Electrical problems in your home or business should always be taken seriously. While it’s important not to put yourself at risk by trying to fix the problem yourself, putting off or ignoring the issue is just going to cause more problems. Instead, let an electrician from Bailey and Shipp Electric, the top electrical contractor in our area, fix the problem for you. In today’s article, we’ll give five tips that can help reduce the risk of electrical fires:
Get an Electrical Inspection – Electrical wiring doesn’t last forever, so if you have an older home, you should hire a trustworthy electrician to inspect your wiring. Your home might need to be rewired, particularly if it uses aluminum wiring. Aluminum wiring is more fire-prone than the copper wiring used in modern homes.
Do Not Overburden – Overburdening occurs when you plug too many appliances into a single power strip, outlet or extension cord. As one of the most experienced electrical contractors in our area, Bailey and Shipp Electric recommends using power strips with internal overload protection. This enables the power strip to shut itself off as soon as it detects that there’s an overload.
Check the Condition of Your Electrical Wiring – Check your home periodically for loose lighting fixtures and loose wires. You can also keep an ear out for sizzling or popping sounds coming from behind walls. Call us the moment you suspect that you may have a problem.
Keep Flammable Materials Away From Appliances – Flammable materials like rugs, towels and blankets should never be near portable electric space heaters, irons, hair dryers or lamps. In addition, you should not hide extension cords underneath carpets or rugs. If overheated, these cords could start a fire.
Check Your Home’s Service Capacity – Adding more lighting, electronics and appliances to your home can overburden your home’s electrical service capacity. If your fuses trip or blow frequently, call us for an inspection. We can determine the appropriate service requirements for your home.
Bailey and Shipp Electric is one of the leading residential and commercial electrical contractors in our local area because of our focus on exceptional customer service and high-quality workmanship. We provide comprehensive and reliable service no matter what. Call us at (410) 457-3507 to learn more about our products and services. We serve Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and nearby areas in VA.