For many homeowners, learning how to do small electrical repairs is a necessity. When something is amiss, you can’t always call an electrician to fix it, so here are some home electrical tips to help you DIY your home’s electrical maintenance.
Surge Protection
All it takes is one power surge to take out your expensive electronics, so knowing when and how to use a surge protector is one of the best things you can do to take care of your home. You should use them with computers, TVs and other expensive electronic devices. Get a surge protector with an indicator light to tell you if it’s working, as a big enough surge can burn it out. Another way to assure electrical safety against power surges is to get whole-home surge protection.
The Right Outlet
It’s also important for homeowners to understand the types of electrical outlets, as different types are required for different areas. GFCI outlets protect against electrocution (from water) while AFCI outlets protect against electrical fires. AFCI outlets are required in bedrooms, and GFCI outlets are currently required in:
- Areas within six feet of water sources
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Outdoors
- Garages
- Unfinished basements
Securing Bulbs and Smoke Detectors
The next item on our list of DIY electrical tips is securing light bulbs and smoke detectors. It’s easy to avoid loose light bulbs by screwing them in all the way, but sometimes a loose socket causes the problem. You may have to fix light sockets or fixtures if new light bulbs are flickering.
Smoke detectors also must be secured to ensure safety. If your smoke detector chirps or sounds a nonstop alarm even after replacing the batteries, turn off the circuit and replace it.
Fixing Outlet Covers
An outlet with no cover is dangerous, and a broken or poorly placed outlet cover is just unsightly. To replace outlet covers, first turn off the circuit. If you need to adjust the placement of an outlet, loosen the screws holding it and straighten or move it. Once the placement is right, tighten the screws to secure it.
If the outlet cover is small enough to show the edge of the sheetrock, get one with a bigger border. Once your outlet placement and outlet cover are correct, place the cover over the outlet and screw it into place. You can also count on our team for outlet repairs.
Know What Requires Professional Help
The best tip we can give you is to call an electrician if you’re uncomfortable fixing a problem or it’s an immediate safety hazard. Stay safe — contact Arnold Electric Services today.
