As a homeowner you must make sure your home is protected against any potential threats. Whether these are internal or external, man-made or natural, a home is always at risk of something going wrong and causing it harm. While you can’t control all of these circumstances, one thing which must be prevented to the best of your ability is electrical disasters.
Electrical disasters can be caused by several different occurrences. With most modern homes running almost entirely on electronics, it is very likely for something to go wrong and lead to an accident which, in extreme cases, could cost you your home. From Wi-Fi video doorbells to smart thermostats, both the interior and exterior parts of your home depend heavily on electronics to fully function, which is why it is important to know electrical hazards and understand what they can do to your home.
The following are some of these problems which you should be able to recognize since they must be dealt with as soon as possible.
Moisture near Power Sources
Nothing is as deadly to you as water near a power source. Water conducts electricity well enough to cause a lot of irreparable damage, which is why making sure that the area surrounding all power sources is completely dry at all times is a must. There should be absolutely no moisture anywhere near a source of electricity, and you should inspect the vicinity carefully just to be sure.
Moisture near power sources can be in any form. Whether it is on your clothes or in the soil, you must be aware of everything in the surroundings. Placing a ladder made of conducting material on damp soil can also be deadly in certain situations. Make sure that every piece of equipment and clothing you are using is absolutely dry before beginning to work with any form of electricity.
Old Wiring
Outdated versions of pretty much anything are a nuisance. Oftentimes, old gadgets are appliances that simply cause homeowners to get quite frustrated. They don’t function well and can consume a lot more electricity than more modern versions of the same devices. However, this situation becomes several times deadlier when it comes to old electrical wiring.
When it comes to old wiring, the most dangerous thing is insulation wearing off. This is quite common, and old wires are often exposed this way. This depends on various factors, including what procedures were followed in the original wiring process and which materials were used to make the wires – regardless, they can be extremely harmful to your home. Old wires, just like old filament bulbs, can heat up quite quickly. In some situations, this can even lead to a fire, which could even put lives or entire buildings at risk. To avoid this, installing new, properly insulated wiring is a must for every home.
Lack of Insulation
When working with electricity, having everything properly insulated is one of the most basic rules. Good insulation can be life-saving in situations where electrical components go haywire. To protect yourself from electricity in such a situation, the best thing to do is to make sure everything you are using is properly insulated. Some forms of plastic and cloth aren’t safe for use when working with electricity, since a strong enough shock can still penetrate them. It is necessary to use things that are made for the exact purpose of working with electricity.
From your tools to the clothes you wear, everything should be made of the safest possible material. Insulated ladders can also help ground electricity so it is unable to shock you.
Power Surges
One of the most well-known electrical hazards are power surge, since they can have multiple sources and cause a lot of damage. To protect your home from a power surge, you must keep an eye on updates and try to be prepared in advance. While surges can often be predicted, not every homeowner has enough knowledge on them to prevent damage.
A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage. An electrical surge in a nearby power source can impact your home since the increased voltage can enter it through the power outlets inside your house. This way, any appliances connected to these outlets can be permanently damaged. This is especially damaging to larger appliances which consume more electricity, so it is always important to disconnect them from power during a surge.
A power surge can have both natural and man-made causes but can be fairly easy to deal with once you understand its impact on your home. By taking all necessary precautions, you can keep your home perfectly safe regardless of the intensity or duration of the power surge. Getting a surge protection service for your home is also a good way to prevent damage a power surge.
Conclusion
As a lot of homeowners may not realize, a home needs to be protected from a lot more than just burglaries and break-ins. Internal home issues include short circuits, potential fires, and leaks, among many others. These can lead to damage that will not only be a source of great inconvenience to any homeowner but can also end up costing you a lot of money to fix. When you invest in a home, you expect it to keep your life and valuables safe from harm, and leaving your home vulnerable to electrical disasters diminishes the point of home security altogether.
