Electrical Safety Tips for the Home
Electricity powers everything in the home, from the lights to the appliances. However, electricity is dangerous if not monitored correctly. Oversights or complacency can lead to electrical fires, injury, and other accidents around any property.
Electricity powers everything in the home, from the lights to the appliances. However, electricity is dangerous if not monitored correctly. Oversights or complacency can lead to electrical fires, injury, and other accidents around any property.
Let's discuss some safety tips one can easily implement to keep the home a safe place for everyone.
Appliance management
Most households use their appliances every day. However, this frequency can lead to false security regarding their danger. Always read the appliance instructions and unplug them when not in use. This way, homeowners can prevent electrical fires caused by power surges. Plus, unplugging appliances will also reduce energy bills.
Avoid overloading
The number of electronic devices used in the home has dramatically increased. Unfortunately, the likelihood of an electrical-related accident has also risen. One main source of electrical mishaps is overloading circuits by plugging too many electrical devices into a single outlet. To avoid this issue, distribute plugged-in devices across multiple outlets, and don't plug anything else into an outlet with a heating device.
In addition, install smart plugs to monitor power loads and automatically switch off when overloading or overheating occurs.
Replace damaged cords and power strips
Another common source of electrical accidents in the home is damaged cords and power strips. Continued usage can cause electrical fires and even electrocution. Regular checks to ensure that they're not damaged will greatly reduce the chance of any unwanted electrical incidents. Replace the power strips immediately if even minor damage is detected.
Outlets
Checking outlets for damage and repairing or replacing them promptly will greatly reduce outlet dangers. Furthermore, many older homes can only handle far fewer power requirements. For that reason, they're often built with an inadequate number of outlets. More importantly, older outlets can degrade over time and become a hazard. Replacing older outlets and installing more will go a long way to avoiding any outlet-driven safety issues.
Childproofing
If there are children in the home, the need for preventative measures is even more important. Installing tamper-proof inserts or covers on your outlets will prevent children from suffering potential injuries.
Keep the home safe
Areas of the home exposed to water run an even higher risk of something going wrong. Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms is best. This will help reduce the chances of electric shock as they shut off when water is detected. Naturally, older homes are more susceptible to this issue because they were built before the widespread usage of GFCIs. So, speak with a professional electrician about the optimal solution for the home.
Zimmerman Electric is here to serve your residential and commercial electrical needs throughout the Phoenix Valley metro area. Call us today if you need electrical work performed 602-497-3365.
