Electricity has always been present; you can witness its raw power in a lightning storm or accept that electrical synapses inside your body are at work all the time. You may even want to debate regarding who actually discovered electricity, but you can’t debate that it has had a huge impact on the modern world.
Unfortunately electricity is also a fickle mistress. It has the power to light up your life and the power to seriously injure or even kill you.
Despite this it flows through every wall of your house and most people don’t think twice about it.
Safety First
Unless you have a lot of experience or are qualified to deal with electricity it is best to contact an electrical security services firm. They can assist you with installing new electrics, inspecting what you have and dealing with any issues.
If you do feel capable of adjusting the electrics in your home then it is essential that you turn the power off before you start. It only takes one simple mistake to get a nasty or even fatal shock.
Knowing The Code
The electrical code will tell you which color wires should be used in your home and for specific set-ups. It deals with new builds and existing houses and is there to protect you and others.
By having the wires the same color in all installations there is a decreased likelihood that you’ll touch the wrong wire and get a shock. However, this assumes that the wires have been fitted according to code; that’s why you need to check carefully and shut the power off.
Of course you can ensure your wiring is better than code. Instead of fitting traditional breakers you can install AFCI’s. These are designed to identify even the smallest spark from a short circuit and shut down the supply; protecting your property.
Electrical Efficiency
Electricity passing through wires creates heat. This heat must be given the opportunity to escape; a build up can melt the material coating the wire. If this happens then it is likely that your electrics will short. When electrics short there is a dramatic increase in the risk of a fire happening.
Safety is not your only concern. Electricity is produced by massive power stations; some are powered by fossil fuels and continue to damage the environment. While there is a big push to move towards more environmentally friendly solutions there is still a long way to go.
You can help by having your electrical installation checked and inspected. This will highlight any faults.
It is also a good idea to install a smart meter that can tell you how much electricity you are using and where it is being used. This information can be used to adjust your habits and reduce your electric usage; saving you money and helping to save the environment.
It is important to note that while many states allow you to adjust certain wiring installations yourself this is not usually the case in the bathroom or kitchen; where water can be involved.
Always get professional assistance when dealing with electricity near water.