How Can Your Electrician Make Your Home Safer?
When you need an
electrician it's usually to hang a new light fixture or relocate an outlet but
did you know electricians can also make your home safer? A good
electrician can advise you on the best solutions for your basic electrical
needs and also how to keep your home safe and secure.
Hard Wired Fire Alarms
It is the law to have a
fire alarm on every floor of your home.
But the law doesn’t specify which type; however you can be assured that
a hard wired alarm is the best choice. This means that they are not battery
operated but are directly connected to your homes electric system. A licensed electrician can advise the most
effective location for the alarms and the best system for your needs.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Every home should
have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide, CO², is a colorless and
odorless exhaust gas that is deadly. If
any of your appliances or your furnace uses natural gas or propane then you
need a carbon monoxide detector because this is the only way to detect CO²
leaks. Alarms should be hard wired in your home close to the ground because
carbon monoxide is heavier than the air we breathe so it lays close to the
floor. Detectors should also be placed near every furnace and on every floor of
your home.
Surge Protection and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt Outlets
A surge protector protects electronic devices from voltage
spikes often caused by lighting, power outages or surges. They can be added to
the electrical panel and are particularly useful for expensive
electronic devices such as computers, televisions and all
appliances.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt outlets (GFCI) should be
installed close to water, moisture and outside. They
are more sensitive than regular outlets and trip within 5 milliseconds due to
detection of moisture. Water + electric = shocks. They are required in kitchens, bathrooms,
garages, patios, etc. A professional electrician will know all of your local code
requirements and will be able to install the proper GCFI for your home safety
needs.
Security Lighting
Outdoor and security lighting
not only improves the after-dark curb appeal of
your home but also keeps it safe. When we
think of security lighting we usually think of a bright spotlight that comes on
automatically if someone walks up to the property. This is important
and can be very effective but there are many ways to add lighting that is
decorative and functional. Dark and poorly lit homes are more appealing to
would-be burglars. Carefully placed outdoor lights can not only deter intruders
but also highlight and enhance the appearance of your home.
Hard Wired Baby Monitors
Baby monitors, both
audio and visual, keep infants safe and give parents peace of mind. Many
parents use the plug-in kind. These can be helpful but are also far more
susceptible to interference especially from cell and cordless phones. Hard
wired baby monitors are more reliable and can easily be installed by a
competent electrician. You should have them professionally installed in
any room you need to keep an eye and ear on your little one at all times.
When thinking of home
safety an electrician can be your best friend.
He will have the latest fire alarms and CO² detectors and know exactly
where to place them, he will keep you and your entire family safe inside and
out.
Call today for a free consult on
how we can help you make your home as safe as it can be. Visit our facebook page for other great day to day tips!
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