Electricare > Electrical System Facts
Important facts about residential electrical systems:
- Every year, U.S. homeowners use more energy which overburdens electric systems and leads to a higher incidence of fire, death and injury.
- In homes more than 10 years old and homes with additions or extensive renovations, there may be lurking questions about the safety, compliance, and efficiency of the electrical system.
- Advances in energy technology have led to more efficient electrical fixtures and products. When properly installed by a licensed contractor, they may help reduce electric bills and decrease carbon footprints.
- According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), over 30,000 home fires annually are associated with wiring, resulting in over 200 deaths, nearly 1,000 injuries and more than $600 million in property damage.
- Electrical fires were the third highest cause of fatal fires in the State of Maryland in 2008.
- Electrical panels installed in homes built prior to the 1980’s in the Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington area may pose significant safety risks.
- Homes with aluminum wire installed before 1972 are 55 times more likely to reach fire hazard conditions than a home wired with copper.
- If you are a homeowner, realtor or landlord, you’ll benefit from the ElectriCare service.
Chances are, if you’ve recently moved into a home you may not know of potential electrical hazards or if the electrical system is code compliant for safety.
- Realtors and homeowners looking to sell a home can offer assurance to potential buyers that it meets current electrical safety codes.
- Homeowners trying to manage power use can find ways to make their home more energy efficient.
- Landlords may be able to reduce liability and increase return on investment.
- Electrical power lost from dirty, loose or outdated fixtures and wiring is not only inefficient and unsafe, it’s expensive.
