Burnette Insurance Blog

 Home electrical problems cause almost 29,000 fires every year.

And over half of these home-electrical fires—53 percent—are related to problems with electrical wiring.

Don't be a statistic. There are steps you can take to make sure that your electrical system is updated or repaired. Complete rewiring with a new panel and really put some pressure on the wallet, but does that compare with the peace of mind you can have knowing that your family is safe and sound? Do you belong in any of the following categories? If so, an inspection by a qualified professional is recommended.

• Is your home older than 40 years?
• Are you relying on extension cords for power?
• Have you made major home improvements or added major new appliances that could strain your existing system?
• Does your home have ungrounded, two-prong outlets? 
• Does your home have aluminum instead of copper wiring?

Often times an electrical system gives out warning signs prior to any big accidents. Have you noticed any of these symptoms?

• Frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers
• An over-amped or over-fused electrical panel
• Dimming or flickering lights, indicating the circuit is overloaded or has a loose connection
• Hot or discolored switch plates, cords or plugs
• Light bulbs that frequently burn out in a socket, signaling a fixture that can’t handle the bulb wattage
• Buzzing or sizzling sounds
• A burning smell
• Arcs or sparks from an outlet when you plug or unplug a cord
• Loose outlets
• Cracked, cut or broken insulation
• Electrical shock when you plug in or touch a cord.

Even if you don’t notice any warning signs of faulty wiring, it’s a good idea to have your home’s electrical system inspected periodically. Electrical codes vary depending on where you live, but there are common situations that warrant an inspection from a qualified professional. 

Check out these statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration: 

Protect against an electrical fire by keeping an eye out for signs of hazardous wiring and having your electrical system inspected by an expert.

Burnette Insurance in Gwinnett would love to provide you with your homeowner's insurance and meet any of your personal or commercial insurance needs. Call us today at (770)-339-8888 or take a look through our website to see what we can do for you!