Home Electrical Hazard Prevention Tips to Live By

Your home depends on electricity to run all those helpful appliances and gadgets that make life easier. But we often forget that electricity can turn hazardous faster than a bolt of lightning if we’re not careful. I’m talking electrical fires, shocks, damage to your precious possessions, and even injuries or worse.

This stuff is no joke. Electrical hazards cause thousands of home fires in the U.S. every year. But you want to keep your family safe, right?

So, please read these 12 essential electrical safety tips I’m sharing. They’ll help you avoid electrical disasters before they strike.

1. Don’t Get Your Appliances Wet, Ever!

We all know what happens when you toss a plugged-in phone or radio into the bathtub. Zap! Water and electricity mixing is a recipe for trouble.

Keep all electrical devices far away from any water source in your home. No using the blender on the counter when the sink is running. No leaving the laptop charging by the hot tub. And definitely no appliances near the toilet or shower when in use!

Okay, accidents happen. If an appliance takes an unexpected swim while plugged in, don’t grab it! Turn off the power first at the circuit breaker. Then you can fish it out safely. Make sure it’s 100% dry before using again. I’d still have a repair person check it over too, just to be safe.

2. Use Outlet Covers if You Have Little Ones

Kids love exploring everything with their hands and fingers. And outlets seem like the perfect size to stick tiny fingers and objects into. I know you try to watch them like a hawk, but they’re quick!

Put outlet covers on all unused sockets so inquisitive minds don’t get zapped. Go for child-safe ones up to the latest safety standards. They protect from shocks and are cheap prevention.

3. Pick Light Bulbs That Won’t Overload Fixtures

You want nice bright bulbs, but bigger wattage isn’t necessarily better. An overpowered bulb can overheat the wiring in a light fixture, causing a fire danger.

Always check the right wattage before getting new bulbs. Lower wattage than recommended is A-OK, but going over that max rating risks trouble. Oh, and make sure bulbs are fully screwed in for a snug connection. Loose bulbs get hot too.

4. Too Many Plugs Can Overload Your Outlets

We all need power strips and extension cords now and then. But don’t use them as long-term solutions, my friend. They’re intended for temporary fixes only.

Chaining a bunch of power strips together or cramming too many plugs into one outlet can cause the wiring to overheat. Spread electrical load evenly across all your outlets. If you need more outlets permanently, call an electrician.

5. Inspect Those Cords and Plugs Regularly!

Take a quick peek at all the electrical cords in your home. See any frayed, cracked, or damaged ones? Is the insulation wearing thin? Those need to go! Bad cords and loose plugs can spark fires and shocks fast.

And check that cords aren’t getting smushed behind furniture or in high-traffic areas. That constant pressure ruins the insulation over time. Replace them before they cause damage.

6. GFCIs Are Essential in Wet Areas

Let me tell you about GFCIs, or ground-fault circuit interrupters. They shut off power in a flash if they detect any surges. Handy! Have them installed in kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and outdoor outlets. They prevent nasty shocks.

If you don’t have GFCIs in those locations yet, get an electrician on it. Just a small investment to save lives.

7. Call an Electrician for Persistent Circuit Breaker Trips

It’s normal for a breaker to trip occasionally. But if it keeps happening for no obvious reason with a certain circuit, you’ve got an issue. Could be a short, an overload, or faulty wiring. Don’t mess with it yourself! Call an electrician to check it out before you use that circuit again. Safety first!

8. DIY Electrical Work? No Way!

Look, I get the temptation to take on electrical repairs yourself and save some money. But even simple electrical jobs come with huge risks, like getting shocked or electrocuted.

The wiring is tricky business, even with the power off. Only experts have the skills and tools to handle it safely. Leave electrical fixes to the pros, no exceptions!

9. Buy Electrical Stuff Only From Trusted Retailers

Cheap knock-off electrical gear made without following safety standards can be super dangerous. Only buy legit electrical products from reputable retailers you know and trust.

Check that it has a certification mark from a place like ETL, UL, or CSA. Then you know independent testing labs verified its safety.

10. Hire Electricians for Regular Home Inspections

Make electrical inspections part of your home’s routine checkups every 5 years or so, even more often if you have old aluminum wiring. An expert can catch issues before they escalate into huge problems or disasters. Don’t cut corners here!

11. Address Any Electrical Warning Signs Immediately

If you notice things like circuit breakers tripping a lot, flickering lights, sizzling sounds, or hot outlets and switches, something’s wrong! Stop using those sketchy circuits and call an electrician to inspect before it’s too late.

12. Update Ancient Wiring with a Pro

If your home still relies on ancient wiring, it’s time for an upgrade. Old wiring is prone to breaking down and lacks modern safeguards. Hire a pro to replace it with up-to-date wiring for maximum safety.

Upgrading fuse boxes to circuit breakers improves safety too. Breakers contain electrical issues better than fuses. Protect your castle!

Final Thoughts

Electrical dangers are everywhere if you’re not vigilant. But now you’ve got insider knowledge on how to keep those risks far away from your loved ones and home.

Take electrical safety seriously. Give your home regular checkups by pros. Make repairs quickly. And never try DIY electrical work – leave it to the experts only.