Don’t Wait For Sparks To Fly

Here’s why you should upgrade the electrical outlets in your Denver-area home today

Electrical outlets are an essential part of our lives. They power the computer you’re reading this article on, the smart phone you communicate with, the appliances that help you cook and clean, and more. But when was the last time you really thought about the outlets in your Denver-area home?

The National Association of Home Builders says the average home in the U.S. is just under 40 years old, which means there’s a chance you are living in a property with an outdated electrical system and older outlets that put your home—and family—at risk.

A study by the National Fire Protection Administration found that residential fires cost more than $7 billion in damage in 2015. And many of those fires can be attributed to older wiring and outlets in your home.

The problem with older outlets

Your older electrical system may include hidden dangers, such as:

• Outlet and wire degradation. As your system ages, the wires behind your outlets can break down, which makes them more susceptible to disrepair and potential breakdown. Your electrical system may not work as well as it once did and can cause sparking, arcing, and fires.
• Outlets that can’t keep up. The average household uses more than five times the electricity used in the 1950s. Your system—and outlets—need to be upgraded over time to meet the increasing demand. Grounding your outlets and updating your electrical box are two ways to prevent damage to your home and keep your family safe.

How you can tell it’s time to upgrade your outlets

Here are four common signs and symptoms that your need to upgrade your outlets:

1. Outlets are sparking or getting hot. Call an electrician as soon as possible if this is happening in your Denver-area home. The heat can cause fires in the walls behind your outlets.
2. Cracked outlet covers are more than a cosmetic issue for homeowners. They can allow dust and debris to get inside the electrical system, which can become a fire hazard.
3. Flickering lights may be an indication that something is wrong with your outlets. It may be a short in the wiring or a sign that the outlet simply can’t keep up with the electricity demands of your technology.
4. Ungrounded outlets. These two-pronged outlets are generally not safe because they lack the surge protection needed to protect your home and family.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you should schedule an appointment with a licensed electrician. They can do full-home electrical assessment, which can help diagnose any concerns with your wiring, outlets, or power box.

They can also help you upgrade to the latest technologies in wiring and outlets, such as an outlet cover with built-in USB ports to charge your computer or smart phone.

APower provides comprehensive inspections of electrical systems in your Denver-area home or business. Call (720) 364-8616 to schedule an appointment today.