As a new homeowner there will always be home improvements and projects to keep you busy. If you are unfamiliar on an installation or a project, call an electrician for expert advice with your home’s electrical. Below is a short list of electrical tips to help you know where to start as a new homeowner.
Test GFCIs
GFCIs are outlets that electricians install in areas of your home where water is close by, such as the kitchen, washroom, and outside. By pushing the test and then the reset button you can easily ensure that your GFCI outlets are working properly. GFCIs are for your safety to protect you in areas where electricity and water are in close contact.
If electricity leaves its circuit through the outlet a fault will occur. The GFCI will register the fault and then cut the power to the outlet. This protects you from electrical shock when using appliances in your kitchen or bathrooms.
Label Your Panel
Check your electrical panel and make sure that the breakers are correctly labelled. In the event of an emergency a correctly labelled panel is essential for turning the power off quickly. That is why it is important to know which outlets are connected to each breaker.
If and when you lose power to a specific area you can know for certain from your labels which circuit has been affected. Often, a breaker will flip but it appears that it is still in the on position. A correctly labelled panel will give you direction in restoring the power. Click here to read more about how to label your electrical panel.
Install Surge Protection
Have an electrician install surge protection directly onto your panel. Surge protection at the panel will provide a first line of defense for your entire home, not just the electronic equipment plugged into a power surge bar. Power surges from lightning storms have the ability to fry your home’s electronics. Yes, power surge bars are effective, but they are only rated for a certain amount of electrical surge.
Often homeowners are even unaware that their power surge bars are no longer working. As some surge protectors do not have proper indicators to let you know if it is still protecting your electronics. The best surge protection is protection at your home’s electrical panel. A certified and licensed Blue Crest electrician can install surge protection onto your home’s panel. Click here to read more about surge protection.
A Home Electrical Inspection Having an electrician do an electrical inspection prior or even after you buy a home is always a wise decision. An electrician’s inspection will be able to tell you if your home’s wiring is aluminum or copper, which is important to know as some insurance companies may not provide coverage for homes with aluminum wiring. Also, an inspection gives you as a homeowner peace of mind in knowing the exact electrical state of your home. Any potential problems can then be fixed prior to an emergency. Our client’s safety is our main concern. For more information, please call any of the following numbers on our contact page.
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