Things to know about electrics before buying an apartment
It can be argued that the most important invention of modern man is electricity. Many of the world's brightest minds tackled electricity, and their contribution made the contemporary way of life possible. But, with modern solutions come modern problems, which means that you have to know a thing or two about this invention. Today, we will explore some of the things you should know about electrics before buying an apartment. So, make sure to stick with us to the end to prepare in case anything goes wrong.
Safety first!
It goes without saying that electricity can be dangerous. This is the most important thing you should know about electricity. Whenever you are doing some electric work, make sure to stay safe.
When you are dealing with electricity, your first concern should be your safety!
This means that you have to turn off all power sources before you do anything with electronics. Electrical networks in houses and apartments are hazardous when not treated properly. However, that shouldn't deter you from learning some stuff about the most common electric devices!
With that in mind, let's continue with our guide!
Visual inspection of electrics before buying an apartment is the first step
A visual inspection is a simple and basic check to identify any visible signs of deterioration, damage, or defects. That way, you can identify some of the most common problems found during a home inspection.
When you first come into your potential future apartment, you should do a quick visual inspection, meaning that you should check if all the plugs, lights, sockets, cables, leads, and switches are functioning.
Flip all the switches, check if lights and other devices are working, etc. The seller will usually permit that. If a seller doesn't allow you, you should consider this to be the first red flag. There is no reason not to check electronics in the apartment.
Also, don't be afraid to ask if there are some faults or damages that should concern you. At the end of the day, faulty electronics in a home can potentially cause immense damage in the future.
Circuit breakers are important!
One of the most important things you should know about electrics before buying an apartment is how to control your circuit breakers.
Safety switches for every electrical circuit in homes are circuit breakers.
Circuit breakers are devices designed to interrupt an electrical current when it exceeds a standard or predetermined threshold. It is a device that trips like a switch and opens the circuit when overloaded.
If you have some faulty devices in an apartment, or if those devices have an unusual setup that creates a short circuit, your safety switches could deactivate an electrical current, preventing electricity from potentially damaging your household.
You should check with your seller or a real estate agent how those switches work and how you can control them.
You should know the location of the fuses
An electrical fuse is a device that has a similar function as a circuit breaker, but it cannot reset. Like any fuse, when the electric current exceeds the limit, it burns out.
Fuses in buildings aren't usually close to apartments. Their location is most often downstairs or on higher levels of a building. However, you should always know where in the building they are located so that you can replace them with ease.
Thankfully, changing a fuse is easy, so you should learn how to do that. Usually, all you have to do is unscrew the old fuse and screw on the new one.
Learn if power outages in your area are common
Yes, we live in the 21st century, and power outages should be a thing of the past. However, there are still some areas that, from time to time, have outages of electricity.
Make sure to check if your area is prone to power outages so that you can prepare in time for that inconvenience.
You might consider moving to an area that has no problems with electrical power. For example, New York has an excellent power grid, and you shouldn't have any issues with power if you decide to relocate there. What's more, there are many excellent moving companies in the area, so if you want your Brooklyn-based relocation done in no time, call the professionals and start preparing.
Have a professional check electrics before buying an apartment
Sure, the chances of finding an apartment with faulty electric systems are slim, but that doesn't mean that you should save money on a general and professional home inspection.
Professionals almost certainly know more about electricity than you do, unless you are an expert yourself. In that case, why are you reading this guide?
Whatever the case is, a professional home inspection is always necessary, and you shouldn't skip it!
Learn the basics
If you are an absolute beginner in the world of electricity, you should start with the basics.
First, you should start by changing the lightbulb. To many, it may sound redundant and silly, but if you are not sure how to do that, you should learn it.
Second, you might want to learn about the basics of grounding. Ungrounded sockets are potential hazards, and you should know how this works in case you need to change a socket. It is something with which you probably don't need expert help.
However, if you are not sure how to change a power outlet, call a professional!
If you are unsure how to do something, just call the guy!
Also, you should know how to change a fuse. Thankfully, fuses are reasonably cheap, and replacement is easy. Learning how to control circuit breakers is essential too.
But the main thing you should learn is to just "call the guy"! There is no reason for you to mess around with something that you are not good at. A DIY approach is one of the most common reasons why professionals find basic mistakes during a home inspection.
We hope that you found our list of things to know about electrics before buying an apartment useful. Good luck, and enjoy your new apartment!