How to Make Your Home Electrical System Safer With These Simple Upgrades

Improving the safety of your home's electrical system provides peace of mind and can prevent fires or shock hazards. With some simple upgrades and maintenance, you can protect your family and home. Here are ways to make your electrical system safer:

Inspect and Replace Old or Damaged Electrical Components

Inspecting your electrical panels, wires, outlets, switches, and junction boxes for damage helps identify potential risks. Look for:

• Cracked or damaged breakers in the main electrical panel or subpanels. Replace them with new breakers of the same amperage.

• Frayed or cracked wire insulation. Have an electrician replace any damaged wiring.

• Loose connections at outlets or switches. Tighten any loose screw terminals.

• Outlets or switches that are warm or make crackling noises. They could be arcing and should be replaced.

• Junction boxes with missing covers. Replace covers to protect wiring inside.

Update Outdated Electrical Equipment

Upgrading outdated electrical equipment to meet modern safety standards helps prevent fires and shocks. Consider replacing:

• Old fuses with new circuit breakers for overload protection. Breakers automatically shut off power when issues occur.

• Two-prong ungrounded outlets with three-prong grounded outlets. Grounded outlets have an extra pin for safety. Or have GFCI outlets installed.

• Outdated kitchen or bathroom circuits that aren't designed for today's appliance loads. Hire an electrician to add new 20-amp circuits.

Add Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCIs shut off power instantly if abnormal current flows occur, preventing serious shocks. Recommended locations for GFCIs include:

• Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other areas near water.

• Outlets with 3 feet of a sink or other water source.

• Outdoor outlets or those in garages, basements, or crawlspaces.

• circuits powering aquarium equipment, pools, hot tubs, and fountains.

Test GFCIs monthly by pressing their "test" button to ensure proper function.

Consider Installing Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters

AFCIs provide enhanced fire protection by monitoring electrical arcs along home wiring and breakers. Arcs can ignite insulation or surrounding material. Recommended locations for AFCIs include:

• Bedroom circuits

• Any circuit running through attics, walls, or other concealed spaces

Have an electrician install AFCI breakers or outlets if your home lacks them.

Use Appropriate Light Bulbs and Fixtures

Choose light bulbs and fixtures suited to the location to prevent overheating:

• Avoid high-wattage bulbs in enclosed fixtures which can overheat. Check maximum recommended wattages.

• Use LED bulbs which run cooler than incandescent bulbs.

• Avoid flammable lampshades or covers on fixture bulbs.

• Install dome-style ceiling fixture covers to prevent bulb exposure and potential fires.

Schedule Professional Electrical Inspections

Hire an electrician to thoroughly inspect your home's electrical system and spot any hidden risks. Professionals may identify:

• Outdated wiring that needs replacement

• Insufficient amperage for large appliances

• Improper wiring connections behind walls

• Code violations missed in self-inspections

Ask the electrician any questions you have about improving electrical safety. Address any significant issues found right away.

With routine DIY maintenance, targeted upgrades, and professional inspections, you can protect your home from electrical hazards. Prioritizing electrical safety provides peace of mind and prevents tragic accidents.