Electrical Safety Month: Safety Tips For Your Home
The unfortunate truth of DIY home electricity projects is that thousands of people across the country are injured or electrocuted in preventable accidents every year. As much as we love a good DIY project, safety should always be the top priority.
May is Electrical Safety Month, so it’s a perfect time to discuss some simple electrical safety tips for the home so you can keep your family safe. See safety tips from Axiom Power, and remember to bookmark this page to refer to later!
Electrical Safety Tip #1: Don’t Overload Circuits
Having too many items plugged into outlets around the home can cause a fire. Outlets are designed to handle a certain amount of current, and if the outlet is overloaded, it can spark and cause a fire. Avoid using power strips and extension cords for extended use.
Messing with electricity is very dangerous if you are not a licensed expert, and some projects should only be done by a professional. Make sure to call Axiom Power and let us do the job for you!
Electrical Safety Tip #2: Be Careful with Extension Cords
It is important to be mindful when using extension cords in your home. This might be hard to accept, but extension cords should only be used for short-term projects or use. It might be obvious, but don’t use cords that have fraying or exposed wiring, and never stretch extension cords across walking spaces.
Get equipped: DIY Electrical Tools to Have at Home
Electrical Safety Tip #3: Watch Your Power Tool Use
Power tools help you get the job done, but they can be dangerous. Here are some tips to be more careful when using them:
Never stand in or work near water when you are using a power tool that is plugged into a wall.
Wear goggles when using power tools
Ensure that the outlet being used for the power tool is strong enough to supply the correct
current for the machine.
Avoid accidents, and place extension cords strategically.
Are you In over your head with your DIY electrical project? Call in a professional from Axiom Power: (813) 308-9328!
Electrical Safety Tip #4: Use the Right Light Bulbs
Light fixtures such as lamps or overhead lights have recommended wattage requirements posted on them, usually on the outside of the socket. Using the wrong wattage in a light fixture can cause the bulbs to overheat, which can cause a fire.
If a bulb breaks in the socket, unplug the lamp or fixture before removing the bulb to ensure your safety. When a bulb goes out, don’t replace it with whatever you have laying around; make sure you use the same style and wattage for optimal fixture performance.
Electrical Safety Tip #5: Don’t Ignore Electrical Issues
We shouldn’t have to say this, but don’t ignore the signals your home is trying to give you. Often, you will experience issues from your electrical system hinting that something is wrong.
Here are some general tips:
Outlets should not be warm, regardless of the weather outside. If they are, they need to be inspected as they could have a bad connection or high voltage.
Loose outlets can pose a problem too. If left for too long, the wiring can be affected.
Tripping breakers indicate that there is an overload occurring with a specific circuit or an issue with the breaker panel itself.
Flickering lights are a common sign of a problem such as faulty wiring or an issue with the power coming from the main panel.
Never ignore burning smells. It could mean that there are hot wires somewhere in your home. Make sure you know where the smell is coming from, and call an electrician if needed to inspect.
Electrical Safety Tip #6: Keep Electronics Away from Water
It’s no secret that electricity and water shouldn’t be mixed. For that reason, GFCI compliant receptacles and breakers need to be installed in areas that are near water such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, outdoor wall plugs, and garages.
You can tell the difference between a GFCI and a regular receptacle by looking for the “Reset” and “Test” buttons in the center of the outlet. GFCIs are designed to cut the electricity off from the outlet if moisture is sensed nearby or if there was a power surge.
Even if you have GFCI outlets, never operate hairdryers, radios, or other electrical appliances near running or pooled water. This even includes your charging smartphones or tablets!
Also, never touch electrical equipment with wet or damp hands.
Stay informed: Common Electrical Problems Around the Home
Electricity is powerful and can cause injury and even death. Remember these electricity safety tips for a safer home:
Replace damaged or loose electrical cords right away
Avoid running extensions cords across doorways or under rugs
Never pull or yank an electrical cord out of the wall
Unplug devices when not in use
Never use extension cords as permanent outlets
Place lamps on level surfaces and away from things that can catch on fire
Use bulbs that match recommended wattage
Place safety caps on any unused outlets if you have small children
If you have tripping circuits, warm dimmer switches, flickering lights, etc. call a professional electrician to diagnose
Our Electrical Contractors Always Have Safety in Mind
Noticing electrical issues around the home or need more circuits installed so you can stop using so many extension cords or power strips? Call the electricity pros at Axiom Power! We service all of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Orange County Florida - 813-308-9328!