You may be surprised at the number of electrical devices running in your home at any given time. Computers, air conditioners, phones, hair dryers, refrigerators, washing machines, fish tanks, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, and lights are using energy any time they’re plugged in and running; therefore, it’s more important than ever to practice electrical safety.
So, what are some important electrical safety tips for your home?
The three most important electrical tips for keeping your home safe are to not overload your outlets, regularly inspect your outlets and power cords for damage, and always unplug your appliances when they are not being used.
If you want to make sure your house is kept safe from electrical fires and accidental shocks, read on. We’ll go into more detail about each of these electrical safety tips in the article below.
Don’t Overload Your Outlets
Although it may be tempting to overload your most-conveniently-place outlets with adapters and extension cords, it’s important to never load your outlets up too heavily. Make sure you only have one heat-producing product plugged into an outlet at any given time (such as a coffee maker, hair dryer, or space heater), and that large appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines get plugged directly into the wall. Using a smart plug can help to prevent your outlets from overheating by detecting when an outlet plate becomes too hot and shutting off the devices attached to it.
Inspect Electrical Cords for Damage Regularly
According to the National Fire Protection Association, faulty or damaged wiring is responsible for 69% of all electrical fires. Avoid placing cords under rugs or furniture, and pay close attention to them after they’ve been run over or stepped on repeatedly. Even though it may seem like a waste of money, you should always regularly inspect your cords and replace them completely if they show signs of damage or if you receive even a small electrical shock from them. Additionally, you should always call an electrician if these problems seem to be coming from your outlets themselves, or if you see sparks or smell burning rubber.
Unplug Appliances When Not In Use
Along with being both energy-efficient and a great money saver, unplugging your appliances when not in use can also prevent electrical hazards from occurring and protect your devices from electrical surges. It can also prevent incidents from occurring when you are not present to deal with them, such as pets or young children coming into contact with them or fires starting in your home while you are away. Obviously, it is impractical to unplug every device when not directly using them—for example, you may never be able to unplug your fridge or washing machine—but making sure your computer, phone charger, and hair dryer are unplugged when not in use are some easy ways you can be proactive and minimize the danger present in your household.
Related Questions
What are 3 Tips for Using Electrical Appliances Safely?
1. Make sure the switch is off on any appliance before it is plugged in (yes, this includes lamps and lights).
2. Pull on the plug itself when unplugging anything—not the cord.
3. Install socket guards on any wall sockets that aren’t in use to protect any roaming children or animals.
Summary
In conclusion, maintaining electrical safety habits is extremely important for every home. Without electrical safety, electrical fires and other hazards may occur, sometimes even when you are not present to deal with them. It is important to never overload your outlets, only have one heat-producing appliance plugged into an outlet at any given time, regularly inspect your power cords and outlets for damage, and always unplug appliances when you are not using them. Taking precautions may seem expensive or time-consuming, but they will save you a great deal of headache later—and may even save you your life.
If you have questions about your electrical services, are concerned about your homes wiring, or want to learn more about a back up power system, Bratcher Electric in Wayne has the answers! Our electrical firm is an established and trusted business in Michigan that provides all the electrical services your home or business needs with the customer care you deserve. Call us anytime, we are happy to help!