Electrical overload happened to most of us, if not all, at one point in our lives. You plugged in too many devices at the same time which caused an overload and the power to shut down. This happens when the fuse or the circuit’s breaker located in your service panel at home is overloaded as a safety measure.
However, although this prevents fires, it’s not something to depend on and changing your behavior towards electricity is, actually, the right course of action. In order to do so, you need to know some facts that will help you prevent overload and create a safe living environment.
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Remove the build-up dust
Fuse holders are usually neglected during cleaning since the last thing you think of is dust causing short circuits on your power grid. However, this can be a serious cause for alarm since dust mixed with the humid environment can build up and start obstructing the energy flow. To clean this, you need to wear rubber gloves and switch off the electricity supply.
Don’t use water or anything moist to clean the fuse holder since that can cause short circuits and damage. Use dry cloths, a toothbrush to clean the persistent pile-ups and electrical contact cleaner. The anti-corrosive lubricant will prevent rust, while electrical tape will help you cover loose ends or naked wires.
Call pest control
Researchers from North Carolina discovered that 579 species of arthropods living in people’s homes which is a serious number. In the US, termites cause $5 billion of property damage, while squirrels are responsible for 25% of all fires. Together with rats, mice, ants, and other pests, these creatures can cause serious damage to wiring and cause short circuits and accidents.
But attempting to get rid of them on your own may not have any effect, so it is best to call pest control. Sprays and repellents can help somewhat but won’t solve the problem, while using animal traps may be against the law.
Pay attention to the weather
During the bad weather and especially the one which involves thunderstorms, the power grid may become unstable. Turn off all the devices you don’t use and even unplug some from the sockets in case of the overloads due to energy spikes. However, even a sunny day can cause problems for those using solar panels.
In Australia, the amount of energy collected through solar panels started exceeding consumption during the day when demand was low. Consulting a local electrician in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or any other town could save you from overload and discomfort it may cause. And since this continent is famous for unpredictable weather as well, you will also be able to reexamine your home power grid.
Detect faulty wiring and loose connections
After a while, insulation gets damaged and live wires start touching, which can cause short circuits and fires due to the heat. This can happen in the wall switches, power sockets and inside old appliances. Regular checking of these spots will help you identify the problems in time and prevent further deterioration.
Buy new appliances or fix the old ones
Old appliances are a known cause of short circuits and that is why you should pay close attention to their functionality. If you notice some weird noises or smells coming from your appliance, don’t neglect them and take them to the repair shop.
Check the power cords once in a while to see if they are damaged or overly twisted. The moment you notice that an appliance is acting strangely, turn it off, unplug it and call a technician to look at it. A lot of fires happen due to faulty devices and appliances, so buying a new one can be more than a prudent investment.
In the end
Safety of your home is a priority and although accidents can happen, many are prevented by responsible behavior. To prevent an overload or a short circuit you simply have to pay attention to your appliances, power consumption and respect safety measures.
