Regular maintenance isn’t a topic that gets many pulses racing or grabs headlines, but it has more benefits than you would think.
The first and most obvious is the savings that your bank balance can feel as a result of some regular care and maintenance. There’s a reason that sayings like “a stich in time saves nine” or “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” exist – even if they sound a little out of date.
And apart from the financial benefits, the other obvious benefit that checking your electrical devices in particular can have for you and your family is safety. Too often during the year we see stories of homes and lives destroyed by electrical faults, many of which could be saved by having simple device checks.
With that in mind we’ve put together a simple checklist that should help you save money and keep your electrical devices in perfect working order.
Smoke Detectors
The most obvious device that needs your attention is your smoke detector. There are a few steps here. If your home doesn’t have smoke detectors in a range of areas, then stop right now and put those on your shopping list. Not having them is just not worth it.
For households that have smoke alarms installed, it’s often the case that they are sitting on top of fridges or affixed to the ceiling without batteries. Why? Because the batteries running down results in beeping at the most inconvenient times, meaning batteries are ripped out and often left unreplaced.
Replace your batteries and treat them like you do your milk: don’t let yourself be caught without any. And check on your detectors monthly. Most recent models have a “test” button, which will make the detector beep if the battery is in good working order. If it doesn’t respond, it’s time to replace the battery.
Having a regular schedule for replacing your units should also be a priority. If you’ve been in your home for several years, then chances are you’ve never replaced your fixed appliances either. Battery operated appliances typically have a working life of 10 years, after which the safety of the alarm isn’t usually guaranteed.
Safety Switches
There was a national advertising campaign several years ago titled “Safety Switches Save Lives”. In the event that you have a dodgy toaster or lamp that causes a short circuit, the safety switch will disconnect the power instantly. This automatic kill switch for the power greatly reduces the chances of receiving a fatal electric shock.
The safety switch will also kill the power if there is wiring that has become faulty over the years. So now you know about the safety switch you need to know how to check whether it’s working.
Go to your electrical switchboard and find the safety switch. Like your smoke detector, it will have a “test” button. If working correctly, pressing the button will disconnect the power from your home, so leave a family member inside to check the microwave or oven clock for confirmation.
You should check this monthly, and if it isn’t working correctly all the time, every time, then you should contact a licensed electrician immediately to replace it. If you are in Sydney and on the North Shore or Northern Beaches, our Everest Electrical team is on hand to help.
Power Outlets and Switches
These are the easiest to check. Obvious signs of wear and tear, switches that have been pushed into the wall and damaged outlets all require replacing before they become a dangerous area of the home. Again, do-it-yourself replacement isn’t a safe option, so contact a licensed electrician to help put it right.
For any maintenance needs that arise from looking through our summer electrical checklist, give us a call on 0410 229 139, especially if you require a qualified and experienced electrician on Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches.