Your Electrical Wiring: Hazards and Signs of Danger. Electrical Systems will work in a seemingly normal manner right up until the point of complete failure! Only a qualified electrician can inspect an electrical installation to determine whether it is safe and suitable for continued use. There are some signs of dangers, hazards and electrical problems that you can keep an eye out for. In this article I will go through the most common issues and danger signs that you should be on the lookout for along with advising WHEN to call a professional to assist.

15 Things You Should Not Plug Into an Extension Strip. Power Strips, Extension Leads and Extension Reels are common in every home but did you know these have a maximum safe rating? There are a number of items that should not be plugged into one of these devices in order to avoid electrical hazards and safety risks. This is a list of the 15 most common things that should not be plugged into an extension cord. You can find a list of household appliances, their ratings and use this to determine what can and cannot be plugged in to an extension lead in our article.

We all know that electricity and water do not mix. Electric shocks can occur when water is introduced to electrical equipment but what about outdoor sockets? Are they safe? The answer is generally YES. As long as outdoor outlets are installed correctly, designed for outdoor use and tested by an electrician before being put into service, then they are safe to use.

Who is responsible for earth bonding a gas meter? In the UK. The homeowner or landlord is responsible for the earth bonding to a gas meter (pipework close to gas meter). The earth bonding is a safety electrical requirement and as this lies within the property (or should) then it is the responsibility of the property owner to have this carried out.

Home Electrical Inspection Fail - House Sale Problems. When buying or selling a home, the home inspection process can feel like the final hurdle before the sale becomes official. For many first-time home buyers and even seasoned home sellers, this stage can be stressful because inspection findings often reveal potential problems that need attention. Among the most common issues, electrical inspection failures stand out as a serious concern that can quickly derail a real estate transaction. From faulty wiring to outdated electrical panels, electrical issues are not only safety hazards but can also be deal-breakers when potential buyers are deciding whether to move forward.

When to Replace Electrical Wiring in an Old House. The electrical systems in older homes can pose serious safety issues, and knowing when to replace outdated electrical wiring is important for protecting your family and property from potential problems including the risk of electrical fires. Whether you're in the UK or the United States, the principles of electrical safety remain the same, though the specific codes and current standards may differ. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key warning signs that suggest it's time to rewire your entire house, examine different types of old wiring materials, and help you understand when a full rewire becomes a necessity rather than an option for your home's electrical system.

How many plug socket outlets can one circuit take? I get this question almost daily from homeowners planning renovations or simply trying to figure out why their circuit breaker keeps tripping. The short answer? It depends on whether you're in the UK or US, and what you're planning to plug in.

How Long Does House Wiring Last: When To Replace. Electrical wiring in your home, if installed by professional Electricians and maintained correctly will last a minimum of 25 years and up to 50 years, depending upon use. We will discuss what different factors affecting the lifespan of wiring in this article and you will see that the answer is not always as straightforward as you may imagine.

Open Circuit vs Closed Circuit: What's The Difference - An electrical circuit effectively has just two states; open and closed. An open circuit will not allow electrical current to flow, no lights will turn on, no socket outlets will work, no equipment will function. A closed circuit will enable electrical current to flow around the circuit meaning that equipment, lamps, appliances and other electrical equipment will work. What is a Closed Circuit? A closed circuit provides a complete circuit with a continuous path for electrical current to flow from the power source back to itself. In this normal condition, electrons can move freely through conductors, creating a continuous current flow that powers electrical devices.

As a qualified electrician with decades of experience in the electrical industry and as an electrical tutor, I've seen my fair share of electrical hazards that could have been prevented. The question "Are my electrics safe?" isn't always as straightforward as it seems. While some electrical problems are glaringly obvious, many electrical hazards lurk behind walls, in breaker panels, and within seemingly normal electrical devices, waiting to cause electrical fires, electric shock, or worse.