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As the leaves turn and the days get shorter, many of us will soon be reaching for that thermostat. While the shift to the cosy heating season is welcome, it’s also when our home's electrical system comes under the most stress.
Electrical Safety Week falls in October, and for good reason! As we turn on more appliances and plug in portable heaters, electrical demands soar, dramatically increasing the risk of fire and malfunction.
Here at City Plumbing, the home of heating, our Elecstore experts provide a critical checklist detailing five must-do electrical checks that take just a short time to complete, but ensure your home is safe, efficient, and ready for a warm, worry-free winter.
1. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors
This is the most crucial, life-saving item on the list. Colder weather means closed windows, trapping deadly carbon monoxide from heating systems or fireplaces, and increased fire risk from heaters and holiday lights.
The October Action Plan:
- Test the Button: Press the test button on every alarm. The alarm should sound loudly.
- Change the Batteries: Replace the batteries in every unit (unless it's a sealed 10-year model). Tip: The end of Daylight Saving Time (early November) is an easy way to remember to do this twice a year.
- Check the Age: Smoke alarms generally expire after 10 years, and CO detectors after 5-7 years. Check the manufacture date on the back of the unit and replace any that are past their prime.
2. Inspect Your Space Heater Cords (And Usage)
Portable space heaters are a leading cause of home fires. They draw a huge amount of power, and if their cords are damaged or plugged in incorrectly, the risk of fire is extremely high.
The October Action Plan:
- Check the Cord for Wear: Unplug the heater and inspect the entire length of the cord. Look for:
Fraying, cracking, or stiffness.
Discolouration or melted plastic near the plug.
A missing third (grounding) prong.
- Check the Outlet: The heater must be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
NEVER plug a space heater into a power strip, extension cord, or surge protector. These devices are not rated for the sustained, high-wattage draw of a heater and can quickly overheat.
- The 3-Foot Rule: Ensure the heater will be placed at least 3 feet away from all flammable objects (curtains, blankets, furniture, clothing, etc.)
3. Check for Scorching or Smells at the Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel (or fuse box) is the heart of your home's system. When a circuit is constantly overloaded, the resulting heat can leave visible marks long before a major failure occurs.
The October Action Plan (Visual Inspection):
- Listen: Stand near your panel. Do you hear any unusual buzzing, crackling, or popping? A quiet hum is normal, but loud sounds are not.
- Smell: Do you detect a distinct odour of burning plastic or metallic heat? This is an emergency sign.
- Look (Exterior): Visually check the breaker switches. Do any of them look scorched, melted, or discoloured (brown/yellow)? This is a sign of arcing or overheating.
- Feel: Carefully touch the face of the panel. It should feel cool or room temperature. If it is warm or hot to the touch, call an electrician immediately.
SAFETY WARNING: Never attempt to open your electrical panel yourself. If you see scorch marks, smell burning, or the panel is hot, call a registered electrician immediately.
4. Test for Loose or Warm Electrical Outlets
Loose outlets are not just annoying—they are a major fire hazard. The small, constant movement of a wobbly plug can loosen the internal wiring connection, causing electricity to "arc" (jump a gap) and generate intense heat inside the wall.
The October Action Plan:
- Plug Test: Use a common plug (like a phone charger) and try to plug it into your most-used outlets (kitchen, living room, bedrooms).
Does the plug fall out easily or feel loose/wobbly?
Do you see sparks when plugging or unplugging a device?
- Temperature Check: Place your hand on the plastic cover of a heavily used outlet. It should be cool. If the cover plate is warm or hot to the touch, stop using it immediately and call an electrician.
- Visual Check: Look for any brown, yellow, or black discolouration around the receptacle slots—a clear sign of overheating.
5. Prepare Your Outdoor Lighting and Outlets
As daylight disappears earlier, your outdoor lighting becomes essential for safety, security, and (soon) holiday decorations. The autumn rain and wind put your exterior electrical components to the test.
The October Action Plan:
- Inspect Fixtures: Check all pathways, security, and porch lights. Are any fixtures filled with water or showing signs of rust/corrosion?
- Check GFCI Protection: All outdoor outlets must have GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection. This is the safety outlet with the "Test" and "Reset" buttons. Test it now to ensure it trips and resets properly.
- Weatherproof Covers: Ensure your outdoor outlets have proper weatherproof covers (sometimes called "in-use" covers) that seal securely, protecting them from rain and potential early snow.
Taking these five proactive steps this month is the easiest way to guarantee your home is safe, efficient, and ready for a long, warm, worry-free winter.
Check Your Home’s Safety Systems This Season
While dealing with home maintenance can be tedious, when it comes to the safety of your home and family, an hour of prevention is truly worth a lifetime of peace.
By completing these five proactive steps, from ensuring your smoke detectors are working to checking for dangerous scorching at your electrical panel, you’ll have dramatically reduced your risk of electrical hazards this forthcoming winter.
Remember to treat any signs of burning, unusual heat, or strange noises as an immediate emergency and call a licensed electrician. Don't let a small electrical problem escalate into a major disaster. Take pride in knowing your home is safe, efficient, and ready to take on the cold weather ahead.
If you’re looking for helpful advice and suggestions on the best electrical products for your home, take a further look at the City Plumbing website for more information.
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