The world runs on electricity that is generated through wind, water, solar energy, or the use of fossil fuels. Life is better because of electricity. However, electricity is one of the biggest safety hazards in your home. One way to minimize this danger is to “ground” your electrical system. How do you do this? Tim Kyle Electric, residential electrical service in North Laurel, Maryland, is here to help.
What Is a Grounded Electrical System?
A grounded electrical system is one that allows excess energy to be safely dispersed before it causes damages to your appliances or electronics. Grounding makes use of properly placed wiring that lowers your risks. A grounded electrical system helps prevent injury or property damage. Grounded wires act like surge protectors during storms. They help prevent electrical shock by discharging the current in a safer, more efficient manner.
The quickest way to assess your circuits is to count the number of holes in an outlet. Two-prong outlets are not grounded and can pose a threat if there is a power surge. Three-prong outlets are generally safer because that third prong is your grounding. Homes built in the mid 1900s often had only two-prong outlets without proper grounding. If the majority of your home’s outlets are only two-prong, you want to upgrade them as soon as possible. In addition, consider installing a grounding conductor to ensure you’re protected on every square inch of your property. Stronger surges call for a more robust solution. The use of power strips sometimes isn’t enough to fend off every spike in electricity. Again, have a professional come to assess the situation, even if you think you already have proper coverage from surges. You may not be protecting an area that could later prove risky.
Residential Electrical Service in North Laurel
You don’t have to understand anything about electricity or electrical work to understand the need for surge protection in your home. It’s easy enough to grasp that some currents can be more powerful than usual, and perhaps dangerously so. These surges might go unnoticed by the homeowner, but they may still wreak havoc as they occur over time. These little spikes in electricity can wear down your wires and systems gradually, or they may suddenly cause an electrical fire and create an emergency situation. Contact Tim Kyle Electric today for an assessment.