It’s pretty obvious when most things need to be thrown away and replaced. Food, for instance, makes it pretty clear once it’s gone bad and is unsafe to keep around. However, you may not realize that even your electronics have ‘expiration dates’ beyond which you should replace them in order to keep them functioning well… or at all.
Don’t Forget About Less-Common Expiration Dates
“Some of the most common and important electrical and safety devices in your home” may not have been changed out in the entirety of the time you’ve been living in your current residence. The most obvious are your smoke detectors. Though these are generally considered to be functional for up to ten years of use, you should find and check the printed date to be sure. The label, found in various places depending on the model, should have the date of expiration, but otherwise try and get a new one within ten years of the original.
Similarly, carbon monoxide detectors will have printed dates so that you can see when to change it. These, however, only last about 5-7 years from the installation. The maintenance of these and of smoke detectors may make the difference in an emergency, so make sure to not only replace them before their expiration dates, but also to regularly test that they’re working!
Does your residence have a fire extinguisher? Many people forget that they own one, let alone know how to use it. These, too, have expiration dates. “The lifespan of a fire extinguisher can vary, but disposable models usually last between five and fifteen years.” Just make sure that you at least try to think back to when you got it, if it doesn’t have a tag, and replace/recharge it when necessary. Fire safety is of the utmost importance.
Finally, consider some less-dire, but still important, electronics. Your surge protectors may not be protecting your valuable devices! If they have a signal light and it no longer lights up, then that means it’s likely been used up. Though they don’t have actual dates, they do stop functioning after “absorbing a certain number of electrical surge. Again, for maximum protection, make sure you test these, if you have them, and then take action when needed!
To choose a qualified electrician for your own house and to know you’re getting a licensed professional, get in touch with Tim Kyle Electric. You can talk to an expert about new installations of lighting and wiring, among other things, for your home or business.
About Tim Kyle Electric
Tim Kyle Electric has been delighting our customers with responsive, trusted and professional electrical services since 1986. We provide residential, commercial and solar power services and are experts in our field. Our team of professionally trained employees uphold our core values of honesty, respect and integrity. We are available 24/7 for your electrical servicing needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next electrical project.