Electrical Safety Tips for New Homeowners

You bought a new house—congratulations!

Moving into a new home is an exciting time. From unpacking boxes to decorating, there’s a lot to do. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, it’s crucial not to overlook a vital aspect of your new abode: its electrical system.

At H.L. Bowman, we’ve been serving homeowners in Allentown, Harrisburg, and across Central Pennsylvania for years, providing reliable and safe electrical solutions. We believe that an informed homeowner is a safe homeowner.

That’s why we’ve put together this essential guide to electrical safety tips for those of you settling into a new place in Red Lion, and all our neighboring communities. Here’s what we will cover:

1. Your Electrical Panel
2. Potential Electrical Hazards
3. When to Call a Professional Electrician

Welcome Home: Your Electrical System & You

Think of your home’s electrical system as its nervous system—a complex network that powers everything from your refrigerator to your smart thermostat to your AC unit or heat pump.

While it’s designed for safety, age, improper use, or even previous DIY attempts can introduce potential hazards. Knowing what to look for and how to react can make all the difference.

1. Getting Acquainted With Your Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel, often found in the basement, garage, or a utility closet, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It houses your circuit breakers, which are essential safety devices.

• What Are Circuit Breakers? Circuit breakers are designed to automatically “trip” or shut off the flow of electricity to a specific circuit if they detect an overload or a short circuit. This prevents wiring from overheating and potentially causing a fire.
• How to Reset a Tripped Breaker: If an outlet or a section of your home suddenly loses power, the first place to check is your electrical panel.
  1. Locate the Tripped Breaker: A tripped breaker will typically be in the “off” position or an intermediate position between “on” and “off.” It might be slightly askew compared to the others.
  2. Turn It Off Completely: Before resetting, push the breaker firmly to the full “off” position. You might feel a click.
  3. Flip It to “On”: Now, push the breaker firmly to the “on” position. Power should be restored.
  4. Identify the Cause (If Possible): If a breaker trips repeatedly, it’s a sign of an underlying issue. This could be an overloaded circuit (too many high-power devices plugged into one circuit) or a more serious electrical problem. If you can’t identify the cause or if it keeps tripping, it’s time to call a professional electrician.

2. Spotting Potential Electrical Hazards

Now that you know your way around the panel, let’s talk about what to look for throughout your home. A proactive approach to identifying potential hazards can prevent costly repairs and, more importantly, ensure your family’s safety.

• Flickering Lights and Dimming Power: If your lights flicker or dim when appliances turn on, it could indicate an overloaded circuit or loose wiring. Don’t ignore these subtle signs; they often precede bigger issues.
• Warm Outlets or Switch Plates: Electrical components should never feel warm to the touch. If an outlet, switch, or even a plug feels hot, immediately unplug anything connected to it and discontinue use. This is a serious indicator of an overload or faulty wiring.
• Burning Smells: A burning odor, especially a plastic or metallic smell, is a significant red flag. It often indicates overheated wires or insulation. If you detect such a smell, try to locate its source and, if possible, switch off the power to that area at the circuit breaker.
• Discolored Outlets or Scorching: Any discoloration, charring, or scorch marks around outlets or switch plates are clear signs of an electrical problem, possibly arcing or overheating. These require immediate attention from a qualified electrician.
• Frayed or Damaged Cords: Regularly inspect power cords on all your appliances and electronics. Frayed, cracked, or exposed wires are a serious shock and fire hazard. Replace damaged cords immediately; never attempt to tape them up.
• Buzzing or Sizzling Sounds: Strange sounds coming from outlets, switches, or your electrical panel are not normal. These noises can indicate loose connections, arcing, or other serious electrical faults.
• Lack of GFCI Outlets in Wet Areas: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to prevent electrical shock by quickly cutting power if they detect a fault. They are typically required in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoor spaces. If your new home lacks GFCI protection in these areas, consider having them installed.

If you just bought an older home, how updated is the electrical system? A thorough inspection by one of our skilled electricians at H.L. Bowman can help you identify which areas you need to prioritize.

3. When to Call a Professional Electrician

While understanding basic electrical safety is empowering, knowing your limits is even more crucial. For anything beyond resetting a tripped breaker or replacing a light bulb, it’s always best to call a licensed and insured electrician. Attempting complex electrical work yourself can lead to serious injury, damage to your home, and even fire.

Here are clear instances when you should immediately reach out to a professional:

• Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: If a specific circuit breaker keeps tripping, even after you’ve unplugged devices, it signals an overloaded circuit, a short, or a ground fault that needs professional diagnosis.
• Sparks or Arcing: Any visible sparks or arcing from outlets, switches, or your electrical panel indicates a dangerous situation that requires immediate attention.
• Unexplained Power Outages: If you experience frequent or localized power outages that aren’t resolved by resetting breakers, there might be a deeper issue with your home’s wiring or even the utility connection.
• New Appliance Installation Requiring Dedicated Circuits: Installing major appliances like central air conditioning units, electric vehicle chargers, or large workshop tools often requires dedicated circuits or panel upgrades. This is not a DIY project.
• Aluminum Wiring: If your home was built between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, it might have aluminum wiring, which can pose a fire hazard due to its expansion and contraction properties. An inspection by an electrician can determine if remediation is needed.
• Electrical Panel Issues: If your electrical panel is old, showing signs of rust, or if breakers are hot to the touch, it might need an upgrade or repair. Modern homes demand more power, and an outdated panel can be a significant safety risk.
• Any Suspected Wiring Problems: If you suspect faulty or outdated wiring, or if you’re planning renovations that involve moving or adding outlets, always consult with an electrician.

H.L. Bowman: Your Trusted Electricians

Settling into a new home is an exciting journey—let’s work together to ensure electrical safety is a top priority. Our team of experienced, licensed electricians at H.L. Bowman is dedicated to providing reliable and safe electrical services, from minor repairs to comprehensive system upgrades.

We work with homeowners and businesses in Red Lion, PA, and all the surrounding areas. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any electrical concerns—your safety is our priority. For a free consultation, call us at 717-287-5504 or request service online.