You use energy to power your home, but do you practise electrical and appliance safety? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 31,000 home electrical fires occur each year, and with over 180 cases involving electrocution or electricity-related incidents that could have been avoided, home electrical safety is far too important to overlook. Constellation is concerned about Harvey plumber, and by following these electrical safety tips at home, you can protect yourself and your family.
Tips for Electrical Safety
What causes home electrical fires?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 69 percent of electrical fires are caused by faulty or damaged wiring and related electrical equipment, followed by lamps, light fixtures, cords, plugs, transformers, and other power supplies. Always consult a professional when looking for potential fire hazards in your home.
To improve electrical safety, always read and follow appliance instructions.
“Read the instructions” should be at the top of the list of Harvey plumber. Understanding home appliance safety benefits both the device's performance and your personal safety. Stop using any appliance that gives you even a minor electrical shock until a qualified Harvey plumber inspects it for problems.
To keep your home safe, keep an eye out for overloaded outlets.
Electrical problems are frequently caused by overloading an electrical outlet. Check that all outlets are cool to the touch, have protective faceplates, and are in good working order.
To keep your home safe, replace or repair damaged electrical cords.
Damaged power cords pose a serious residential electrical safety risk, as they can cause fires as well as electrocution. All power and extension cords should be checked for fraying and cracking on a regular basis and repaired or replaced as needed. Power cords should not be stapled or run beneath rugs or furniture. Cords under rugs can cause tripping hazards and overheat, and furniture can crush cord insulation and damage wires.
If you frequently use extension cords, it's possible that you don't have enough outlets to meet your needs. Install additional outlets in rooms where you frequently use extension cords by a qualified electrician who understands electrical safety rules. Consider the electrical load it will carry when purchasing a power cord. A 16 AWG load cord can handle up to 1,375 watts. Use a 14 or 12 AWG cord for heavier loads.
To avoid damage, keep your used and unused cords neat and secure.
Electrical safety precautions do not only apply to power cords when they are in use; cords must also be stored safely to avoid damage. Keep cords out of reach of children and pets (who may chew on or play with the cords). Avoid wrapping cords tightly around objects; this can cause the cord to stretch or overheat. To avoid damage to the cord's insulation and wires, never place it on a hot surface.
To reduce potential risks, unplug all unused appliances.
When an appliance is not in use, unplug it. This is one of the simplest electrical safety tips, but it is also one of the most easily forgotten. Unplugging unused appliances not only saves you energy by reducing phantom drain (the amount of energy the device consumes even when not actively in use), but it also protects them from overheating or power surges.
