May is National Electrical Safety Month, and Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative wants you to be aware of potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety.
If your lighting control points are characterized by any of the following, have your electrical system inspected by a qualified electrician as soon as possible:
- The home is over 40 years old and has aluminum wiring, but has not recently undergone a safety inspection by an electrician.
- The wall plate is hot to the touch.
- There is discoloration of or around the plate.
- Lights get dimmer or brighter when other appliances turn on or off.
- Lights dim and/or flicker without cause.
- You often experience a shock when operating the switch.
- You hear cracking, popping or buzzing from your outlet.
- Often breakers trip or fuses blow when the switch is turned on.
- You detect an odor when a switch is used.
- The switch leans to one side or feels loose when operating.
Cracked, broken or missing cover plates should be replaced immediately to prevent accidental contact with wiring.
Switches and lighting equipment should bear the mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL, Intertek or CSA.