The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that over 31,000 fires occur in households annually. These are commonly caused by defective wiring, overloaded circuits, and malfunctioning lighting fixtures. Discover the top electrical safety tips and measures to secure your home and give you peace of mind.
Follow appliance instructions
A basic electrical safety measure many homeowners overlook is following appliance instructions. Let’s face it—it’s easier to toss aside the instructional manual and rely on your knowledge or YouTube instead. But remember, these manuals exist for a reason: to ensure that homeowners use their appliances correctly.
Tip: Store your instructional manuals in a clear book for easy access and organization.
Unplug any unused electrical devices
Unplug your unused electrical devices to create an energy-efficient home. As long as the computers, TVs, and other appliances remain plugged in, they still consume significant electricity—even when turned off! This is called standby power.
The US Department of Energy reports average households spend 100 USD annually due to these factors. When compounded with your monthly electricity bill and other expenses, this amount could strain your budget.
If you have multiple appliances to unplug and don’t have the patience or the liberty of time, invest in socket switches.
Tip: When unplugging your device, hold the plug firmly and avoid yanking the electrical cord.
Avoid overloading outlets
Another electrical safety measure is to avoid overloading your outlets. When plugging heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators or heaters, it’s critical to be mindful of how much electricity you’re piling together. Or they can end up overheating. You should observe each load capacity to avoid fire hazards and equipment damage.
Tips:
- Don’t rely on extension cords to power your refrigerators, heaters, or other heavy-duty appliances.
- When plugging in multiple devices, consider investing in a power strip to avoid sudden electrical surges.
Replace faulty electrical cords
Fourth on our list of electrical safety tips for your home is to replace faulty electrical cords. As indispensable equipment, they are subject to wear and tear. Repeated plugging and unplugging can cause the cord to twist, which weakens its internal wires.
Frayed, sliced, or exposed wires must be replaced to avoid potential fires. Fortunately, power cords don’t cost much and are available in your local hardware store. To extend their lifespan, avoid yanking power cords from the outlet, as it may produce electrical shorts.
Avoid using electrical appliances near water
Mixing electricity and water at home is never a good option. Observing this safety measure will not only protect your appliances from damage but also save you from potential injuries and electrocution. Before handling any appliance, double-check that both your hands are dry.
Tip: Hang a small towel nearby to absorb the water from your hands before using the appliance.
Fix flickering lights
Flickering lights in your home should always be addressed promptly. This could mean there’s a loose bulb that needs tightening. In this situation, make sure to remove it first. You can either replace it with another bulb or reinstall it after diagnosing the problem.
However, if you are unsure of doing the installations yourself, consider calling your local electrician. Handling electricity is no joke, and it is always better to leave it in the hands of experts.
Tips:
- Conduct a simple flicker test by recording a video using your phone. If there are flickers during the replay, it may signal a problem with your lightbulb.
- Contact your local electrician for major light installations.
Stop abusing extension cords
While it can be tempting to rely on extension cords for efficiency, they are not meant for long-term use. Plugging too many devices on a single cord could result in overheating and eventual fires. Every extension cord has specific amperage ratings, depending on the gauge of the wire. So, the thicker the wire, the lower the gauge number.
Plus, it is dangerous to stack extension cords together. This could result in overheating—a leading cause of fires in the home and workplace, as per the International Fire and Safety Journal.
Tips:
- Don’t place your extension cords in damp areas to avoid electrical shocks.
- Use cord covers, especially in walkway areas to prevent family members from tripping.
Invest in Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
To protect against electrical shocks, you should invest in ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These special devices are essential in areas where electricity and water may converge, like your kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry.
A GFCI operates by constantly monitoring the current flowing through a circuit. When it senses an imbalance, it quickly cuts off the electrical power to prevent serious injuries from happening to you or your family.
Familiarize the location of your circuit breaker
Next, familiarize the location of your circuit breaker. As these electrical safety devices contain a huge switch that powers your entire home, they can feel intimidating to operate. But this is never a valid reason to ignore them!
Tips:
- Put up a diagram on the door to aid the diagnosis and documentation process.
- Label each circuit properly to identify which home devices belong to each switch.
Call for help during an emergency
Last on our electrical safety tips for home is to call for help during an emergency. Failure to properly address the problem could result in electrocution, fires, or electric shock. This is why you should only consult licensed electricians to handle and diagnose these issues efficiently.
Additionally, there are local codes that you may not be aware of, so it’s best to leave these in the hands of experts to avoid incurring legal fines. Ultimately, you can rest easy knowing you don’t have to manage these concerns alone.
For Greater Los Angeles residents, Lineside Electrical is a company you can rely on. With over 18 years of experience, their services range from troubleshooting common electrical issues to lighting and GFCI outlet installations.
