​​​​​​​​​​​​Everyday Electrical Safety Tips​​​​​​​​

 

As a professional electrical contractor, we’ve seen firsthand how small precautions can prevent major problems. Keep your home or property protected by following these expert-recommended electrical safety practices:

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• Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor: Always use a qualified, licensed electrician for wiring, panel upgrades, installations, and inspections. They’ll ensure your home’s electrical ground is installed correctly and up to code.

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• Inspect Cords Regularly: Replace or repair any electrical cords that are frayed, cracked, or loose. Damaged cords are a common cause of electrical fires and shock hazards.

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• Stay Dry Around Electricity: Never touch electrical appliances or outlets with wet hands, and avoid using electrical items near bathtubs, sinks, or other wet areas.

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• Use Extension Cords Safely: Never run extension cords under carpets or across doorways, as this can cause overheating or tripping hazards.

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• Protect Young Children: Older homes should have protective outlet caps installed. In new homes, tamper-resistant receptacles are now a standard safety requirement.

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• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: When plugging appliances into outlets, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overloading circuits.

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• Avoid Outlet Overload: Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each outlet. Overloaded circuits can cause overheating and potentially start fires.

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• Warm Outlets Are a Warning Sign: If your outlets or switches feel warm to the touch, shut off the circuit immediately and call a licensed electrical contractor to inspect the issue.

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• Limit Power Strip Usage: Avoid relying on power strips or multi-plug adapters to power multiple appliances in one outlet. Hire an electrician to install additional circuits if needed.

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• Use Lamps Properly: Always place lamps on flat, stable surfaces, away from anything flammable. Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the label.

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• Unplug Appliances During Outages: During storms or blackouts, unplug electronics to prevent damage from power surges when the electricity returns.

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• Avoid Water-Damaged Devices: If your home experiences flooding, never use electrical appliances that have come into contact with water until they’ve been inspected by a qualified electrician.

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• Watch for Overhead Power Lines: Keep a safe distance from power lines. Never fly kites or drones near them, and if something gets caught, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself.

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• Don’t Prune Trees Near Power Lines: Leave tree trimming near utility lines to trained professionals. Contact your utility provider if you notice limbs too close to power lines.

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• Install Combo Smoke/CO Detectors: Upgrade to 110-volt combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for enhanced whole-home safety.

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• Use Portable Heaters Safely: During winter, unplug space heaters when you leave the room and never run their cords under carpets or through walls.