The electrical system in your home can be one of the most neglected and misused because it is often taken for granted. Many homeowners will only think of maintenance on this system when something goes wrong or when conducting a home inspection, but there are a couple of things that you can do today which can save you and your home.
Know the Signs of Trouble
Some common signs of electrical trouble include flickering lights, sparking or shocking at your outlets, or wall sockets that are warm to the touch. When you see these signs, it is a good idea to call in a professional for electrical troubleshooting Philadelphia PA services. Some other signs of trouble include fuses or breakers which are frequently blown and running too many extension cords. Consistently trying to draw more power from your system than it was designed to take, by having too many full or over-full power-strips or by using multiple high-draw appliances on the same circuit, can lead to fires and electrical shocks.
Keep Panels Clear
One of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do is to make sure that your electrical panels are well-kept. This means that there are at least three feet of clearance around the panel and that the room where your panel is located is as free of dust and debris as possible. It is also a good idea to keep your panel from getting too hot by monitoring the temperature in the room and limiting the number of heat-producing items from the space. Taking a dust rag to your panel regularly can limit the buildup of dirt and grime and reduce your chances of an electrical fire.
Your home electrical system is important to the way you live life and may be responsible for everything from running the HVAC system to charging your cellular phone. Keeping this system healthy and well-maintained means keeping the electrical access panel accessible and dust-free, being careful of how many devices you have running at once and knowing which signs need professional troubleshooting.