Essential Electrical Safety Tips
Don’t Overload Outlets
Avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet or power strip. This can cause overheating and increase the risk of fire.
Use GFCI Outlets Near Water
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) should be installed in areas where water is present, like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors. They protect against electric shocks by shutting off power if they detect a fault.
Inspect Cords Regularly
Check electrical cords for fraying, cracking, or other damage. Replace damaged cords immediately to prevent electrical shocks or fires.
Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
Unplugging appliances when they’re not in use reduces the risk of electrical fires and saves energy.
Upgrade Old Wiring
If your home has old wiring, consider upgrading it. Old wiring can be unsafe and isn’t designed to handle modern electrical loads.
Never Use Damaged or Exposed Wiring
Exposed wires are a serious hazard. If you see damaged wiring, call a licensed electrician to fix it right away.
Keep Electrical Devices Away from Water
Water and electricity don’t mix. Keep electrical devices away from sinks, bathtubs, and pools, and dry your hands before using them.
Don’t DIY Complex Electrical Repairs
Leave complex electrical repairs to the professionals. Attempting to fix wiring or electrical systems without the proper knowledge can be dangerous.
Contact our team for help with any electrical repair.
Install Surge Protectors
Protect your electronics from power surges by using surge protectors. These devices can prevent damage to your appliances during a power spike.
Learn more about surge protectors: click here.
Know the Location of Your Circuit Breaker
Familiarize yourself with your home’s circuit breaker panel. If it is safe and dry, you can switch off the main breaker in an emergency. If there is heat, smoke or water at the panel, stay away and call for help.
Test Smoke Alarms Regularly
Ensure your smoke alarms are functioning by testing them monthly. Replace batteries at least once a year.
Be Cautious with Extension Cords
Use extension cords only as a temporary solution. They should not be run under carpets, through walls, or used with high-wattage appliances.
Teach Children About Electrical Safety
Educate kids on the dangers of electricity, including not sticking objects into outlets and the importance of not playing near electrical equipment.
Label Your Circuit Breaker Panel
Clearly label each circuit in your breaker panel so you can quickly identify and shut off the correct one during an emergency or for repairs.
Stay Clear of Downed Power Lines
Never approach or touch downed power lines. Report them to your local utility company immediately. Read more on downed power line safety: click here.
Four more habits worth keeping
These came from our summer safety list, and they apply all year.
Pull the plug, not the cord
Pulling on the cord to unplug an iron, a hair tool or a lamp strains the cord and the plug. Grip the plug.
Never chain extension cords
Do not plug one extension cord into another. If a room needs cords everywhere, it needs more outlets, which an electrician can add.
Take warm outlets and flickering lights seriously
Outlets should not heat up. Heat can mean a loose connection, an overloaded circuit or damage inside, so have a warm outlet checked right away. Investigate lights that flicker, too. If a breaker keeps tripping, read five causes and when to call.
Check outdoor outlets
Outdoor outlets and equipment live in Houston rain and humidity. Have them looked over once a year, and test the GFCIs about once a month. Look for cracked or loose in-use covers too. Covers crack in the Texas sun, and we replace them.
Questions about any of this?
Call. Call any time.