From faulty wiring to overloaded outlets, there are many causes of household fires. Every year, more than 50,000 fires develop in residential homes. Some of these incidents could have been prevented with proper safety techniques. Now that the new year is upon us, it’s time to implement electrical safety tips that you can prioritize throughout your home. By adhering to these guidelines, you can minimize your mistakes and protect your family from the dangers of electrical hazards.

Importance of Electrical Safety

Electricity is a critical resource that most homeowners require to ensure lights stay on and appliances run effectively. Over $1.3 billion in total property damage occurs every year in the U.S. because of electrical fires. While some of the hazards that cause fires to break out result from poor maintenance, they can also occur during severe weather. To protect your investment and keep your family safe, it’s highly recommended that you focus on electrical safety in your home.

Causes of Electrical Home Fires

Nearly 70% of residential fires start because of faulty electrical equipment or damaged wiring. A fire may also develop if the following appliances and fixtures are in poor condition:

  • Transformers
  • Lamps
  • Light fixtures
  • Plugs
  • Cords

Tips on Electrical Safety

Once you implement the following safety tips, you should minimize the risk of electrical fires.

Replace Damaged Outlets and Wires

If you don’t replace the damaged outlets and wires in your home, you’ll be at a higher risk of electrocution, fires, and shocks. The materials that surround wires will experience wear and tear over time.

Outlets that are damaged or cracked may not be effectively grounded, which makes it possible for an electric shock to occur when plugging in a device. When handling outlets or wiring, take safety precautions. Don’t attempt to fix the issue yourself. A professional will be able to inspect the damage, identify the cause, and make the necessary electrical repairs.

Get Rid of Faulty Electrical Cords

When a power cord becomes damaged, it can cause a fire as well as electrocution. Check every extension and power cord in your home regularly to determine if there are any signs of cracking or fraying. If you find signs of damage, stop using the cord immediately. These cords can be replaced or repaired as needed.

If you have multiple power cords near your appliances, don’t run them under furniture or staple them into place. When cords are bunched together, they can overheat. Large pieces of furniture can also crush the insulation surrounding the cords, which would likely damage the wires inside.

Depending on the number of appliances and electrical devices in your home, you may find that you need to regularly use extension cords. However, this indicates that there aren’t enough outlets in your home to meet your needs. An electrician can inspect your electrical system and identify areas where additional outlets may need to be installed. When you buy a power cord, consider how much load it carries. A lower AWG rating means that the cord will be able to handle heavier loads. Ratings can range from 8-26.

Avoid Overloading Your Outlets

Among the most common causes of electrical fires is overloading a circuit. If an outlet in your home is warm to the touch, it may be overloaded. Every outlet should be paired with a protective faceplate. Regularly test each outlet in your home to determine if there are any that aren’t working properly.

If you detect a hot outlet, a reputable technician should check it. You should only have one appliance plugged into a single outlet. Avoid plugging appliances into multi-outlet converters or extension cords. If you purchase a smart plug, you can effectively monitor power loads, which allows you to quickly turn off an appliance if an outlet begins to overheat.

Provide Appliances With Ample Space

Every major appliance and piece of electrical equipment in your home needs proper air circulation. If appliances are grouped closely together, a fire hazard could develop. Make sure you don’t run electrical devices in enclosed cabinets. Keep any flammable objects in your home away from electronics and appliances. If you have an electric or gas dryer, position it around one foot away from the wall.

Schedule Routine Electrical Inspections

Even if you aren’t having any issues with your electrical system or home appliances, it’s highly recommended that you obtain routine electrical inspections to maintain safety in your home. During an inspection by an experienced technician, you’ll be able to learn about issues or faults with your existing wiring or outlets that might result in injuries or damage. For example, an inspection can find loose connections and overloaded circuits.

It’s a good idea to have new electrical installations inspected as well. When you have light fixtures or ceiling fans installed, an inspection can tell you if the installation process was completed successfully.

Keep Appliance Manuals and Instructions on Hand

Every appliance you buy for your home should come with an instruction manual. The simplest way to avoid electrical hazards is by referencing the instructions when a device doesn’t work as intended.

Don’t Keep Unused Appliances Plugged In

When you aren’t using an appliance in your home, unplug it. Doing so should reduce the amount of energy the appliance drains while also avoiding issues like power surges and overheating. Keep in mind that modern smart plugs allow homeowners to create power schedules for every outlet, which can help you limit the potential for electrical hazards.

Use the Proper Wattage for Appliances and Fixtures

Make sure you’re using the correct wattage for the appliances and fixtures in your home. Some fixtures are labeled with the appropriate wattage. If, however, this isn’t the case, you’ll need to make a judgment call. Pair unmarked ceiling fixtures with 25-watt bulbs. If you have any light fixtures in your home that don’t list the correct wattage, consider 60-watt bulbs.

Keep Outlets and Equipment Away from Water

Electricity and water make for a dangerous combination. The electrical equipment in your home should always be dry. By keeping this equipment away from water, you can protect yourself from electrocution and reduce the possibility of your appliances becoming damaged.

Make sure your hands are dry before you start working with an electrical appliance. Along with showers and sinks, it’s a good idea to keep your electrical equipment away from aquariums and plant pots. Water can splash and cause an electrical fire if a source of electricity is nearby.

Consider Upgrading to LED Lighting

If you’d like to improve your lighting system and enhance electrical safety in your home, consider switching to LED lights. These bulbs use much less energy than traditional incandescent lights. Since they don’t produce as much heat, the risk of an electrical fire is lower.

If you require electrical services for your Milford home, our team at Tingley Home Services is here to help. We focus on customer satisfaction by providing personalized service that can handle all your electrical needs. For example, we can install a charging station for your new electric vehicle.

Our electrical installation services extend to wiring, backup generators, outlets, and panels. Consider requesting our repair services if you’re experiencing issues like flickering lights or power surges. At Tingley Home Services, we offer comprehensive heating and cooling solutions as well. Call us today to schedule service or request a maintenance plan.

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