Things To Know About Electrical Outlets & Power Strips
In a world that has various electronics for people to enjoy, electrical outlets are useful to have in a house. In fact, sometimes there are not enough outlets in a house to accommodate all of the electronics that are being used. For instance, if there are a large number of people using electronics in a house, there might not be enough outlets to power up everything at the same time. In many cases, a homeowner will resort to using a power strip rather than getting additional outlets installed by an electrician. This article explains the dangers of using power strips, common electrical outlet problems, and why you might need to hire an electrician.
The Dangers of Misusing a Power Strip
Power strips are usually safe to use but can cause a fire hazard when used incorrectly. For instance, just because there are multiple outlets on a power strip, it does not mean that you should overload it with electronics. Overloading a power strip can lead to overheating, especially when there are high voltage electronics plugged into the strip. It is also a bad idea to use power strips on a permanent basis, as the strips should not take the place of using actual outlets. Another danger is to use a power strip that does not fit securely into an outlet, such as due to the metal prongs being damaged.
Signs That an Outlet Has Electrical Problems
Another way to cause an unintentional fire hazard is to use a power strip in an electrical outlet that is damaged. A sign that an outlet is damaged is when the cover is discolored. This sign points to the outlet overheating when electronics or a power strip is plugged into it. A melted cover is also an indication of an outlet is probably damaged. Another sign to be aware of is an outlet that sparks, as the problem can mean that there is an imminent fire risk. If you see any sparks or smoke coming from an outlet, immediately stop using it and turn off the circuit breaker that powers it up.
When You Should Contact an Electrician
You should contact an electrician as soon as you notice that something is wrong with an electrical outlet. It is possible that you will need to get new outlets installed or your home rewired, but it depends on the severity of the problem. Even if you do not see any electrical problems, it is wise to hire an electrician as soon as possible to install additional outlets if you have been relying on using power strips for your electronics.