Dallas Electrician Tips: Why Every Homeowner Should Make Sure Their Electrical System Is Up To Code
Homes take regular care and maintenance to protect and even enhance the homeowners investment. Some common areas of concern are finding ways to have a more energy efficient home. Insulation should be sufficient, and cracks are sealed. Plumbing is checked for leaks. Shady trees are planted near the home. But the most important component of todays modern home is the electrical system. A faulty electrical system carries the risk of putting lives at risk and destroying a home entirely. And if your home is not up to code, chances are your home owners insurance claim will be denied. For these reasons, knowing ones electrical system should be first on every responsible homeowners list. Here are a few more tidbits brought to you by our Dallas electricians.
Older Homes Were Not Built to Support Todays Modern Lifestyle
If your home is over 40 years old, you need to be sure the electrical system has been recently upgraded. The average electrical requirement has more than tripled since the 70s and 80s. The standard amperage for powering older homes used to be 60 amps. Today, homes require 200 to 300 amps to run adequately. HD televisions, laptops, computers, fancy kitchen appliances, and many other modern appliances and equipment require more energy to run properly. Insufficient power is a safety hazard, and also ruins sensitive electrical equipment over time.
The Importance of Adequate Surge Protection
Most of us associate thunderstorms with power outages and electrical surges. The NEMA Surge Protection Institute states, however, that 60%-80% of power surges are attributed to major appliances such as dishwashers, clothes driers and air conditioners starting up and shutting off. Surges happen all the time. This is bad for your more sensitive electronics such as computers and televisions, and will take its toll over time. The solution? Ask your Dallas electrician about two-tiered surge protection systems. Surge protection should be installed at your breaker box and at plug in sites for sensitive electronics.
Aluminum Wiring Has Been Linked to Electrical Fires
Aluminum wiring, found in homes built in the 60s and 70s, is inferior to copper wiring, and can pose a serious fire hazard. After years of contraction and expansion from heating and cooling, aluminum wiring is loosened from points where it meets with other metal components of an electrical system. Loosened wiring is subject to increased oxidation, making it a poor conductor of electricity. Bad connections are a serious fire hazard, as it impedes an electrical system from running as intended and can lead to surges, overheating and electrical shock.
For more information on electrical upgrades, contact a Dallas electrician to ensure your familys safety, and to protect your home investment.
Sources and Further Reading:
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/electrical/do-you-need-electrical-service-upgrade/#.
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/electrical/value-whole-house-surge-protectors/#.
http://www.electricalcontractorselectrician.ca/electrical-wiring.php
Older Homes Were Not Built to Support Todays Modern Lifestyle
If your home is over 40 years old, you need to be sure the electrical system has been recently upgraded. The average electrical requirement has more than tripled since the 70s and 80s. The standard amperage for powering older homes used to be 60 amps. Today, homes require 200 to 300 amps to run adequately. HD televisions, laptops, computers, fancy kitchen appliances, and many other modern appliances and equipment require more energy to run properly. Insufficient power is a safety hazard, and also ruins sensitive electrical equipment over time.
The Importance of Adequate Surge Protection
Most of us associate thunderstorms with power outages and electrical surges. The NEMA Surge Protection Institute states, however, that 60%-80% of power surges are attributed to major appliances such as dishwashers, clothes driers and air conditioners starting up and shutting off. Surges happen all the time. This is bad for your more sensitive electronics such as computers and televisions, and will take its toll over time. The solution? Ask your Dallas electrician about two-tiered surge protection systems. Surge protection should be installed at your breaker box and at plug in sites for sensitive electronics.
Aluminum Wiring Has Been Linked to Electrical Fires
Aluminum wiring, found in homes built in the 60s and 70s, is inferior to copper wiring, and can pose a serious fire hazard. After years of contraction and expansion from heating and cooling, aluminum wiring is loosened from points where it meets with other metal components of an electrical system. Loosened wiring is subject to increased oxidation, making it a poor conductor of electricity. Bad connections are a serious fire hazard, as it impedes an electrical system from running as intended and can lead to surges, overheating and electrical shock.
For more information on electrical upgrades, contact a Dallas electrician to ensure your familys safety, and to protect your home investment.
Sources and Further Reading:
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/electrical/do-you-need-electrical-service-upgrade/#.
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/electrical/value-whole-house-surge-protectors/#.
http://www.electricalcontractorselectrician.ca/electrical-wiring.php
Source...