Try imagining a life without electricity. A world where you cannot turn on the television to watch your favorite shows. A place where you cannot use your washing machine to wash and dry your clothes. And, where you cannot open your computer for work. Electricity has truly become part of our daily lives. It is one of the most important technological developments which enables us to live a convenient and comfortable life. In this article, we will discuss electricity safety at home. According to the report by the United States Product Safety Commission, 31,000 home electrical fires happen every year. And, 200 deaths are due to home electrical systems.
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Home Electrical Safety
The National Fire Protection Association states that 69 percent of electrical fires are caused by faulty wiring and other related electrical equipment. Take note of the following safety tips and do them regularly. For instance, outlets, plugs, extension cords, and the whole electrical system in our house can be a fire hazard.
Electricity Safety Maintenance Tips for the Home
One of the leading causes of electric fires is faulty power wires and defective electric appliances. You can prevent this through regular inspection and maintenance. The first important thing to know about electricity safety at home is how to properly maintain our electric wires. And, household appliances in order to minimize any risks of electric fire or electrocution. Here are some maintenance tips that can help you ensure electrical safety in your home:
Inspect
Regularly inspect the power cords and wiring around your home. Take note of any signs of wear and tear such as frayed wires or cracks. If needed, make sure to repair or replace them. In this way, you can avoid a serious risk of electrical shock or overheating which can result in electric fire.
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Don’t Place Unders Rugs
Do not place your power cords under rugs or furniture in your house. Since placing cords under a rug can lead to overheating. On the other hand, furniture can crush the electric cords and damage wires underneath it.
Organize
Organize the electric cords around your house. See to it they are not tangled with each other.
Place your electric wiring, outlets, and electric appliances away from water. Electricity and water are a deadly combination. Make sure that your electric appliances and wires are dry and far away from any water source to minimize the risks of electrocution.
Pull the Plug
Remember to pull the plug and not the electric cord from the outlet. Avoid pulling the electric cord when you are unplugging your electric device since this can cause damage to the plug, outlet, or in the electric appliance itself.
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Outlet Safety
Outlets are everywhere in our house. In the United States, homes usually have two-pronged outlets. However, newer homes now have three-pronged outlets. Whatever the kind of outlet you have in your own house, it is important to follow this electricity safety for home outlets to minimize any risks of accidents and problems in the future.
Outlet Tips
- Inspect your house and look for any overloaded outlets.
- Before unplugging your electric appliances, make sure that you turn them off first.
- Take note of the manufacturer’s instructions before plugging an electric appliance into a receptacle outlet.
- Add TR receptacles are a built-in safety mechanism against electric shocks. According to the National Electrical Code, you can only plug one high-wattage appliance.
- Installing a Ground-fault circuit interrupter is a residual-current device that quickly shuts off electric power so that you don’t get a severe electric shock.
- You can use Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to connect to the Wi-Fi network. And, any electronic appliance connected to the smart plug adaptor can be turned on or off remotely using your smartphone.
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Electronic Appliances Safety Tips
It is not an exaggeration to say that we have multiple electronic appliances in every room in our house. Here are some tips:
- Do not put flammable objects above heat-producing electronics or lamps in your home.
- Check your lamps and lights for the proper bulbs. LED lamps save energy and money on power bills.
- Unplug any unused electric devices. Unplugging lowers power spikes and equipment overheating.
- Read the documentation before utilizing new electronics.
- Note any gadget issues (grounded or flames). Stop using it and contact an electrician.
- To avoid overheating, keep your electronics well-ventilated.
- Keep flammables away from electronics.
- Avoid water near electronics.
- Use dry cords and outlets for outdoor electronics.
Extension Cord Safety
Extension cords can pose several electric hazards, so don’t use them for an extended period of time. They are more vulnerable to water which makes them more likely to cause electrocution. Also, if an extension cord is connected to a high-power electronic appliance then there would be a higher possibility of overheating.
If you are using an extension cord as a temporary solution in your house, you may be at risk of electrocution and overheating. That is why we recommend adding more outlets or circuits around your house. Ask the help of a qualified electrician to add more outlets to your house to ensure electricity safety at home.
Childproof your House
In the United States, over 2,400 children below 10 are treated in emergency rooms due to electrical shock or burns as a result of children tampering with a wall outlet around the home every year. Electric wiring, electronic appliances, and unused wall outlets can easily pose danger, especially to curious children.
- Cover unused wall outlets with tamper-resistant covers. You may also block outlets with furniture. Preventing kid electrocution requires this.
- To avoid stumbling, organize loose cables.
- Hide your extension cable.
- Keep youngsters away from electrical gadgets, particularly hairdryers, toasters, and clothes irons. Lock them up. Electronics should be stored on high shelves or in cupboards to keep youngsters away.
- Electricity is dangerous. Early warnings regarding electrical cables and electronics are important.
- Teach your kids not to pull the plug.
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When to Call for Help?
Electrical repairs are sensitive. Thus, a licensed electrician is generally needed. Signs you need an electrician include:
- Sparking electronics.
- Hot outlets, wires, and switches.
- Burning or squishy electronics.
- Lights flicker.
- Corroded breaker box.
- Electric shock by gently touching any electrical switch, outlet, appliance, or surface in your home.
- Circuit breakers or fuses blow often.
- Call an electrician to install extra outlets if you use extension cables.
- Living in a home that is over 25 years old can have tricky wiring. Call a licensed electrician to examine your home’s electrical system to reduce electric dangers. Thus, your house is secure and up to code.
Remember, that you should not force yourself to fix everything on your own, especially if you do not have the right expertise. Do not hesitate to ask for professional help, as they are equipped with the right knowledge and skills in fixing electrical issues around your house.
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Electricity Safety and Home Insurance
Getting reliable Home Insurance is a good way to minimize the risks brought by electric hazards in your home. Since it can cover losses in your property and safeguard you from unexpected damage and liabilities, it’s important to have a good understanding of what electrical hazards pose to you. Home insurance is never exciting. But getting a great deal on it? Now that’s something to smile about.
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