Common Electrical Hazards in Your Colorado Springs Home and How to Avoid Them

Most people will never experience an electrical fire in their homes, or another issue caused by faulty electrical wiring. This is good news. The bad news is that many homeowners have electrical hazards in their homes that put them at a greater risk of issues, and they don’t even realize it. Because they aren’t professionals, they don’t know about hazards that can cause harm. Here are some tips to help you gain the knowledge you need to avoid the most common electrical hazards. 

You Keep Overloading the Circuits

One of the most common electrical hazards in most residential homes are overloaded circuits. This happens when you have too many appliances and devices that connect to a single circuit. The problem goes beyond just tripping the breakers when you run the hair dryer or the air fryer in the kitchen. The bigger issues is that the circuit is carrying a higher load than it was designed for. This problem can lead to overheating, melted wires, and even electrical fires. 

To prevent your circuits from getting overloaded, make sure you distribute the load evenly. When you add new electronic devices to your home, have your circuits inspected by a Colorado Springs electrician. They can help you add new breakers if needed or tell you where to add the new items to ensure that your circuits don’t get overwhelmed. You can also use surge protectors to guard your electronics and you should also regularly look at any exposed wiring to ensure that there are no visible signs of burning or melting. 

Old Electrical Wiring

Many older Colorado Springs homes have outdated electrical systems and wiring that’s probably more worn out than you realize. Older wires can break down, become frayed, or even melt the plastic coating putting you at a greater risk of electrical fires and shocks. The first thing you should do is find a professional who does electrical repairs near me in Colorado Springs, Peyton, or the surrounding area. 

This person can inspect your older wiring and can suggest upgrades to your wiring that can make it safer in your home. They can often rewire a house as well if needed to remove dangerous wiring. Rewiring may be a good option if the house is several decades or and if there is evidence that the wiring is not good. 

Don’t Mix Water and Electrical

Do your due diligence to ensure that water cannot get into your electrical systems. Of course, water is a great conductor for electricity, but that means it poses a danger to humans who may be in contact with appliances or outlets that are too close to water sources. These can cause electrical shocks that can be more than just uncomfortable, or they can lead to house fires from excessive sparking. 

If you want to avoid this hazard, start by ensuring that your kitchen and bathroom outlets are GFCI if they are within a certain distance from a source of water like the tub or faucets. Make sure your outdoor plugs have protective covers that keep the water out. Make sure you don’t run cords outdoors that are not rated for it. And if you have any questions, talk to a Colorado Springs electrician about it to ensure that your home electrical system is free from these hazards. 

Use Caution With DIY Electrical Projects

Many popular TV shows make it look easy to create DIY projects in the home. And while many updates can be done with care by the average homeowner, it’s important not to skimp on electrical work. Poorly executed DIY electrical work can result in faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and fire risks. 

Look for a residential electrician in Colorado Springs or Peyton if you live out in the country to do electrical work for you. For any work beyond changing a simple light fixture or switch, a licensed Colorado Springs electrician can help. They will be able to ensure that the work is done well, that it’s safe, and that it meets all local electrical codes. A residential electrician in Colorado Springs will also be able to obtain any necessary permits and help schedule inspections on your behalf. 

Electrical Panel Hazards

The electrical panel is very important for the electrical system in your home. If you have more than one circuit on a breaker, or if you have outdated components, it can put your home, and the people who live in it, at risk. You can mitigate this risk with an electrical panel inspection or an upgrade. 



If your panel is outdated or cannot handle the changing electrical needs of your home, a new panel is crucial. Local Colorado Springs electricians can help assess the safety of your panel and make recommendations. And as always, if you have any electrical needs in Colorado Springs, Peyton, or the nearby areas, contact us to help get the ball rolling. We are here to help.