5 Things You Should Know About Your Electrical System as a New Homeowner

Despite the due diligence you do beforehand, it is difficult to prepare completely for the responsibility that comes with owning a house. A lot of the things you need to know, you learn from trial and error, but when it comes to your electrical system, an error can be fatal. For this reason, you should consult an electrician in Winnipeg for any issues with the electrical system.

In the interest of staying safe and being responsible, here are some things that you as a new homeowner need to know about your electrical system.

1. What Is a Short Circuit?

A short circuit occurs when two nodes of different voltages connect to one another incorrectly. This affects the flow of the current. A small short circuit may not be that dangerous, but a large one can explode. Short circuits of any size are considered a potential fire hazard.

Short circuits can occur if the wire connections are loose, the wire casings have deteriorated, the insulation is damaged, or the wires have been chewed by animals. Exposure to water and a buildup of electrical currents can also result in a short circuit.

Part of the reason that short circuits are dangerous is that you can’t always tell by looking that there is a problem. If you suspect a short circuit, unplug anything that is plugged into the affected outlet and call electrical repair services right away.

2. What Is a Circuit Breaker, and What Causes It To Trip?

In newer homes, the entire electrical system is connected to the circuit breaker. If the flow of the electrical current in your home becomes unstable, the circuits can overheat, which could spark a fire. The circuit breaker prevents this by cutting off the power, either to the whole house or the affected circuits. Older homes may have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker that does the same thing.

A short circuit is one thing that could cause an uneven current flow that could trip the circuit breaker. Another cause is a ground fault surge that results from contact between a live wire and a ground wire. A common cause is a current overload, which occurs when you plug too many devices into a single circuit at the same time, which puts pressure on it.

3. Is Low Voltage Dangerous?

As you go through your life, you have probably seen signs warning of high voltage. If high voltage is dangerous, does that mean that low voltage is not?

Low voltage can be dangerous in its own way. It could shorten the lives of your electrical devices by causing them to run either super slow or way too fast. To compensate for low voltage, amperage goes up automatically. Low voltage is not only a danger to your devices; it could cause death or serious electrical injuries.

4. Is It Safe for a Light Switch Plate To Be Hot?

A light switch may be a little warm to the touch when it is turned on and there is a high load of wattage. However, it is not normal for the light switch to be warm when turned off or to be hot under any circumstances. Call an electrician in Winnipeg as soon as possible if a light switch in your house is hot.

5. Should You Get a House Surge Protector?

A bolt of lightning that strikes an electrical pole can send a surge of unusually high voltage into your home’s electrical system. Many of the devices in your home that uses electricity are delicate and could sustain damage as a result. A surge protector works by diverting the excess voltage safely. There are surge protectors available for your whole house, and they can help to protect your system from damage as well as your devices.

Whether you need a repair or just have a question about your home’s electrical system, find out how a Handyman Connection technician can help you.