Tag: safety

Why Schedule Electrical Safety Inspections?

The Importance of an Electrical Safety Inspection

Looking for improved home safety and peace of mind? Regular electrical safety inspections are a great way to keep homes and families safe, and they also provide several other benefits. This blog will discuss electrical safety inspections, including their advantages, when they are needed, and what is done during an electrical safety inspection. 

Benefits of Electrical Safety Inspections

save money Regular electrical safety inspections provide homeowners with crucial peace of mind while protecting their property from hidden dangers. These professional assessments allow electricians to identify and address potential electrical hazards before they escalate into serious problems, keeping the home safer. An electrical safety inspection helps prevent electrical dangers like fire and electrocution. These hazards often stem from issues that can be detected during inspections, like faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged electrical components. Regular safety inspections allow professionals to find and fix these problems before dangerous situations occur.

Beyond safety and fire prevention, electrical inspections can also lead to cost savings. A professional electrician can identify potential energy inefficiencies that inflate monthly electric bills. They can also recommend upgrades that improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity expenses, saving homeowners money. Additionally, electrical safety inspections can reveal code violations that could affect insurance coverage or home sale processes. 

When to Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection

Knowing the right time to get an electrical safety inspection can prevent dangerous hazards in a home. It’s typically recommended to schedule a comprehensive electrical safety inspection every 3-5 years, and more often, around every 2-3 years, for homes older than 25 years old. However, certain situations demand immediate attention regardless of a household’s regular inspection schedule. Schedule an electrical safety inspection when:

  • Purchasing a home
  • Selling a home
  • After any home renovation or home addition
  • Adding a new major appliance 
  • Experiencing signs of electrical problems, such as flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, buzzing sounds, burning odors, and more

What Is Done During an Electrical Safety Inspection? 

outlet Professional electricians thoroughly check electrical components during electrical safety inspections to identify potential hazards before they become dangerous problems. During these comprehensive evaluations, electrical contractors examine numerous components throughout a home's electrical system to ensure everything operates safely and meets current electrical codes. They meticulously check electrical outlets, switches, wiring, the electrical panel, circuits, and more. 

A standard electrical safety inspection often begins with an assessment of the electrical panel and circuit breakers. Technicians verify proper installation, look for signs of overheating, and ensure appropriate amperage ratings for a home's electrical load. They'll also test ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas to confirm they trip correctly when detecting electrical imbalances and can continue preventing electrocution.  

The inspection continues with a home's wiring. This includes identifying outdated aluminum wiring, checking for proper wire gauge usage, and looking for damaged insulation that could create fire hazards. Electricians can also inspect surge protectors, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms to verify proper functionality and placement. The safety inspection allows them to catch any code violations or safety concerns that require immediate attention. The peace of mind that comes from knowing the electrical system has been professionally inspected is invaluable.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned and operated company that has been serving the Lansing community since 1984. They provide fast response, highly trained technicians, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for electrical services in East Lansing, MI.

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Electrical Safety Devices That Can Save People and Property

Simple But Important Ways To Protect A Household

Protecting a home against electrical issues doesn’t require a security company subscription and smart doorbells. Investment is much less involved in both money and time. They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which certainly holds when preventing electrical fires and other electrical accidents. This article will discuss several easy ways a family can prepare their home and save themselves from electrically triggered disasters.

Tip #1: Install Smoke Detectors

smoke detectorEvery year, nearly 2000 people die due to house fires. Installing a smoke detector can save lives. Even installing one in the kitchen or bedroom is a start. For the best possible coverage of the home, smoke detectors should be placed in the following areas:

  • On every floor of the home (including the basement)
  • Hallways outside sleeping areas
  • In bedrooms to alert sleepers

Though these cannot prevent a fire, they can detect even a fairly small amount of smoke. People will be alerted in the case of an electrical fire, one of the most common forms of house fire. Usually, the deaths during a fire are due to poisonous gas and smoke, so the next step in safety preparation concerns a carbon monoxide detector.

Tip #2: Invest in a Carbon Monoxide Detector

smoke detectorCarbon monoxide(CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that causes flu-like symptoms. With minimal exposure, more extensive exposure can lead to death. Most victims who lose their lives to carbon monoxide succumb while they are sleeping due to some sort of leak. 

Because CO cannot be easily detected by human senses(unless they are experiencing symptoms), it is highly recommended that homeowners purchase and install a CO detector.  An alarm will sound if there is an unusual buildup of carbon monoxide in the home. Here are a few facts about CO and CO detectors in the home:

  • Placement: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be placed on every house level for the best detection chance.
  • Normal CO: Carbon monoxide is present in the air, but only in very small amounts. It is usually measured at .5 to 15 ppm(parts per million), even in homes with gas stoves. Levels above 30 ppm start causing problems. 
  • Symptoms of CO Poisoning: Carbon monoxide exposure produces headaches, nausea, disorientation, lethargy, and confusion. If someone is experiencing these symptoms and they go away when they leave the house, they should get the levels checked in their home.

Tip #3: Take Time for an Electrical Inspection

An electrical safety inspection done by a reputable and qualified electrical technician can save lives, prevent property damage, and eliminate the simple inconvenience of the breaker box constantly throwing breakers. A safety inspection can prevent problems before they start and alert the homeowner to needs they might otherwise be unable to see. Electricians and electrical technicians have the tools to keep a household safe from electrical issues.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical serves Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. Its flexible 24-hour staff is available for all home emergencies. Call today for smoke detector services in Lansing, MI.

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Electrical Safety Inspections Make for a Better New Year

Why Homeowners Should Get Electrical Safety Checks?

Electricity is a necessity for daily life. However, it can be just as dangerous as it is helpful. This danger is one of the main reasons to get a home’s wiring, outlets, and the rest of the electrical system evaluated regularly. Continue reading for an explanation of the importance of electrical safety inspections, when they are needed, and what they entail.

What Does an Electrician Do During an Electrical Inspection?

A homeowner must get their electrical safety inspection done by a qualified professional who is up-to-date on the electrical codes and regulations. When an electrician does a safety inspection, they will examine all parts of the electrical system, including the wiring, outlets, light switches, and electrical panel, to ensure everything works correctly and safely. If there is a problem, they can repair it to keep the household safe and protected from electrical hazards like fires. Some of the things that they do specifically include checking:

  • Electrical boxes and breaker panels
  • GFCI and AFCI outlets
  • Circuits
  • Wire connections and cables 
  • Light switches 

What Necessitates an Electrical Safety Inspection?

homeA homeowner should get their home electrical setup inspected every three to five years in a newer home. A home that is over 25 years old should be checked more often, every two to three years. Older homes have a greater likelihood of electrical problems, necessitating a more frequent electrical safety check. However, there are more instances where a safety inspection is needed, such as when:

  • Renovating or remodeling
  • Building a home addition
  • Selling the home
  • Buying a new home
  • The electricity bill has gone up unexpectedly
  • Lights are flickering
  • Noticing burning smells
  • Noticing other signs of electrical problems

What Are the Benefits of Electrical Safety Checks?

save money Getting an electrical safety inspection done on a property has several benefits. One of the main benefits is increased safety. Faulty wiring, old electrical panels, and other issues can pose a serious risk of fire or electrocution. Identifying and fixing these issues through an inspection can prevent potential hazards and keep the home and loved ones safe.

Additionally, an electrical safety check also helps to improve energy efficiency. During the inspection, any outdated or inefficient electrical components can be identified and replaced, leading to lower energy bills. This is because faulty wiring or outdated appliances can consume more electricity, resulting in higher electric bills. Doing an electrical safety inspection can save money on electric bills in the long run.

Regular electrical safety checks also help to prolong the lifespan of electrical systems. With proper inspection and timely repairs, homeowners can help avoid the need for costly replacements in the future. This saves money and ensures that electrical systems are functioning efficiently. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a local family-owned company serving Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They offer fast response, highly trained technicians, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical services in Lansing, MI.  

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