With the cooler months on the horizon, is your home in order? One has to consider what sort of toll the shorter days and the use of space heaters will take on your electrical system. For that matter, when was it you last had someone look over your panel, outlets or outdoor connections?
Questions like those tend to be put aside until there is an issue. We at Electrical Pros, LLC are here to make sure homeowners in Topeka and all of Northeast Kansas have an electrical system that is safe and performs as it ought to. Give us a call at (785) 246-5708.
The fall season sees its share of heavy electrical use in the home. You put more of a demand on heating and lighting as well as devices as the mercury falls, and in doing so you can unmask problems that were not apparent over the summer. With the cold coming, we offer some straightforward tips for the protection of your household.
Space Heaters
When the weather turns, space heaters account for a good many home fires. They are power hungry and if not used properly they put undue stress on your wiring. A few rules of thumb:
- Do not use an extension cord or power strip; plug into the wall
- Make sure there is three feet of clearance from any bedding, curtains or furniture
- If you are leaving the room or going to bed, switch them off
- Refrain from putting more than one heater on a circuit
- Examine the cord for any damage before you put it to work
Should you require a number of heaters to get warm, it could be an indication of something amiss with your insulation or heating. Or perhaps your system is not putting out power evenly, a matter for a professional to examine.
Cords and Outlets
Older outlets have a way of loosening with time, presenting a fire hazard that is not always visible. Cords also become stiff and prone to cracking in the cold. Put in a few minutes to see if you can spot any of the following in your home:
- An outlet that is warm
- Covers that are scorched or discolored
- Plugs which are loose
- Cords that are frayed, taped up or cracked
- A burning odor by a switch or outlet
Do not put off dealing with these; a minor fix now will avert a hazard down the road. If you see such signs, cease using the outlet and put in a call to an electrician.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You should test your detectors this fall. The risk of carbon monoxide is higher once the furnaces and heating systems are running hard. See that you have a working unit on each level of the house and put in new batteries. Ten years is the limit for a detector, after which it is best to replace it.
Storms and Power Outages
A fall storm in Kansas can come on fast and leave you without power. Be prepared:
- Have flashlights and good batteries where you can get to them
- During a storm, unplug electronics you do not want to lose to a surge
- Be familiar with your main panel and how to reset a breaker
- If you are in an area prone to outages a surge protection plan is advisable
- Under no circumstances approach a downed line
Frequent tripping of breakers is a telltale sign of an overloaded system, something you would want looked at prior to winter.
Outdoor and Holiday Lighting
Many will be putting up their holiday lights in short order. Before you do, go over each strand and be certain you are using only what is rated for the outdoors. Decorations should be on a GFCI outlet so that the power is cut off in a hurry should moisture be an issue. Between the rain and early snow and wet leaves, safety is of the utmost importance outside this time of year.
Making a Call
Changing a battery or repositioning a heater is one thing. But we would advise you to let a licensed electrician deal with anything to do with your wiring or a faulty outlet. We are a locally run operation in Northeast Kansas, not some franchise from out of town. At Electrical Pros, LLC we are fully insured and licensed and bring over 12 years of experience to the job. Our services are available around the clock.
For some peace of mind as things get cold, call us. Electrical Pros, LLC can be reached at (785) 246-5708 to set up a time or for a no cost estimate. We will help ensure your Topeka home is safe this fall.
