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:

Faulty electrical wiring does not only cause fires but could also result in electrocution if you touch an exposed wire. When unconcealed wires come into contact with combustible materials, they can easily cause fatal fires. You can prevent many deaths caused by faulty electrical wiring by learning some signs of faulty electrical wiring. The main signs include:

There are going to be things that need done around the house. Those things may vary from little jobs like taking out the trash, oiling a squeaky hinge or fixing a sink that has incessant leak. That is all a part of home ownership. However, along with the little things that need taking care of, there are some other jobs that seem little, but are actually dangerous. Anything that involves electricity is always a bad idea. If you are not a trained electrician, it can get very ugly. No matter how small you think a job is, if it has anything to do with electricity, call a Glendale electrician. You can count on the team at The Electric Connection to send out a certified electrician to take care of your big or small job.

Even something that seems relatively easy to fix, like a faulty outlet or a switch, can be risky. All it takes is one small touch of a wire to send an electric shock through you. Even if the electric shock isn’t enough to cause serious injury, you have to consider the potential of a spark that starts a house fire. All it takes is one loose wire to cause serious damage explains an electrician. Glendale homeowners do not want to risk the safety of their home by making an innocent mistake.

Any job you have around the house that requires the involvement of any electricity should always be left to an electrician in Glendale. While safety is obviously a major concern, it isn’t the only one. You also have to worry about your homeowner’s insurance being negated if your mistake was the cause of damage to the house. Sure you may be able to save some money by trying to take on the job yourself, but it isn’t worth it. Give The Electric Connection a call and make an appointment to have your electrical jobs taken care of by a trained professional.

Everyone loves a beautifully decorated and well lit house on Christmas, but you should remember to keep safety in mind. A lot of lights, cords, and wires are covering your house, and although they are beautiful, you should be aware of what you are risking and maybe consider some alternatives. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure you stay cheery and bright:

Don’t use Grandma’s old Lights – I know they may mean something to you and they might be charming and rustic, but they are not safe to use considering their age. You could be posing a risk. Instead consider using cooler LEDs that are longer lasting.

Keep Cords Together and out of the Way – Make sure all cords are out of the way of where people may walk so no one trips or rips the cords out. Consider tape or clips to keep them together and out of the way!

Damaged Goods – If it looks frayed or damaged in any way, don’t risk it! A skilled electrician might be able to contact an electrician.