7 Ways To Improve Electrical Safety At Home

One way to improve electrical safety at home: A hand is holding a spark plug in front of a wall.

Electricity is so convenient in everyday life that it can cloud a person’s judgment when it comes to safety. So, it’s vital to work towards improving electrical safety in your home. From avoiding socket overloads to unplugging unused appliances, here’s what you need to know to make your home safe from electricity threats.

1. Unplug Unused Appliances

This is among the most straightforward tips for improving electrical safety. However, it’s also the easiest to forget or ignore. If an electric appliance isn’t in use, it’s wise to unplug it.

Besides saving power, this move prevents the appliance from overheating or getting damaged when the power comes back on after electric outages. If remembering to unplug unused appliances has been challenging, consider investing in high-tech smart plugs that allow one to set power schedules for every outlet.

2. Understand Each Appliance’s Instructions

You can’t improve electrical safety in your home if you don’t understand your appliances’ instructions regarding electrical needs. So, make it a habit to read these instructions carefully, understand them (or get assistance from someone to help you understand), and follow them correctly.

Understanding your electronics and appliances will keep your home and family safe from electrical mishaps and increase their performance. If any electronic appliance causes shocks, stop using it until a qualified electrician assesses the issue, diagnoses it, and corrects it accordingly. This video explains what to expect from such electricians:

3. Invest In Surge Protectors

Electric outages Arvada, CO can happen anytime without anyone expecting them. When they do, they cause surges leading to a reduction or an increase in electric voltage, which can threaten your appliances and home. So, it’s vital to invest in surge protectors to keep your home safe and guarded against surges that mainly occur after an electric outage. 

4. Always Keep Your Electrical Appliances Dry

Water and electricity are long-term enemies that can’t ever mix. If one gets in contact with the other, there’s always the possibility of an accident. With that in mind, keeping electrical appliances as dry as possible is key in preventing electricity-related accidents from damaging them or hurting you.

Suppose you’ve accidentally dropped an electric appliance in the water while using it. In that case, you should shut off the power supply in your home and then unplug the appliance. Then, have the appliance checked to ensure it’s safe before you use it again.

A hand pressing a red button on a power outlet demonstrates electrical safety.

5. Watch Out For Electric Cords

Every homeowner should understand that it can be dangerous to have electric cords that go across their furniture, run under the carpet, or rest on the floor in high-traffic areas. 

If you have such cords in your home, it might be time to hire a professional electrician to correct the mess before it escalates. You should only view extensions as a temporary solution if you’re looking forward to reducing the likelihood of electric cords lying around.

6. Make Sure Exhaust Fans Are Clean

Some electric appliances come with exhaust fans. With time, these fans will likely get dirty or clogged, leading to the appliance working harder than it should. When this happens, the lifespan of that particular appliance is affected, and it can overheat anytime. 

Besides overheating, dirty exhaust fans can generate harmful gases that pose an electrical hazard. To prevent this, clean the fans occasionally to keep your home safe from electric fires.

7. Avoid Overloading Electrical Sockets

Many people are used to overloading their sockets. Without knowing, they end up risking their property’s well-being and theirs. Overloading electrical extensions can pose fire threats to your home. Therefore, you should avoid it in every way possible.

After purchasing an extension, ensure to check the rating before using it. Most extensions have an electrical rating of 13A, while others have 10A and below. These ratings are indicated at the back of or under the extension lead; hence, noticing them isn’t a challenge. After studying the rating, avoid plugging in appliances that exceed it to avoid electrical overloads.

Conclusion

Electricity is among the best things to ever happen to humans. You can power your home, run appliances, and use it for commercial purposes, among other things. Generally, electricity has made everyone’s life easier. 

That said, it comes with dangers. If you fail to use it correctly, it can cause severe property damage or death. So, it’s vital to be cautious around electrical appliances and power outlets. Also, ensure that children don’t play with anything related to electricity to avoid accidents as you take advantage of the above-discussed tips.

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