In the United States, each year brings 32,000 house fires as a result of malfunctioning electrical wire systems. The devastation of improperly installed wiring is the reason behind an annual total of about 950 injuries, 220 deaths, and nearly 0 million in property damage. The risk level increases when you live in a house aged 50 years or older (like more than 1/3 of residences in the U.S.). Just think - all of the advancements in technology are now much stronger than in the past - meaning older homes suffer a greater drain on their electrical system.
Therefore, when thinking of pursuing a do-it-yourself project that involves rewiring your home - make sure to proceed with caution and gain as much house wiring information as possible. Becoming familiar with common wiring errors and issues is a good way to prevent a catastrophe from occurring in the future. A few house wiring info tips include:
·Working With Live Wires: Every year, a great deal of do-it-yourselfers fall victim to the electric shock of a live wire. To stay safe - make sure you always turn off the circuit breaker or remove proper fuses before tackling a this sort of home improvement project or when replacing a piece of electrical equipment.
·Incorrect Light Bulbs: There is a reason that companies list the maximum allowed wattage on their sockets and light fixtures. Contrary to popular belief, using a higher wattage does not brighter up your room any better, but only causes damage to lights, which can heat up wires to the point of a house fire.
·Proper Grounding: It is important that receptacles are wired with the appropriate grounding and polarity. Grounded wires typically display a copper grounding wire with the cable. If you live in an older house, the wires appear black and white. Before pursuing an electrical project any further, it is important to test your home for grounded wiring. Today, a UL Listed outlet circuit tester is the most effective approach. When outlets are improperly grounded - make sure to call a professional electrician.
·Splicing: When splicing wiring in the house, it is key to display matching wire sizes and types. People who splice wires by twisting the ends together and covering the result with electrical tape face a higher risk of encountering a problem in the future. Also, keep in mind that plastic or metal receptacles lessen the risk of fire.
·Old Wires: When hooking up new light fixtures, make sure the wires in your home can accommodate the transition. For example, older homes may possess wiring with a lower temperature rating. Do-it-yourselfers normally overlook this house wiring info tip. However, to lower the risk of an unnecessary fire, check the wire rating before installing new lights. A solution to incompatibility is to upgrade the wiring or seek out fixtures that satisfy the appropriate supply connection range.
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