5 Electrical Safety Components that you Need in your Home

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We use a number of electrical appliances in our homes, but are we aware of their safety? To make sure that you and your family members don’t fall victim to any electrical accidents, scroll down to learn about some of the electrical services safety components that you should consider installing in your home:

1. Circuit Breakers

You should ensure the circuit panel installed in your home is up to date – it should meet the latest safety requirements. If the electrical panel installed in your home doesn’t meet safety guidelines, you need to replace it. The circuit breakers are automatically operated switches used to detect any imbalance in the flow of currents in and around the circuit, and if it senses electrocution, it immediately shuts down the circuit. They can also be reset to resume operation normally.

2. Arc Fault Protection

Your homes electric panel should be able to protect against arc faults, which refers to the unintentional electric discharges within a circuit. An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaks the circuit whenever it detects any potential arc faults. The AFCI helps in continuously monitoring the panel to detect any possibility of arc faults. The conventional circuit breakers are only suitable to avoid overloads and short circuits, they do not provide any protection against arc faults that arise due to erratic currents within the panel.

3. Outlets and Switches

Any damaged, broken, or cracked outlets should be replaced immediately as it can cause electrocution and catch fire. This can be dangerous if you have pets and kids in your home. Make sure that you cover the safety switches with some plastic material or something which doesn’t catch fire.

4. Electrocution Protection

Your electrician must install some devices in your circuit panel which protects you from electric shocks and fire. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) have saved many lives since their introduction. Nearly 50% of accidents due to electrocution have been prevented with GFCIs.

5. Appliances and Electronic Devices

Damaged plugs and worn parts of appliances (especially cords) are tremendously unsafe. Running power cords under rugs and damaged wiring can cause a fire. Ensure that you are using the right wattage bulbs in your home; check all the lamps, fixtures, and appliances for the correct wattage.

Use LED Lighting bulbs where possible, as they consume less power and reduce the risk of overheating. Always unplug devices when not in use, this is the easiest thing to forget in everyday lives, but one of the riskiest things too!

Conclusion:

While it’s important to understand the ins and outs of the electrical processes in your home, it’s always best to seek professional advice and leave the hard yards to your Electrician in Capalaba. We, at Thomas Blake Electrical, provide affordable electrical repairs and maintenance for residents and businesses in Brisbane. Contact us today!

What Are Electrical Short Circuits – Types, Causes, and Prevention

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A short circuit refers to a particular situation in which electricity drifts outside the established pathway of an electrical circuit. The situation will produce an excess of voltage streaming and may lead to a higher current flow in the power source. In easier words, electricity will move via a short route and create a short circuit. Brisbane Electrician helps in eliminating such situations by paying regular visits to check your electrical connections. There are several ramifications of a short circuit, keep reading to learn more.

Given below are details highlighting types, causes, and prevention:

Types of Short Circuits

There are two types of short circuits that include normal short circuits and ground fault short circuits. The first one occurs when a hot wire supplying current happens to come in touch with a neutral wire. In this scenario, the resistance comes down and a huge current begins to flow via an unpredicted pathway. The second situation occurs when a hot wire supplying current come in touch with the grounded area of a machine. It may be a grounded metal box, bare ground wire or an area of the machine. Safety Switches Electrician Carindale will help in fixing all your electrical problems with ease.

Causes of Short Circuit

There are various causes of a short circuit. It may include a wrong circuit wire insulation, loose wire connections, and wrong appliance wiring. In regards to wire insulation, if the insulation is old or broken, it will let hot wires touch with neutral thus causing a short circuit. If there is a loose wire connection, it may allow live and neutral wires to touch. And, if there is an issue in the appliance wiring, it may cause circuit issues. It is important to ensure that you have received short circuit protection for all machines. It is best to seek professional advice in matters of short circuit protection for higher safety.

Prevention from Short Circuit

You must take preventive measures to eliminate any unforeseen situation that may spell troubles for humans and property. All the outlets have a network of wires linked to it. In case there are defective wires, loose box connections or if the outlet is too old, it may cause a short circuit. Also, bare in mind turning off your power points during storms. Because a short circuit caused by a lightning strike may prove to be highly dangerous; always go for yearly electrical inspections.

Conclusion:

The above measures will help in eliminating short circuits. A large number of people also install smoke alarms Cleveland to prevent short circuits. Many individuals nowadays opt for circuit breakers or fuses; switching equipment that stops the high flow of current.

What is Electrical Grounding and How does it Work

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Electrical grounding is a backup pathway that offers a rotating path for the current to move back to the ground. It happens when there is an error in the wiring system. South Brisbane Electrical Services can spot such errors with ease. It enables a physical link between an electrical tool and ground and machines in your house. The electric system in a household wiring system includes electrons moving via metal circuit wires. This electricity constantly searches for the shortest available path back to the ground. If you spot an issue with neutral wire, grounding the electrical system can offer a straight path to the ground. It can help in preventing the power surges that may cause electrical threats.

Why Electrical Grounding Works are Significant?

All electrical outlets contain a third slot that transfers a ground connection which guides the electric swells triggered by wrong wiring. It helps in preventing fire, shocks, and short circuits. Electrical grounding has emerged as one of the safest and significant methods of pre-determining any electrical faults. It makes sure that your residential electrical system is safe for the property, and all of those who occupy the property.

Electrical grounding assists direct electric supply carefully and effectively throughout your household electrical system. It helps in stabilising voltage levels to maintain circuits from being overloaded and eliminates the threat to property and human. A renowned electrician will ensure that you get the most effective electrical grounding.

Conclusion:

Electric grounding has emerged to be quite crucial. You may call a certified Electrician Brisbane to fix these issues at your earliest conveniency. It helps in boosting the electrical safety parameters in your present residence. It also makes sure that all the electrical installations in your home are safe and secure. It also keeps the electrical installations safe throughout the service life. Avoid using a three-prong outlet with wrong wiring as it may cause fire hazards.