Introduction to Electrical Hazards

In our modern world, electricity is a fundamental part of daily life, powering homes, businesses, and industries. However, with its widespread use comes the potential for electrical hazards, which can cause significant harm if not properly managed. Understanding these hazards is important for everyone, from homeowners to industry professionals. In this article, we’ll discuss electrical hazards, how to identify them, and actions to eliminate them.

What are Electrical Hazards? 

Electrical hazards are potential sources of injury or damage associated with the use of electricity. They include a wide range of risks, from electric shocks to electrical fires, and can result in severe property damage, injuries, or even fatalities.

Why It’s Important to Know About Electrical Hazards 

Awareness of electrical hazards is key to preventing accidents. Understanding the risks associated with electrical systems helps individuals and professionals implement safety measures and practices to protect themselves, others, and their property. This knowledge is particularly critical in workplaces where employees regularly interact with electrical equipment.

Causes of Electrical Hazards 

Electrical hazards can stem from a number of sources:

• Faulty Wiring and Equipment – Improper wiring, aging electrical infrastructure, and malfunctioning equipment can lead to dangerous situations.
• Overloading Circuits – Overloading power outlets and circuits can cause overheating and potentially start a fire.
• Lack of Grounding – Inadequately grounded electrical system increases the risk of electric shock.
• Exposure to Water – Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, heightening the risk of electric shock.
• Improper Installation or Maintenance – Electrical systems that are not properly installed or maintained can quickly become hazardous.

What Are Common Electrical Hazards?

There are five main types of electrical hazards:

• Electric Shock – Electric shocks can occur when the human body comes into contact with an electrical energy source.
• Arc Flashes and Blasts – These are intense and sudden releases of electrical energy into the air.
• Electrical Fires – These can be caused by overheated wires, equipment failures, or improper electrical installations.
• Electrocution – In high-voltage situations, fatal electric shocks can occur.
• Power Surges – Unexpected increases in electrical power can damage equipment and pose fire risks.

What Safety Standards Apply to Electrical Hazards?

Several safety standards and guidelines help to mitigate electrical hazards:

• National Electrical Code (NEC) – The NEC offers guideline for safe electrical installation and maintenance.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – OSHA sets standards for electrical safety in the workplace.
• International Electromechanical Commission (IEC) – This body provides international standards for electrical technologies and safety.
• Local Building Codes – Most jurisdictions incorporate NEC guidelines and may have additional requirements.

Contact Delta Electric for All of Your Electrical Work

Delta Electric, with its rich history and extensive expertise in electrical safety, is ready to help you to recognize electrical hazards and safely deal with them. Our commitment is to be more than just service providers. We aim to be educators and partners with you to avoid electrical hazards. By choosing Delta Electric, you are not just ensuring the safe operation of your electrical systems, you are also investing in the long-term safety and efficiency of your property.

Our professional team, armed with the latest tools, knowledge, and technology, is dedicated to delivering service that meets the highest standard of quality and safety  Whether it’s conducting a routine inspection, offering tailored solutions, or providing emergency services, we are equipped to address all of your electrical needs.

Don’t let electrical hazards put your safety at risk.  Reach out to us by completing our contact form or by calling us to speak to a member of our team. Gain the peace of mind that all is well with your electrical system.

Delta Electric is a fully licensed and insured electrical contractor that has served the San Jose, CA, area since 1982.  Specializing in a range of services for residential, mobile, and commercial properties, we offer expert solutions for electrical installations and repairs. Our offerings include custom lighting, panel upgrades, remodeling, wiring, safety inspections, grounding, and much more. As a local, family owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on our community connections. We aim to deliver top-notch service, backed up by over three decades of experience in the electrical industry. We provide free estimates, reasonable rates with no hidden fees, 24 hour emergency services, along with a commitment to quality.

For more information about the products and services we provide, or to request service or a free estimate, contact us today via our website or give us a call at 408-495-2031. We look forward to serving you!

The inventors of the LED light have recently been awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physics. In this video from Seeker, you will take a look at how LED lighting has changed the world. By providing homeowners and businesses with energy-efficient lighting, LED lights have improved our quality of life. An electrician serving San Jose can help you plan a new LED lighting installation for your home.

After you make the switch to LED hanging lights and recessed lights throughout your household, you are sure to be impressed with the amazing performance of these innovative light bulbs. LED lights are much longer lasting than conventional bulbs, and they can help you to significantly decrease your home’s energy consumption.

When you run into problems with your commercial electric, you’ll need to choose a commercial electrician in San Jose with experience in the industry. A faulty electrical system can be dangerous, so you won’t want to wait until it’s too late to take care of yours. We’ve seen it all at Delta Electric, so we know just what to look for. If you’re about to undergo a commercial remodel and you want to be as safe as you can be, our team is happy to help you through the process. Here are just a few reasons to choose Delta Electric when the time comes.

You can’t take any chances with your electricity, so you shouldn’t take any chances when you look for a commercial electrician. At Delta Electric, we’re proud to walk you through your commercial remodel so it goes safely and smoothly. We boast an A+ rating with the BBB, and our years of industry experience have prepared us to tackle anything at hand. Our prices are reasonable, our technicians are professional and experienced, and our team is fully licensed and insured. If you’ve got a commercial remodel to prepare for, be sure to call Delta Electric for help.

As a parent, it is very important to teach your children about the importance of electrical safety from a young age. This video will provide you with important tips on how to talk about electrical safety with your kids. For example, you should tell your kids about the dangers of getting too close to electrical products that generate heat. An electrician serving San Jose can provide you with more information about electrical safety and your family.

If your home’s electrical system is experiencing maintenance issues, do not hesitate to contact a team of electricians that serve your local area. By fixing your electrical panel or performing other repair services, a certified electrician can make sure that your electrical system is safe for your entire family.

Your building’s fuse box, which is also known as a breaker box , is one of its most vital electrical components. Without a properly maintained and updated breaker box system, you may find yourself experiencing frequent outages and other electrical issues. Fortunately, an electrician serving San Jose will be able to assess the condition of your breaker box and determine whether you are in need of electrical panel replacement or repair.

There are a few scenarios when you will need to call an electrician in regards to your breaker box. If you are finding that your electrical circuits are getting overloaded on a frequent basis, a malfunctioning breaker box may be to blame. You will also need to set up professional electrical services when you discover that your breaker box has become outdated. Typically, breaker boxes will last for up to 30 to 40 years before they require replacement. If you are struggling to keep your circuit breakers from tripping, you should be sure to call an electrician right away.

Whether you are gearing up to sell your home, or your simply want to increase your property’s value in the coming year, now may be the time to hire a residential electrician to make certain updates to your home’s electrical wiring and panels. When you replace your wiring, electrical panel, and other electrical systems, you can make your home safer and more valuable. A residential electrician in San Jose will be happy to tell you more about the electrical upgrades will provide you with the most benefits for your dollar. Read on for an overview of which electrical services make good investments for residential homes.

Electrical Panel Installation

Your home’s electrical panel connects your various outlets and appliances to the municipal electrical grid. In the event that your electrical panel becomes outdated, you may start to notice that your circuits trip frequently or that you lose power to your home on a consistent basis. An electrical panel replacement will make your home’s electrical system more reliable, and it will also make your property more appealing to buyers.

New Lighting Design

Proper lighting can take your interior design to the next level of excellence. If you are taking the time to have your home’s wiring or circuits replaced, you may also want to ask your electrician about the possibility of planning a new lighting installation for your home. Recessed lights, pendant lights, or track lights can all provide your indoor spaces with gorgeous illumination.

Dedicated Circuit Replacement

Upgrading your home’s appliances is a terrific way to boost its overall value. When you are considering replacing your stove, washing machine, or other appliances, you may want to talk to your electrician about replacing your dedicated circuits, as well. A dedicated circuit is an outlet that is designed to supply electricity to an appliance with greater electrical needs. By replacing your dedicated circuits, or moving them to other areas of your home, you will be able to upgrade your appliances easily.

Whether you have recently moved into a new commercial building, or you have occupied the same space for many years, it is important to be on the lookout for the signs that you need to hire a commercial electrician to rewire your grid. Faulty electrical wiring can cause issues with the safety of your outlets, industrial lighting, and other commercial fixtures. A commercial electrician in San Jose can safely and effectively restore the electrical wiring in your commercial space. Let’s take a look at three signs that your building needs to be rewired.

Visible Scorch Marks

The electrical outlets around your building should be able to safely handle the electrical current that is required to power your various appliances and other electrical fixtures. If you see visible scorch marks on one or more outlets, this is a sure indication that your building is ready for rewiring. When your electrician rewires your circuits, he will make sure that they have the capacity to handle larger amounts of electric current, without sparking or overheating.

Tripped Circuit Breakers

The circuit breakers in your building are designed to trip whenever the system gets overloaded with electrical current. While a circuit breaker that occasionally trips should not lead you to worry, frequently tripping circuit breakers could indicate an underlying issue with your wiring. During the rewiring process, your commercial electrician will also install all new circuit breakers throughout your building. After your rewiring project is complete, you should not have to deal with tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.

Dimming Overhead Lights

Proper lighting is essential for maintaining a productive and safe workplace. Overhead lights that seem to dim at random could be connected to old and faulty electrical wiring. When you start to notice that your overhead lights are flickering or unusually dim, it might be time to get in touch with your electrician. Your electrician can determine whether your whole building needs to be rewired, or whether you simply need to update the wires that are connected to a specific light fixture.

Periodic electrical safety inspections are essential for any building. When you own a home or business, you will want to hire an electrician serving San Jose to inspect the various aspects of your electrical system at regular intervals. During an electrical safety inspection, a licensed and certified electrician will take a look at your electrical panel, electrical wiring, and other features that are connected to your electrical grid. If any of these components appear unsafe, they will be immediately repaired or replaced

There are many reasons why electrical safety inspections are so important. With periodic inspections, you can find and repair electrical problems before they become serious issues. Periodic inspections of your electrical system can also help to protect all of the occupants of your building against the dangers of a faulty electrical system. Finally, you can rest assured that your electrical system is in safe condition when it receives regular attention from a licensed electrician.

When you are considering purchasing an older home, you may want to hire an electrician to come and inspect the home’s electrical system. From the fuse box to the electrical panel and more, there are many potential sources of electrical dangers in older houses. Fortunately, with services from a residential electrician in San Jose, you can remove your old and damage electrical wiring and install a brand new system. To determine whether you need to embark on a re-wiring procedure , it is important to be on the lookout for certain signs and symptoms. Here are some electrical red flags that could indicate that you need to re-wire your home.

Scorched or Burned Sockets

To determine whether your home is ready for electrical re-wiring, you will want to evaluate the condition of your outlets and electrical sockets. If your outlets are overloaded with electricity, they may begin to scorch, smoke, or spark. In the event that you notice smoke emerging from your outlets, it is time to set up professional re-wiring services with a licensed electrical contractor.

Flickering Lights

Your home’s lighting may provide you with an indication of whether or not you need to re-wire your electrical system. When your lights flicker on and off, they may be overloading your home’s current wiring design. If your lights continue to flicker after you replace your light bulbs, this is a sure sign that your home is in need of a wiring upgrade. You can also check the safety of your lighting installation by inspecting your circuit breakers.

Tripped Circuit Breakers

The circuit breakers in your home are designed to trip when the wiring system experiences a surge in power. After the circuit breaker has tripped, its power will be shut off until it is manually reset. When you find that you are resetting your circuit breakers all the time, this is a sign that your home needs to be re-wired. Rewiring your home can improve the safety of your electrical system, and can also provide you with improved convenience and efficiency.

Adding on rooms, installing new flooring, and updating your landscaping are all great ways to improve your home’s value and curb appeal, However, did you know that your home’s electrical system can affect your property’s worth, too? If you’re looking for ways to increase the value of your home, then consider calling a residential electrician in San Jose about the following upgrades:

More Lighting

Whether it’s windows, skylights, security motion detector lights, or dimmer switches, having more light in and around your home can make the property more appealing to buyers and increase its value. Also, having high-wattage bulbs installed can make a space feel larger and choosing soft lighting can make a room feel more warm and inviting. For these reasons, adding more lights in parts of your home that seem too dim is a smart electrical upgrade.

New Switches

Among the simplest and least expensive electrical upgrades that you can perform on your home is changing out the light switches. Old light switches that have become yellowed with age and that have paint smears on them are eyesores. By replacing your old toggle switches with clean, new, push button varieties, you can instantly make your home appear more up-to-date and appealing.

Updated Panels

If your home has an outdated electrical panel, then upgrading to a newer model is a smart way to boost your home’s value. Older panels can cause your home to experience inadequate service along with power outages. Also, some old panel models can even pose a fire hazard. For these reasons, it makes sense to have a certified electrician inspect your panel to determine whether it should be replaced.

Ceiling Fans

While it may not be the first thing to come to mind as a homeowner or seller, ceiling fans can be highly-prized features for homebuyers. For this reason, if you’re in the process of making electrical upgrades to your home or plan to add more lighting, then consider having your electrician install a few ceiling fans, as well.