Essential Electrical Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know Today
Electricity is an amazing part of our modern world, but it can also be dangerous if not used properly. By following these essential electrical safety tips, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from potential hazards.
Inspect all cords regularly for signs of wear and tear. Do not run extension cords under rugs or furniture, as they can overheat and cause fires.
1. Know Your Electrical System
The electrical system of a home is a network of circuits and outlets that provide power to appliances, lights, and more. This vital part of the home’s structure is complex and must be well-maintained to prevent fire hazards. In fact, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, faulty wiring and equipment are responsible for 51,000 house fires each year. Fortunately, most electrical fires can be prevented with some forethought and basic electricity safety tips.
Electricity flows through a home’s wiring, which is comprised of copper or aluminum conductors and plastic or rubber insulators. Faulty or outdated wiring systems can cause problems, such as power outages, tripped breakers, or blown fuses. To keep your home’s electrical system safe, be sure to have it inspected on a regular basis.
Be aware of the signs that your wiring or electrical panel may need an upgrade or repair, according to Daniel Gardner Electrical Contractor Ltd. If you notice that your TV picture shrinks or flickers when major appliances are turned on, if your breakers or fuses frequently trip or blow, or if your light bulbs burn out quickly, it is time to call an electrician.
If you’re working outdoors where electricity might be present, such as when replacing outdoor light bulbs or trimming trees, wear shoes with rubber soles to help avoid electrocuting yourself if you accidentally step on an electrical cord. When disconnecting an electrical cord, be gentle and never pull it by the cord itself, as this can damage the wire insulation and cause a shock. Keep all cords out of the reach of children and pets, who could chew or play with them. Also, be sure to turn off and unplug all appliances when you are done using them to reduce the risk of overheating or shock.
2. Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
Electricity is a vital part of our everyday lives. It allows us to cook, clean, and work comfortably at home, but it also poses the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and electrocution if not properly used and maintained. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid these dangers and keep your family safe.
One of the simplest electrical safety tips is to always unplug appliances when they are not in use. This not only cuts down on “phantom drain” (the energy that appliances draw even when they are turned off), but it also helps prevent fires and reduce the likelihood of a power surge damaging your appliance. Smart plugs can make this easy to do by automatically shutting off outlets when they are not in use.
You should also inspect cords and outlets regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracking or fraying. Damaged wires expose the conductor and can lead to short circuits, overheating, or even fires. In addition, never run more than one hot-producing appliance at a time on an outlet. If you notice that an outlet feels warm or has a burnt odor, call an electrician to have it replaced immediately.
You should also ensure that cords and wires do not come in contact with water, as this can cause shock and even electrocution. Be especially careful using appliances near sinks, bathtubs, and swimming pools and make sure that children do not play with electrical equipment or cords around these areas. Also, make sure that plugged-in devices like hair dryers and electric shavers do not fall into water (even if they are turned off). Finally, make sure that all tools and appliances have the Underwriters Laboratories approval label.
3. Inspect Cords and Outlets
You depend on electricity every day, from the moment you wake up to your first cup of coffee to turning on the lights and appliances in your home. But, as convenient and helpful as it is, electricity can also be dangerous. Electricity-related mishaps can cause fires, injuries, and expensive property damage.
Most electrical issues are easy to prevent. Start by knowing how to properly use and maintain appliances, cords, and outlets. This includes making sure switches are working correctly and that plugs fit snugly into outlets, not allowing them to overheat or be pinched by windows, doors, nails or staples. Also, make sure you’re using the right wattage for light bulbs and never stringing multiple cords together (daisy chaining) or resting them on floors or near water sources.
Many electrical problems are caused by overloading circuits. This can happen when too many heat-producing appliances are plugged into one outlet or when several extension cords are used. Overloaded outlets can overheat and lead to tripped breakers, blown fuses and even electrical fires. Avoid this problem by only plugging in one appliance at a time or by using power strips with built-in circuit breakers.
Cords should be visually inspected for cuts, cracks, and exposed wires before each use. Also, make sure they’re not being tugged or pulled on by children or pets, who may be tempted to play with them or chew on them. Make sure to always store cords away from children’s reach and that you don’t use two-prong outlets for extension cords, which can be hazardous. Installing tamper-resistant or safety outlets can also help to prevent accidents and injury.
4. Install GFCIs
Electricity is an amazing resource, but it can also be dangerous if not used properly. Taking simple steps to ensure electrical safety in your home can reduce the risk of accidents and keep you and your family safe.
One of the most important electrical safety tips is to always make sure that an outlet or fixture is fully turned off before you begin working with it. This can prevent fires and other damage caused by overheating wires or short circuits. It’s also a good idea to use a circuit breaker or fuse box tester regularly to make sure that your wiring is in good condition.
Another electrical safety tip is to never plug too many appliances into an outlet. Each outlet is designed to handle a certain amount of electricity, and overloading can cause the outlet to overheat. To avoid overheating, only plug in appliances that are in use or use a power strip with built-in circuit breakers.
Finally, you should keep electrical cords away from children. Curious kids are prone to sticking fingers and hairpins into outlets, and this can lead to serious injuries. It’s a good idea to childproof your home, and this includes installing tamper-resistant outlets.
There are also other electrical safety precautions to take outside the home, such as staying away from power lines and other overhead hazards. You should also teach your children about these hazards, and be sure to point out the dangers of flying a kite or drone near a power line.
5. Keep Electrical Appliances and Tools Away from Children
With kids out of school due to the coronavirus pandemic, they’re home and full of energy — and curiosity. Unfortunately, this curiosity can get them into trouble around the house. Children can be a significant danger to electrical wiring, outlets and appliances when they’re allowed to touch or play with them. This can lead to electrical shock or fires that cause costly property damage and medical bills. The best way to avoid this is to keep kids away from electrical appliances and tools as much as possible, both indoors and out.
This is one of the simplest electrical safety tips, yet it’s easily overlooked by busy homeowners. Whenever you’re not using an appliance, unplug it to reduce the risk of phantom drain and overheating. It’s also a good idea to consider getting a smart plug that allows you to set power schedules for your unused appliances.
Electrical cords can also pose a hazard when they’re stored improperly or damaged. If a cord shows signs of being worn or stretched, throw it away and purchase a new extension cord that is approved for the environment and load expected. Also, never run extension cords under rugs or baseboards because they can overheat and create a tripping hazard.
Finally, make sure to teach your kids that electricity and water don’t mix — especially in pools or bathtubs. This simple, common-sense lesson is an important electrical safety tip every homeowner should follow to help prevent shocks and fires caused by tripping over exposed wires or accidentally sticking a finger into an outlet while wet. Keep in mind that this rule applies to plugged-in devices like hair dryers and laptop chargers as well as outdoor equipment, such as lawn mowers or chainsaws, that may be used near a pool or sprinkler system.
