Our team of certified electricians compiled a list of electrical safety tips to keep you and your family safe. Follow these recommendations to guard your home against unnecessary electrical repairs.
Electrical Safety Hazard: Cords
- Keep electrical cords away from water sources such as bathtubs and sinks.
- Never cover an electric cord with carpets or rugs.
- Reserve extension cords for temporary usage, only.
- Toss out cords that are frayed, kinked, or cracked. Also throw out any small appliances with power chords that are frayed, kinked, or cracked
- Use tape, never staples or nails, to affix an electric cord in place.
Electrical Safety Hazard: Lighting
6. Keep bulbs tight, not loose, to reduce electric sparks
7. Maintain appropriate wattages, do not exceed fixture watts
8. Turn off and unplug lights before changing light bulbs
Electrical Safety Hazard: Outlets
9. Be mindful of the number of items using one outlet and make sure you don’t overload an outlet.
10. Install tamper-resistant receptacles, especially if you have children in the home. Tamper-resistant outlets will open only when the two prongs of a plug are inserted simultaneously. This design prevents electric shock or burns if a child inserts something into one of the outlet slots.
11. Only install one major appliance per outlet.
12. Use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets when electrical outlets are installed near water. These outlets help to prevent electrocution.
Call The Experts
If you are experiencing an electrical issue, stay safe and contact the electrical team at Smith & Keene.
