In recent years, the second most common cause of home fires in the United States has been electrical failures. Unfortunately, they also cause the most harm and loss of life. To help you stay safe while enjoying the benefits of electricity, we’ve come up with several measures you can take.
Routinely Inspect Cords and Coverings
Examine a cord first before plugging it in. Any damaged cord, especially if it has exposed wires, should be replaced immediately. Every single cover on every outlet should also be inspected regularly. Check if they are firmly attached to the wall and enclose the wiring. If you find a damaged or chipped cover, you should get a new one, and if any of them are burning, buzzing, or feeling extremely hot, you should contact an electrician.
Upgrade Your Outlets
It’s time to upgrade your home’s electrical outlets if they are the old-fashioned two-prong variety. Instead, install a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) or three-prong outlet. GFCI outlets can avoid electrical shock because they were created with safety in mind. They monitor the current flowing through an electrical circuit and turn off the power if somehow the outlet is exposed to water or any other dangers they can identify. Install them in kitchens, basements, garages, and bathrooms. It’s also advisable to install GFCI protection on all outdoor outlets.
Unplug Cords Safely and Slowly
To safely disconnect an appliance from the socket, hold the plug’s base and pull it out of the wall. Giving a little yank is tempting, but doing so from an angle or a considerable distance might seriously damage the outlet and its wiring or plug. Such risks aren’t worth taking.
Avoid Overloading an Outlet
If you have ever turned on an appliance only to have the power cut out, you’ve probably exceeded the intended rating. In most cases, it’s a circuit breaker that has gone off to avoid damaging your appliances. Nonetheless, avoiding an overload entirely is the most efficient strategy.
To prevent damage to an outlet from overloading, do the following. Don’t multiply the load on one particular outlet by using splitters and extension cords for numerous items. Limit the number of things you switch on at once, and use separate wall outlets for major appliances. If necessary, hire an electrician to install additional outlets.
Childproof Outlets
Buying lots of toys for your kids to play with is great; however, little children sometimes find electrical outlets more interesting than toys. Because of this, caution around electrical outlets is extremely important. Protect your children from electrical shock by installing outlet covers or tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs).
Our electrical outlet safety tips will make your home safer for your entire family. Contact us at Paxton Electric today if you live in the vicinity of Rochester, MN and need electrical panel or outlet repair or replacement services.
