We depend on many electrical items in our homes to not only provide electricity, but to protect us, and even save our lives. While making sure your home has these devices is a smart move, many homeowners don’t realize that these are mechanical instruments that have a lifespan of their own.

At Fusion Electric, we not only install these electrical safety items, but we also like to remind our customers that there are certain items that should be replaced after they have reached the end of their life span. What items should you keep an eye on? Here is a list of household electrical items that should be replaced periodically for safety reasons:

1. GFCI

Required by code on outdoor outlets, or any outlet near a source of water, GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) are a safety feature that cuts off the electricity immediately when it senses an imbalance in the flow of electricity. Its job is to detect when current is flowing along an unintended path, possibly through water or through a person. It is used to reduce the risk of electric shock. If there is any imbalance, it trips the circuit. GFCIs should be tested monthly to ensure they are providing protection. Press the TEST button, then RESET button every month to assure proper operation. If the indicator light does not go out and come back on or if the GFCI cannot be reset, it must be replaced.

2. Smoke Detectors

USFA (United States Fire Administration) recommends replacing your smoke detector unit every 8-10 years. Even if you are diligent about replacing the batteries every year, most smoke detectors have a lifespan of about 10 years. Whether hard-wired or battery-operated, after ten years, smoke alarms may malfunction and their efficiency may be compromised because of accumulated dust, insects, or airborne contaminants, or corrosion of the electrical circuitry. It is a good idea to write the date of purchase with a marker on the inside of your alarm so you will know when to replace it. Some of the newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside.

3. Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detector manufacturers recommend replacing the unit every 5-7 years in order to upgrade to more advanced carbon monoxide sensing technologies and new innovative safety features. Replace them with a “fuel-cell electro-chemical” sensor type and with a “peak” level memory to alert you to the highest level of CO present. All UL-listed carbon monoxide alarms are required to publish the date of manufacture on the label accompanying the product (usually on the back of the alarm). Don’t install CO units in the kitchen or near any cooking appliance, in the garage, or near the furnace or water heater. And avoid breezy areas-around fans, vents, air conditioners, doors, and open windows, where fresh air can cause a misleadingly low CO reading. Keep CO alarms out of direct sunlight.

4. Ungrounded Outlets

Old-fashioned two-prong receptacles don’t have the ground wires that protect people and electrical devices in case of a fault. A grounded outlet protects against a short in the wiring. If a wire was to come loose and touch the metal electrical box or housing, rather than someone getting shocked, if the box or housing is grounded, the fuse or breaker will blow and presumably you’ll realize you have a problem. It’s easy and affordable to replace a two-prong outlet with a three-prong grounded outlet.

5. Electrical Panels

The electric panel is the central nervous system of your home’s electricity. These panels protect homeowners by tripping off when a circuit overload occurs thus preventing a fire.  There are three main reasons to replace your electrical panel – your panel is an old fuse style, the existing service or panel is damaged usually by water or rodents or perhaps oversized circuits that have caused components to overheat, or you are planning to add additional loads to the electrical system and your current panel isn’t large enough. Generally speaking, if your panel is 40 years old, you’ll want to replace it. If it is 20 or more, you’ll want to have it inspected for safety. Here are some brands of panels that aren’t as good as others. If your home has one of these brands, we always recommend replacing it for safety:

• Federal Pacific
• Zinsco
• Wadsworth
• Pushamatic (replace if full or near full because of breaker cost)

If you have any of these unsafe items in your home, call Fusion Electric for an electrical safety inspection. We’ll let you know which items need to be replaced and help you replace any that you need help with. We always give you an upfront price before any work begins so there are no surprises. Call Fusion Electric today and sleep better tonight. Call us at 913-563-7975.