Electricians Reveal The Hidden Electrical Dangers At Home People Aren't Aware Of — & How To Avoid Them

That buzzing sound from your socket is or your phone getting hot when it’s charging? You should probably pay more attention to that. Or that mess of wires and cables that you've shoved away to hide the unsightly mess? That could be a potential electrical hazard too. 

From tripping the main fuse with outdated appliances to water heater problems (this is more common than we thought), we asked electricians on the everyday home electrical hazards we can experience in Singapore – and came up with some solutions to keep your spaces hazard-free and neat.

Potential electrical hazards at home you may not be aware of: 

Faulty Wiring: I experienced a near electrical fire when i heard a low and loud buzzing sound from a socket in the dining area. I ignored it for a day and suddenly I smelt a burning smell in the house – turns out it was faulty wiring that cost me $400 to fix.

Faulty wiring can stem from poor installation, ageing infrastructure, or DIY repairs. Signs of faulty wiring include flickering lights, buzzing sounds from outlets, and circuit breakers that frequently trip. Faulty wiring can lead to electrical fires, making it a significant hazard.

Overloaded Circuits: We're all guilty of this. You have too many devices are plugged into a single outlet or circuit, exceeding its capacity. This can cause overheating and potentially lead to fires. Overloaded circuits are often indicated by frequently tripped breakers or a burning smell near outlets. 

Tripping Circuit Breakers: According to the experts from Genoso Electrician, when circuit breakers keep tripping frequently, it’s an indication that there are underlying problems. Hence, continual repair becomes necessary through regularly scheduled servicing so that uninterrupted operations remain even while other parts wait for a stable power supply again. 

Homeowner and events director Jasmine Yee shared that she learned the hard (and expensive) way when she found that her old appliances, mainly the water heater was causing power trips which led to her having to change the whole fuse box – along with upgrading her appliances. 

Water heater problems are also more common than you think in Singapore. The folks at Competent Electrician constantly advocate safety when it comes to wiring problems, installation and also updating appliances when it comes to heaters. 

Damaged/Old Electrical Appliances: Old or damaged appliances can pose significant hazards. Frayed cords, exposed wires, and malfunctioning parts can lead to electrical shocks, short circuits, or fires. Remember to regularly inspect and maintain your appliances!

Not Ventilating Your Cables: This can lead to overheating, as the heat generated by the electrical current cannot dissipate properly. Overheated cables are at a higher risk of melting their insulation, which can cause short circuits or even electrical fires. There are a lot of mixed opinions on whether charging your phone (or any other appliances to be honest) overnight is dangerous – most newer gadgets come with an optimised charging function while older models don’t have this feature which can be a hazard. 

What To Buy To Keep The House Hazard-Free and Electrical Cables Neat

Extensions & Cords With Surge Protectors

Look for models with built-in surge protectors to safeguard your electronics from voltage spikes. These devices can prevent costly damage to your gadgets, offering an extra layer of security against power surges. Ensure they meet safety standards and have appropriate joule ratings for your needs.

Cable Management Boxes & Trays

Cable management boxes and trays are an excellent solution for hiding power strips and excess cables. These boxes are designed to house multiple cables, keeping them out of sight and reducing the risk of tripping or damage.

Cable Clips and Hooks

Cable clips and hooks can be used to secure cables along furniture, under desks, or behind appliances. They help organise wires, preventing them from tangling or becoming a tripping hazard.

Fabric Cable Sleeves 

Fabric cable sleeves are flexible and can bundle multiple cables together, reducing clutter and protecting the wires. They can be easily zipped or wrapped around cables and are available in various colours and sizes.

Cord Concealers

Cord concealers or cable raceways are perfect for running cables along walls or baseboards. They provide a clean and professional look while keeping wires secure and out of the way.

Furniture with Built-In Cable Management

Many modern furniture pieces come with built-in cable management features, such as desks with grommets and channels for routing cables and hidden compartments.

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