Electrical Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Have you ever thought why it's so important to be careful about electrical safety at home? Even a small mistake with your electrical system can quickly lead to big problems - like a fire, a painful shock, or someone getting hurt. 

The ESFI (Electrical Safety Foundation International), which focuses on promoting residential electrical safety, reports that home electrical fires cause about 51,000 fires yearly fires, causing nearly 500 deaths and over 1,400 injuries.

And that's not all! In addition to the risks of shocks and fires, there are also financial concerns, because electrical accidents can cause significant damage to your home, leading to costly repairs.  

The good news is that you can stay away from these problems by following the right home electrical safety practices. So, let’s explore the basics of keeping your home’s power system safe and secure with these crucial electrical safety tips.

Indoor Electrical Safety Tips for Homeowners

Whether you’re decorating your home for the holidays or putting in new ceiling fans for summer, remember these indoor electrical safety-at-home tips. Some of them might even help you save on your energy bill.

Watch Out for Overloaded Outlets 

Overloading an electrical outlet is a common source of electrical problems. Check all outlets to make sure they are cold to the touch, have protection covers, and function properly. Here are some ways to avoid overloading the outlet. 

• Don’t use extension cords or multi-outlet adapters for appliances.
• Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time. 
• If an outlet feels hot, have a qualified electrician check it.
• Remember that power strips just add more outlets; they don’t increase the power the outlet can handle.
• Smart plugs can help you monitor power use and turn off appliances if an outlet starts to overheat.

Replace or Repair Damaged Electrical Cords 

Damaged power and extension cords can pose a serious safety risk at home, so check them regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you find any fraying or cracking, make sure to repair or replace them. 

Avoid stapling cords in place or hiding them under rugs and furniture, as it can create tripping hazards and may overheat, while furniture can damage the insulation and wires. If you frequently rely on extension cords, it may be a sign that you need more outlets. Consider hiring a licensed electrician to install additional outlets in rooms where you commonly use these cords.

Follow Appliance Instructions 

Every appliance comes with its own set of instructions that should be followed for safety. Most home appliances are easy to use, but it's especially crucial to be cautious with those that generate heat. These appliances require a lot of power, can be dangerous around water, and may cause fires if not used properly.

Unplug Appliances When Not in Use 

It's wise to unplug appliances when they’re not in use, so you can be sure they won't cause any issues. When disconnecting cords, always pull on the plug, not the cord, because pulling it can damage it and expose live wires.

If some outlets are hard to reach, you might use a power strip with a switch to control your appliances. If you have children, consider using outlet covers on any outlets that aren’t being used.

Using Electrical Devices in Wet Areas 

Water can carry electricity, so keep electrical devices away from it to avoid shocks. Make sure your hands are dry before touching any electrical device, and don't use appliances near pools, bathtubs, or other wet areas.

Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) turns off when it senses a problem, like a short circuit or damaged insulation. These devices protect people from electric shocks and prevent fires, and should be placed in bathrooms and kitchens.

Don’t Use Extention Cords Permanently 

An extension cord should be used only as a temporary fix when you need power in an area without an outlet. It shouldn’t be a permanent solution. Instead, either move the device or appliance closer to an outlet or have a new outlet installed where you need it.

Make Sure Fixtures and Appliances Use The Right Wattage

While this is less of an issue than before, you should match the wattage of your bulb to the maximum rating of your fixture. Using a 100-watt incandescent bulb in a fixture meant for a 10-watt LED can cause it to overheat quickly.

Allow for Proper Airflow Around Your Appliances

Without enough airflow, electrical equipment can overheat and create a fire risk. Ensure your appliances have good air circulation, and don't use electrical devices in closed cabinets. For safety, keep flammable items far from all appliances and electronics. Pay extra attention to your gas or electric dryer, as it should be at least a foot away from the wall to operate safely.

Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips for Homeowners

From gardening to hosting events, electricity lets us enjoy outdoor activities but, when working near buried utility lines, high-voltage equipment, and unpredictable weather, be extra careful. To stay safe while doing outdoor activities, remember these electrical safety tips at home.

Electrical Safety Tips for Yard Work

Always wear rubber-soled shoes and gloves when using electrical tools in your yard or outside of your home. Be cautious of overhead power lines when using ladders or long tools, and keep cords away from sharp edges to avoid injuries. 

Make sure garage and outdoor outlets have ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and use weather-proof boxes for outlets exposed to moisture. Store electric tools indoors to protect them from the weather, and avoid using them in rain or snow.

Dealing with Power Lines

When you see power lines in your neighborhood, remember they can be dangerous, especially during storms. Always stay away from overhead power lines, substations, and transformers, as electricity can jump up to 10 feet. 

If you notice any damaged equipment or power lines on the road, report them to your power company right away. If your car touches a downed line, stay inside, do not touch the exterior, and contact the fire department for assistance. Before planting trees near power lines, check their growth patterns to choose a variety that won't interfere with the wires, and always hire a professional to trim tree limbs near overhead lines.

Recreational Activities

When the weather is nice and warm, stay safe while enjoying outside. Always choose outdoor lighting that’s designed for outside use and keep light strands away from pools, sprinklers, and standing water. 

Large appliances like heaters and hot tubs should be plugged into the right outlets. Teach kids to drop and walk away from kites that get caught in power lines, never climb the fence around a substation to retrieve lost items, and don’t use electrical cords for games like jump rope or tug-of-war.

Holiday Lighting Safety Tips

During the holiday season, many of us love to decorate with lights. To stay safe while celebrating, keep these tips in mind. 

First, check your lights for broken or missing bulbs to prevent shocks or cuts; replace any faulty bulbs before hanging them. Always unplug light strings before replacing bulbs, and use a wooden ladder rather than a metal one, as metal transmits electricity.

Use only outdoor lights outside as they are weatherproof. Any extension cords used outdoors should be designed for that purpose, and they should be able to handle the number of lights you’re using. Finally, use a timer or set an alarm to remind yourself to turn off the tree lights before going to bed or leaving home.

When to Call a Professional Electrician? 

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Keeping your home electrically safe requires ongoing attention, learning, and sometimes making improvements. Remember that while electricity is a strong and vital component of modern life, yet with great power comes great responsibility.

While these electrical safety tips at home are helpful, the best way to protect your family and home from electrical fires or shocks is to hire a qualified and licensed electrician for any work needed. At Randy's Electric, we take care of everything from start to finish so you can feel at ease and peace with our team in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Contact us for your next electrical project, and we’ll be glad to help you.