Simple safety measures can prevent many electrical fires. Our home electrical safety check list below contains 10 precautions that every homeowner should be aware of and follow. Ask a professional for advice if you are unsure about the safety or an electrical appliance.
1. Follow the instructions on your appliance to ensure electrical safety.
The number one tip for electrical safety at home is to read the instructions. Understanding the safety of home appliances improves your device’s performance and personal safety. If you feel even a small electrical shock from any appliance, do not use it until an electrician has checked it out.
2. Protect your home by being aware of overloaded outlets.
Electrical problems are often caused by overloading electrical outlets. Check that all outlets are in good working order, are cool to touch and have protective faceplates. You can use these safety tips for electrical outlets according to.
- Use only extension cords and multi-outlet converters when connecting appliances.
- Plug only one heat-producing device at a given outlet.
- Qualified electricians should check hot outlets.
- Power strips add outlets, but they do not alter the power received by the outlet.
- Smart plugs are able to monitor the power consumption of outlets and can even turn off appliances if an outlet begins to heat up.
3. To keep your home safe, replace or repair damaged cords.
Damaged power cables can cause fires or electrocution in the home. Check all power cords and extension cables regularly for signs such as fraying or cracking. Repair or replace them if necessary. It is not a good idea to staple power cords in place or run them under furniture and rugs. Cords running under rugs can cause tripping hazards and overheat. Furniture can also damage cord insulation.
If you use extension cords frequently, it’s possible that your home doesn’t have enough outlets. Install additional outlets in the rooms where you use extension cords frequently by a qualified electrician familiar with electrical safety regulations. Consider the electrical load when purchasing a power cable. A cord that can carry a 16 AWG load can handle 1,375 watts. Use a cord with a load of 14 or 12 AWG for heavier loads.
4. To prevent damage, keep your cords neat and tidy.
To prevent cord damage, electrical safety tips are not only applicable to power cords that are in use. They also apply to how they should be stored. Store cords out of reach of children and pets who may chew or play with them. Avoid wrapping cords around objects tightly. This can cause the cord to stretch or overheat. Avoid resting a cord against a heat source to avoid damaging the insulation and wires.
5. Unplug your appliances when not in use to minimize potential hazards.
Unplugging appliances when they are not in use is one of the most basic electrical safety tips. Unplugging appliances not in use will save power and reduce the amount of energy they consume even when not being used.
The new smart plugs offer a solution to this problem, as they allow you to create power schedules per outlet.
6. Avoid exposing electrical outlets and devices to water.
Water and electricity do not mix. Keep electrical appliances dry and away form water to ensure electrical safety. This will prevent damage and injury. It’s essential to keep your hands dry when working with electrical appliances. Electrical equipment should be kept away from sinks, bathtubs, plant pots, and aquariums.
7. Avoid overheating your appliances by giving them enough space to circulate air.
Electrical equipment that is not properly cooled can short and overheat, posing a fire risk. Avoid running electrical equipment inside enclosed cabinets and ensure that your appliances receive proper air flow. It’s important to keep flammable items away from electronics and appliances for best safety electrical services in Auckland. You should pay special attention to the electric or gas dryer. These need to be placed at least one foot away from the wall in order to work safely.
8. To prevent fire hazards, make sure that your exhaust fans and vents are all clean.
Some appliances come with exhaust fans that can become dirty or clogged up with debris, making the appliance work harder. It can reduce the lifespan of the appliance, cause overheating in the home and even lead to electrical fire hazards. Regularly cleaning exhaust fans can help prevent these hazards.
9. Make sure you are using the right wattage for all of your appliances and fixtures.
You can avoid electrical problems by using the correct bulbs. Check all lamps, fixtures, and appliances. Use 60-watt or lower bulbs if the wattage of a fixture is not listed. For unmarked ceiling fixtures, choose 25-watt bulbs. LED bulbs are more efficient and will reduce the chance of overheating fixtures.
10. Avoid accidents by being aware of the heaters and water heaters.
Keep combustibles away from portable heat sources, and furnaces. Store combustibles away from heating appliances for safety. Portable heaters shouldn’t be used near drapes and, to avoid tipping, should always be placed on stable surfaces.
Do you know the temperature that your water heater has been set at? The higher the temperature, the more energy you use for your water heating. It can also cause burns or unintentional scalding in households with children.