We love old houses but it’s important to remember that when your home is 40 years or more old, so is the electrical wiring. To safely maintain your home electrical system, a reputable residential and commercial electric contractor is the best choice. Residential electrical repairs are a serious matter. The safety and welfare of your family and property depend on the correct functioning of your home’s electrical system.

Safety first

Each year electric fires cause $1.5 billion in property damage. Add to this the loss of life and injuries and it becomes clear that proper installation and maintenance of electrical systems is an essential safety measure for homes and commercial buildings. In 2011, electrical failure or malfunctions were responsible for around 47,700 fires in homes recorded by fire departments across the U.S. And between 2007 and 2011, 48% of fires in U.S. homes were caused by problems with electrical distribution or equipment.

But there are some simple measures that can help prevent electrical fires. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) can prevent as many as two-thirds of the 300 electrocutions that happen in homes each year.

And if your home is 40 years old or more, the ESFI (Electrical Safety Foundation International) recommends inspection of the electrical system to identify and correct potential hazards. For homes that are 10 years old or more, experts recommend an inspection if there have been any major renovations or when new appliances are added.

Knowing when to call a professional electrician

When you need electrical repairs or just a routine inspection, calling in a residential and commercial electric contractor is the best choice. That’s because only an expert professional can be aware of all the safety and installation issues involved. There are also all kinds of local regulations and codes that must be followed. So go ahead with that do-it-yourself project to build a fireplace or patio. But when it comes to electrical problems, finding an electrical contractor is the best choice.