The Importance of Rewiring Your Home

By: Powell Electric

Any homeowner living in an older residence or a residence built to meet only minimal electrical requirements should consider rewiring their home. As reported by the US Census, at least half of the homes in the United States were built before 1973, meaning that their electrical systems do not reflect the dramatically increased energy demands of the lifestyle led by American consumers today.

Not only has the demand for power in the home increased, but electrical appliances and wiring undergo significant wear and tear over the years—just like any other part of a home. Older wiring and loose sockets can start fires or encourage residents to use unsafe products like extension cords or converters.

In addition, the National Electrical Code has been continuously updated over the last several years to address issues including the installment of ground-fault circuit interrupters in any location where outlets might be exposed to moisture (kitchens, bathrooms, etc.).

Electricians familiar with the National Electric Code can perform thorough checks of wiring and install any necessary repairs and upgrades. For more information about electrical safety, visit the website of the Electrical Safety Foundation International, www.esfi.org.

Risks Involved with Living in a Home with Older Wiring

By: Powell Electric

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFi) recommends that all homeowners contact an electrician to assist them in rewiring their homes. The risks involved with living in a home with older wiring are many, including fires, electrocution, and property damage. Fortunately, safeguarding one’s home and belongings from faulty, outdated, or worn wiring can be as easy as making a telephone call and scheduling a home inspection.

There are several signs that an electrical system is in need of updating or the installation of new safety devices. Any electrical outlet or switch that feels warm or charged could someday cause an electric shock or fire. If surge protectors are repeatedly tripped, the flow of current to the home is uneven, another serious safety issue. At the first indication of an electrical problem, homeowners should contact a local electrician. Investigating the source of the issues—tampering with worn wiring or outlets—can be very dangerous in and of itself and is best left to a professional.

Recently, safety devices including ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) have been recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) to provide additional insurance against electrocution in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages—anywhere outlets might be exposed to water. In addition, electricians can install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors hardwired into a home’s electrical system and supported by batteries to provide constant protection.

Powell Electric: Electrical Safety

Many homeowners worry about when to call an electrician. They ask themselves, “Are there smaller fixes available that can prevent the hassle and expense of bringing an electrician into my home?” However, hiring a professional electrician is hardly an inconvenience—it’s vital to protecting your home and your family. A professionally trained electrician represents the safest, fastest, and most cost-effective way to end inconvenient power outages, blown fuses, and other issues. With 53,000 home fires and $1.4 billion in damages caused by home electrical problems each year, making sure that your home is up to code only makes sense. A number of warning signs can let homeowners know it’s time to call an electrician. For example, if the lights in a home dim when appliances are turned on, they are straining available current and probably causing damage to more sensitive appliances. Electricians can also install new, more conveniently located outlets in older homes, preventing the need for clumsy—and dangerous—extension cords. To learn more about electrical safety, visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International at www.esfi.org or the National Fire Prevention Agency at www.nfpa.org, or make a call to your local electrician. If you live in Los Angeles, Orange, or Ventura County, call 800-660-8076 to speak with a specialist at Powell Electric. Dubbed the “Wizards of Wire,” Powell Electric’s staff of Master Electrical Technicians can ensure your home is safe and the wiring is up to date.

Powell Electric: World Animal Rescue

Powell Electric is proud to provide annual support to World Animal Rescue, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California, that works to find compatible homes for rescue animals. All animals taken in by World Animal Rescue are immediately evaluated by a veterinarian and then treated with the utmost care until a suitable home is found. World Animal Rescue was founded by a married couple who adopted an Afghan Hound from the Pet Orphan Fund in California’s San Fernando Valley in 1984. Gaining a profound appreciation for the breed, the couple decided to educate the public about the special requirements needed to ensure the health and safety of Afghan Hounds. A second Afghan Hound came into the couple’s possession when its former owner relinquished guardianship, obviously unable to adequately care for the animal, which entered their home covered in ticks. At one time, the couple cared for as many as 11 Afghan Hounds in need of adoption. Animal shelters began calling the couple, knowing their affinity for and knowledge of the delicate breed. In 1999, the couple decided to establish World Animal Rescue to help care for and find new homes for these amazing animals. At present, the shelter hosts 3 Afghan Hounds, a number of mixed breeds, two swans, and a desert tortoise.

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