Here are seven tips for electrical safety in the home. Learn about your electrical panel for quick, electrical safety tips. Your electrical panel is basically a large switch with multiple smaller switches that supplies power to various parts of your house. It will usually have a main breaker, that controls the panel, and other smaller breakers which specific service areas or appliances. You should know your electrical panel by name or model number and be familiar with how it works.
If you are having trouble with your electricity, find a licensed electrician. Many people don’t know how to handle electricity safely. By hiring someone who is licensed, you can be guaranteed safe electrical repairs. Licensed electricians are trained professionals that can repair any type of electrical appliance. They are experienced at all types of electrical work including installation and electrical repairs.
Make sure that all the electrical devices in your home are turned off. Electrical cords and appliances carry electricity and when they are not in use, they can develop voltage leaks. These leaks can result in short circuits and fire hazards. All dangerous electrical issues should be inspected and resolved immediately. If you notice any type of issue, move it from its location where it can cause the most damage to your home and remove it. If you have old electrical appliances that you do not use, they may be causing problems with your electrical safety.
Always keep an eye on the outlet that you plug in electrical appliances too. Unplug an appliance before inserting a new appliance into the same outlet. If you have multiple outlets, it’s important that you don’t mix these devices up. This can cause a dangerous electrical fire.
When unplugging items such as fridges, freezers, and air conditioners from hot water or electric appliance, don’t allow them to fall into the water. Some electricity is harmful and can enter your plumbing system. Use your hand or arm to prevent them from entering. Also, unplug fridges, freezers, and air conditioners from your kitchen ceiling and ducts. Your bathroom sink might have an electrical socket and if so, it’s a good idea to check with a home improvement professional before plugging anything into that outlet.
You should also make sure that there are no power lines that run near where you are working. Electricity can enter your home by way of these power lines. The best thing to do is call your electrician and have him or her run a check to assure that there are no power lines that run where you are working. He or she will also tell you what the risk factors are for electricity getting into your home and into your electrical equipment. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
If you are using electrical equipment inside of a room, it’s always a good idea to turn off all power from the breaker box and use the extension cord to protect your appliances and furniture. Never plug appliances into extension cords. Also, never connect an appliance to extension cords when you are not in the room. Plugging an appliance into an extension cord could potentially break the appliance and become a hazard for you and your family. And don’t use any appliance that is not designed to work on household circuits.
Finally, when unplugging electrical appliances, turn off the power at the breaker panel. It’s usually labelled with a symbol representing neutral. If it isn’t labelled, look in the direction of the power cord to determine which receptacle the plug should be removed from. Avoid touching any receptacles when removing them. Follow these tips for electrical safety and you’ll be able to prevent some of the most common accidents from occurring. Home appliance installation services are available online, search for them to find the best licensed electrician in your local area.