From brewing your morning coffee to keeping the lights on in the evening, we constantly rely on our electrical systems. But because they’re mostly tucked away, it’s easy to forget about their safety considerations. Keeping your home’s electrical system safe just requires some know-how and attention. Here are our tips for electrical safety at home.
Electrical Safety At Home: Spotting Sneaky Electrical Hazards
You’d be surprised how many potential problems are hiding in plain sight. Frayed cords only need a bump or a bend to expose live wires. Overloaded outlets are another big one. Just because there are six holes doesn’t mean you should plug in six high-power appliances. That outlet and the wiring behind it have limits, and pushing past them is a major fire risk.
Look out for warm or discolored outlets or switch plates, too. That’s often a sign of overheating, meaning something isn’t wired correctly or is being overworked. And that persistent flickering light that isn’t just a loose bulb could indicate a wiring issue that needs attention before it becomes a bigger problem.
Simple Steps for a Safer Home
Taking a few minutes for a quick electrical safety sweep makes a world of difference. Regularly check cords and plugs for damage. If a cord is frayed, cracked, or has exposed wires, replace the whole item or have the cord professionally repaired or replaced. Don’t try to patch it up with tape – that’s a temporary fix for a serious hazard.
Make sure outlets in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. These are the ones with the “Test” and “Reset” buttons. They are crucial because they detect ground faults (when electricity strays from its path, often through a person) and quickly shut off power, preventing shocks. If you don’t have them in these wet-prone areas, it’s a safety upgrade worth prioritizing.
Also, be mindful of where you run cords. Don’t place them under rugs or carpets where they can be stepped on, damaged, and overheat unnoticed. And always keep electrical appliances and cords away from water sources. Water and electricity are a notoriously dangerous combination.
When to Call an Electrician
While a little awareness goes a long way, some jobs are strictly for the pros. Tackling DIY electrical work without the proper knowledge and tools is incredibly dangerous and can make problems worse–potentially violating building codes and impacting your homeowners insurance.
If you’re dealing with frequent breaker trips, outlets that don’t work, new appliance installations that require wiring changes, or any job that involves opening walls or working directly with your home’s wiring or service panel, it’s time to call a qualified electrician. They have the expertise to diagnose issues safely and confirm that everything is up to code, so you don’t have to worry. Your home’s electrical system isn’t a mystery to them; it’s what they do every day!
Taking a proactive approach to electrical safety keeps your home and everyone in it safer. A little vigilance and knowing when to call a professional are your best defenses against electrical hazards.
Electrical Safety At Home FAQs
How often should I have my home’s electrical system inspected?
It’s generally recommended to have a thorough electrical inspection every 5-10 years, or when buying an older home, undertaking major renovations, or adding a significant electrical load like a hot tub or home extension.
Can I use any extension cord for any purpose?
No. Extension cords are designed for temporary use and specific power loads. Using indoor cords outdoors or using cords that aren’t rated for the power draw of the connected appliance can cause overheating and fires.
What does it mean if an outlet feels loose?
A loose outlet is a potential fire hazard as connections can loosen, causing arcing and overheating. It should be repaired or replaced by a qualified person as soon as possible.
Low Keys Home Inspections provides inspection services to the Florida Keys. Contact us to schedule an appointment.