This year, can you put your mind at ease and plug in the holiday lights? Does your electrical panel stand up to the additional load of a heater, some cooking and all the decorations? For that matter, when did someone last have a look at the wiring in those old outlets?
If such questions are on your mind, come to us. We of Palomino Valley Electric cater to homeowners in Reno, NV and it is our aim to see your family get through the holidays with no electrical concerns. A call to (775)-406-7117 will put a professional in front of your home to have a good look around before things get busy.
There is no better time than fall to attend to electrical safety. With the weather turning, the family is inside more and the system in your home is put to greater demand. Some forethought now precludes a headache down the road.
Why Your Home’s Electrical System Needs Attention in the Fall
Reno gets cold and the space heaters are put to use; thermostats are cranked up. Then there are the string lights, the kitchen appliances and guests coming and going. All of a sudden your electrical system is under more of a strain than it has been in months. An older setup will not take kindly to being overloaded and you can be sure any issues that were dormant in milder weather will make themselves known when you are depending on them. It is far simpler to nip these in the bud than to have to put them right after they have caused trouble.
A Word on Your Decorations and Lights
Do not put up a strand of lights without first giving them an once over. You will find that in poor repair is the usual source of seasonal electrical problems.
Make a point of checking the following:
- Inspect each string for exposed copper, fraying or cracked insulation
- Do away with anything with a bent prong or broken socket
- Be sure outdoor pieces are so rated
- Refrain from joining too many strands in a row
- Cords should be kept clear of snow and standing water
- Put in a timer so the lights are not left to run unattended after dark
What looks like a minor crack can be the start of a short circuit. If you are not sure, put in a new one.
Outlets and Cords
Power strips and extension cords will be worked hard over the holidays but they are not to be considered a permanent fix. Run a hand over your plugs and outlets occasionally; a warm one is something to be concerned about. Discoloration, a burning odour or any buzzing means you should cease using the outlet and put in a call to an electrician.
And leave the cords where they can be seen rather than under a rug or in a doorway to be trod on. An overloaded outlet or a pinched cord is a fire hazard, if a quiet one.
The Electrical Panel
It is the very core of your power. Should you be tripping breakers with some frequency or making do with a couple of outlets, the panel is putting out a signal.
You may want a pro to have a look if you see:
- Breakers that will not stay on
- Lights dimming as you switch on an appliance
- Any warmth or a hum from the panel
- Corrosion or rust in the box
- An old fuse box still in place
One does not want to be guessing with an overloaded panel. Before winter sets in a licensed electrician can put the load to the test and advise on an upgrade.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Let the season be a prompt to go around and test every detector. Change the batteries and hit the test button. Ten years is a good rule of thumb for replacing a unit. They are what stands between your family and danger in the most fire prone time of year.
When to Make a Call
Leave the DIY to the simple stuff. Repeated problems or work on your panel and wiring should be done by someone trained; a good intentioned fix can be hazardous.
Palomino Valley Electric is fully licensed and insured and we put a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee behind what we do. We are on hand round the clock if an issue arises, whether that means a repair or a fresh GFCI outlet installation, and our free estimates mean you can have your answers without any strings attached.
Call us at (775)-406-7117 and let the team at Palomino Valley Electric see to it that your Reno home is in safe and reliable hands for the season.