As the warmer weather of spring finally breaks through and the cold takes its leave, many of us are preparing our homes for the upcoming summer.
While you may be focusing on scheduling HVAC maintenance and clearing out your gutters, don’t forget about your electrical system. To ensure the best results, refer to this step-by-step guide on how to inspect and refresh your electrical system to meet your needs throughout the year.
Basement or Panel Box Location
One of the best places to start your household electrical inspection is your electrical panel. If you still have a fuse box in your home, it’s time to upgrade to a much safer modern panel. Fuse boxes were not built to handle today’s electrical needs, and they do not have the safety mechanisms that modern breaker boxes do.
Even if you’re not planning a total electrical overhaul, you still need to give your panel a once-over. First, pop open the panel box cover and peek at all those circuits. Check that labels are present, clear, and easy to read.
Next, flip each breaker off and on to make sure they’re not going to randomly trip on you later. While you’re at it, check the metal box itself for rust or anything weird. And if you don’t have a whole-house surge protector yet, think about getting one. Those devices can save your electronics and appliances from getting fried if there’s a power surge.
Kitchen
As you continue your electrical inspection in the kitchen, it’s a good idea to check all the appliance cords for damage. Any damage to the insulation should be fixed by one of our electricians. Make sure there are no pinched wires that could lead to overheating or an electrical fire.
Test all your GFCI outlets by hitting the test and reset buttons to ensure that they’re working properly. Make sure no appliance cords are near your sink or stove. Additionally, test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to ensure they’re working properly. If they use batteries, replace them.
If you’re using any sort of extension cords or multiplug extenders for any of your outlets, think about having an electrician install more outlets in your kitchen. It’s not a good idea to rely on extension cords and multiplugs on a regular basis.
Bathroom
Because your bathroom is a wet room, it’s vital to have GFCI outlets there. These outlets respond much quicker than traditional outlets to kill the power to prevent electrocution if water happens to come in contact with the outlet. Test every GFCI outlet in your bathroom to ensure that they’re working appropriately. If your bathroom does not have GFCI outlets, ask one of our electricians to install them.
Run your exhaust fan and confirm that it’s operating smoothly and not making any odd noises. You may even want to consider popping out the housing and cleaning it well so that it can work more effectively.
Also, take note of any electrical devices located near your sinks or shower. If you have devices plugged in that are not in use, unplug them to avoid ruining them or finding yourself in a dangerous situation.
Other Rooms
Then, go through all the other rooms of your home to make sure that your light switches and outlets are working properly. If you have any extension cords or multi-plugs in any of these locations, you may want to consider adding more outlets for enhanced safety.
Make sure to check the cords on all your electronic devices and appliances, such as your television or stereo. If you notice any damage to the cord, it’s best to unplug it and have it repaired before trying to use it. Also, test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they’re working properly, and install fresh batteries. It can also be helpful to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher to ensure that it’s still in good condition to use.
Reliable Electrical Inspection Service
GVEC Electrician Services provides reliable electrical inspection services to the Gonzales, TX area. We can assist with all your electrical wiring, whole-home surge protection, lighting, and electrical upgrade needs. Give us a call today to book your next service consultation.
