Electricity is an essential component of modern life, but it can also pose a significant danger if not used safely. Electrical safety is critical for every homeowner, as electrical fires and electrocutions can cause serious injury or even death.
Let’s discuss the top 5 electrical safety tips every homeowner should know to keep their homes safe.
Know Your Electrical Panel
The electrical panel, also known as the circuit breaker box, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It controls the flow of electricity throughout your home and protects your home from electrical overloads.
However, the electrical panel can also be dangerous if not handled correctly. That’s why it’s essential to know where your electrical panel is located and how to turn off the power in case of an emergency.
To begin with, you should locate your electrical panel and make sure that it is easily accessible. Labeling each circuit breaker and switch is important, so you know which circuit corresponds to which area of your home.
This will help you quickly turn off the power in an emergency.
Furthermore, you should ensure that your family members are aware of the electrical panel’s location and how to turn off the power.
This will help them act quickly and safely in an emergency. Finally, make sure that you do not attempt to repair or replace the electrical panel yourself. Instead, always hire a licensed electrician to perform any electrical work in your home.
Don’t overload outlets
Overloaded outlets frequently bring on home electrical fires. In addition, an outlet can overheat and catch fire if you plug in too many gadgets at once. To prevent the overloading of outlets, this is crucial.
You should first check to see if a cover plate has been fitted on each outlet in your house. This will stop debris and items from entering the outlet and perhaps cause a short circuit. Also, you should refrain from using extension cables as a long-term device-plugging option.
Instead, use power strips or surge protectors to connect many devices instead, but watch out not to overload them.
Furthermore, you should inspect your outlets regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any cracks, burns, or other damage to an outlet, do not use it and have it repaired or replaced by an emergency electrician Melbourne.
Keep Electrical Appliances Away from Water
Combining water and electricity is dangerous and should never be done. This brings about the importance of avoiding placing electrical equipment near water sources like sinks, bathtubs, and swimming pools.
Also, never use wet hands to operate electrical equipment; always dry them first.
Also, confirm that any electrical equipment used in moist spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens, was created for that purpose. A device has completed safety testing and certification if it bears the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) designation.
Last but not least, never try to use or handle wet electrical equipment.
Instead, unplug it and have a professional electrician examine it before reusing it.
Examine your cords
Your extension cords should not be used if they are ragged or otherwise compromised. Now is the ideal time to check your cords for any damage, whether you’re getting ready to put up your holiday lights or decorate for Halloween.
Also, if you intend to use them outside, you should ensure they are weatherproof. Always put this first in the fall to prevent shock and harm!
Broken power cords significantly threaten domestic electrical safety because they can catch fire and electrocute people. Therefore, every extension cord and a power cord should be routinely inspected for symptoms of fraying and cracking and then repaired or replaced as necessary.
In addition, electricity lines shouldn’t be run under rugs or furniture or stapled into position. While furniture can crush cord insulation and harm wires, cords under carpets provide a trip hazard and can overheat.
Conclusion
Doing electrical work improperly can be dangerous. Before beginning their careers as electricians, professionals undergo years of training and on-the-job experience. While performing your electrical work, exercise caution.
Get a reputable electrician to complete the work to ensure that all of your home’s electrical systems are secure, compliant, and operating as they should.