7 Home Electrical Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

streb2023 on December 5, 2023

Electricity is essential for modern life, powering everything from the smallest light bulb to the largest appliances. However, if not managed properly, it can be dangerous. Electrical fires remain one of the leading risks to homes, making it crucial to understand how to protect your family and property. In fact, electrical fires are the second-leading cause of home fires in the U.S., often caused by faulty wiring, aging systems, or misuse of electrical devices.

Here are seven essential electrical safety tips that every homeowner should know to keep their home and family safe from electrical hazards:

1. Perform a Home Electricity Check-Up

Routine electrical check-ups are essential to ensure everything is functioning properly. Walk through each room and inspect the following:

Plugs and switches: Ensure they work properly and aren’t damaged.
Outlet fit: Make sure plugs fit snugly into outlets.
Correct light bulbs: Ensure the wattage matches each lamp or fixture.
Fuses: Confirm they’re in the “on” position.
Connection: Major appliances, space heaters, and A.C. units should plug directly into wall outlets, not surge protectors or extension cords.
Wires: Make sure wires aren’t under rugs or pinched by furniture, nails, or doors.
Cords: Check that all cords are undamaged and properly insulated.
UL seal: Verify that all products are UL-certified.
Water safety: Appliances and wiring should not come in contact with water.

For issues beyond your control, contact a licensed electrician to handle repairs and inspections.

2. Know the Warning Signs of Electrical Issues

Electrical problems can occur even with regular maintenance. Look for these warning signs:

Buzzing sounds: Unusual noises from appliances or wiring.
Warm switches and outlets: A red flag that may indicate overheating.
Strange odors: Overheating or faulty wiring can produce odd smells.
Frequent tripped breakers: Suggests overloaded circuits or wiring issues.
Sparking outlets: Sparks from outlets should never be ignored.
Flickering lights: Can indicate faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit.
Pest damage: Rodents chewing through wires can create serious hazards.

If you notice any of these, call a professional electrician immediately.

3. Avoid Electrical Overloads

Overloading electrical outlets is a leading cause of electrical fires. Most outlets can handle between 15-20 amps, so avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet or power strip. Never plug large appliances like air conditioners, space heaters, or refrigerators into a surge protector or extension cord.

For example, avoid plugging the following into extension cords or power strips:

Air conditioners
Space heaters
Refrigerators
Microwaves
Hairdryers
Curling irons
Sump pumps
Slow cookers
Air fryers
Pressure cookers

If you rely on extension cords often, consider upgrading your home’s electrical system. Streb Electric can help with consultations and system upgrades.

4. Reconsider DIY Electrical Repairs

While simple tasks like changing light bulbs are safe, electrical work involving wiring, outlets, or circuit breakers should always be handled by a licensed electrician. Improper electrical repairs can result in shock hazards, fires, or damage to your home’s wiring.

Before performing any DIY electrical tasks:

Switch off the breaker in the area you’re working on.
Unplug appliances before working on or near them.
For anything beyond basic maintenance, always contact a licensed professional.

5. Unplug Unused Appliances

Unplugging appliances when they’re not in use is a quick and effective way to reduce energy consumption and eliminate potential hazards. Common culprits include slow cookers, hair straighteners, and toasters. If you’re leaving your home for an extended period, unplug devices like:

Modems
Computers
Chargers

This reduces the risk of electrical malfunctions and saves energy.

6. Install an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)

Arc faults, caused by damaged or deteriorating wires, are responsible for over 30,000 home fires in the U.S. each year. An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) detects electrical arcs and shuts off the power before a fire can start. While AFCIs are required in some areas for new homes, older homes can benefit greatly from installation. Streb Electric can install AFCIs to add an extra layer of protection.

7. Childproof Your Outlets

If you have young children, Tamper-Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) are a must. These outlets have spring-loaded covers that prevent children from inserting foreign objects, reducing the risk of electrical accidents. TRRs are one of the most effective ways to keep your home safe from electrical hazards.

Keep Your Home Safe with Streb Electric’s Safety and Savings Plan

Electrical safety is vital to protect your home and loved ones from preventable risks. At Streb Electric, we offer a Safety and Savings Plan, a private membership service club that provides exclusive benefits, such as:

Priority service
Discounts
Regular safety inspections

Our plan ensures that your home stays secure from unexpected electrical issues, providing peace of mind year-round.

Why Choose Streb Electric?

With over 40 years of experience, Streb Electric is the trusted name for electrical services in Lake County, Geauga County, and surrounding areas. We specialize in electrical safety inspections, outlet installations, GFCI replacements, and more. Our experienced team is dedicated to keeping your home safe and energy-efficient.