You use electricity to run your home, but do you know how to keep it safe?
31,000 household electrical fires take place in the United States alone each year, and over 180 of these occurrences could have been prevented if proper precautions had been taken, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
By following these electrical safety tips, you can secure the safety of your home and family.
A. Tips for being safe around electricity
Is there a common cause of electrical fires in homes?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than two-thirds (66%) of electrical fires are caused by faulty or broken wiring and related electrical equipment.
Always seek the advice of an expert when assessing your home for potential fire hazards.
B. What Every Homeowner Should Know About Electrical Safety
Many electrical fires can be avoided by following a few simple safety guidelines. The following are some CT electrical services safety measures that every homeowner should be aware of and adhere to.
If you have any doubts regarding the safety of a particular electrical outlet or device, it’s always best to see an expert.
When it comes to lighting and appliances, ensure you’re using the proper wattage.
To avoid electrical issues:
- Ensure you use the correct wattage in all your lamps, chandeliers, and appliances.
- Only use up to 60-watt bulbs in light fixtures with no wattage stated.
- Use 25-watt lights in non-descript ceiling fixtures.
LED bulbs use less power and are less likely to overheat, making them an excellent choice for lighting installations. Find out more about the advantages of LED lighting by reading this article.
1. Recommendations for Electricity Safety
To ensure the safety of your house, be on the lookout for overloaded outlets.
One of the most prevalent causes of electrical difficulties is overloading an electrical outlet. Make that all outlets are cool to the touch, have protective faceplates, and are in functioning order before plugging in.
Following these electrical outlet safety guidelines is recommended by ESFI:
- Extenders and multi-outlet converters should not be used to power appliances.
- To avoid overheating, only use one outlet for each heat-producing gadget.
- Qualified electricians should inspect all of your hot outlets.
- Remember that power strips only add new outlets, not alter the quantity of power delivered to the existing ones.
- It is possible to utilize intelligent plugs to monitor outlet power loads and even shut down equipment if an outlet becomes overheated.
- Keep your house secure by replacing or repairing faulty electrical wires.
- Residential electrical safety is threatened by broken power cords, which can lead to both fires and electrocution. All power and extension cables should be examined routinely for symptoms of fraying and cracking, and they should be fixed or replaced as necessary if they are found to be defective. Electrical cords should not be stapled down or run beneath carpets or furniture since this could cause damage. While furniture can crush and damage wire insulation, cords tucked under carpets can provide a tripping danger.
If you frequently use extension cables, you may need more outlets to meet your requirements. Install additional outlets in rooms where you frequently use extension cords by a certified electrician aware of electrical safety standards.
2. Ensure your cords are neat and tight, so they don’t get damaged
When not in use, power cords must be stored in a manner that prevents harm to them by electrical safety regulations. Ensure that cords are not accessible to youngsters and pets (who may chew on or play with the cords).
To avoid overheating or stretching the cord, avoid squeezing it too tightly around things. Protect the cord’s insulation and conductors by not resting it on hot surfaces.
3. Keep your home safe by unplugging all of your unused equipment
Remembering to disconnect a device while it’s not in use is one of the most basic electrical safety advice, in addition to saving energy by lowering phantom drain (the energy consumed by a device even when not in use), unplugging useless equipment also safeguards them from overheating or power surges.
New intelligent plugs can help you avoid forgetting to unplug gadgets you no longer use, as they allow you to set power schedules for each outlet.
4. The best way to avoid electric shock is to keep electrical gadgets and outlets away from water
Electricity and water don’t mix well, as you might expect. Keeping electrical equipment dry and free from water reduces appliance damage and can help prevent electrocution and human injury.
Dry hands are essential when working with electrical items. Electrical equipment should be kept away from plant pots, aquariums, sink drains, showers, and bathtubs to reduce the chance of water and electricity coming into contact.
5. Overheating can be prevented by providing an adequate ventilation area for your appliances
Overheating and shorting out of electrical equipment is a risk and can lead to a fire hazard if not addressed.
Avoid using electrical equipment in closed cabinets and ensure that it has enough air circulation—store flammable items far away from all appliances and devices for optimum electrical safety.
A foot from the wall is required to operate a gas or electric dryer safely, so keep an eye on it.
6. To avoid fire threats, ensure your exhaust fans are clean
Exhaust fans on some appliances can become dirty or blocked with debris, increasing the workload on the appliance.
The appliance’s lifespan may be shortened, and there may be a safety concern to the house if it overheats or if harmful gases accumulate and trigger an electrical fire. Such threats can be avoided by cleaning exhaust fans regularly.
7. Electrical safety is improved by following appliance instructions
The number one rule of electrical safety at home is to “read the directions.” Knowing how to use your appliances properly enhances your gadget’s functionality and safety.
If you have a mild electrical shock from equipment, you should put it out of commission until a licensed electrician can inspect it.
8. Prevent mishaps by being cautious of heaters and water heaters
Portable heaters and heaters with built-in furnaces should not have anything combustible near them. Store combustibles away from any heating appliances to ensure the safety of your furnace.
Portable heaters should not be used near draperies and should only be positioned on a sturdy surface to avoid tipping.
