Undoubtedly, electricity has become a necessity in our modern lifestyle. It is a no-brainer that electricity can be potentially dangerous if not handled with care. A silly error in the electrical system can lead to extensive damage to the property and put people’s lives at risk. Hence you need to take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your electrical system.
Safety precautions at home refer to all steps you take to prevent injury from an electrical shock. When it comes to the residential electrical system, we have a set of codes and regulations to ensure proper safety. Furthermore, there are certain safety precautions that homeowners should know for better safety. Here we list some of the common safety tips that you should keep in mind.
Knowledge is key
When it comes to staying safe from electrical shocks at home, knowledge is the key. If you are aware of electrical problems in the house and take proactive action to repair them, you can avoid most of the electrical hazards at home.
Prioritize electrical repair
One of the important electrical safety tips is you should never postpone electrical repair at home. Damaged power cords that go unattended often lead to electrical hazards. Not only power cords, but any faulty products in the electrical systems also should be repaired on time. If you have any damaged power cords or extension cords, make sure you get them repaired or replaced immediately with the help of a licensed electrician.
Avoid contact with moisture
There are several ways by which you can improve electrical safety at home. It need not always revolve around electrical equipment or appliances. For instance, water should never get in touch with electricity. There are different appliances such as dishwashers, blenders, microwaves, etc. that are exposed to water. Such appliances should be handled with extra care to avoid danger. Moreover, water or moisture should never come in touch with electric outlets.
Do not overload
Overloading multiple appliances to a single outlet is potentially hazardous to the home electrical system. If you have an outlet into which you have plugged more than two appliances, it should be removed. You can distribute appliances to multiple outlets for better safety. If your home is short of enough electrical outlets, get in touch with a licensed residential electrician to install more outlets. Overloading outlets can lead to over-heating related problems and harm some of the appliances. If you could feel the heat when you touch the outlet, make sure you get it checked by a professional electrician.
Use extension cords for short-term only
Extension cords are largely helpful when you cannot find enough outlets to connect the appliances. It is good for short-term use only. If you have large appliances connected to extension cords, it is a safety risk. With the help of a professional electrician, you can change and install new outlets and avoid using extension cords for the long term.
Shut off power before electrical work
Though it is a very common safety precaution, many times people forget to cut the power at the breaker box before doing any electrical work. Regardless of a small or big task, you should shut off the power before attempting any electrical work. Before you start the work, you need to test any of the outlets to make sure the power is shut off. You can plug something in or use a tester to check if it is shut off.
Repair flickering lights
Another important safety tip to remember is the flickering or dimming of lights. It should never be taken lightly. If it is a momentary dimming of the light when you switch on a heavy appliance, it is not a cause for concern. But if there is a frequent dimming of the light, it hints at a loose wire somewhere in the system. You can tighten the bulb and check whether you can resolve the issue. If not, make sure you hire an expert electrician to diagnose the problem and troubleshoot it.
Install GFCI
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, abbreviated as GFCI, is an essential safety measure installed in residential electrical systems. It is a device that automatically shuts off power if electrocution occurs. It will detect short circuits and other electrical faults and protect people from getting electrocuted. Though modern homes are already equipped with GFCI, it was not common in the older days. If your home is old, make sure you have GFCI installed for extra protection.
Ensure correct wattage
When you choose bulbs, lamps, fixtures, and appliances for your home, make sure you check the wattage. Using the correct wattage for lights and fixtures can avoid electrical problems. For improving energy efficiency and reducing the risk of overheating, you can use LED bulbs. You should never plug in appliances to outlets if they cannot handle the wattage requirement.
Avoid overheating of appliances
If electrical appliances do not have proper air circulation, they will overheat, which could become an electrical fire hazard. That is why it is important to avoid using electrical equipment inside cabinets with less air circulation. You can avoid storing flammable things close to electrical appliances for better safety.
Follow instructions while using an appliance
When you buy appliances for your home, make sure you check the instructions for use and understand the safety precautions advised by the manufacturer. Not only it helps to improve the performance of the device but also ensures better safety.
When in doubt, hire an electrician
Finally, make sure you get it checked by professional electricians whenever you are doubtful about electrical problems in the home. Though you will be tempted to do electrical repairs yourself, it is always better to hire a licensed electrician.
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