Electrical Safety Services in Orange County, CA
Though most of us take our homes’ electrical systems for granted, it’s important to look for signs of trouble and the need for repairs. This handy electrical checklist will give Westminster’s homeowners some great pointers on catching small problems and keeping them from turning into big ones.
Look in the Garage
In most of the area’s homes, the electrical panel is attached to the garage. Because these panels are typically exposed to the elements, they’re at risk of problems related to heat and moisture. The most common issues include:
- Rust
- Circuit breakers that trip frequently
- The age of the system itself
If your home’s fuse box shows signs of rust, moisture, and/or mold growth, there’s a chance that the system’s wiring connections may be deteriorating. Call an electrician to have the wiring and service panel replaced before they leave your family in the dark.
In the Kitchen
It’s been said that a home’s heart is its kitchen. This room is where most major appliances are used, and that’s why it’s so important to inspect it for potential electrical dangers such as:
- Appliances that give off electrical shocks
- Faulty GFCI outlets
Today’s homes are equipped with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets, especially in the kitchen. If your home doesn’t have GFCIs installed throughout, count on our trained technicians to get the job done.
Living and Dining Rooms
These rooms are highly trafficked and typically contain numerous electronic devices such as televisions, gaming consoles, computers, and home entertainment systems. It’s quite common, especially in older Westminster homes, to notice dim or flickering lights when turning on major electronics. While dimming lights mean that too many devices are on one circuit, flickering typically indicates the presence of a short within the electrical system. Instead of trying DIY repair methods, call the pros at S.E. Electrical Services to inspect your lighting fixtures and wiring for problems.
Odd Smells
Over 50,000 electrical house fires occur each year, causing hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and billions in property damage. Because these home fires typically start at outlets or inside the walls, many homeowners don’t discover the problem until it is too late.
The presence of strange smells indicates the risk of electrical fires. Pay careful attention to things that smell like burning plastic, dead animals, and rotten eggs, as these odors often come from burning fixtures or wires. If any of the plates around outlets or switches are yellowing or charred, switch off that area’s circuit breaker and call us for a safety inspection. With our 24/7 emergency service, it’s easy to prevent electrical fires.
The Bedroom
A home’s bedrooms serve as sanctuaries where family members go to relax after a long and stressful day. We spend a lot of time in our bedrooms, so it’s important to ensure that all our switches and outlets work properly. Look for trouble signs such as:
- Warm switches and outlets
- Non-functional outlets/switches
If you’ve ever touched a switch or outlet and it was warm, it’s important to call for service right away. Likewise, when a switch or outlet stops working, it may indicate a connection issue within your home’s wiring system. Our electricians can repair and update a home’s switches and outlets, so they’re safe, effective, and up to code. Call or click today for more details.
Two-Pronged Outlets
Some of the Westminster area’s oldest homes still have two-pronged electrical outlets. To work around this, many homeowners rely on two-prong to three-prong adapters for appliances and electronics. Depending on the home’s age and design, this may put the entire electrical system at risk due to poor grounding. Contact one of our electricians and we’ll help bring your home’s wiring and outlets up to date.
The Bathroom
In most Westminster families, the bathroom is used almost as often as the kitchen and living room. However, constant traffic and usage will put these rooms’ switches and outlets at serious risk. Things such as steamy showers, sink splashes, and other sources of moisture can all cause severe damage to nearby electrical components. Because modern home designers are aware of these risks, the area’s homes include GFCI outlets in the bathrooms to reduce the likelihood of electrical fire and shock. If your bathroom outlets aren’t working the way they should, call us for prompt, professional electrical service.
Tripping GFCIs
If your home’s GFCI outlets trip frequently, it may mean that they’re not providing enough power for all the appliances and devices your family is using. Our electricians can inspect the home’s GFCIs and recommend important fixes.
Similarly, the absence of GFCI outlets also puts the entire home at risk. Along with the bathrooms, check the kitchen, laundry room, living room, and other places with electronics and appliances. If any of these rooms are missing ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, book an appointment with us so we can bring them up to date.
Wet Outlets
Certain areas of the home carry the potential for excess moisture. For instance, a long and steamy shower can be an electrical system’s worst enemy. Don’t leave electronics and appliances plugged in near the tub or sink, and when you’re in the shower, turn on a nearby fan or open a window to minimize airborne moisture. If your switches and outlets are always wet, it may be wise to have them inspected to ensure that they’re safe and ready to use.
Call Today to Request a No-Obligation Estimate or an Electrical Safety Inspection
For Westminster homeowners, the electrical system is one of the biggest safety concerns. A failing or faulty wiring system can lead to fires, injuries, and expensive repairs. If you’re unsure if there’s an electrical problem in the home, don’t leave it to chance. Call us today to request a complimentary estimate or to schedule a safety inspection.
S.E. Electrical Services is a local, family-run business that has served Westminster and the greater Orange County area for more than 10 years. With our qualified technicians and superior workmanship, we won’t just meet your expectations, but we will exceed them.