Gladiator Electric LLC - Licensed Electric
 
LICENSED ELECTRICIAN IN BERGEN COUNTY NJ | Lic# 17661
Lic# 17661

The electrical system powers almost everything in our homes. A source of convenience and comfort, it’s not often that we think about its safety aspect.

Faulty wiring, outdated electrical panels, and overloaded circuits relate to one thing:  a potential safety hazard. And while we enjoy the luxury of having modern electrical setups, it doesn’t mean that we should undermine the urgency of keeping our homes (and us) safe.

Why is Electrical Safety Important?

Electric shocks and electrical fires are among the most severe risks associated with improper electrical handling. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions were the second leading cause of U.S. home fires in recent years. These incidents can result in devastating injuries or even loss of life.

In 2023, electrical malfunctions were responsible for over 170,000 home fires in the United States alone. These fires accounted for a significant portion of total residential fires, highlighting the pervasive nature of electrical hazards in homes. Electrical fires and shocks also contribute to a considerable number of fatalities and injuries each year. For instance, in 2021, electrical malfunctions caused approximately 400 deaths and 1,000 injuries in the U.S., according to the NFPA. While advancements in electrical safety standards and building codes have aimed to reduce these numbers, the increasing reliance on electronic devices and aging infrastructure continue to pose challenges.

 

Common Home Electrical Hazards

Overloaded Circuits – Overloading a circuit happens when too many appliances or gadgets draw power from the same electrical circuit. The would-be results are overheating, tripped breakers, or even electrical fires.

Outdated Wiring (e.g., Knob and Tube) – Older homes often have outdated wiring, such as knob and tube systems. This type isn’t designed to handle the power demands of modern appliances. So, there’s always a risk of electrical shorts and fires.

Faulty Switches and Outlets – Malfunctioning switches or loose outlets cause electrical arcing and shocks or serve as a potential ignition source for fires.

Old or Damaged Electrical Panels – Outdated or damaged electrical panels may not effectively handle the home’s electricity load. Frequent breaker trips and an increased risk of electrical fires are tell-tale signs.

Extension Cords and Power Strips Not Used Correctly – Misusing extension cords or overloading power strips will also lead to overheating, creating a fire hazard. They should always be used as temporary solutions, not permanent fixes.

DIY Electrical Work With No Prior Knowledge and Training – Attempting DIY electrical repairs or installations without the necessary expertise results in improper connections, exposed wires, or overloaded circuits. These things pose serious safety risks.

Water Near Electricity (e.g., in Bathrooms or Kitchens) – Water is a conductor of electricity and presents a severe danger when it comes into contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or cords. Short circuits and electrical shocks are the usual consequences.

Damaged Cords on Appliances or Electronics – Frayed or damaged cords expose live wires, increasing the chances of electrical shocks, burns, or fires. These cords should be replaced for obvious reasons.

Electrical Home Upgrades For Safety

Electrical Panel

The electrical panel is likely outdated if your home is over two decades old. Panels manufactured before the late 1990s may not have enough capacity to handle modern appliances and electronics. This usually translates to overloaded circuits and fires.

Upgrade the panel to a modern one with enough capacity to keep up with your household’s electrical needs.

Call an electrician if you’re unsure about the state of your electrical panel. Only a licensed contractor can spot the signs, i.e., rust, burn marks, and tripping breakers.

Surge Protectors

No one can predict when a power surge will happen, but one thing is for sure: it will destroy your appliances and electronics.

A surge protector is a small investment with a big value. It sits between the electrical outlet and your device, monitoring the voltage flowing through. If there’s a spike in power, the surge protector will divert it away from your device, protecting it from damage.

Consider getting whole-house surge protection for an added layer of security against power surges caused by lightning strikes or faulty utility lines. Again, a licensed electrician should install these.

GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are specifically built for safety where electricity and water come into close contact, i.e., in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.

These outlets monitor electrical currents and automatically shut off power when they detect a shock hazard. They’re easy to identify by the ‘test’ and ‘reset’ buttons on their faceplate. If your home doesn’t have GFCI outlets, consider replacing them or installing GFCI circuit breakers.

Proper Grounding

Grounding prevents electrocution in case of power surges or faulty wiring. Your outlets aren’t properly grounded if they don’t have three-prong input holes.

An electrician can install a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet or upgrade existing outlets with proper grounding to help reduce the risk of electrical accidents.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) Breakers

Arcing, or unintended sparking of electricity, usually happens within a circuit for several reasons. AFCI breakers stop these sparks from causing fires by detecting and cutting off the power supply when they’re detected.

AFCIs offer protection against electrical fires and are now required in most areas of the home. A licensed electrician should install them because they require specific wiring techniques for proper operation.

Regular Maintenance

Like any system in your home, the electrical setup requires regular maintenance to keep it functioning safely.

Hire a licensed electrical contractor for an annual inspection to check for possible issues like faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated components. A qualified contractor sees to it that all safety measures are up-to-date and functioning correctly.

Regular maintenance includes checking electrical connections, testing outlets and switches for proper operation, and inspecting the panel for any wear or damage.

Final Thoughts

Safety improvements for your electrical system cost money. But the whole point is to prevent costly and even life-threatening accidents. Take a proactive approach whenever electricity is involved, and it makes sense to call a licensed electrician instead of attempting DIY solutions.

Electrical upgrades keep your family safe and may even increase the value of your home. Remember, safety always comes first. If you are worried about your electrical in your home, give Gladiator Electric a call or reach out through our website.

Mike Pecoraro | Gladiator Electric
Owner of Gladiator Electric at Glaidator Electric | 201-381-6942 | [email protected] | + posts

Mike has been in the industry since 2000 and is the owner of Gladiator Electric. After working for local Bergen County established electrical contractors and completing a 5 year state-sanctioned apprenticeship program, Mike become a foreman for a large company where he remained for over a decade. As an accomplished Martial artist in Brazilian jiu jitsu , Muay Thai & boxing Mike has learned focus, tolerance, fairness, humbleness, discipline and personal growth.