Your family’s safety is important to you, but have you ensured their electrical safety? The amount of electricity running through your home has enough power to cause death if electrocuted.  Implementing a few simple tips regarding your cords and plugs, outlets, and circuit breakers could potentially prevent injuries or fires in your home.

In this post, we try to highlight some of the risks that can be found in your home and offer tips on how to improve electrical safety in your home. 

Common Electrical Risks at Home

Cords & Plugs

All your electrical appliances have cords, and being a daily item, many times we overlook any wear-and-tear that could potentially be a safety hazard to your family and home. Make it a habit to check each appliance’s cords and plugs before every use. Check your cords for any frays, cracks or kinks. If they are damaged, replace the power cord before use; such exposures could be a fire hazard.

Also, make sure to be using your cords appropriately. As much as you want to tuck away or hide your cords, never staple or nail cords in position! Try using tape or twist ties to secure your cords safely. Also, refrain from running your cords through doorways or under rugs, this could cause damage to the cord or cause overheating. Instead, try using an extension cord to safely reach that desired location in your home. Although extension cords are not intended for permanent use, this should only be a temporary solution. Consider rewiring if you are really tied of having your appliance in a specific out-of-reach position.

Outlets

Once you are confident that your cords are safe, now you need to ensure that your outlets are also safe. Every outlet should have its wires covered by a secure plate and if you have children, make sure your unused outlets are covered with a childproof cap. Avoid using multiple adaptors or power strips, which can overload your outlets and cause fire hazards. Instead, relocate your appliances to another outlet.

For outlets located near a water source like your bathtub or kitchen sink, you should check to make sure that your home is equipped with a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet. A GFCI will protect your family from electrical shock if it ever comes in contact with water.

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Circuit Breaker

Your circuit breaker protects electrical wiring from overheating or catching fire. If too much electricity is passed through a certain fuse it will “blow;” breaking the flow of electricity. If this happens, the fuse needs to be replaced – make sure to find the right size fuse to allow the appropriate flow of electricity. Your circuit breaker should always be easily accessible and all members of your family should be aware of its location and how to use it when the time comes.

Your electrical appliances, outlets and circuit breakers are constantly changing over time so make sure to be checking them regularly. Make this a household habit for your whole family. If you notice any signs of electrical issues such as dimming or flickering lights, unusual sizzling or buzzing sounds, or if your circuit 

Tips on how to improve electrical safety at home

• Make visual checks to your electrics with professional help. Learn more about what to look for here.

• Take great care with your DIY. DIY attempts result in nearly half of all severe electric shocks in the home. Always contact a professional to carry out the work for you.

• Remain vigilant in the kitchen. Misuse of kitchen appliances is just one of the many electrical safety no-nos in the home. Learn more here.

• Remember that water and electricity are a deadly mix. The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the house when it comes to electrical safety. Read our top bathroom safety tips here.

• Don’t use electrical gardening equipment outdoors until it is dry. More advice for electrical safety in the garden is available here.

• Take the necessary precautions after a flood. If your home has been flooded, there is a high chance the electrics could be damaged. Read more about what to do in this situation here.

• Contact an professional and seek expert advice before carrying out any work that could risk the safety of your loved ones.

As always, if you have any questions, would like some professional advice or you if are looking for a professional electrician to manage any work for you, contact us today. We are here to help.

Nigel Adams - Surrey Electricians

Email: info@nigeladamselectrical.com
Tel: 01483 232066
Mob: 07850 268024