At Currie Electrical, safety is our top priority. Whether you’re a home or business owner in Benalla, keeping your property and loved ones safe from electrical hazards is essential. As your trusted electrician in Benalla, we’re here to share expert advice on how you can maintain electrical safety.
Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections
Routine electrical inspections are one of the most effective ways to ensure your property is safe from electrical hazards. For homeowners, we recommend having an inspection at least every three to five years.
Or sooner if you notice any warning signs, such as flickering lights, frequently tripped circuit breakers, or unusual burning smells. Business owners should schedule inspections more frequently, especially if their operations rely heavily on electrical equipment.
An electrical inspection can identify potential issues, such as outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or faulty connections. Before they lead to more significant problems. By having a professional electrician in Benalla conduct these inspections. You can ensure your home or business remains safe and compliant with current safety standards.
Invest in Surge Protection
Power surges are a common problem that can cause severe damage to your electrical appliances and devices. These surges can occur due to lightning strikes, power outages, or even issues with the local power grid. Installing surge protection is a simple and effective way to prevent these surges from damaging your electronics.
Consider installing whole-house or whole-business surge protectors at your main electrical panel for comprehensive protection. These devices protect all your electrical appliances and systems by diverting excess voltage away from your electrical circuits.
As experienced electricians in Benalla, we can help you select and install the right surge protection. Which will keep your valuable equipment safe.
Practice Safe Electrical Habits
By adopting simple, everyday habits, you can significantly impact electrical safety in your Benalla home or business. These habits empower you to take control of your safety. Here are a few essential tips:
- Avoid Overloading Outlets: Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can overload the circuit and increase the risk of fire. Use power strips with built-in circuit breakers and distribute electrical loads across multiple outlets.
- Use the Right Wattage: Always use light bulbs with the appropriate wattage for your fixtures. Using bulbs with too high wattage can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard. You can usually find the suggested wattage on the light fitting. But if in doubt, get it checked and some professional advice.
- Unplug Devices When Not in Use: Unplugging appliances and devices when they’re not in use can reduce the risk of electrical fires and save energy. This practice is especially important for high-wattage appliances like heaters and irons.
- Keep Electrical Cords in Good Condition: Regularly check the cords of your appliances for signs of wear or damage. Frayed or cracked cords should be replaced immediately to prevent electrical shocks or fires.
Be Cautious with DIY Electrical Work
While some minor electrical tasks can be handled safely, such as changing a lightbulb or resetting a tripped breaker. More complex electrical work should be left to professionals. You can check out the rules around safety inspections & testing in Victoria here. If you’re not trained or experienced in electrical work, attempting to do it yourself can lead to severe injury or damage.
Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what is safe to do yourself and what should be left to the experts:
What’s Okay to Do Yourself:
- Changing Lightbulbs: This is a simple task that doesn’t require much expertise. Just make sure the light switch is off before you start.
- Resetting Tripped Circuit Breakers: If a circuit breaker trips, you can usually reset it by flipping the switch back to the “on” position. However, if it trips repeatedly, call a professional.
- Replacing Outlet Covers and Switch Plates: You can safely replace covers as long as you don’t tamper with the wiring inside.
- Installing Plug-and-Play Devices: Devices that don’t require hardwiring, like lamps or plug-in surge protectors, are generally safe for homeowners to install.
What Not to Do Yourself:
- Wiring and Rewiring: Any task involving wiring, whether it’s installing new wiring, rewiring outlets, or adding new circuits. Should be handled by a professional electrician. Incorrect wiring can lead to fire hazards and electrical shocks, which can be life-threatening and can also cause significant damage to your property.
- Installing New Outlets or Switches: Adding new outlets or switches involves working with the electrical system’s wiring. Which can be dangerous if not done correctly.
- Upgrading Electrical Panels: Working with the electrical panel is highly dangerous and should always be left to licensed electricians. Incorrect handling can result in severe electrical shocks or fires.
- Fixing or Replacing Circuit Breakers: While resetting a tripped breaker is okay, replacing one or addressing recurring tripping issues requires expertise to ensure safety.
- Handling Any High-Voltage Work: Anyone without proper training and equipment should never attempt anything involving high-voltage equipment or lines.
If you’re planning a renovation or need electrical repairs, remember that you’re not alone. Always hire a qualified electrician in Benalla. At Currie Electrical, our team is trained to handle all types of electrical work safely and efficiently. Ensuring that your home or business is in safe hands. We’re here to support you with all your electrical needs.
Educate Your Family and Employees
Educating everyone in your home or business about electrical safety can help prevent accidents. Teach children to avoid playing with electrical outlets and cords. Businesses should consider holding regular safety meetings to remind employees of safe electrical practices. Such as not using damaged equipment or overloading power strips.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy
Despite taking all necessary precautions, electrical fires can still occur. It’s essential to have an easily accessible fire extinguisher and know how to use it. Make sure it’s the right type for electrical fires, typically labelled as Class C extinguishers. It’s also essential to regularly check the extinguisher to ensure it’s in good working order.
At The End Of The Day
Electrical safety is essential for every homeowner and business owner in Benalla. By scheduling regular inspections, installing surge protection and practising safe electrical habits. While also educating those around you, you can create a safer environment for your property and loved ones.
At Currie Electrical, we’re committed to helping you keep your home or business safe. If you have any questions or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusted Benalla electrician. We’re here to help with all your electrical needs!
