Electricity is something we often take for granted until something goes wrong. From flickering lights to overloaded outlets, electrical issues can lead to safety hazards if not addressed properly. In Brandon, FL, the hot and humid weather can also exacerbate certain electrical problems, making it essential for homeowners to stay vigilant. To help you maintain a safe and functional home, Exodus Electric Corporation has compiled this comprehensive home safety checklist with essential electrical tips. Whether you're a new homeowner or have lived in your house for years, following these guidelines can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your family’s safety.

Regular inspections are key to preventing electrical hazards before they become serious. Many homeowners in Brandon, FL, live in homes that are decades old, and electrical systems can deteriorate over time. Keep an eye out for these indicators:

• Flickering Lights: If you notice lights flickering or dimming, it could be a sign of a loose connection, faulty wiring, or an overloaded circuit.
• Warm Outlets: Outlets should never feel hot to the touch. If they do, it’s a sign of a potentially dangerous issue, like overheating or overloading.
• Circuit Breaker Trips: Frequently tripping circuit breakers indicate that your system may be overloaded or short-circuited.
• Burning Smell: If you smell something burning near an outlet or switch, turn off the power immediately and call a professional electrician.

It’s important to have a licensed electrician from Exodus Electric Corporation perform an in-depth inspection of your electrical system every few years, especially if your home is older or you’ve recently added major appliances.

2. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel When Necessary

The electrical panel, often called a breaker box, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power to different parts of your house, ensuring everything runs smoothly. However, older panels may not be equipped to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.

These are some indicators that it's time to replace your electrical panel:

• Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: This can indicate that your panel is overloading because it can’t handle the energy demands.
• Outdated Fuse Box: If your home is still using a fuse box, it's a good indication that it needs an electrical system upgrade.
• Adding New Appliances: Installing major appliances such as air conditioners, water heaters, or refrigerators can put a strain on an older electrical panel.
• Home Renovations: Expanding your home or converting rooms may require additional power, necessitating a panel upgrade.

By upgrading to a modern electrical panel, you ensure your home can handle current energy demands, reduce the risk of electrical fires, and potentially increase your property value.

Overloading is one of the most common causes of electrical fires. Many homeowners unknowingly overload outlets or circuits by plugging in too many high-wattage appliances at once. This is especially problematic in older homes, where electrical systems were not designed to handle today’s energy needs.

Follow these guidelines to prevent overloading:

• Use Power Strips Sparingly: Power strips and extension cords are only temporary solutions. Never plug high-wattage appliances like space heaters or air conditioners into power strips.
• Be Mindful of Wattage: Know the wattage of your appliances and ensure that your circuit can handle it. Most residential circuits are 15-20 amps, which means they can handle about 1,800 to 2,400 watts.
• Distribute Devices: Spread out your devices across multiple outlets instead of plugging everything into one.
• Upgrade Outlets: If you’re constantly using extension cords or power strips, it may be time to add more outlets or upgrade to a more powerful circuit.

For professional assistance, Exodus Electric Corporation can help you assess your energy needs and recommend solutions to prevent overloading.

4. Install GFCI and AFCI Outlets for Enhanced Safety

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are safety devices designed to prevent electrical hazards. These devices are now required by modern electrical codes in certain areas of your home, including kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas.

• GFCIs: These outlets shut off power if they detect an imbalance between the hot and neutral wires, which could indicate a ground fault (i.e., electricity flowing outside its intended path). GFCIs are crucial in areas where water is present, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to prevent electrocution.
• AFCIs: These outlets detect arc faults, which occur when there’s a breakdown in the wiring, leading to a spark or fire. AFCIs are especially important in bedrooms and living areas.

If your home lacks these essential safety devices, it’s critical to have them installed by a licensed electrician. Exodus Electric Corporation offers GFCI and AFCI installations to bring your home up to current safety standards.

Even with the best precautions, electrical emergencies can still occur. Whether it’s a power outage during a storm or a sudden electrical fire, knowing what to do in an emergency can prevent injury and property damage.

• Have a Fire Extinguisher: Make sure you have a Class C fire extinguisher in your home to deal with electrical fires. Water can be dangerous to use on electrical fires, as it can spread the flames.
• Know Where Your Circuit Breaker Is: Familiarize yourself with the location of your circuit breaker so you can quickly turn off power if there’s an emergency.
• Develop an Evacuation Plan: Have an evacuation plan in place for your family in case of an electrical fire. Practice it regularly, especially if you have young children or elderly family members.
• Call a Professional Immediately: If you experience a sudden power surge, a burning smell, or sparks from an outlet, turn off the power and call a licensed electrician right away.

In the event of an electrical emergency, Exodus Electric Corporation is available to provide prompt and professional service to keep your home safe.

Contact Exodus Electric Corporation for Professional Electrical Services in Brandon, FL

At Exodus Electric Corporation, we understand the importance of home safety. Whether you need an electrical inspection, panel upgrade, GFCI installation, or help with any other electrical issue, our licensed electricians are here to assist you. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable electrical services to homeowners in Brandon, FL, and the surrounding areas.

With years of experience and a commitment to safety, Exodus Electric Corporation is your go-to solution for all electrical needs. Don’t wait until a small electrical issue becomes a major hazard—contact us today at (813) 444-4445 to schedule a service appointment or consultation. We service commercial and residential establishments and provide generator installation, repair, and maintenance. We look forward to helping you keep your home safe and powered efficiently!