The holidays are a wonderful time for friends and family to come together. Unfortunately, this is also a time of year when the rate of electrical fires and other hazards goes up. You can follow a few simple tips from the best electricians near me in Milpitas, CA, to keep your home safer this holiday season.
Avoid Extension Cords Whenever Possible
Extension cords may be a common sight around your household, but more often than not, they’re better left unused. Your typical household extension cord is made of thinner wire than the circuits in your home. That means if you’re drawing the circuit’s full capacity, you’re putting too much through the extension cord — this can cause fires.
Only Plug Space Heaters Directly Into Sockets
A space heater is one of the most power-intensive appliances in your home, and anything larger will likely be on a 240-volt circuit. The sheer amount of power that a space heater uses can lead to extension cords and even power bars heating up and melting or catching fire. Only plug space heaters directly into the outlet to avoid this.
Make Sure You Have GFCI Outlets Outdoors
When plugging in Christmas lights and other holiday decorations outdoors, there’s always a risk of ice and snow affecting the outlet or other connections. That’s why you should have ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets installed outdoors and also in kitchens and bathrooms. These outlets shut off the current immediately to prevent shocks.
Don’t Hesitate to Call the Professionals
Have you noticed a strange humming sound, sparks coming from outlets, flickering lights, or other signs of electrical issues? Don’t ignore them until after the holidays. You should call a professional electrician at the first sign of any trouble to prevent serious risks such as electrical fires and shocks.
The Best Electricians Near Me in Milpitas, CA
If you’re worried about any issues with your home’s electrical system this holiday season, you can put your trust in the best electricians near me in Milpitas, CA. Just give the team at Arc Lighting & Electric a call today for reliable electrical repairs, installation, and more.
