by Stanley Roberts

Created on: February 15, 2009   Last Updated: July 16, 2009

Electrical hazards, as with others, are everywhere. Sometimes they occur because of age or normal wear. Other times they are caused because of electrical ignorance or someone who doesn't understand the principle's governing electricity.

The most common electrical hazard in a home is the ground fault circuit or GFCI. These outlets are designed to detect amp leakage between the hot and neutral wire and trip before damage or death can occur. You may test these outlets by pressing the button on the front of the outlet. If it disconnects the power it is operating properly. If it does not disconnect the power then there is a problem. All outlets with the potential to be used near water should be GFCI protected.

Another hazard associated with many homes is overloaded circuits or outlets. Most 120 volt outlets in a home are designed to carry 20 amps maximum. This does not mean a coconstant 20 amps. 80% of a circuits ampacity rqting is what it should safely be loaded to which means 16 amps on that 20 amp circuit. It is designed this way to protect your wiring in the walls. This is also the reason you never replace a small breaker with a larger one.

Another problem, especially in older homes is split circuits. What this means is that someone has wired a 120 volt circuit using one of the legs of a 240 volt circuit. This is very dangeroous because the 120 volt circuit cannot cause the 240 volt breaker to trip or shut off. This doesn't happen much anymore but in the day it was common practice. If you have an older home you may want an electrician to check this for you..

Extension cords are an extreme hazard in more ways than one. Many people will place extension cords in the home without considering the size. Most of the small cords you buy for indoor use are 16 gauge wire. This is fine if you are using it for something small but there is a reason the electric code does not permit no wire smaller than number 14 in house wiring. It is because you will use it for something else that it will not carry. A good rule of thumb is always buy at least a 14 gage wire extension cord.

If you are going to use the extension cord for power tools you should buy at least a 12 gauge wire and if you are getting one that is a 100 foot long for power tools I would suggest a 10 gage wire. The reason for this is because the longer the run of wire the less amps at the other end. It is possible to burn up the tools as well as burn out and cause a hazard with the cord.

If you have any doubts about the electricity in your home contact a reputable electrician and have an inspection done. He will point out any problems that need addressing and even give you a quote to repair them. I have known some people who have contacted a home inspector and you have to remember this person is not an electrical inspector. He has a general knowledge and not a specific knowledge. I am not saying they don't know what they are talking about because they are licensed in most states but they are not plumbers or electricians or even roofers. There job is to point out potential problems in a home.

Electricity can kill you or someone else. it can cause your electonic equipment to break down and can burn your home or business down. It is not something to tqke lightly so if you have doubts or problems contact a professional.

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