Important Measures to Keep Homes and Families Safe
Access to electricity is not just a luxury; it is a necessity. With society’s continued reliance on utility, people are finding more ways to use it to protect their homes instead of just providing power and light. Electricians have big responsibilities to ensure that homes stay powered and safe. Here are three ways they can help homeowners protect their homes using the power of electricity.
Install and Check Smoke Detectors
The first two items on this list of recommendations may not seem to fall under the authority of electricians. However, according to codes, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential electronic equipment that must be installed in the home. Smoke detectors are small devices that detect tiny amounts of combusted material in the air. When triggered, they sound a loud alarm to get everyone’s attention. These devices should be installed in:
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Living spaces
- Garages
- Near utility closets
- Near the kitchen
Batteries can power smoke detectors, but the better option is to hard-wire them into the home. Electricians usually do this during construction, but they can be wired in at any point if homeowners wish easier maintenance. To maintain smoke detectors, homeowners should check the batteries by testing each device quarterly. Replace batteries every year, even if the current batteries still provide power. For continued protection, smoke detectors should be replaced every five years.
Use Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The second device that homeowners can rely on electricians to install is carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that humans cannot perceive. Luckily, carbon monoxide detectors can pick up gas traces and sound an alarm to warn people of the threat.
Carbon monoxide is generated by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near furnaces, gas water heaters, and stoves. Like smoke detectors, they can be hard-wired into the home. For homeowners who wish to limit the number of devices attached to their walls, combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can be installed where both are needed.
Schedule Professional Electrical Inspection
When people think of electrical inspections, they most often think of the inspections done upon making an offer on a home. However, this is short-sighted. While it is important to know if a home has any electrical shortcomings before closing, over time, electrical problems can develop that will need the trained eyes of a professional to spot.
Most electrical contractors offer professional electrical inspections, and they can help homeowners determine if they have any problems that have developed over the years. During an electrical inspection, an electrician will:
- Check outlets and switches for safety and tightness
- Test GFCI and AFCI outlets and breakers to verify safe operation
- Inspect visible wiring
- Open the breaker panel and look for signs of overheating
By allowing an electrician to perform this service, homeowners can ensure the continued reliability of their electrical system and improved safety from shocks and fires.
About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.
Southwest Florida Electric Inc. handles electrical concerns for home and business owners. They provide various services, including smoke detector installation and generator service. Call today for electrical services in Fort Myers, FL.
