Your electrical system is perhaps the most important system in your home. Without it, you wouldn’t have your favorite television programs, your social media, or even your lights! So, of course, you want to do everything you can to protect your system.
But here’s the deal: your electrical system, as important as it is, is probably one of the most dangerous systems in your home. So in addition to protecting your electrical system, you should also know how to protect yourself. Therefore, we have provided you with our guide to electrical safety. All you have to do is keep reading below to find out more!
Safety First!
Do these things and you are well on your way to electrical safety:
- Put safety caps on all your unused outlets: Uncapped outlets can be quite intriguing for the toddlers and children in your home, so it is important that these exposed outlets are covered to ensure safety.
- Replace or repair damaged power cords: Exposed wiring can be quite dangerous and it is often overlooked. If you notice that the protective covering on any of the wires has worn away, be sure to have it replaced or repaired promptly.
- Do not overload your outlets: Each outlet in your home is designed to output a certain amount of electricity. If you plug in too many electronics at once, you could overload the circuits. When there is too much electrical current flowing through a circuit, the conductors may start to heat up, thus presenting the danger of fire.
- Avoid extension cords: Though extensions chords are great for plugging appliances into hard-to-reach outlets, they can pose a risk to your electrical system. The longer the wire is, the harder it is for electrical currents to travel, forcing the outlet to work harder than they’re supposed to. This can cause them to overheat and possibly lead to fires if you aren’t careful.
- Keep electrical appliances away from water: Even a small amount of water can cause electrocution if it comes into contact with an electrical current.
- Use the correct wattage lightbulbs: It is important that the lightbulbs you are using are not above the recommended wattage for the lamp or socket, as it can damage the bulb or the socket.
How to Prevent Electrical Emergencies:
There are a number of ways that electrical emergencies can be avoided in your home:
- Know the signs of a problem: It is important to be aware of the signs that suggest there is an issue with your electrical system. Beware of the following:
- Flickering lights
- Frequent circuit breaker tripping
- Hot spots
- Call for repairs: If you notice any of the signs of an issue, it is important that you contact a professional electrician right away. Prompt electrical repair in Everett, WA is required to prevent the problem from growing worse or dangerous.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Annual preventative maintenance is perhaps the best way to prevent electrical emergencies. Your electrician will thoroughly inspect your electrical system and make repairs and adjustments as necessary.
Want to learn more? Great! Contact the team at G & S Heating Cooling & Electric today for all your electrical needs!
