Living in the Happiest City in America doesn’t mean that you’ll never have to deal with problems with your home. However, some of them can be easily avoided with the right prevention tactics. When it comes to your electrical panel box, there are some key steps you’ll want to take to greatly reduce your risk of experiencing an issue in the future.
Keep Water Away
With your electrical panel being a fixed appliance in your home, it’s imperative that you be careful what you put near it. You never want to put anything that has to do with water near your panel. This is because water and electricity simply don’t mix. Water can lead to rusting of your panel and electrocution of you or your family members in severe cases. Avoid putting items like washers, water heaters, and sinks near your electrical panel.
Get a Regular Electrical Inspection
It’s highly recommended that all modern-day homes undergo an electrical inspection by a qualified electrician every three to five years. If your home is 25 years or older, an inspection every one to two years is recommended. A licensed electrician will be able to perform an inspection on your panel box and household wiring. A proper electrical inspection will help to reveal any potential issues so that they can be addressed before a bigger problem occurs.
Don’t Perform DIY Electrical Work
It can be tempting to try and add in a new circuit breaker when you need more power for a new appliance. However, you should avoid doing so as you do not want to create any potential issues that could damage your home or harm anyone in it. All electrical work should be left up to a licensed electrician who has undergone adequate training to have knowledge of how electricity works and code requirements in your area.
Don’t Have Combustible Materials Nearby
Materials like cardboard, cleaning supplies, and even wood can all be considered combustible. It’s never a good idea to store combustible items near your electrical panel. This is because any unintentional arching can send a spark into one of the combustible materials and cause a fire in your home.
Your electrical panel is a vital component of your home. It provides your family with the electrical power they need to do things like watch television, bathe in hot water, and charge their smartphones. By following the information that we outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to preventing any unwanted electrical panel issues with your home. If you currently have an issue and need a good electrician for panel repair or replacement, then rely on the experts at Circuit Doctor in Waldorf, MD.
