Your home is your sanctuary, and you and your family deserve to feel safe. While you should be cautious around all electrical equipment installed in your home, some components and situations pose a greater danger than others. When dealing with these common household electrical hazards, learning more about safety tips can keep your children, pets, and property safe and secure.
Here are the important electrical safety tips that you need to know about to keep your family safe.
Water in Proximity to Outlets
Outlets in places where water is common, like the bathroom and the kitchen, are required to be connected to a GFCI. This will cut power to the outlet should water come in contact. However, outlets in other areas may not have the safety of a GFCI. You need to be especially careful when dealing with water around these outlets. For example, move uncovered cups of water sitting on your nightstand or office desk away from wall outlets and extension cords. Do not place your dog’s water bowl near a wall outlet since water can easily splash onto the unit. Check the outlets for your washing machine and laundry room—if your home is more than ten years old, your washing machine may not be hooked up to a GFCI outlet. In case of a leak or overflow, you should have this outlet replaced with a GFCI.
Poor Wiring
Improper or sloppily-done wiring poses a serious threat. There is a much higher chance of electrical fires, shocks, and power surges when poor wiring is present. You should always hire licensed and insured electricians to perform any wiring work to avoid this. DIY projects can turn out great, but it is best to avoid doing electrical work yourself.
You also should keep an eye on all your wiring, even if it were installed correctly. Over time, wires can corrode or get damaged and become hazardous. Electricians can check your wiring regularly to make sure everything is safe.
Curious Kids
Children love exploring their environments—this is a critical part of their learning and development. However, outlets pose a lethal danger to curious kids. Exposed outlets within reach should always be covered to prevent them from sticking their fingers or other items into the sockets. You can get the simple plastic covers, or there are heavier-duty childproof covers that require squeezing the sides to remove them from the outlet.
Covered Electrical Cords
Electrical cords should be kept out from under any rugs or other heavy coverings as often as possible. Covered wires are likely to overheat and melt their insulation, exposing the wires and potentially creating an electrical fire. Instead of hiding wires under the fabric, you can get plastic wire covers that can adhere to baseboards and protect the wires while keeping them out of sight.
Pouring Water on an Electrical Fire
In most cases, pouring water on a fire is a good move. However, because of water’s interaction with electricity, pouring it on a fire caused by an electrical malfunction will likely just worsen the situation. Instead, use a fire extinguisher to put out an electrical fire and cut off the power to the affected outlet at the breaker box.
Extension Cords
Though quite useful, extension cords create electrical and walking hazards when used. Be sure to keep them out of the way to be less likely to trip over them. Never daisy-chain them together, as this decreases the voltage they can handle and creates even more of a danger. As with other wires, avoid covering them with rugs or other heavy fabrics.
Electrical mishaps are the cause of many household accidents, so learning a few safety tips is an essential step in keeping your family safe. If you have any concerns about your electrical system or wiring, call Promise Electric. You can never be too careful around electricity.
