Keeping your electrical system in good condition is a crucial part of lowering the risk of electric shocks, fires and other electrical hazards. Have professional electricians handle major electrical problems and installations, such as putting in new wiring or repairing faulty wires. Doing some regular maintenance on your own can help reduce the risk of electrical problems in your home. Use the following electrical maintenance checklist to help you keep your home safe:
Check for frayed wires and cords
Frayed wires and cords are a common cause of house fires and electric shocks. Check around your home for frayed wires or cords or those showing other signs of wear and tear. Get rid of these and replace them with new ones in good shape, which ensures you're able to use these wires and cords safely.
Test your lights & outlets
Go around your home regularly and test all your lights and outlets. Make sure all lights and outlets are working properly. If you come across outlets that aren't working, flickering lights or other signs of damage, have professional electricians inspect them and do repairs or replace them as needed. Also, have electricians come as soon as possible if you have any outlets that feel warm since it can significantly reduce the risk of fires and other electrical hazards.
Tighten or replace loose outlets
Check your home for loose outlets, since these can cause electrical hazards. If you have any loose outlets, turn power off to them before tightening them. After the power to these outlets is off, use a voltage tester to make sure there's no voltage present. When you're sure it's safe, take the outlet cover off, unscrew the outlet, add outlet shims and put the outlet and outlet cover back in place.
Schedule professional maintenance
For peace of mind, consider scheduling professional electrical maintenance. During these visits, professional electricians check your home for potential electrical problems. These problems can then be repaired before they become serious electrical issues.
Electricians can also perform maintenance as needed to keep your electrical system in good condition. Plan to have this maintenance done about once a year or more often if needed, such as if you're in an older home.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
