If you just bought a house and have only rented in the past, it’s likely you didn’t need to worry much about the power in your living space–you could call the maintenance man, and they would take care of it. Now that you own your own home, all of these responsibilities fall under your purview.  To help you out, we’ve provided some important electricity tips you should know.

electricity tips

  1. Shut off the power. When working on anything electrical (even if you’re just unplugging a large appliance), shut off the power to that outlet using the circuit breaker box. It’s always better to not have power running to an appliance than risk electrocution, even if you’re just doing something small.
  2. Only use extension cords when you need them. Extension cords are prone to rapid deterioration with continuous use. It’s fine to pull them out for specific jobs for a few minutes at a time, but avoid using them 24/7. If your family consistently needs an extension cord, it’s best to have an electrician install a new outlet closer to the appliance that needs it.
  3. Make your outlets child-proof. Tamper-resistant outlets are inexpensive (only about $0.50 each) and offer the safety and peace of mind that the curious kids in your life will not be able to stick objects into the outlets. Springs block the eye holes of the outlet and are only depressed when a plug is inserted. There are also spring-loaded covers that automatically spring back into place once a plug is removed from the outlet so that you don’t forget to cover it.
  4. Don’t ignore a warm outlet. When you notice an outlet is consistently warm, or if it’s tripped the breaker multiple times, call a professional. A warm outlet is a sign that something with the wiring is faulty or that the power is being improperly directed at that outlet. They’re more likely to cause fires or electrical shocks.
  5. Don’t overwork your outlets. On the same note, an overworked outlet is also dangerous. Avoid plugging multiple high-power appliances into the same outlet. Be cautious when using power strips. Outlets come with two plugs to help limit the power demand of the devices plugged in; when you use a power strip to add more spots to plug in more devices, you risk overdrawing from the outlet and causing the breaker to trip.
  6. Update to GFCIs. If you live in an older home, check all rooms with water (i.e., the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room) have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) installed on the outlets. These detect when the water has touched the outlet–something breakers cannot do–and immediately cut power to the outlet to prevent a shock hazard. You can easily tell the difference from regular outlets because a GFCI outlet will have TEST and RESET buttons on its face.
  7. Don’t play with electricity. No matter the size of the job, call an electrician if you are unsure or uncomfortable working with the electrical components. The electrical system could easily be damaged by someone who is not confident in what they are doing and can lead to fire and shock hazards. It’s best to be safe and have a professional take care of the issue.

Promise Electric is happy to provide you with these electricity tips because we want you to stay safe and be educated. However, if you have any doubts or concerns about anything electrical in your home, do not hesitate to call a professional. Our team of Master Electricians provides expert service to residential and commercial customers across the Sarasota area.