Electrical Safety and Childproofing Measures for Your Home

Hidden and Not-So-Hidden Dangers of Electricity in the Home

Awareness is Key!

The natural curiosity of children can lead to harm if you do not childproof your home for electrical safety and teach them the basics about the power of electricity and the potential dangers it holds.

As many as 2.5 million children are injured or hurt by hazards within their own home each year.

The O’Grady Companies, your Frederick County, MD electrical contractor company, cares about you and your family; sharing helpful electrical safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

Keep in Mind

Electricity flows through water easily. Since our bodies are 70 percent water, electricity can travel through your bodies.
Power cords and appliances can be as dangerous as electrical power lines if proper safety precautions are not followed.
Electricity has the power to cause shocks, burns, and be deadly.

Outlets

Be sure to block unused outlets by using childproof caps and changing to solid cover plates.
Do not place any object other than the appropriate size plug into an outlet.
Never overload outlets with multiple adaptors or power strips. Simply relocate cords instead.
Never pull an electric plug out of the wall outlet by yanking on the electric cord.
Never stick fingers or any other objects into an electrical outlet or light bulb socket.
Worn, frayed or damaged electrical cord should be unplugged, discarded, and removed from reach.

Appliances

Unplug kitchen and other appliances and stow cords safely away from reach of pets and young children.
Never place any electrical appliance near water such as sinks, bathtubs, pools, or jacuzzis.
Electrical appliances should never be operated with hands that are wet or while standing in water.
Unplug an electrical appliance prior to cleaning it.
Be sure to keep any flammable or potentially combustible materials (clothes, curtains, toys, etc.) at bay from radiators, space heaters, heating vents, and other heat sources.

Safety Outdoors

Do not try and get an item that is stuck or tangled in a power line – call the power company.
Never climb utility poles.
If there is a fallen electrical wire, stay away from it. Call the power company to report the downed wire or call 911.
Call 911 immediately when an object or person is in contact or touching a wire that is down.
Take extra care when carrying a ladder or pool skimmer to avoid touching overhead electrical wires.
Never climb trees that are near power lines or have power lines running through them.
Steer clear of any power lines when flying a kite or carrying Mylar or helium-filled balloons on strings.
Never throw objects at or onto electric power lines.
If a friend, family member or pet is in contact with a downed electrical line or any type of electrical equipment, call 911 immediately.
Never go swimming during an electrical storm.
Do not fly model airplanes or any remote-controlled toys near overhead power lines. Play with these in open fields or park areas.
If you are operating an electrical tool, using an electrical appliance or playing with an electrical toy outside, stay at least 10 feet away from any wet surface or pool area.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about the electrical safety of your home, give the best electricians near you a call. We’ll be happy to answer or come out for a home inspection to ensure all your electric and wiring is up to code and there are no hidden dangers.

You can never be too cautious when it comes to electrical safety and awareness. Just reviewing these points can potentially stop an accident or save a life.

June 5, 2019June 5, 2019

Thinking Basement Build-Out? Consult the Pros

What’s the Goal of Your Basement Build-Out?

Dreaming of finishing your basement? Kids moving out or moving back home? Mancave? Or dreams of a home theatre? Whatever the idea, whatever the plan for your basement build-out, O’Grady Companies, can help bring your project to light!

Where to Start

Finding a reputable contractor and subcontractors is the first and most important step on your basement endeavor. Do your homework by asking family and friends if they know of anyone. If so, be sure to look online for them as well; checking their reviews, website, history and more. It would be prudent to speak with more than one entity and to get a written estimate from each.

basement-framework — Interior wall framing basement build-out

Be sure the contractor yo hire has the skills to take on your vision and fits your budget before signing any contracts or committing. Select someone that you know is familiar with the proper permitting and zoning regulations in your city or town and, can bring in specialists to handle any electrical and necessary plumbing work.

“Lights – Lights – Action”

A typical basement build-out starts with framing and ends with the proper flooring. Electrical is central to your project and it must be done properly to start so you are safe and have the lighting you’ve dreamed of and desired. Not only lighting – it’s the set up for your heating and cooling, ceiling fans, your audio, and more!

Since it is a basement, don’t skimp on the lighting – you’re going to need it! Better to have too many, than too little – so have a good lighting plan in mind! Think ‘atmosphere’ and design your electrical plan – sketch it out and have fun with it! Consulting with a reputable, local electrician is a wise choice too. They can provide tips and little known facts that you would otherwise not know.

basement-remodel — Bright ideas for your basement

Take note in your home where your switch plates are and then walk the basement or buildout area and take the placement of switches in mind. Something to definitely think about ahead of time.

Independence … It’s a Good Thing

Give heavy thought to having a separate, dedicated circuit strictly for your electronics and exercise equipment. It’s just added security against electric overload.

“A Must … I Want”

Make a list of the absolute ‘must haves’ and then the ‘I’d really like’. Then you can more clearly decide on what you’re able and willing to spend. Only then should you move forward and commit to a contractor. Once you’ve decided what you’re willing to spend, talk to a contractor.

Be aware that it’s somewhat typical to spend 15% to 20% of your home’s value on a basement build-out. Don’t spend more unless you have plans to stay in your home for more than five years.

Let’s talk ROI

What is the value a finished basement will provide you in the future? Will it help you rent or sell your home? If not, investing funds in other parts of your home or property might be a wiser way to go – an overall better investment.

A Real Plus!

Basement, even finished ones, don’t typically add square footage to your home for the appraisal sake; they can, however, have a significant impact on the marketability of your home. A truly finished basement, with all the bells and whistles, recoups nearly 70% of its cost in positive resale value – not to mention years of enjoyment for you and your family!

May 11, 2019May 13, 2019

Upgrade Your Kitchen with Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting is the most exciting and memorable finishing touch for your upgrade, remodel, or brand new kitchen or bar.

You have meticulously chosen the perfect paint colors, carefully installed complimentary cabinets and countertops, and upgraded to appliances that even Jane Jetson would be envious of, now don’t miss the final exclamation point … under cabinet lighting! It’s the little things that mean the most sometimes and this can bring you from ‘stellar to stunning’ in the flick of a switch!

There are many lighting choices to explore and compare.

Under cabinet lighting gives a warm, low light that highlights your kitchen features and task areas when you don’t need or want bright lights. To guide midnight snackers or early risers, the blare will be kept at bay. Aesthetically speaking, under cabinet lighting is exquisitely beautiful when reflected against granite or stone countertops, as the lighting highlights the various mica flecks and additional subtle glimmer from natural materials.

Oh, what to choose, what to choose …

Puck Lighting

True to the name, puck light resembles the design of a hockey puck lights cast focused light on special design features such as the faucet ensemble or the custom backsplash. This is a type of recessed lighting.

Under cabinet Strip Lighting

Also recessed, under cabinet strip lighting are sleek and slim and in LED or fluorescent strips. Rope lighting is also another option; however, the light is not as powerful so you may need to rely more on overhead lighting.

LED

LED lighting is energy efficient, so you won’t worry about the lights remaining on for extended periods of time. You can also consider motion detecting sensors to have the lights come on by themselves or dimmer control to adjust the brightness level.

A homeowner can install under cabinet lights; however, having a certified electrician install this for you is a wise choice. This affords you the peace of mind that best lights for your needs are chosen with the proper wattage, any unsightly wires go unseen, and everything is correctly installed.

Kitchen design enhancement with under cabinet lighting

With the added benefits of under cabinet lighting from beauty to practicality, it is definitely something you don’t want to overlook. So get with your designer and Frederick, MD electrical contractors, the O’Grady Electric Companies and showcase your new design in the perfect light!

February 19, 2019April 14, 2019

How Your Residential Electrician Can Keep You Safe

The Hidden Dangers of an Older Home

5 Ways Old Wiring Can Be a Residential Fire Hazard

1. Old Insulation on Wire

Frederick County Maryland with its rich history has many beautiful residential homes built more than 25 years ago. With their engaging architecture and stories to tell, these well-built structures may also hold a hidden danger. Aging electrical and wiring of older homes can be quite a fire risk factor. Concealed by plaster, drywall, and memories, it’s ‘out of sight, out of mind’, when it comes to thinking about the importance of updating your home’s electrical wiring – and exactly why your local residential electrician can keep you safe.

The years and the elements can very well have taken its toll on the insulation of your current wiring. Besides disintegrating or brittle breakage; nails or screws in the walls or animals having a snack, can also have caused damaged to the insulation around your wires. Therefore, the wire exposure is a risk that can lead to sparks and fire.

electric-wiring — The frame building or a house with basic electrical wiring

The years and the elements can very well have taken its toll on the insulation of your current wiring. Besides disintegrating or brittle breakage; nails or screws in the walls or animals having a snack, can also have caused damaged to the insulation around your wires. This wire exposure is a risk that can lead to sparks and fire.

2. Faulty Breakers

Designed to trip when a circuit is overloaded; circuit breakers are designed to shut off the electrical supply to prevent wires from overheating and being a potential fire hazard. They also trip when they become old, so be aware and if circuit tripping occurs frequently, it’s time to consult a qualified, licensed electrician.

3. Knob and Tube Wiring

This is an outdated electrical system design that still exists in many older homes. The different between this design and today’s updated wiring is that it lacks a ground wire; which is an important safety feature, since if something goes haywire in a home, the ground wire offers a path to offload the excess electricity. When knob and tube wiring has been compromised by the passage of time, chewed on by rodents, or other issues, it is often the leading cause of electrical fires according to insurance companies.

4. Low Amp Wiring

Modern appliances and home office equipment have higher amp requirements than that of days gone by. This is another high electrical fire risk when old wiring is rated for lower amps. Circuit overload can result, and an electrical fire can follow. One solution to this wiring issue can be to replace breakers with arc faulty circuit interrupters.

Modern appliances have higher amp requirements

5. Imperfect Electrical Design

Depending on the age of your home or dwelling, imperfect or poor electrical design can, therefore, be another major issue for older electrical systems. Some systems may have been designed to meet codes that were implemented well over 50+ years ago. Codes and electrical standards have vastly changed since and this is definitely a reason to consult with an experienced and licensed residential electrician that can inspect your design and make sure you aren’t at risk of a fire.

Let a Residential Electrician Near You Worry About It

Protecting your home and family is paramount and we at the O’Grady Companies know this and want to help keep you safe. With years of residential electrical experience of homes old and new, as well as commercial establishments, we should be your first call and with our expertise, you’ll know you made the right call!