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December 23, 2022
Winter’s extreme weather and the increased use of electrical appliances can put a strain on your electrical system. That’s why it’s important to take preventative measures to safeguard your home against winter electrical hazards.
At HomeOps Electric, we compiled some of the ways you can safeguard your home against winter electrical hazards.
Before winter sets in, ensure you inspect your space heaters, electric blankets, lighting, electrical outlets, and other electrical equipment to ensure they’re in good shape. Look out for exposed wiring, loose connections, and other signs of damage. It’s advisable to hire experienced electricians to conduct a comprehensive electrical inspection to ensure your electrical appliances and equipment are in good working order.
Smoke alarms are an effective way of providing an early warning of a potential fire. However, a smoke alarm is useful only if it’s working properly. That’s why it’s advisable to test and clean your smoke alarms at least once a month to make sure they’re in good working order. The increased use of electrical appliances during winter the harsh winter weather can lead to a rise in electrical faults. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep your smoke alarms in top shape as a precautionary measure to prevent electrical fires.
Worn, frayed or damaged electrical cords can present a fire hazard, so it’s best to have them repaired or replaced. You should check your electrical cords for signs of fraying and cracking from time to time to avoid safety hazards.
Many homes do not have enough electrical outlets, so they rely on extension cables to power their electrical appliances and equipment. This often results in overloads and short circuits. The best way to avoid overloading power points in your home is to avoid the use of extension cords and know the amperage of fuses and circuit breakers. You can also prevent overloading power points by upgrading your electrical system and adding more electrical outlets.
The risk of electrical faults can spike during winter. Therefore, it’s a good idea to protect all the appliances in your home from voltage spikes, in case there’s a power spike. Installing a whole-house surge protector can protect your appliances a home’s electrical system and ensure you remain safe during a power surge.
If there’s an electrical fire in your home, use a fire extinguisher to put it out. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, cover the fire with a heavy blanket to stifle the oxygen the fire needs to burn. Ensure the whole blanket covers the flames. However, you should only consider this option if the fire is small. If the fire is big and life-threatening, evacuate your home immediately and call the fire brigade.
CAUTION: Never pour water over an electrical fire as it can worsen the situation, and you could get electrocuted because water is a good conductor of electricity.
Call HomeOps Electric for all of your electrical needs.