Electrical Safety Advice You Can Use

Part of being a responsible homeowner is being aware of potential electric safety hazards around the home.

Many people know the basics of at-home electrical safety but aren’t aware of the extensive amounts of additional information out there.

In our busy day-to-day lives, it’s easy to forget the importance of having a critical eye for safety, particularly on our own properties.

That’s where Superior Heating, Air Conditioning, & Electrical, Inc. can help you out. These are our top tips for improving your home’s electrical safety.

In Kitchens

When it comes to electrical safety in the kitchen, cleanliness and tidiness are vital.

Keep countertops clutter-free; at the same time, make sure that the stove, exhaust hood, and ducts are regularly cleaned so that no food or grease residue remains.

Remove paper and fabric items from the area surrounding the stove and keep appliances far from water sources such as the sink or the stove where liquid may be used frequently.

It is necessary that you keep a few inches of space on each side of your refrigerator, above the fridge, and behind it.

Wedging an appliance too tightly into a small space will prevent the appliance from receiving proper air ventilation.

The same issue can happen when you hinder an appliance by stacking too many objects on top of it.

In addition to keeping plugged-in devices far from water sources, you should also give them clearance from sources of heat as well.

While multitasking, the cord from your rice cooker could cross with a hot plate or toaster oven causing the rubber to melt and, in a worst case scenario, causing an electrical fire.

Electrical cord organizers are a good way to mitigate this risk, but you should always pay close attention to cords when working in the kitchen.

In Other Rooms Around the House

In all rooms, it’s important to avoid overloading circuits. Of course, the outcome of overloading the system is usually just the circuit breaker tripping.

This means the power will be shut off to avoid circuit damage or fires. While the hazards are often avoided on your behalf because of this, repeatedly tripping the breaker is still a sign of unsafe habits.

Always look for clear signs of electrical hazards around your home. Frayed cords are an obvious one; repair or retire any devices with ragged cords. In addition, avoid running any cords beneath fabric rugs.

Finally, be wary when using space heaters in the winter.

These devices are beloved by many, as they add instant coziness to a room.

But portable space heaters – in particular, open coil heaters – are very hazardous, particularly when they are placed near flammable items such as bedding, fabric-covered couches, drapes, and carpet.

Finally, and most importantly, always hire a qualified electrician for any wiring jobs or installations.

Attempting any electrical work yourself is highly dangerous and could result in injuries or fires. Give yourself and your family the peace of mind that comes from knowing the job was done right – call your local electrical experts.

In Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a place where it’s necessary to be even more wary of electrical hazards.

The use of water and the likelihood of coming into contact with a water source in the bathroom make it essential to reduce hazards in advance.

If you can, avoid using electrical appliances like hairdryers, curling irons, or music players into the bathroom at all. It’s best to use these in a dry space.

If you’re adding any luxuries to your bathroom such as heated towel rails, make sure you have a professional install them.

This goes for any bathroom renovations.

Bathrooms are divided into zones for electrical safety based on each zone’s proximity to a water source, and these must be strictly adhered to when making any upgrades.