We use electricity in our homes every day, but few of us consider the safety risks associated with it. Electrical hazards can put your home and family at risk of injury, fires, and other costly damages. In order to minimize the risk of electrical hazards, it is important to use high-quality construction electrical products that meet current safety standards.
In addition to this, there are several easy steps you can take to prevent electrical hazards from occurring in your home. In this article, we will provide 8 simple tips for preventing electrical hazards in your home so that you can rest assured that your family is safe and secure.
Tips to Prevent Electrical Hazards at Your Home
Keep Your Electrical Appliances Away from Water
Water and electricity do not mix. To prevent electrical hazards, it is important to keep all electrical appliances away from sources of water, such as sinks, bathtubs, and pools. This will help to reduce the risk of electric shock and fires.
Pay Attention to the Signals that Your Appliances Need Service/ Maintenance
Electrical appliances require regular maintenance and service to ensure they are working properly. Keep an eye out for signs that your appliances need servicing, such as strange noises, unusual smells, or flickering lights. By taking prompt action when these signals appear, you can help to prevent electrical hazards.
Install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
GFCIs are special outlets that can help to prevent electrical hazards by quickly shutting off the power in the event of a ground fault. GFCIs are particularly useful in areas of the home where water is present, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Make Sure You’re Using the Right Size of Circuit Breakers and Fuses
Using the right size of circuit breakers and fuses is important to prevent electrical hazards. Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to protect your electrical system by shutting off the power when there is an overload. If you use a fuse or breaker that is too small, it may not be able to handle the load, which could result in an electrical hazard.
Use Outlet Covers
Outlet covers can help to prevent electrical hazards by covering up unused outlets and keeping children and pets from sticking things into the outlets.
Avoid Using Electrical Outlet Stretching Devices
Electric outlet stretching devices are not safe and can cause electrical hazards. They can overheat and cause a fire. It is best to use a properly grounded outlet when one is not available.
Replace Broken Wall Plates
Broken wall plates can expose live wires, which can be a serious electrical hazard. If you notice a wall plate that is broken or missing, it is important to replace it as soon as possible.
Treat Your Cords With Respect
Electrical cords can become a hazard when they are frayed, cut, or otherwise damaged. To prevent electrical hazards, it is important to treat your cords with respect. Keep them out of the way to avoid tripping hazards and never run them under carpets or rugs.
Final Thoughts
Electrical hazards can lead to serious injuries and even death. Taking the proper precautions and following these 8 tips can help keep your home and family safe from electrical hazards. Make sure you always use caution when dealing with electricity, be aware of what is going on around appliances and wiring, look out for warning signs of a potential electrical hazard, and keep any cords or plugs in good condition.
Author Bio: Jeson Pitt works with the marketing department of D&F Liquidators and regularly writes to share his knowledge while enlightening people about electrical products and solving their electrical dilemmas. He’s got the industry insights that you can count on along with years of experience in the field.