We need electricity all the time – it makes our houses bright, enables us to eat warm or cold food whenever we want, lets access to our entertainment every day, keeps us warm, and much more. In today’s time, electricity has really made our lives enjoyable and convenient in numerous ways, but that certainly does not suggest it comes without its hazards and risks.
You can gain some information on basic electrical safety to protect your family and friends from untoward incidents. However, you should always seek the services of a certified electrician for any type of electrical work. Here are some at-home basic electrical safety suggestions.
Repair or Replace Damaged Electrical Cords
Faulty power cords can pose a serious electrical safety risk in your house because they could cause both electrocution and fires. All extension and power cords must be checked frequently for signs of cracking and fraying. Also, these must then be replaced or repaired as needed. The cords should not be fastened or stapled into place. Also, they should not go through under the furniture and rugs because furniture can damage wires and crush cord insulation, while cords below rugs can overheat and pose a tripping risk.
Using extension cords regularly in your house means you do not have enough electrical outlets to fit your requirements. Hire the services of an experienced electrician who can install extra outlets in your rooms. When you want to purchase a power cord, you should keep in mind the overall electrical load it would carry.
Give Appliances Adequate Space for Air Circulation to Prevent Overheating
Lack of appropriate air circulation can lead to electrical appliances and equipment to overheat, which in turn, could lead to short out. Ensure that your appliances are put in a place where there is sufficient air circulation. Don’t run electrical equipment in confined cabinets. For optimum electrical safety, it is essential to store inflammable objects away from all the electronics and appliances. Pay close attention to electric or gas dryer, as these should be located at least a distance of a foot from the wall to operate safely. Nonetheless, for better safety precautions, you should always call a licensed electrician to manage the electrical work.
Pay Attention to Water Heaters and Heaters to Avoid Potential Accidents
Combustible items must be kept away from built-in furnaces and portable heaters. For proper furnace safety, store all the combustibles away from heating appliances. Furthermore, portable heaters must not be operated close to curtains. It should only be placed on a steady or stable surface. In the case of short-circuit, you should immediately ask for the professional help from an electrician.
Make Sure the Exhaust Fans are Always Clean to Avoid Fire Hazards
Some appliances incorporate exhaust fans that can get clogged or dirty. This can make an appliance work harder, resulting in excessive operating load, which in turn reduces the lifespan of the appliance. Dirty exhaust fans can also overheat, or cause accumulation of dangerous gases, which can further lead to electrical fire hazards. Therefore, cleaning exhaust fans frequently would prevent such hazards. An electrician can dismantle an exhaust fan, and clean or repair it thoroughly after following all the electrical safety guidelines.
Unplug all Unused Appliances to Decrease Potential Risks
When you are not using an appliance, just unplug it. This will save electricity by decreasing any phantom drain. In addition, unplugging unused electrical appliances and equipment also protects from sudden power surges or overheating.
These safety tips will certainly protect you and your family from potential electrical and fire risks. Keep them in mind and have total peace of mind. But always remember to call a trained electrician in case of any danger. They will be the best help you could ever get for your residential electrical work.
Author Bio: Alyssa Moylan is an ordinary woman from Australia, a writer by day and a reader by night. She writes on various topics like home improvement, business, lifestyle, health, travel and fashion. She likes to think of ways on how to solve daily life problems of people. Follow her on Twitter to stay updated.
