Since electricity powers just about everything in a modern home, it is crucial that it be reliable and safe. The good news is that the steps you need to take to ensure this are easy and inexpensive. However, if you suspect that there’s a serious problem with your electrical system that’s beyond your ability to remedy, you should never hesitate to call in a licensed, professional electrician. Here are some of the things you can do to support electrical safety.
Don’t Put Any Electrical Appliance Near Water
Pure water is actually a bad conductor of electricity, but the water that comes into your home is never pure. It contains all sorts of minerals and contaminants, and some of these are excellent conductors of electricity. Keep your electrical appliances dry, and make sure to dry your hands before you handle them. If your appliance is used in a wet room, such as your kitchen or bathroom, make sure that a GFCI or ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet is installed.
Unplug Appliances That Aren’t in Use
It might be a pain to unplug every single appliance in your home that you’re not using, but this year you should try to make it a habit to unplug at least a few of them. For example, one appliance that definitely should be unplugged when it’s not in use is the space heater. Unplugging not only prevents the appliance from being damaged by a power surge or from overheating, but it saves money. Even an appliance or device that’s not being used still uses a little bit of energy if it’s only plugged in.
Be Mindful of Electrical Cords
Don’t use appliances whose cords are frayed or damaged. Replace them with new cords right away, and store cords safely when you don’t need them. Don’t allow them to be placed under rugs or carpets, or place them on hot surfaces that can melt their insulation. Don’t staple them in place or put them in an area where they can be crushed by furniture. You also shouldn’t use extension cords on large appliances such as your fridge or stove. If you find that you’re using extension cords frequently, you may need to call in an electrician to install more outlets around your house.
Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets
Though it is true that power strips come with multiple outlets, they shouldn’t all be used at once, especially if the plug connects to a device that produces heat. All outlets should be cool when you touch them and have face plates for safety. If an outlet is hot, have it checked by an electrician.
Learn More About Electrical Safety
Resolving to make sure your electrical system is safe is a good and necessary goal for the new year. For more information, reach out to us at Sublime Electric of Boise, ID.
