6 Electrical Safety Tips for Your Home

Electricity plays such a big part in our lives that we pretty much take it for granted. It has become second nature to us as we go about our daily lives. From the moment we wake up and turn on the light to charging our devices, doing laundry, or watching TV in the evening. It’s easy to forget the potential safety hazard electricity is if we don’t take electrical safety seriously.
Not only can learning to correctly use your home’s electrical system and electronic devices keep you and your family protected, but it can also make a big difference in how efficiently your electrical system is operating in your home.

What is Electrical Safety?
Electrical safety refers to any type of precaution taken to protect against electric currents, it’s about being aware of the possible dangers around your home and understanding what to look out for, avoid and adjust. Contact with electricity can cause serious injuries, including electrical shocks, electrical burns, and even electrocution.
Stay safe at home with these six tips:

• Don’t overload sockets – never overload an extension lead by plugging in appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the socket. Always make sure that the sockets are cool to the touch to avoid overhearing and possibly causing a fire.
• Unplug appliances when not in use – unplugging appliances that are not in use not only prevents you from using unnecessary energy and running a sustainable home, it could also protect your appliances from surges and other electrical faults.
• Look out for broken electrical cables – to protect your home, regularly check all power cables and extension leads and repair or replace as needed. Remember: running a cord under a rug is a fire hazard and running cords throughout your house poses a tripping hazard for your family.
• Allow space for air circulation – this perhaps isn’t something homeowners consider, but your electrical equipment needs adequate space for the air to circulate to keep itself cool whilst it’s working. Without this it could cause it to overheat and become a fire hazard. Avoid putting anything on top of electrical appliances and don’t run electrical equipment in small spaces such as a cupboard.
• Check the fuse – it’s simple to change a fuse on plugs – but make sure you use the right one for the appliance. Using the wrong fuse can cause a cable to overheat, and means the appliance isn’t protected against electrical faults.
• Call a professional – Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your appliances. Using your devices correctly will improve performance, its lifespan, and keeps you safe. However, if you’re noticing that your lights are constantly flickering, your circuits are tripped frequently, or you see sparks and smell burning, it’s time to call Vittetoe Electric.

These are all big warning signals that a larger electrical problem may be afoot, and it will need to be addressed quickly be a trained professional for your safety. Similarly, if any appliance gives you even a minor electric shock, stop using it immediately and ask a qualified electrician to check it. Don’t try to repair it yourself.

Following these essential electrical safety tips can help you prevent severe electrical issues or injuries. They’ll also help you save energy and money on your utility bill, too! Our experienced electricians are highly trained in all aspects of electrical service, including emergency repairs. Vittetoe Electric is Colorado’s best option in electrical contractors 24/7.