiring from pests and address the damage as soon as possible.
The cold winter months come with a range of electrical hazards. Being proactive can help ensure the safety of your family. Here are the electric issues that you need to watch out for this season:
Homes use heaters and electrical blankets to combat the cold of the winter but these appliances are also potentially dangerous and faulty, particularly when they have been stored away for a while.
Freelancers who work at home are providing the Earth a great service. They reduce the use of fuels and limit the amount of pollution produced by cars used for transportation. Nonetheless, there are numerous things freelancers can do to protect the planet. If you are working from home, here are ways to make your office more environmentally friendly:
Carpet requires a lot of energy and effort to keep clean so instead of having a carpet in your home office, go for natural tile, wood, or plain paint on the flooring. If you are using rugs, go for ones that are made of natural materials such as hemp or bamboo.
It is the holiday season, the most wonderful time of the year when millions of families across the U.S. decorate their homes. While holiday decorating adds fun and warmth to this very special season, Christmas decorations carry risk of fire or electrical injury if they are not used properly. Here are some tips to keep you safe from electrical hazards this Christmas:
Do you live in an old house? If your home was built more than four decades ago, you should considering having your old electrical wiring checked and replaced for your own safety.
Old wiring may not be inherently dangerous but there are certain issues with having an old wiring system in your home. For one, you cannot be sure if the electrical system is still up to code. The materials used such as the wire insulation can also deteriorate over time.