Spring Cleaning: Clean Out Electrical Hazards at Home

Mister Sparky
Published: March 7th, 2017

Expert Electricians Urge Home Owners to Address these Common, Forgotten Hazards in the Home

HOUSTON - March 7, 2017 // PRNewswire // - The season is changing, and home owners are gearing up for spring cleaning. Whether tidying the house a is priority this season or not, it is a good time to take notice of the most common electrical hazards and make adjustments to ensure families stay safe.

Experts from Mister Sparky® electric, part of the Direct Energy family of brands with independently owned and operated locations throughout North America, urge residents to pay attention to these electrical hazards as they are often overlooked.

• Misplaced extension cords.
  Home owners know not to run cords across the floor, as it could cause harmful falls. But it's important to remember that you also must not run extension cords under carpets, drape them through bushes, or nail them to walls, in an effort to move them out of the way. This is a fire hazard.
• Dirty or old smoke detectors.
  Although it may look clean, dust can accumulate inside the cover of your smoke detector. Gently vacuum with a soft brush to avoid false alarms, and then double check the battery and the manufacture date. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends replacing smoke detectors every 10 years or per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Faulty circuits and outlets.
  Check for discolored switches or switches that feel warm to the touch. If you have circuits that trip frequently or fuses that blow frequently, call a professional electrician for help.
• Unsuitable light bulbs.
  Misusing CFL bulbs can cause home fires. You should not use them in pot lights, dimmers, recessed lighting, or track lighting. If you have a dimmer application, you must use dimmable bulbs. Also, check the bulb wattage requirements and recommendations on your lamps and fixtures. A bulb with too high of wattage can cause damage to the product or even a fire.

For more details, visit MisterSparky.com and find licensed electricians in your area. We're happy to answer any questions you have regarding your electrical system and appliances to help ensure your home is safe.

About Mister Sparky®

Mister Sparky® electric is currently ranked by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top 500 franchise companies (#175) and ranked #1 franchise in the Electrical Services category since 2014. The company has an impeccable record for delivering fast, on-time service, accurate upfront pricing, and an overall pleasant experience for customers. We differentiate ourselves from all other electrical companies by our unique message to the marketplace: Mister Sparky – America's On-Time Electrician®, We're On Time, You'll See, Or The Repair Is Free!®. We have trademarked "on-time" in the electrical industry and we champion it in the marketplace. Mister Sparky is part of the Direct Energy family of brands.

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About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with nearly five million residential and commercial customers. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada.

SOURCE Mister Sparky