As a homeowner, it is essential to be aware of potential electrical hazards in your home and take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your family. To reduce the risk of electrical accidents, it is important to follow safety tips when working with electricity or hiring an electrician. First and foremost, it is important to keep the appropriate fire extinguisher handy in case of an emergency. If you find yourself using extension cords frequently, it may be a sign that you don't have enough outlets to meet your needs.
In this case, it is best to hire a qualified electrician who understands electrical safety regulations to install additional outlets in the rooms where you use extension cords. When buying a power cable, consider the electrical load it will withstand. A cable with a load of 16 AWG can hold up to 1375 watts. For heavier loads, use a 14 or 12 AWG cable.
Regular maintenance of your home's electrical systems is also important. Cleaning electrical panels and removing dust and dirt can help prevent damage to equipment. The panels must also always be dry and free from excessive heat. You should routinely inspect panels for corrosion and loose cables. A typical household electrical outlet can withstand 15 to 20 amps of power, but if appliances using the plug exceed their limit, the system can overcharge, even when using surge protectors.
Overcharging electrical outlets is the most common cause of electrical fires in homes, so it is important to avoid connecting multiple high-voltage devices to the same power outlet or power strip. Using the correct power in accessories and appliances can also help prevent overheating. Check all lamps, accessories and appliances to make sure they are using the correct power. If a lamp doesn't have a wattage on the list, use bulbs of 60 watts or less. For unmarked ceiling luminaires, choose 25-watt bulbs. If you experience an electrical problem, it is important to disconnect power to the affected area by turning off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse, and immediately contact an authorized electrician to safely evaluate and resolve the problem.
Additionally, keep flammable objects away from all appliances and electronic devices. It is also important to keep hazardous appliances out of reach of children until they are old enough to use them properly and understand electrical safety in the home. By following these electrical safety tips, hiring a licensed electrician to perform electrical work, and educating your family about electrical safety, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical accidents and create a safe environment for your loved ones. To ensure maximum electrical safety, make sure your appliances have adequate air circulation and avoid placing electrical equipment in closed cabinets. Without adequate air circulation, electrical equipment can overheat and cause a short circuit, and can become an electrical fire hazard. When replacing old wiring, it is best to hire a certified electrician trained to safely install the wiring in accordance with industry standards. If someone without your license or insurance performs electrical work in your home or business and something goes wrong, you may be responsible. Finally, check if new appliances are listed in nationally recognized testing laboratories (NRTL).
By implementing these electrical safety tips at home, you can reduce the risk of accidents, avoid overloading your home's electrical system, and keep you and your family safe.
