Each year, more than five thousand people report being harmed by an electrical shock. This can be extremely painful and potentially lethal, especially for children and the elderly.
While some electrical problems can be fixed at the source, others can be a sign of larger issues that pop up throughout your property. The last thing you want is an electrical fire, which is the leading cause of both residential and commercial building fires.
But what exactly happens in an electrical emergency? Here is a breakdown of the 5 most common electrical emergencies.
- Power Outage
One of the most common electrical emergencies is a power outage. When the power goes out, it can be a major inconvenience. It can also be a safety hazard.
If you are using candles or other open flames for light, there is a danger of fire. If you are using a generator, there is a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are using a generator, make sure it is properly ventilated. If you have a medical condition that requires electricity, such as a CPAP machine, make sure you have a backup plan.
- Electrical Fire
These fires can happen in any home or business and can be caused by several different things. The most common cause of electrical fires is faulty wiring.
This is why it is so important to have your wiring checked by a professional regularly. Other causes of electrical fires include overloaded outlets, extension cords that are not properly protected, and appliances that are not properly ventilated.
- Electrical Shock
This occurs when the body comes into contact with an electrical current, and can result in serious injuries or even death. While it is often possible to avoid electrical shock by using proper safety precautions, it can still happen unexpectedly. If you or someone else suffers from electrical shock, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
- Short Circuits
There are two types of short circuits, live and dead. Live short circuits occur when a hot wire touches a neutral wire. This creates a large amount of current, which can cause a fire.
Dead short circuits occur when a hot wire touches a ground wire. This can also create a large amount of current, but it will not cause a fire. If you want to avoid emergencies from short circuits, then hire this electrician.
- Bulb Burnouts
They occur when a light bulb filament breaks, causing the bulb to stop working. Bulb burnouts can be caused by a variety of factors, including old age, improper installation, and overheating.
While bulb burnouts are not usually dangerous, they can be a nuisance and cause inconvenience. If you experience bulb burnout, replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Avoiding Electrical Emergencies In Your Home
While most electrical emergencies can be prevented with routine maintenance, some will still occur regardless of precautionary measures. It’s important to be aware of the most common electrical emergencies and how to handle them, so you can keep yourself and your family safe. Be sure to have working smoke alarms in your home and check them monthly.
Test them by pushing the test button. Replace the batteries at least once a year. Knowing what to do in an electrical emergency can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disaster.
If you’re interested in reading exciting articles, follow our daily blog post for more.
