Electrical Safety Archives - Farryn Electric

Common Electrical Hazards With New Kitchen Appliances

by Summer McAnally | Feb 23, 2021 | Electrical Safety

Did you know that the kitchen is the most dangerous room in your home? No, this does not mean buying take-out every night is safer nor is it more affordable. Nice try! There is heat, fire, water, and on top of it all, electricity to contend with. So, it is no real surprise to learn that according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), 49% of fires in the home start in the kitchen.

The good news is this risk is manageable with careful planning and knowledge of the appliance(s) you are using. For instance, the new air fryer that I received as a present for my 41st birthday, given to me by my sister; I was excited and we opened the box immediately so she could show me how to use it. Then of course the electrician came in to steal my joy, not to be mean, but to protect me. Dan warned me not to use the air fryer at the same time as the microwave, and of course, I gave him a little side-eye. My thoughts are you are an electrician, just fix it! Then my wheels started turning and it nagged me all weekend…how many of my mom friends are using these appliances – air fryers, instant-pots, crockpots? How many do not know that they could have a potential electrical disaster brewing next to their glass of wine?

There are many things you can do to prevent an electrical hazard, which is why I decided to blog about common electrical hazards associated with kitchen appliances and give you advice on how to avoid them.

The Most Common Electrical Hazards in the Kitchen Include:

Poor or inadequate wiring
Electrical items close to the water
Overloading the system
Using wet hands
Ignoring the fire risks
Making sure the outlets in your kitchen are GFCI/AFCI and code compliant

Microwaves, Air Fryers, and Insta-Pots Oh My…

These appliances are family favorites in the kitchen for the amazing convenience they provide, but they should be respected. Just because you do not see a presence of a flame does not mean that these appliances are any less dangerous. These appliances use high wattage to achieve super-fast results, so making sure that vents are kept free from blockages and the interior is free from food debris is crucial if you want the appliance to continue to function safely.

You should also keep an eye on any unusual malfunction codes that might flash up, notably “F” codes, as these may be an indicator that something more serious is going on. “F” codes stand for failure, so if F2 appears, it indicates a thermal sensor failure, while F3 means that you have a shorting membrane keypad failure, which can be extremely dangerous. Read the manual for electrical requirements and keep it handy just in case an error code does appear.

Ways to Avoid Hazards

Check to see if there is a model with a child lock available.
Make sure all air vents are free from blockages.
Make sure that the space it occupies is safe and secure.
Always unplug these appliances when they are not in use.
Read the manufacturer’s handbook before operating
Use appropriate cookware and utensils (non-metallic)

How to Handle An Electrical Fire

Do not panic! The most common reason why an electrical fire becomes worse has something to do with heightened emotions. Cut off power in the affected area.
Never use water to put out the fire. Call emergency services or an electrician.

Kitchen appliances can be safe, and I would not want to discourage anyone from using any of the items on the list, but I do urge you to treat them with care and attention. Accidents happen, no matter how hard you try to avoid them, but you can limit your chances of falling victim to an electrical hazard by following my simple advice.

Concentrate on the task at hand, avoid distractions, and never handle electrical items with wet hands. If your electrical system has not been checked out in a while, we offer electrical safety inspections as well as home appliance wiring services for the Main Line.

As always if you would like our help at Farryn Electric please feel free to give us a call at (484) 316-0449 or use the contact us form for your convenience.

Signs of Heat Damage in Ceiling Fixtures

by Summer McAnally | Jan 12, 2021 | Electrical Safety, Residential Lighting

Next time you change a lightbulb in your ceiling-mounted light fixture, aka boob light in your hallway, bathroom, or kitchen please do yourself a favor and check for something that you may have overlooked in the past – heat damage. The use of incandescent lightbulbs with high wattage is a common culprit for the damaged ceiling light fixtures that are sometimes seen in older homes.

How Can a Ceiling Light Fixture Develop Heat Damage?

Sockets accept bulbs of many different wattages, so a 75-watt bulb could have been used in a light fixture that was only meant for a 60-watt bulb. Since the closed design of many ceiling-fixtures traps the heat, the brighter bulb generated more than the ceiling fixture was designed for, and that leads to damage. Fortunately, it’s relatively simple to check for damage.

5 Common Signs of Heat Damage:

Burned or melted plastic sockets
Wires that are exposed or missing insulation
Brown burn marks on the fixture housing
White-colored wires that have turned brown
Wires repaired with electrical tape and loose or damaged brackets.

If you see any of these telltale signs of heat damage it is a good idea to give us a call at Farryn Electric so that we can help diagnose the extent of the damage and install a safer light fixture for you and your family. Your safety is our #1 priority!

3 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

by Summer McAnally | Jun 9, 2020 | Electrical Panel, Electrical Safety

There are 3 main reasons that are surprisingly common for your circuit breaker to begin tripping.

Circuit Overload
Short Circuit
Ground Fault

Here’s some information about the differences between a circuit overload, a short circuit and a ground fault to help you solve your circuit breaker and electrical system issues.

You go to plug in something or reach to flip on a switch and nada, nothing happens. Your circuit breaker has tripped again. Sure, you can just reset the circuit breaker each time it trips, or you can figure out the cause of the problem so you can fix it once and for all!

How Do You Know If a Circuit Breaker Has Tripped?

If the power has gone off in a certain area of your home rather than a whole-house power loss, the problem may be a tripped circuit breaker. Electrical circuits of your home are protected by either circuit breakers or fuses. All homeowners should know the location of their electrical panel or fuse box, and the opening should be easily accessible and not blocked by shelving, storage, or furniture. If each circuit breaker or fuse isn’t already labeled, take the time to identify each switch or fuse and the area it controls – Farryn Electric can help you label your panel if you would like our help. This will save you time and effort if a circuit or fuse trips again. If there are two breakers or fuses for one area, such as the kitchen, take care to detail which part of the kitchen each of the two switches controls. For example, you might label one switch “kitchen appliances” and the other switch “kitchen counter outlets” or other designations as appropriate.

If a circuit breaker trips because it has exceeded its maximum amperage, the switch handle will have moved between the on and off position and may show a red area alerting you that it has tripped. Depending on your electrical panel, sometimes the “trip” causes only a slight movement of the handle, and you’ll have to look closely at the switches to discern which one has tripped.

How Do You Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker?

To reset a tripped circuit breaker, turn off the breaker by moving the switch or handle to the off position, and then turn it back on. For safety, it’s a good idea to stand back or to the side of the panel, just in case any sparks come from the breaker when it’s moved, or to wear safety goggles when resetting a circuit breaker. It’s also smart to keep a flashlight and batteries near your electrical panel to help light the area if the power is off. Rest the circuit breaker for a few minutes before unplugging and plugging items to determine what might have overloaded the circuit or caused the trip.

What is a Circuit Overload?

A circuit can become overloaded when an electrical wire/circuit receives more amperage than it’s intended to handle or may be caused by loose or corroded wires or connections. If a circuit trips because it has been overloaded, you can try disconnecting something from the circuit and using another circuit for the electrical power instead.

To help determine what caused the problem, unplug all the items on the circuit before resetting the breaker. After it’s reset and rested for a few minutes, turn on or plugin items, one at a time, to determine what may have caused the overload. If circuit overloads continue to happen in your home on a regular basis, you may need to install a new dedicated circuit and outlet for the area to handle the amperage load.

What is a Short Circuit?

A short circuit happens when a hot or active electrical wire and a neutral wire touch, causing a large amount of current to flow and overload the circuit. A short circuit should always cause a breaker to trip or a fuse to blow and may also cause sparks, popping sounds, or smoke. It may also be caused by issues like loose connections, a slipped wire, or even from damage caused by animals (mice or squirrels) chewing on wires. A short circuit can be caused by a faulty electrical switch, receptacle, fixture, appliance, plug, or cord. You can try to trace the short circuit yourself or call Farryn Electric for help. Short circuits can be dangerous due to the high temperatures from the current flow which can pose a fire hazard, so proceed with caution if you think your home has an issue and seek our professional assistance, especially if you can’t find the source.

What is a Ground Fault?

A ground fault can happen when a hot or active wire makes contact with the ground wire, a grounded portion of the junction box, or a grounded area of an appliance (Hot wires are usually black, neutral wires are usually white, and ground wires are usually green). When contact is made between a hot and ground wire large amount of current go through the circuit breaker which can cause it to trip. Many areas in the home are required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to be protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) to prevent electrical shocks and fires, including kitchens, bathrooms, garages, unfinished basements, outdoor areas. Ground faults usually happen when equipment is damaged or defective and can pose danger since live electrical parts may no longer be adequately protected from unintended contact.

Keep in mind that circuit breakers and fuses are safety devices for our protection when electrical malfunctions occur. Although, it may be frustrating when a circuit breaker trips or when a fuse blows, this action has served to protect us and our property. When troubleshooting or dealing with home electrical repairs, always take safety very seriously and never attempt to inspect or repair anything that you aren’t certain is safe. Always follow these electrical safety tips from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), including:

Never repair electrical cords or equipment unless qualified and authorized.
Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before energizing it.
If working in damp locations, inspect electric cords and equipment to ensure that they are in good condition and free of defects, and use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Always use caution when working near electricity.

When your home’s electrical system malfunctions, you need expert assistance. Enjoy the reliability and security of having a comprehensive electrical diagnostic and repair by Farryn Electric, which includes a lifetime warranty on our workmanship, for as long as you own your home and a 5-year warranty on any new part replacement – our workmanship is guaranteed! Even if the part’s manufacturer has a lesser warranty, we still cover the part for 5 years.

Electrical Safety Tips For Pools

by Summer McAnally | Jun 9, 2020 | Electrical Safety, Exterior Lighting, Outdoor Lighting

A tablet, sunglasses, and a glass of juice by the pool

Ready or not, Summer is here, and we are still under quarantine and social distancing due to COVID-19, which means spending more time outside and in your new backyard swimming pool. While electrical safety is important year-round, we think this is a great time of year to review some pool safety tips. To have peace-of-mind and protect you and your most asset, your family! Here are some things to keep in mind.

Pool Safety Tips

Use only battery-operated products around the pool that are waterproof or water-resistant.
Be mindful of overhead power lines. Your pool should not be installed within 25 feet of overhead power lines and long-handled poles and tools should be kept away from them as well. You should also keep these tools and poles held as low to the ground as possible.
Always avoid touching any electrical items when you are wet or are touching wet surfaces. Especially if you are barefoot.
Keep electric cords, wires, and appliances at least 5 feet from the water.
Regularly inspect your pool lights for cracks or mold on the inside of the lens which could show signs of a leak.
Make sure all outdoor receptacles are covered and are GFCI protected. These offer the best protection against electrocution. They should be tested at least once a month to make sure they are functioning properly.
Have a licensed electrician inspect and upgrade your pool or hot tub wiring to ensure it is safe and meets NEC requirements.

It can be easy to overlook, but electrical safety is extremely important, especially around water. The electricians at Farryn Electric are safety experts. We can do a complete check-up on your pool’s pump, filter, heating, and lighting and make sure everything is working properly. Don’t miss out on time you could be swimming this summer and call us today!

Electrical Safety Tips for Older Homes

by Summer McAnally | May 7, 2020 | Electrical Safety, Residential Lighting

Electricity has become such a standard part of our daily lives that it is often taken for granted, but electrical failures are a leading cause of home fires every year. Homes with aging electrical systems are at increased risk for electrical fires. It’s important to note that all electrical work in your home should be performed by a licensed electrician in accordance with local and national codes. Follow these safety tips to identify and prevent electrical hazards.

Reasons to Get an Electrical Inspection

Your home is 40 years old or older
You purchase a previously owned home
Your home has undergone a major renovation
You have added major new appliances in the last 10 years

Warning Signs

Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers;
A tingling feeling or slight shock when you touch an appliance
Outlets and/or switches that are warm or make crackling, sizzling, or buzzing noises
Flickering or dimming lights.

Circuit Breakers and Outlets

Consider having your circuit breakers replaced with arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which provide enhanced electrical fire protection by detecting dangerous arcing conditions.
Make sure all electrical panel circuits are properly labeled. Always replace fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size and amperage.
Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets in areas where electricity is near a water source, like in the kitchen and bathroom.
Every month use the TEST buttons to check that GFCIs, AFCIs, and smoke alarms are working properly.
Routinely check cords, outlets, switches, and appliances for signs of damage. Do not use damaged electrical devices.
Do not overload outlets with too many devices or appliances.

Cords, Plugs, and Lights

Do not use extension cords on a permanent basis, and never use them with major appliances.
Never run electrical cords under rugs or carpets.
Do not pinch cords under furniture or in windows/doors.
Always use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture

If you are concerned about your home’s electrical safety or are interested in having peace-of-mind that your electrical system is safe. We would be happy to provide you with a comprehensive electrical safety inspection. Please give us a call.

Before the Storm Hits You

by Summer McAnally | Jul 27, 2019 | Electrical Safety, Generators

As the abnormal rains continued into 2019, so have the problems that this epidemic of storms and excessive rain have caused. Flooding, trees down, and power surges and outages. If you live here you know, and may have been an unfortunate victim of circumstance.

As many of our neighbor’s scramble about putting food in another person’s freezer, collecting the branches that damaged their home and tore off the power lines to their house and load up on batteries and board games to survive several nights without power, we at Farryn Electric feel for those folks.
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