How to Conduct a DIY Home Electrical Inspection
Posted on: 28 August 2017
Every year, Australian homeowners are seriously injured or killed by electrical faults in their homes. Studies have found that the home is the place where most reported electrical accidents happen, with around 35% happening in a domestic setting. The majority of these electrical accidents occur because domestic electrical systems are not inspected on a regular basis. In some homes, the electrical system will not have been inspected and maintained since it was first installed many years before. New high-powered electrical appliances can also place an additional strain on a vintage electrical system and cause components to fail or overheat. You can keep yourself safe by regularly checking your home electrical system. Below is a guide which explains how to do this.
Switch the Power Off
The first thing you should do is switch off the power supply to the entire property at the main fuse box. If you are unsure how to do this, you should call in a professional. However, if you feel confident isolating the power supply, you can proceed. Once the power is off, you can be certain that you will not receive any nasty shocks when inspecting your home electrical system.
Check the Sockets
Next, you should check the sockets in your home making sure they are not loose or damaged. If any are loose or damaged, you should not use them until a qualified electrical contractor has repaired them.
Inspect the Fuse Box
You should then inspect the fuse box and check that each of the fuses is intact. Sometimes when a fuse blows, it can develop a fault which means it will not blow again. A sign of a bad fuse involves it being misshaped or discoloured.
Count the Extension Cables
Finally, you should check the number of extension cables you are using. If you have more than a one in operation on each level of your home, you should consider calling in an electrical contractor so more power sockets can be installed. Extension cables can quickly become overloaded, resulting in electrocution or a fire.
Call in a Professional
If you have any concerns about the condition of your home's electrical system, you should call in a professional electrical contractor immediately. The contractor will carry out their own inspection and may well spot things that you have missed. The electrician will then carry out any necessary work to make your home safe.
For further information, you should contact an electrician.
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