Home Insurance in New Bedford: Symptoms of Electrical Issues
Studies reveal that more than 50,000 house fires in the United States each year are started by electrical malfunctions. When is the last time you had your electrical wiring and fuse box inspected? According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, a majority of electrical fires could be prevented through increased knowledge, regular maintenance, and scheduled inspections. If you want to check your own home, you can start by looking at the fuse box or breaker panel. There should be a sticker or a note that shows the date it was last inspected. This information can be helpful to new homeowners in New Bedford or for those who aren’t sure when the system was last checked and essential if you ever have to make a claim through your MA homeowners insurance. Unless you notice one of the symptoms listed below, you should only need to have your system inspected by a professional once every ten years.
Lights That Flicker or Dim
One of the most significant signs that your home might have an electrical issue is lights that flicker and dim. Even if you have a dimming switch, the lights should not behave this way on their own. Light fixtures only use a small amount of power, so a light that flickers or dims can be a sign of larger appliances and fixtures that are on the same circuit. This can include space heaters, HVAC systems, refrigerators, and other major appliances. If you have lights that flicker or dim when a device is in use, contact an electrician about moving the lights to a different circuit to avoid overloading issues.
Electrical Sparking
You don’t have to know about electricity to understand that sparking is a bad thing. Electrical elements that spark must be checked by an electrician right away. Don’t attempt to do it yourself. Fuse boxes, breaker panels, appliances and outlets can spark. An electrician can identify the cause of the sparking, test the device and the outlet, and make the necessary repairs to prevent overloading the system, which could result in a fire. Your New Bedford insurance agency wants you to know that you should always work with a licensed electrician or other certified and insured specialist. This is not the time to go cheap or try to do it yourself. In an emergency where you sense a danger that may originate with the electricity, be sure you know where the main turn-off switch is in order to turn off all the electricity in the house and call an electrician as soon as possible. The turn-off main is usually right on or next to the electrical panel.
Hot Outlets and Plates
Did you know that the switch plates and outlets in your home can become hot due to incorrect wiring or overloading from an appliance? If the plate or outlet feels warm to the touch, turn off whatever you have plugged in and use another outlet. Contact an electrician right away to prevent further damage from occurring. In some cases, an outlet or switch plate can become hot even when something is not plugged in, so it’s a good idea to check out your home regularly for safety’s sake. Sometimes the wiring needs to be replaced, but in other cases, you might need to remove a failing fuse or flip a breaker switch to correct the problem. If you make any significant upgrades or renovations, be sure to let your MA homeowners insurance agent know about the work that you have done.
Plugs That Fall Out
Nearly everyone has experienced this: you plug something in, and the outlet feels “loose” or the plug falls out while you are using the appliance, phone charger, or another electronic item. While this is frustrating, it is actually quite dangerous. It can be a sign of a failed outlet that needs to be replaced. If you have more than one outlet like this in your home, be sure to contact an electrician right away. Many homeowners in New Bedford don’t realize that outlets need to be replaced and updated on a regular basis. If it has been a while since you made upgrades in your home, consider doing it soon.
Tripping Breakers and Blown Fuses
It goes without saying that if you are spending a lot of time focusing on the fuse box or breaker panel, there is probably a problem. If a small appliance like a hairdryer, curling iron or vacuum cleaner trips your breaker on a regular basis regardless of where it is plugged in, the chances are likely that it is the appliance itself that is to blame. But if you are only having problems with a particular outlet, the circuit might be overloaded. Even if there is only one item plugged in, the outlet itself might be sharing space with other things like light fixtures or permanently installed appliances. Consult with an electrician for best results. It might be time to add a new circuit or upgrade your existing structure.
Check Your MA Homeowners Insurance Policy
It is essential to contact your local New Bedford insurance agency whenever you make changes or upgrades to your home. New flooring, upgraded cabinetry, a new addition, replacing an old roof – these are things that should be recorded with your policy in the event of a claim. The cost to replace brand new custom cabinets is quite different than what it takes to replace 20-year-old contractor-grade cupboards. Contact Borden Insurance to speak with one of our agents about home insurance in New Bedford and the surrounding area. We can provide you with a FREE quote for MA homeowners insurance and answer any questions you might have about your existing policy to ensure you are fully covered in the event of an emergency. Give us a call at 508-999-3636 to speak with one of our friendly agents.