If you are like most families, you probably have an extension cord – if not multiples – around your house. But did you know that these are among the most dangerous electrical appliances in your home? If not used properly or cared for appropriately, an extension cord could be the cause of fatal injuries, electrocutions, or even a house fire.

Not all extension cords are the same and it is important to select the appropriate extension cord for your needs. The next time you go to grab the same old extension cord, ask yourself these three questions that will help you determine whether it is appropriate for the task at hand.

If you are looking to use an extension cord outside, you must check to make sure that it is equipped for such. An outdoor extension cord has tougher insulation/jacket allowing it to withstand moisture, temperature change, UV rays, etc. An extension cord that is safe for outside use will say so clearly on its packaging. If you are not sure, contact the manufacturer.

The length and gage of your extension cord will determine the wattage rating of the cord. Ensure your device(s) wattage doesn’t exceed the cords wattage, this could cause overheating and/or a fire. The wattage of a device is generally found on a tag attached to the cord. Again, if you are not sure, contact the manufacturer to clarify. Better safe than sorry!

Another important consideration is the length of time that you are using the extension cord. An extension cord is only intended for temporary use. Leaving an extension cord plugged in will cause electricity to continue to circulate through the device and could potentially cause overheating, a fire or defects to the device. If you are looking for a permanent fix, look into installing more electrical outlets around your home and plug your device directly into the outlet.

For more information on how to ensure the safety of your home and devices, contact Expert Electric at 604-681-8338.

One of the most exciting innovations in lighting in recent years has been the light emitting diode (LED) bulb, which promises to usher in a new era of energy efficiency. These bulbs use considerably less power than a traditional incandescent light and even a compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb while providing the same amount of illumination. They can also last many years longer.

But one of the most important features of LED lights is that they can be connected to a network, and with the power of the internet, your lighting can become "smart," anticipating when the house is occupied and when it is vacant, as well as adjusting brightness to better accommodate your lifestyle.

The secret of creating a great home entertainment system is designing a layout that fits into your home while keeping hidden as much of the understructure (i.e. the wiring) as possible. To achieve this, some homeowners hire professional electricians to send wires through the walls and ceiling. But people often take on the work as a do-it-yourself hobby. Although this is a much better DIY project than, say, attempting to install a furnace or an air conditioning system on your own (you should never try either), it can sometimes lead to wiring issues that are difficult to diagnose and fix. When problems crop up, it’s best to call in an electrician with knowledge of home entertainment systems to assist you.

Smoke detectors are very crucial pieces of safety equipment in your home and it is now also mandatory in NSW that residential properties have at least one smoke alarm on every storey. Not many people are aware of this, but a large percentage of fires in homes cause massive destruction because the smoke detectors didn’t function the way they should have.

The unfortunate fact is that we almost always take these fixtures for granted; we get them installed and rarely even notice they are there on the ceiling until they get set off accidently or when their batteries go dead. Improperly installed smoke detectors or even poorly-maintained ones will only end up letting you down exactly when you need them.

It’s important that you make smoke detector maintenance a part and parcel of your regular home maintenance routine. There two main types of smoke alarms used on residential properties:

These have minuscule quantities of radioactive material that reacts to the particles that are emitted when a fire breaks out, and that sets-off the alarm. These alarms are extremely effective in the detection of fast-flaming fires in which there isn’t too much of visible smoke.

These have photocells with a light beam that shines away from the cell. If smoke enters its test chamber, the smoke particles scatter some of the light; this hits the cell and triggers the alarm. These types of smoke detectors are ideal for detecting smouldering/smoky fires, which is how residential fires typically are.

Regardless of the types of alarms installed on your property, it doesn’t take more than a few minutes annually to ensure that these devices are in a working order at all times. The few steps you should take are:

Aside from the regular maintenance, it’s also very important that you consider how many smoke detectors you have and how they are powered. The best way to increase the effectiveness and safety of these devices is to upgrade your home’s smoke detection setup. The things to focus on are: