Electric utility service is something most people take for granted and is something that often gets very little attention until there’s an issue. However, residential electric service comes with inherent risks, especially with improperly installed or maintained systems, but can be mitigated with a little attention and intention. Use these 10 tips to help improve your home’s electrical safety.
1. Routinely Inspect Outlets and Power Cables
One of the best things you can do is keep a close eye on your home’s electrical system to catch possible problems early. Pay particular attention to the electrical cords for your appliances. At a minimum, inspect all of your appliance power cords every year, including ones you have to move appliances to see. Inspect the cords on all moveable appliances whenever you use the item, like your vacuum cleaner, hair dryer and crockpots. When inspecting these cords, look for any areas where the coating or insulation is split, frayed or otherwise damaged. Pay particular attention to cords that look like they’ve melted, especially at the plug end.
Additionally, when you plug in an appliance, take note of the electrical outlet’s condition. If you see black streaks, the outlet is loose, or the outlet feels unusually warm, you may want to have it inspected. Plan for an inspection of your entire electrical system every three to five years. If you have an electrical system that’s more than 40 years old, you may want to consider having it inspected annually.
2. Be Careful of Circuit Overloading
Electrical circuits are designed to handle a certain amount of draw, which is why your home’s system is split into multiple circuits. However, circuit overloading is a common issue in many homes where outlet extenders and power strips are used. At a minimum, overloaded circuits can cause issues with breakers that continually trip. Additionally, it can overload the wiring if the breaker fails causing a catastrophic house fire.
If you find an area where lights dim or the power supply is inconsistent when some appliances turn on, it may indicate an overloaded circuit, and you may want to consider upgrading your system. This upgrade may include splitting current circuits into smaller circuits with additional breakers. Be careful if increasing the breaker’s capacity without also upgrading the wiring connected to that breaker.
3. Use GCFI Outlets Where Appropriate
Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets (GFCI) are a staple in both residential and commercial buildings. These monitor the electrical flow at specific outlets and shut down the power if they detect unusual current flow. Water exposure commonly causes the kind of unusual current flow that will trip these outlets. You’ll commonly find these outlets in bathrooms, the kitchen, utility rooms, and outside, especially near a pool or landscaping fixtures.
4. Use Extension Cords Properly
Extension cords allow you to get power wherever you need it around your home, both inside and outside. However, improper use can cause significant safety hazards around your home. There’s the obvious tripping hazard from having extension cords running all over. More importantly, not all extension cords are rated for the same electrical flow or application. Many people will use the wrong extension cord for the application, such as using indoor cords for outdoor uses. Another common mistake is daisy chaining extension cords together to get enough length when they don’t have a single cord that’s long enough. This may be okay if the extension cords match but can become dangerous when mixing lower-capacity cords with higher-capacity ones. Ideally, use a single extension cord that’s designed for the intended application, especially when doing something outside.
5. Replace Damaged Electrical Components Quickly
It’s tempting to continue trying to use damaged electrical components to avoid repair or replacement bills. However, damaged electrical components increase the risk of electrical shocks and arcing, posing both risks of physical harm and property damage. Reduce these risks by not using damaged components until you’re able to replace them.
6. Understand Your Breaker Panel
The breaker panel is the key to preventing catastrophic damage to your home should a fault occur in the electrical system. However, understanding that panel is critical so that you know how to use it when needed. If you notice something going on in your home, you can use the breaker panel to terminate electrical flow to the area. To do this effectively, you need to have a good idea of the area served by each breaker. Additionally, you can always terminate service to your entire system by turning off the master breaker at the top of your breaker panel.
7. Unplug Unused Appliances
There’s some risk with every appliance you have plugged in. Further, everything plugged into an outlet will draw some power, whether you’re actively using it or not. When it’s practical to do so, try unplugging anything you’re not currently using. If you have children or pets in your home, plan to use an outlet cover to add an extra layer of protection and prevent accidental shocks.
8. Give Electric Appliances Enough Ventilation
The process of using electricity generates heat ranging from minor to extreme. Consider the heat a computer generates or the heat produced by a freezer or refrigerator. Even vacuum cleaners produce heat as they run. It’s critical to provide ample ventilation for every appliance you’re using. Review the manufacturer’s recommendation for each appliance to ensure that you’re giving at least the minimum space for air to circulate and prevent heat from building up, which can damage electronics and potentially start a fire.
9. Use Proper Lighting Wattage
Lights are among the most common electrical fixtures in a home, providing needed light when there isn’t sufficient natural lighting. However, there’s a specific rating on lighting fixtures for the bulbs they can use. It’s perfectly safe to use a lower-wattage bulb, though it may produce insufficient light for your room.
Higher-wattage bulbs, on the other hand, pose a significant problem. These draw too much power that can overheat the appliance, damage the wiring and even overload a circuit. Most lighting fixtures have a label indicating proper wattage. If you’re using an LED bulb, the bulb packaging will give you an equivalent wattage, which more accurately reflects how much light it’ll produce. You may be able to use a higher-watt-equivalent bulb if you need more light as long as you keep an eye on the actual draw to ensure you don’t overload the fixture.
10. Avoid Unintended Water Exposure
Be careful of unintended water exposure to your electrical appliances and fixtures. For instance, try to avoid leaving anything plugged in around a sink where accidental splashing may occur. Use caution with liquids, using closed containers when moving around your home with drinks or other liquids. If you spill something, quickly clean it up to prevent it from running toward electronic appliances. Unplug an appliance that needs maintenance, especially if it can produce liquid, such as defrosting a freezer.
For almost 150 years, people around Cheshire have trusted F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for dependable home maintenance services. Our expert team provides electrical installation, repair and upgrades including home wiring and panels, generators, surge protection, EV chargers, and appliances along with a wide range of residential plumbing services, residential fuel delivery and tank installation, roofing services and heating and cooling installation, maintenance and repair. Call to schedule an electrical system inspection with one of our licensed electricians.
