What Are the Most Important Electrical Safety Tips?

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How much thought do you give to electrical safety in your home? We’re surrounded by electrical equipment: cords, appliances, plugs … you name it. Most of the time, we take safety for granted, but it pays to be mindful of what could go wrong and take that extra step that can prevent a fire or a shock. Here are some electrical safety tips to live by.

Electrical Safety Tips

  1. Avoid overloading outlets. Most of us have been guilty of this, particularly if you live in an older house without enough outlets. Always check to see if cords and plugs seem hot, and if they are, have them checked by a qualified electrician. Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances; never plug more than one heat-producing appliance in an outlet at one time. Think about investing in smart plugs to monitor power loads, as an overload can shut down appliances.
  2. Use the correct wattage of bulbs with lamps. Avoid electrical problems by using the correct wattage of bulbs in lamps. Use 60 watts or less if a fixture has no wattage listed.
  3. Unplug appliances you’re not using. You can avoid phantom electrical drain by unplugging appliances you’re not using. Furthermore, unplugging them protects them from power surges.
  4. Take good care of your cords. Store your power cords neatly and in a safe place where they won’t be damaged. Make sure pets or children can’t get at them and play with them. If you find a cut place in a power cord, repair it if you know how, or throw it away and replace the cord. Don’t stretch cords or you could damage them or cause overheating. Don’t place cords on a hot surface.
  5. Keep electrical equipment away from water. This is one of the most vital electrical safety tips, for obvious reasons. Water and electricity can cause shocks and can even short out the appliance. Always make sure your hands are dry when working with electrical appliances. Keep electrical equipment away from bathtubs, sinks, aquariums, and any receptacle holding water.

For more electrical safety tips, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company.