Electricity powers almost every aspect of modern life. That microwave dinner, that internet connection, and the power to your TV all rely on electricity.
You could even be driving an electric car.
While we take advantage of it every day, it is important to remember that electricity can also be dangerous if not handled properly.
From preventing shock and fires to avoiding overloads, here are seven electrical safety tips for your home.
1. Follow Appliance Instructions
Most electrical accidents in homes arise from the misuse of appliances. Always read the instructions and warnings of any electrical product or appliance.
Pay attention to their safety recommendations. If you are unsure how to properly use an appliance, do not operate it. Contact a qualified electrician for help.
You can also find instructions and safety recommendations in the manual of your home.
2. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
Ground fault circuit interrupters are mini circuit breakers that detect small changes in the current running through your electrical circuits and shut off the power if necessary.
Installing GFCIs in areas with potential electric shocks, such as bathrooms and kitchens, can help prevent serious injury.
The cost of installing GFCIs in your home is relatively low, and a qualified electrician should install them.
How often do circuit breakers go bad? On average, a circuit breaker can last between 30 to 40 years, reducing the need for replacements.
3. Use Surge Protectors
A surge protector is a device that will protect your electronics and appliances from power surges or spikes, which can cause permanent damage to the equipment.
You should use surge protectors with any expensive electrical appliance and your home’s sensitive electronic components, such as computers, TVs, and gaming systems.
4. Do Not Overload Outlets
It is important to remember that outlets limit how much current they can handle.
If too many appliances are plugged into a single outlet, or if the appliances’ wattage rating exceeds the outlet’s limit, it can cause an electrical overload and lead to fire or damage to the equipment.
Ideally, each outlet should only have one or two appliances plugged in at a time.
If you need additional outlets, contact an electrician to install additional ones.
5. Check Your Wiring
If your home’s wiring is outdated or not up to code, it could be a potential fire hazard. This is especially true if your home was built before 1980.
It is a good idea to have a qualified electrician inspect your home’s wiring and ensure it is safe.
The electrician can also suggest any necessary upgrades to bring your home up to current codes, such as installing additional GFCIs or replacing old wiring.
6. Have Regular Inspections
Even if your wiring looks safe and up-to-date, it is a good idea to have an electrician come out regularly to inspect the wiring and make sure everything is in working order.
This can help prevent fires and other accidents.
It is especially the case for houses built before 1980, where the wiring might be outdated and not up to current safety standards.
7. Teach Your Children About Electrical Safety
Teach your children about the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe around the house’s electrical panel, outlets, wires, and appliances.
Educate them on what to do if they see anything that looks out of the ordinary or hear strange noises from an outlet or appliance.
You can also install child-proof covers over all of the outlets in your home to prevent young children from inserting objects into them.
Conclusion
Taking the necessary precautions to ensure electrical safety in your home is important.
Always follow appliance instructions, install GFCIs, use surge protectors, do not overload outlets, check and inspect your wiring regularly, and teach your children about electrical safety.
These steps can help prevent serious injury or damage caused by electricity-related accidents.
Comments are closed.