Simple Electrical Upgrades That Can Make Your Charlotte Home Safer

Electricity is a beautiful innovation, but it can be hazardous given the circumstances. Homeowners especially need to be aware of the problems that electrical issues may present to their home and loved ones. As an electrical contractor in Charlotte, NC can tell you safety should be your priority when it comes to residential electrical systems. Luckily, homeowners don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on replacing or improving their electricals. A handful of simple, affordable electrical upgrades can do wonders for ensuring you have a safe, protected home.

1. Replace Outdated Outlets

If your house was wired a long time ago, you might want to look into replacing your outlets with AFCI and GFCI replacements. These outlets are designed with built-in safety measures to trip in case of an electrical fault. A GFCI is like a circuit breaker, but small, and super sensitive. It’s usually used in places where you have water flowing, but using them with freezers and other appliances is a bad idea since they could trip inadvertently leading to food spoilage. AFCI outlets are usually installed in bedrooms, kitchens, and sleeping areas.

2. Revamp old Breaker Panels

Most breaker panels can stand the test of time, but the older a breaker box gets, the more unreliable it is. One of the best ways to tell if your breaker needs replacing is to see if it has fuses instead of switches. If you have one of these older models, you should get a new one as soon as possible. These older breakers can be dangerous, and the longer you have one in operation, the higher the chance of the switch causing an electrical fire.

3. Surge Protection

Most users today use a series of interconnected surge protectors. Usually, homeowners use surge protectors on a case-by-case basis, but this can be quite expensive. In the case of areas that have natural low-voltage situations or are prone to storms or power cuts, developing a system of interconnected surge protectors built into the electrical system might be the more feasible option. Consulting a professional electrician can help you figure out what you need to get to set the system up.

4. Outdoor Lighting

While this suggestion is more about security, it does lead to a safer place to live. Outdoor lights, especially those that have motion sensors, are essential considerations for any homeowner. They can serve as the first line of defense against an intruder. Naturally, once your floodlights go on, it usually spooks the would-be thief. Even if they don’t bolt immediately, the lights will wake you up and have you ready in case they try to gain entry to the house.

Small Changes can Make a Difference

The upgrades to the electrical system should take precedence over all other updates. Electrical systems are unpredictable, and while we may have learned to harness electricity, we still don’t know what it’s capable of when our systems fail. The best thing you can do for your own safety is to keep your electrical wiring in proper working condition. Do you want any of these upgrades done? Contact LiveWire Electrical today, and let’s help you keep your home safe.