If you’re upgrading your home’s electrical system or about to start a remodeling project, then it’s important to be aware of electrical code compliance requirements. Electrical codes are specifically designed to set a safety standard that minimizes the chances of injuries and property damage due to electrical shock, faults, or fires. In other words: While complying with electrical codes might seem like a hassle, it’s an investment in your and your family’s safety.
Of course, due to increased household power consumption and technological advancements, homes today have to meet a different set of requirements than homes that were built 20, 30, or 40 years ago. And although you won’t be required to upgrade your home’s old wiring just because it’s old, it’s a good idea to do it because it’s much, much safer.
- Replace all smoke detectors in your home every 10 years is a way to ensure the detectors are up to date with technology and any new safety requirements and standards in place.
- Read and store manuals for the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to understand how they work, warning signs that batteries require replacements, and what to do if the detector begins to malfunction.
- Hire a professional to inspect all of the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home if you are unsure of whether they are working properly and want to verify all of the features are up to today’s standards.
- Every 5 to 7 years it is advisable to replace carbon monoxide detectors in the home to avoid malfunctions while eliminating the risk of the detectors not working if there is a carbon monoxide gas leak.
- When purchasing and installing a new carbon monoxide detector, look for an option that features an “end of life” sensor–giving you a warning ahead of time when you are in need of a replacement or inspection.
- Whenever possible, use lithium ion batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as lithium ion batteries have a longer lifespan than traditional batteries that are often used.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector that includes an electrochemical sensor, giving you and your family peace of mind while avoiding carbon monoxide leaks and poisoning.
- Ensure that any alarm you choose to purchase, install, or already have in your home is either CSA or UL listed for the most protection possible.
- Another option when installing detectors throughout your home is to have them hard-wired with various types of battery back-ups available. Having a battery back-up in place is a way to gain peace of mind while reducing the risk of a dangerous house fire that spreads quickly.
Call Ryan Gath Electric today for answers to all your electrical questions!