Household fires can be a sensitive topic of discussion for many people. If you have ever experienced a fire in your home then you know, first hand, the type of loss you have to endure.
With electrical faults accounting for the highest number of household fires, this fear can feel very close and very real.
Within minutes, a fire can engulf your most precious valuables and threaten your safety and life. It can destroy what has taken almost a lifetime to build.
According to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, rechargeable batteries and electrical appliances are the most common causes of these fires. That means, the more you upgrade your lifestyle, the bigger a risk you take with your safety and valuables.
Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of a household electrical fire significantly if you have an electrical system that is safe and functions well. In this post, I look at why it’s necessary to upgrade your electrical system and how you can go about it.
There can be several reasons why your electrical system is malfunctioning. Some of these reasons and the risks you face, as a result, include:
Faulty wiring:
This is a direct cause of fire hazards in homes. 40% of house fires are said to occur due to faulty wiring and electrical appliances. When the wiring in your home is exposed or is generating heat or sparks, the wiring and the material around it can catch fire.
Electrocution:
Approximately 20 deaths are reported, every year, due to electrocution at home. This can be because of contact with old or faulty wiring. Your risk of electrocution can increase if you don’t upgrade your electrical system to keep pace with your modern lifestyle.
An old or faulty electrical system:
These systems may not have the capacity to support the modern devices or appliances you use at home. This can cause the lifespan of the devices or appliances in your home to deteriorate significantly
These risks will also cause the overall energy of your home to reduce significantly. This could put a strain on your electrical system, causing your utility bills to increase. Even before any serious risk, you will face plenty of financial loss if you don’t upgrade your electrical system.
Today, we’ve identified certain signs that an electrical fire is about to happen. Just like the telltale signs that your air conditioning unit needs regular maintenance, your electrical system can show certain signs that it needs an inspection or upgrade.
1, Your breaker trips when you use appliances or devices
2. You have fuses instead of circuit breakers and they blow frequently
3. You notice a flickering or dimming effect in your lights
4. You get a small shock or tingling feel when you touch power points or light switches
5. Your power points or light switches look discoloured or give off sparks
6. You detect a burning smell coming from your appliances
7. The majority of the power points in your home are two-pronged
8. Your cables, including extension cables or power boards, heat up easily
9. Your extension cables or power boards are overloaded
10. Your electrical appliances break or damage easily
If you are experiencing these problems, you may need an immediate inspection of your electrical system.
Living in an old home with possibly outdated cabling insulated with rubber or cloth also calls for an immediate upgrade. Such systems can’t accommodate your lifestyle.
As licensed and experienced electricians, we recommend that you schedule an inspection with us before you notice these signs to avoid the risk of injury or property damage.
One step you can take to upgrade your electrical system is to bring more power from the utility to your home. You can achieve this by replacing the existing meter and circuit breakers or simply by replacing panels or breakers that are damaged.
Another step may be to include extra circuits in your home. This can ensure that power is distributed to your rooms and appliances appropriately.
One other step that can help you update your system is to add new power points to avoid overloading your power boards. You can also replace old cables with standard ones to avoid causing sparks or fires.
Upgrading your electrical system is not something you can do by yourself. Without proper knowledge or precautions, it can be very risky.
Even if you are confident that you know your way around tools, getting the support of experienced professionals is the smart and safe choice.
Contact our qualified local electricians at Alliance Climate Control on 02 8061 5023 and get the support you need for your electrical upgrades. Ensure your and your loved ones’ safety from electrical fires or accidents.
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