Your home’s electrical system powers your daily life, from your morning coffee maker to your evening binge-watching sessions. Most of the time, it works quietly in the background, but it still needs a little TLC in order to stay that way. Performing regular electrical maintenance can help prevent potential hazards, save you money on repairs, and keep your home running smoothly. Here’s a simple preventative maintenance checklist from our experts at Kolb Electric to help you get started.
Inspect Electrical Panels & Circuit Breakers
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system, distributing power to all your appliances and devices. Check your panel for signs of damage, rust, or overheating, and make sure that all circuit breakers are functioning properly. If you notice frequent tripping or a burning smell, it’s a red flag that something might be wrong. Addressing these issues early can help prevent serious problems like electrical fires. If you’re unsure about what you’re seeing, call a professional electrician for an inspection.
Examine Wiring & Connections
Take a close look at visible wiring, such as cords and connections around appliances, for signs of wear and tear. Frayed wires, exposed connections, or discoloration are potential hazards that need attention. Faulty wiring is a leading cause of house fires, so don’t ignore these warning signs. If you suspect any issues, have a licensed electrician from Kolb Electric assess and repair the problem.
Test Electrical Outlets & Switches
Outlets and switches are some of the most frequently used components of your electrical system, and over time, they can wear out. Check for loose outlets, cracked plates, or discoloration, as these can indicate overheating or other issues. Test each switch and outlet to make sure it’s working properly. If you notice buzzing sounds, sparking, or outlets that don’t work, it’s time to bring in the professionals to investigate.
Test & Inspect Safety Equipment
Your home’s smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are vital for keeping your family safe. Test each device monthly to ensure it is functioning properly and replace batteries at least once a year. If your devices are more than 10 years old, consider replacing them entirely. Also, make sure fire extinguishers are easily accessible and within their expiration date. Taking these steps will keep you prepared in case of an emergency.
Assess Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs are essential for protecting you from electrical shocks in areas with water, like kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. Test your GFCI outlets periodically by pressing the “test” button to check that they trip and reset properly. If a GFCI fails to respond, it may need to be replaced. Kolb Electric can help you install or repair GFCIs to keep your home safe and up to code.
Inspect Power Outlets & Surge Protectors
Power outlets and surge protectors shield your electronics from voltage spikes, but they can degrade over time. Inspect your surge protectors for signs of wear or damage and replace them if they’re more than a few years old or if they’ve taken a major hit. Make sure power strips and outlets aren’t overloaded to avoid overheating or short circuits. For comprehensive surge protection, Kolb Electric can install whole-home surge protectors.
Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection With Kolb Electric
While these tasks can go a long way in keeping you safe, there’s no substitute for a professional electrical inspection. Kolb Electric’s licensed electricians in DC, Maryland, and Virginia can spot hidden issues that may not be obvious to the untrained eye, helping you keep your home safe and up to code. Our team can implement code corrections, circuit breaker replacements, and overall system optimization, so you can rest easy knowing your electrical system is in top shape.
Contact Kolb Electric today to schedule your professional electrical inspection.
