Electricity is a modern utility that has made life easier for the people living in the modern world. You can contact your Utility Bidder if you have concerns with your electricity supplier. But do you know how to identify electrical problems at home? Not being able to recognize electrical failures can result in serious consequences like getting overbilled on your electricity meter to even electrical fires.
In this article, we look at some of the most common electrical problems that can occur at home. We also provide advice to ensure that you take the right steps to prevent this from happening again.
Arc Faults
Arc faults occur when electricity passing through a circuit comes into contact with an object that can conduct electricity but is not a part of the intended circuit. The steady flow of electricity can have multiple outcomes based on the exact amount of electricity that is flowing in the circuit and the total time the electricity flows through the object. An electrical fire is one of the most common outcomes of an arc fault. An arc fault is especially common in houses that have outdated wiring or decrepit wiring.
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Homes can install an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) to detect arc fault and prevent an electrical circuit from becoming a source of ignition for a fire. Circuit breakers do not detect low-level current arcing. An AFCI may be an expensive addition to the home but it will be money well spent for houses with worn out wires. Make sure you have a qualified electrician install the AFCI to make sure that it works properly.
Pungent Aroma Or Sudden Fumes
When you first plug in a new appliance such as a toaster, clothes iron, or sandwich maker it will give off a distinctive smell. This is because the appliance is being connected to electricity and used for the first time. It can be a cause for concern if you smell a pungent aroma coming from an appliance that is not new. It can be especially alarming if you can also see fumes or smoke coming from the outlet the appliance is plugged into.
It is recommended to unplug the appliance and have an electrician inspect the appliance before using it again. The appliance may be using an unnecessary amount of electricity because there could be a fault within the circuit of the appliance. Also, be wary if the appliance’s wire becomes hot when being used. There could be a problem with the appliance or the socket and it is recommended to consult an electrician.
Knockoff Electrical Products
You might find street vendors selling electrical products at ridiculously cheap prices. Some of the most common items are extension wires, night lights, electrical chargers, and power strips. The first thing that comes to your mind when you see these products is why aren’t they available in department stores at these prices. The reason is that all of these products have been discarded by manufacturers for not meeting industry standards.
Using any of these knockoff electrical products at home can be dangerous. You will notice that none of these products will come with any kind of guarantee or warranty. They will also not mention the lifespan of the product. If you see electrical products at too good to be true prices in most cases it is probably because they are too good to be true.
