Taking care of regular electrical maintenance is imperative for keeping your home and loved ones safe. Add a couple of simple steps to your home safety checklist to stay aware of electrical concerns before they become major problems. Here are electrical safety tips to keep your family and your property protected.
Electrical Safety Tips
Keeping an eye on your home’s electrical system is easy when you know what to look for. Regular checks of outlets and cords keep you a step ahead of potentially disastrous incidents.
Discard or repair fraying or damaged cords. Seek out professional assistance if electrical receptacles aren’t functioning properly or are hot to the touch. Reduce the number of plugs that are in each outlet and provide your appliances with plenty of space around them from proper ventilation.
Check for Outlet Issues
Keep an eye on electrical outlets to make sure they’re not loose or damaged. Outlets that have signs of wear and tear or are hot to the touch need to be replaced. The same can be said for loose outlets, which can be a fire hazard. For these types of repairs, call a professional to inspect and replace damaged outlets.
Prevent Electrical Overheating
An overheated appliance is a major safety issue that can cause damage to the device or even a house fire. Larger appliances such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, and freezers need plenty of space for air to circulate around the machines to properly cool them down. Likewise, smaller appliances such as coffee makers and toasters also need airflow and should not be operated inside of enclosed cabinets or cupboards.
Electrical Safety: Don’t Overload Outlets
Overloaded electrical outlets are another preventable fire hazard that requires immediate attention. Don’t connect more than one extension cord together. Be aware of how many devices you have drawing power from a single outlet. Space heaters and hair dryers require a lot of electricity, so don’t plug them into the same outlet or use them simultaneously with other high-wattage appliances. It’s important to understand that power strips do not increase the amount of power coming from the outlet. They only serve to add more outlets. For fire safety, don’t overload power strips.
Discard Damaged Cords
Electrical cords that are under rugs or furniture present a risk because they are crushed and may overheat. Cords should not be stapled to floors or walls, as the staples may damage the protective covering. If you notice any damage, immediately discard or repair the electrical cords. Some devices have replaceable cords and sometimes you will need to replace the entire appliance if the cord becomes damaged.
Northern Florida Home Inspections provides inspection services in the northern Florida area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.