According to the Almanac, the vernal or spring equinox falls on March 20 this year. The event occurs when the Sun crosses the equator line, heading north, resulting in the world experiencing nearly equal hours of day and night. The equinox is also considered the astronomical start of spring, allowing Texans to enjoy one of the most naturally stunning seasons ideal for basking in temperate weather. In addition, the spring provides an excellent opportunity for homeowners to contact a certified residential electrician to inspect their electrical system, ensuring no potentially dangerous issues exist.
It is also ideal to complete other maintenance tasks like the following.
Start with an Energy Safety Inspection
The first thing you should do, mainly if your home was built more than 40 years ago or you’re purchasing an existing house, is to schedule an electrical safety inspection with an electrician like A&H Electric. Doing this is particularly essential since the National Fire Protection Association (NAPA) reports that electrical failures and malfunctions caused more than 44,000 home fires between 2012 and 2016.
A certified residential electrician will provide a thorough electrical system inspection to ensure that all components in the home are up to the National Electrical Code (NEC), meeting all requirements for safety, such as containing the required amount of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). This service offers you peace of mind knowing that the system operates safely and reliably.
In addition, the NFPA adds that “aging electrical systems in older homes can be a source of arc faults, either through normal wear and tear or because the systems cannot accommodate the greater demands of modern appliances” (Campbell, 2019). Should you find yourself increasingly reliant on extension cords, surge protectors, etc., then you should consider having the electrician upgrade your system.
Test Essential Safety Devices Each Month
Mark your calendars, digital or paper, with this maintenance task. The NFPA encourages testing all smoke alarms installed inside and outside each bedroom in addition to on every level of your home each month. You can do these by pressing and holding the “test” button on each unit until the alarm sounds. In addition to smoke alarms, no home should be without another life-saving device; carbon monoxide detectors should be installed outside each bedroom and on each floor and tested monthly. Other tasks related to these essential safety devices to add to your calendar include changing the batteries semi-annually and replacing the units every ten years. An electrician can install smoke and CO alarms in compliance with the NEC’s safety provisions.
Inspect Extension Cords for Unusual Wear
Check exterior, interior, or combination extension cords before and after each use for signs of wear or damage. Do the same for power cords on appliances, electronics, and tools. Pay special attention to frayed cords, broken plugs, and cracked housing. Immediately replace any that are damaged, worn, or that you’re questioning the safety. When purchasing new products, ensure the cords are UL certified for the specified location you’re looking to use them in, outdoor or indoor. You can find extension cords in varying lengths at most home improvement stores and big-box retailers.
A&H Electric Co. has over thirty years of experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, service, and installation. We offer a full suite of services, not limited to electrical safety inspections and surge protection installation, with all work performed by skilled technicians. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment anytime you need a certified residential electrician to service your home or business, even if it’s after hours, as we provide 24-hour emergency electrical repair and service.
Employment Opportunities at A&H Electric! A&H Electric Co. is currently looking for technicians skilled in residential and commercial electrical repair, services, and installation. If you’re interested in joining our team and would like more information about available positions, please contact us at (936) 756-0442 or complete the online job application.
Resources:
Campbell, Richard. “Home Electrical Fires.” National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), March 2019.
“Carbon Monoxide Alarms.” National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
“First Day of Spring 2022: The Spring Equinox.” Almanac, December 28, 2021.
“Home Electrical Fires.” Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
“Installing and Maintaining Smoke Alarms.” National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
“Why Energy Efficiency Upgrades.” The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, n.d.