The Do’s and Don’ts of Electrical Safety

• Turn Off and Unplug Appliances When Not In Use

This is a simple habit that will reduce the risk of electrical fires and help you save electricity. What most people may not know is that plugged-in appliances consume electricity, even though they are not in use. Make it a habit to unplug appliances when not in use for purposes of maintaining electrical safety in your home.

• Use GFCI Outlets in Areas with Water

GFCI outlets should be installed in areas near water or potential moisture to prevent electrocution, electric shocks, and burns. In accordance with the requirements of NEC, these outlets should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, outdoors, and crawl spaces. If you’ve not installed GFCI outlets in areas where moisture is present, call Mr. Electric today for help with electrical outlet installation.

• Inspect Electrical Cords Regularly

Over time, electrical cords can deteriorate and pose a wide range of risks, including electrical fires and shock hazards. Regular inspection of extension cords allows you to identify fraying, cracking, and tears before they compromise electrical safety in your home.

• Hire a Licensed Electrician for Electrical Work

Needless to say, electrical work is dangerous and should be handled by a qualified electrician. You should never attempt to undertake electrical repairs, no matter how minor they may seem. If you’re looking for a professional electrical service company, reach out to Mr. Electric.

The Don’ts of Electrical Safety

• Don’t Overload Circuits

We are all guilty of plugging too many appliances and gadgets into a single outlet. This is a habit that can compromise electrical safety in your home. There’s a maximum amount of power you can draw from a circuit. Exceeding the limit can result in overheating and electrical fires. If this is a problem you’re experiencing, call a professional electrical repair service to help you install additional circuits.

• Don’t Use Damaged Electrical Cords or Appliances

One of the common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to electrical safety is continuing to use damaged electrical cords and appliances. This is a risky affair because they can cause electrical fires, and you could be electrocuted. It’s advisable to replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and have your appliances repaired or replaced altogether.

• Don’t Try To Repair Electrical Problems Yourself

It’s common for homeowners to try and fix electrical issues that they consider to be minor, but the truth is, electrical work is not a DIY job. Whether it be lighting installation or electrical panel replacement, the job should be left to a qualified electrical repair service.

• Don’t Ignore Signs of Electrical Problems

It’s easy to put off scheduling electrical repairs for a number of reasons. However, you should be aware that minor electrical problems can quickly escalate into full-blown electrical disasters. For example, flickering lights can be a sign of bad wiring, while tripping circuit breakers could mean that your electrical panel needs to be checked. Ignoring these issues is courting disaster, to say the least. It’s best to schedule electrical repair service as soon as possible to maintain electrical safety in your home.

Contact Mr. Electric for all of your residential and commercial electrical needs.