Home Electric Safety Tips

You use electricity daily, plugging in and switching on appliances, lights and electronics. Equipping yourself with the right information is essential to prevent unsafe use.  

Protect yourself and your family with these electric safety tips for homeowners. These tips offer guidance so you can spot possible hazards and take action.

Install Extra Sockets

Using one socket for many appliances can cause overloading, compromising electrical safety in the home. If you have an area where you need to plug in multiple appliances or electronics, have a licensed electrician install extra sockets. 

Take note when sockets are hot and flip the switch off, as this indicates overheating or another issue.

Use Caution With Cords

Big appliances with higher voltage, like washers, dryers, fridges and stoves, need their own wall socket. You should never power them using an extension cord. If you do use an extension cord for anything else, it shouldn’t be underneath furniture or on the ground where animals can chew on it. This advice also goes for regular cords.

Be Safe With Small Appliances 

Be sure to plug in heat-producing appliances, like kettles, toasters, coffee makers and portable heaters, one at a time. Never use them close to water like pools or bathtubs — water conducts electricity, making it a shock hazard.

Surge protector power strips for electronics, like game consoles, can suppress voltage levels that are too high. However, these should never be plugged into another surge protector power strip. A whole-house surge protector is more reliable and protects all your home’s circuits.

Pay Attention to Wattage

Using the right light bulbs with your lamps and fixtures can prevent electrical issues. The wattage on the bulb should match that of the fixture or be lower. If the fixture doesn’t provide this information, it’s best to use a 25-watt light bulb.

Have a Plan for Electrical Fires

Electrical fires can be caused by damaged wiring or equipment. They can happen when using various power supplies, transformers, plugs, cords, lamps, light fixtures and more. To practice safe electrical use at home, follow all the above tips and regularly maintain your fire alarm. If an electrical fire breaks out, don’t try to extinguish it using water. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher nearby, switch off the circuit breaker and throw baking soda on the fire to smother it. 

Choose Quality Electrician Services for Your Home

Following these electrical safety tips creates a safer living environment for you and your family. At idcAutomatic, we provide expert electrical services in Minneapolis and will recommend safe upgrades for your home. Are you ready to talk to us about an electrical safety inspection or installing modern upgrades? Reach out today and request a quote.