Maintaining your home’s electrical system is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. Electrical issues can lead to inconvenience, higher electricity bills damage to your appliances and even electrical fires. Prevention is always better than the cure. By following a few simple practices, you can keep your electrical system in top shape and avoid potential hazards.

Regular Inspection and Testing

Maintaining your home’s electrical system starts with regular inspection and testing. Scheduling an annual inspection by a licensed electrical contractor is a smart move. These licenced and insured professionals can spot potential issues that you might miss. During an inspection, the electrician should check everything from the point of attachment, the main switchboard and distribution boards to the wiring, outlets, switches and light fittings. They can identify signs of wear and tear or outdated components that could pose a risk. Catching these issues early prevents costly repairs and keeps your home safe.

Testing and inspecting all outlets and switches should also be a routine part of your maintenance. Outlets and switches are the most interacted parts of your electrical system and can experience wear over time.

Regular testing ensures they are functioning properly and safely. Look out for any loose plugs, warm outlets, or flickering lights – all of these signs can indicate broader electrical problems. If you notice anything unusual, calling in a professional to assess the situation is crucial.

Keep Electrical Switchboards, Distribution Boards and Wiring in Check

Your main electrical switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It must be accessible and free from obstructions. Keeping the area around the switchboard clear ensures that, in an emergency, you, the fire brigade, or an electrician can reach and access it quickly. Regularly checking the switchboard for any signs of damage, water ingress, corrosion, or wear is essential. Listen for any buzzing noises, take note of unusual smells and observe any burn marks, as these can signal serious issues that need immediate attention.

Wiring is another critical part of your electrical system that requires regular checks. Over time, wires can degrade, leading to dangerous situations like short circuits, earth faults or high-resistance connections which can lead to electrical fires. You should make note of any damaged wires, exposed copper or bite marks from pets or pests. If you find any signs of wear and tear, call a licensed electrical contractor to arrange for a licensed electrician to replace or repair the damaged wiring. Regular maintenance of your wiring helps prevent risks and ensures a reliable electrical system.

Safe Usage of Electrical Appliances

Using electrical appliances safely is crucial for maintaining your home’s electrical system. One key practice is to avoid overloading outlets and power boards. Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can exceed the current rating and overload the outlet, potentially causing a fire. Spread out your electrical load and use multiple outlets if needed. Consider having your electrician replace existing power points with double power points or four-gang power points rather than using power boards. Where necessary, invest in high-quality power boards with built-in overload and surge protection to minimise risk.

Unplugging appliances when not in use is another simple yet effective practice. Not only does this conserve energy, but it also provides protection for your appliances against any possible power surge/spike caused by lightning strike or faults upon the local electrical network.. Appliances that remain plugged in and tuned on at the wall can draw electricity even when not operating, adding to your power bill.

Understand and Implement Preventive Measures

Taking preventive measures helps keep your home’s electrical system safe and efficient. Installing and regular inspection and testing of safety devices such as Residual Current Devices (RCD’s/Safety Switches) for every circuit, smoke alarms and surge protection is a good starting point.

Residual Current Devices help prevent electrical shocks by automatically shutting off power when a current imbalance is detected. The current standard is to install a separate Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB/RCBO/RCBE) on each and every electrical circuit, providing increased safety and convenience in the event of an electrical fault.

Smoke alarms have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of fire-related injuries and fatalities. The Australian National Construction Code sets out the requirements for smoke alarm installations relevant to the type and use of a building. Older homes (and sometimes new homes) may not meet the current standards, so it pays to use an electrician who is familiar with the current code and standards.

Surge protection, when installed within your switchboard provides increased protection for your appliances in the event of a power surge/spike caused by lightning strike or faults upon the local electrical network.

Educating family members on basic electrical safety practices also goes a long way. Teach everyone, especially children, how to use electrical appliances safely. Simple rules like not touching electrical outlets with wet hands, keeping electrical appliances away from water, and keeping clear of exposed wires and elements can prevent accidents. Regularly discuss these safety tips to keep everyone informed and vigilant.

Conclusion

Maintaining your home’s electrical system doesn’t have to be complicated. Annual inspections, keeping electrical switchboards and wiring in check, using appliances safely and implementing preventive measures can make a significant difference. These best practices ensure not only the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system but also provide peace of mind.

If you need help with any electrical maintenance or repairs, look no further. ATD Electrical is your local and reliable electrical contractor providing licensed electricians throughout Wollongong and Shellharbour. Reach out to us today to ensure your home remains safe and efficient.