10 Tips for Preventing Electrical Hazards in Your Home and Business
Electricity is something most of us take for granted. But it’s probably one of humanity’s most outstanding achievements. It can power lifesaving operating rooms, machinery, household items, and more. Even though electricity is such a useful tool, it can also be one of the most dangerous things in our lives. Because of this, you need to educate yourself about how to use electricity wisely to protect your loved ones and property. Keep reading to ensure your home and business is safe from electrical hazards.
1. Keep Your Electrical Appliances Away from Water
Water and electricity don’t play well together. A typical electrical hazard in the home is using electrical appliances too close to water. We should all know not to dry our hair in the bathtub. But what about places like the kitchen? Wash your dishes in the sink or use the handheld mixer on the counter, but not at the same time. A simple slip could send the appliance tumbling into the dishwater.
What do you do if that happens? DON’T try to unplug it or pull it out of the water! Your first step should be to go to your home’s electrical panel to shut the power off to the outlet. If you’re not sure which breaker to turn off, just shut off the main breaker (that should be the big one on top.) You can then safely unplug your device and remove it from the water. If you’re afraid it’s still not safe to use after it has completely dried out, have an electrician check it.
2. Install a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in Your Wet Areas
What’s a wet area? It’s any area in your home where water usually is present such as a bathroom, kitchen, mudroom if you have a utility sink, crawl space, etc. A GFCI can detect current leakages in an electrical circuit, when a powered device has made contact with water, or if it has any other problem. The GFCI then shuts off the power, which prevents an electrical short circuit. Be sure to install according to the instructions, or contact an electrician to install it for you.
3. Make Sure You’re Using the Right Size Circuit Breakers and Fuses
If you don’t use the properly rated breakers or fuses, they may trip under average load, or worse, may not trip in the event of a short circuit or overload. If you’re not sure which breaker to buy, have an electrician figure out the rating for you.
4. Invest in Outlet Covers
Outlet covers can be a lifesaver. They’re an excellent way to prevent possible electrical hazards, especially if you have small children or babies in your home. It will keep them from putting their fingers or another object into an empty port. Some outlet covers will have a retractable cover for each plug. If you want to go the economical route, use the simple plastic push-in covers. This precaution will reduce the risk of electrocution and shock in the long run.
5. Avoid Using Multi-Outlet Strips If At All Possible
While they’re convenient for short-term use, it’s too easy to overload the circuit and catch fire if you’re not careful.
Sometimes, it’s unavoidable, and you need to use these items. If you do need to use one, just be sure it’s high-quality, in good condition, that you’re not overloading the outlet, and that you unplug or turn them off when not in use.
6. Use Surge Protectors
I know we just said to avoid using multi-outlet strips. And while most surge protectors have multiple outlets, your primary protection comes in the form of protection against overheating or a power surge that could cause a fire and damage the electronics plugged into it.
Consider using a surge protector while equipment is switched on – especially useful if you live in an area with an unstable power supply.
7. Replace Missing or Broken Wall Plates
They’re not just there as fancy wall décor. If a wall plate is broken or missing and you’re fumbling around in the dark for the switch, you may accidentally touch a live wire. The result could be disastrous. Don’t put it off. Get them replaced.
8. Respect Your Electrical Cords
Make sure your furniture legs or other heavy objects are not sitting or putting pressure on an electrical cord. Also, make sure there’s nothing in contact with your cords that may fray or cut into them. Extreme pressure on the power cables can damage insulation or compress the conducting wire and put you at risk of an electrical short circuit. Cord wraps can help strengthen cords and make them last longer. But, if you see cords beginning to break or fray, it’s time to replace them.
9. Use the Right Light Bulbs
Most of us like light, and lots of it. But too much of it can be a bad thing. Especially if you use the wrong wattage bulb. Most people don’t notice that lamps and other devices have a wattage maximum. The sticker is usually on or near the socket. If unsure or if the sticker is missing, check the instructions that came with the device.
Every time you replace a bulb, make sure the wattage is less than or equal to the fixture’s maximum wattage.
10. Replace Outdated or Poor Wiring
The National Fire Prevention Association reports that faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires. To minimize these risks, have a certified electrician check your home’s wiring every few years, so you know if any need to be repaired or replaced.
If the wiring in your home is 30 years or older, have it inspected annually.
Call an electrician immediately if the lights in your home dim or flicker without explanation, breakers repeatedly trip, or outlets feel warm or spark. These are signs you may need to repair the wiring in your house.
Not only can these and other fire safety tips for your home help prevent damaging fires in your home, but they also help protect you and your family. Using good-quality electrical wiring will reduce the possibility of an electrical short circuit at home and protect your home and save lives.