Electrical Upgrades That Prevent Fires and Protect Your Home

Luckily, there are electrical upgrades to help protect your household and property. In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we highlight some upgrades that can give you the biggest return on investment.

If you’d like to consult a certified electrician on the matter, then call or message Mr. Electric to get in touch! We’re happy to schedule an appointment or on-site visit for as soon as possible.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

One of the most common, yet least understood, fire hazards in a home is something called arcing. This happens when electricity jumps through a gap in wiring or connections. That arc creates extreme heat which can ignite insulation, dust, or wood framing.

You probably will not see or hear arcing happening, but an AFCI can detect these dangerous electrical arcs and shut down the power before a fire starts. In fact, these safety features are now required by code in most new homes.

Still, many older buildings lack AFCIs. That’s why upgrading your panel or outlets to include AFCI protection is a game-changer. It works silently in the background and offers incredible peace of mind.

Whole-House Surge Protection

We won’t be the first to tell you that lightning strikes are a threat to your electrical system, but lightning is not the only thing responsible for power surges. The truth is that most of electrical surges come from inside the home – from things like appliances cycling on and off or utility fluctuations.

These surges are nowhere near as intense as lightning strikes, but they can slowly wear down sensitive electronics. That will shorten their lifespan and cause hidden damage.

Surge protectors are among the most practical electrical upgrades you can make; not just for fire prevention, but for long-term savings, too. Think about it: replacing a fried appliance or computer can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Plus, installing a whole-house surge protector at your electrical panel defends every outlet in your home at once. Just make sure to have a certified electrician in Farmington, UT handle the installation.

Electrical Panel Replacement

Your electrical panel is the command center of your home’s electrical system. It’s responsible for distributing power to every circuit, and cutting power from compromised circuits. But panels age, too. Older models may not be equipped to handle modern power demands.

If your panel is more than 25 years old, or if you’ve noticed frequently-tripping breakers, buzzing sounds, or burn marks near the panel, then contact a certified electrician as soon as possible! These are bright-red flags that something is seriously wrong.

Upgrading the electrical panel is not just about safety, though. It’s also a great way to “future-proof” your home, too. Think about all of the new tech that came out in the past 20 years; is your electrical panel prepared to support what’s coming?

Fire Prevention Starts With Awareness

It’s great that you’re doing your research and due diligence. Electrical fires rarely announce themselves before it’s too late. And while replacing old cords or unplugging overloaded outlets can help, the real protection comes from addressing the system as a whole.

Schedule periodic electrical inspections, and have a certified electrician investigate any issues you run into through the year. If you smell burning plastic from the walls, hear a buzzing outlet, or notice warm switch plates, then arrange an electrical repair service as soon as possible.

The team at Mr. Electric is here to deliver affordable and long-term results. We offer price quotes upfront and back our workmanship with a 1-year guarantee.