How to Maintain Electrical Safety and Prevent Shocks, Fires and Outages

Electricity is one of our most important utilities, from lights and TVs to the fridge and AC. However, with the convenience of these appliances and electronics comes the need for careful, energy-efficient use. After all, an electric current can be hazardous if mishandled. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits and using malfunctioning electronics can all cause a number of problems. Follow these important safety measures at home to prevent shocks, fire hazards and electricity outages.

1. Conduct Regular Inspections on Your Electrical System

Regularly inspect all of your home’s outlets, switches and wiring. Signs of deterioration include cracked or faulty sockets, hot, discolored switches and frayed wires. If you notice any other concerns, such as sparks coming from an outlet or flickering lights, it’s time to contact local Experts.

2. Stop Overloading Electrical Circuits

One major cause of electrical fires is overloaded circuits. This occurs when multiple devices are crammed into one outlet or circuit, which risks overheating. To prevent this, be smart about where you draw your home’s power across all the available outlets and circuits.

High-power appliances, like refrigerators and AC units, should have circuits to themselves to minimize the risk of overloading. Using multi-outlet strips can help you handle a larger number of electronics, but they should not be used to extend the reach of an already overloaded circuit. Make sure any extension cords also have surge guards for additional safety.

3. Safe Ways to Plug, Unplug Your Home’s Electrical

How you handle your sockets, wiring and appliances greatly impacts home electrical safety. Be sure to have the plug fully connected to the socket before turning on the device. If the plug is wobbly and disconnects, consider calling an electrical professional. When unplugging something, focus your grip on the plug itself rather than the cord to prevent damage.

4. Keep Your Electrical Safe from Water Damage

Electricity and water are a dangerous combination at home. Direct contact with too much moisture can cause an electrical short or overload. Keep important sockets and fixtures away from plumbing, using additional caution in humid spaces like kitchens and bathrooms where higher moisture is most likely.

5. Don’t Let Your Home’s Electrical Degrade

Old or outdated wiring is at a higher risk of failure and sudden damage. Replacing old electrical infrastructure improves both the safety and energy efficiency of your home. For owners of property built long enough back, your older home might not have GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters), so consider having those installed near sinks to reduce the risk of electrocution if the outlet gets wet. Additionally, AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters) help prevent fires by detecting and stopping electrical arcs. These are recommended for bedrooms and other living spaces.

6. Choose Appropriate Light Bulbs

Always prioritize light bulbs that align with the recommended wattage for your fixtures. Using a higher-wattage bulb than specified may cause extreme heat and damage to the fixture. Opt for LED bulbs, a longer-lasting, efficient substitute to incandescent bulbs. They also produce smaller amounts of heat, making them the better option all around.

7. Install Surge Protectors

Unexpected power surges can cause widespread damage and even pose a fire hazard. Installing a whole-house surge protector is particularly effective for insulating your wiring, appliances and HVAC equipment from these unexpected surges, like those caused by thunderstorms. For any high-priority devices, use socket surge protectors to safeguard against sudden voltage spikes. The surge protectors are another important investment in safe electrical and ensuring that key electronics or medical devices are safe from power outages.

8. Educate Other Members of Your Family

Talk to everyone in your household about these electrical safety tips so they understand and follow all the recommendations. Remind children not to insert anything into open sockets, pull on cords or handle electronics without help. Go over emergency procedures with your family, like instructions for how to use a fire extinguisher and why we avoid dousing an electrical fire with water. Instructing your family creates a safer environment for everyone.

9. Work with Local Experts

Electrical systems should be maintained with caution to avoid possible hazards. For minor projects, always switch off the breaker panel before starting work and use the right tools and supplies. Without the proper training, it is better to hire a licensed electrician for tasks like electrical rewiring, installing new outlets and any major repairs.

Qualified electricians know how to navigate any local regulations, which are sometimes changed as a response to new safety concerns. If you’re doing major electrical work, you’ll also need to pull the necessary permits, which an electrician can handle for you. In many cases, DIY fixes often cause more harm than good, so avoid the hassle in the first place and keep your home in compliance by letting an electrician take care of it.

Arrange for Licensed Electrical Services

Making sure electrical systems are safe prevents damage and protects your household and family alike. When you need a breaker panel upgrade, a new ceiling fan or washer/dryer hookup, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We pride ourselves on delivering quick, high-quality service for all your electrical needs. Contact us today to schedule licensed electrical services in your area.