Spring is finally here (although we sure have felt it off and on since December)!  We all know that Spring hits and we get the itch to clean out closets, spruce up your landscaping, tackle new DIY projects; the list goes on and on.  What you may not always think of is small electrical repairs, changes, and tests you can make to ensure the safety and functionality of your home.  The list can be daunting, so we have compiled a few quick and easy suggestions to get you started.

• Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.
• Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
• In homes with small children, make sure your home has tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles.
• Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.
• Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp’s recommended wattage.
• Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas.
• Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed in your home to protect electrical outlets

Beyond these, we would definitely recommend calling our office to schedule an electrician to visit your home or place of business to help you locate, test, repair, or replace any current dangers and/or problems. 

If you are concerned that there are more problems within your house, especially those that could present a fire hazard, call our office and ask about the CurrentSAFE Electrical Hazard Detection (EHD) Test that we are licensed to perform. 

CurrentSAFE EHD Test

You have choices when it comes to doing inspections for electrical damage and risks. Although the Megger Test and CurrentSAFE may seem like similar options there are several factors that set CurrentSAFE apart.

CurrentSAFE is nondestructive.

The Megger test sends a 500 volt to 1,000 volt DC current across an electrical system that is designed for 240 volts AC. The test voltage is two to four times greater than the normal operating voltage, and can be very destructive. The test current has been known to destroy lights bulbs and printed circuit boards that have been inadvertently left in the electrical system as it is being tested. So instead of testing for damage the megger test can cause damage. The CurrentSAFE Service is a completely nondestructive test in virtually all aspects. You cannot create more damage with any test instrument that is used in the CurrentSAFE Service.

CurrentSAFE can pinpoint the problem.

A megger test is very limited and only measures one value in the electrical system. Meggers only test the resistance of the conductor insulation. Meggers cannot test the resistance of the conductor material itself. A very important part of an electrical system test is to determine the resistance in the path of the electrical current. Resistance in the normal current path due to a damaged connection caused by the energy of a Lightning Strike would never be detected by a megger test. Increased resistance in the normal current path caused by a Lighting Strike can create a poor electrical connection which can build up sufficient enough heat to start a fire in an outlet or junction box.

CurrentSafe is more thorough.

If you do a megger test and the resistance of the conductor insulation fails the only thing that you know is that somewhere along the entire length of the circuit the insulation had become defective. The question is where do you start to look for the problem. It is like trying to find the so called needle in the hay stack. With the CurrentSAFE Service we methodically check every inch of wire in the electrical system, and every switch, every receptacle, and every light fixture outlet to insure that no latent defects from the Lightning Strike exist.

Need an electrical inspection?

Unlike most electrical contractors, Ohms electricians are CurrentSAFE certified experts in electrical hazard detection.   They are highly trained in all aspects of electrical safety and testing. Our electricians thoroughly inspect, test, safety check, and evaluate all the electrical system components of your home. They don’t guess or speculate when it comes to accurately finding core problems and recommending cost-effect solutions. The result of the comprehensive evaluation is an understanding that your electrical system is safe for you and your family, and delivering clean power. Contact us for more information or to schedule your appointment.