The Essential Guide to Electrical Safety During Home Additions Or Remodels
Regarding home remodeling, the electrical sector is often a big part of what’s being done. However, it’s also a place where safety is easily overlooked.
It is especially true when working on older homes that may still have aluminum or knob and tube wiring. A professional must handle the electrical work during renovations or additions.
Know Your Limits
Home remodeling projects are a great way to make your home more functional and appealing. Still, knowing your limits regarding home addition or remodel electrical installation Fayette County WV is important. Even the smallest mistake can lead to a fire, property damage, or electrocution.
If you’re unsure of your limits, assess your skill level, and don’t be afraid to call in the pros. Remodeling is physically demanding, so taking breaks and eating well is important. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to make mistakes that could endanger your safety and the integrity of your home’s electrical system.
Other safety precautions include using tamper-resistant receptacles to keep small children from sticking objects into outlets and immediately cleaning up any water or liquid spills so electricity doesn’t run through them.
Stay Away From Wires
During home renovations, there are a lot of exposed wires. Keeping yourself and your family away from these wires is important to avoid burns or shocks.
It’s also important to avoid tampering with your home’s electrical system during a remodel. Doing so can cause fires, which are a major safety hazard.
Look for brittle fiber insulation, bare wires, or any other signs of wear and tear on the cable sheathing to ensure safety. If you notice these signs, call a licensed electrician right away. You may need to replace the old wiring. It will bring your home up to the current electrical standards, reducing the fire risk. It will also improve your home’s functionality and increase its value.
Turn Off the Power
When remodeling your home, there may be times when you need to handle electrical wires. Whether it’s a simple switch replacement or an upgrade to a GFCI outlet, ensure all power is turned off to the circuit. Always use a non-contact circuit tester to confirm that all power is off before proceeding with any work on the wiring.
If you live in an older home with a fuse panel instead of a circuit breaker panel, shut off all power by carefully gripping the main fuse block and pulling it outward with steady pressure. Don’t touch any other panel or handle parts while pulling the main fuse out. Once the main fuse is removed, all electricity will be cut to that branch circuit, and you can safely continue your project.
Be Careful With Cords
It would be best if you prioritized electrical safety when planning a home remodel, addition, or a complete house rewire. Even a minor mistake in this area can cause a fire, serious injury, or even death.
If you’re tempted to use extension cords for powering appliances or light fixtures, resist the temptation and hire an electrician to add more outlets. Running multiple devices off one outlet can strain it, leading to overheating and shorting. If you have small children, consider adding tamper-resistant receptacles.
It’s worth the expense to upgrade your home’s electrical system to meet current safety standards. It’ll increase your property value and improve functionality and usability. A well-functioning electrical system is less prone to shocks, fires, and tripped breakers.
Stay Away From Overhead Power Lines
Overhead power lines can be a serious hazard to anyone working on home remodeling projects. If they are hit, it can send tens of thousands of volts through the system and cause damage and disruption to the electrical wiring.
Always look up before you start any outdoor work. Before starting any project, you know where the powerlines are in your yard. Ensure you stay at least 10 feet away from them to avoid any accidents. Be aware of the position of any trees near your power as well. Make sure they are not growing into the lines, and call your local utility unit if they do.
Finally, make sure you use only approved electrical products that have been tested for safety. Never tack or nail cords to walls or run them under rugs where they can be easily tripped over or trampled.
