How to Keep the Return on your Investment Property Coming?
You've worked hard and purchased the perfect investment property. Now all that's left is to sit back and collect your monthly reward. As fall approaches remember, the cooler months not only bring in the holiday's; but space heaters, holiday lights and gifted gadgets as well. Keep the return on your investment coming by inspecting your property for these top 2 electrical hazards.
1. Overloaded Circuits
An overload occurs when a circuit is providing more electricity than it was designed to handle. Circuits are made up of wiring, a breaker (or a fuse, in old wiring systems), and devices (such as light fixtures, appliances, and anything plugged into an outlet). When you have a device, whether it be a laptop or a lamp, plugged it, everything that's connected adds to the LOAD on the circuit. Once this amount is more than the maximum allowed, the breaker will trip, causing it to shut off. If there were no breaker in the circuit, an overload would cause the circuit wiring to overheat, which could melt the wire insulation and lead to a fire.
How to tell if your property's circuits are overloaded? Take the quiz below:
Do lights dim when you turn on appliances or plug in a vacuum?
Do you hear a buzzing sound in any of your switches our outlets?
Are any of your outlet or switch covers warm to the touch?
If your answer to any of the following question, it's time for you to contact a licensed electrician. A licensed electrician can map your circuits, assess the capacity of your panel, and provide a solution that ensures your rental property remains safe.
2. Loose Receptacles
Sometimes the day-to-day wear of plugging things in and taking them out can cause an outlet to come loose. A loose outlet can seem like a minor issue; however, leaving them without repair can lead to overheating, sparks and cause damage. Replacement of a your loose outlets is a quick fox for a licensed electrician that could ending save your entire property.
Your investment property is too important to leave to chance. Contact a licensed electrician to assess the safety of your tenants and your home today.