Damaged power cords are a serious residential electrical safety risk, and they are capable of causing both fires and electrocution. All power and extension cords should be checked regularly for signs of fraying and cracking, and they should then be repaired or replaced as needed. Power cords should not be stapled into place or run under rugs and furniture. Cords under rugs pose a tripping hazard and can overheat, while furniture can crush cord insulation and damage wires.
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The use of extension cords on a regular basis may mean that you don’t have enough outlets to fit your needs. Have a qualified electrician who understands electrical safety rules install additional outlets in rooms where you often use extension cords. When purchasing a power cord, consider the electrical load it will carry. A cord with a load of 16 AWG can handle up to 1,375 watts. For heavier loads, use a 14 or 12 AWG cord.
Pro tip: AWG stands for “American wire gauge.” The lower the number, the thicker the cord!
Electrical safety tips don’t just apply to power cords when they’re in use—cords also need to be stored safely to prevent damage. Keep stored cords away from children and pets (who may chew on or play with the cords). Try to avoid wrapping cords tightly around objects; this can stretch the cord or cause overheating. Never rest a cord on a hot surface in order to prevent damage to the cord’s insulation and wires.
One of the simplest electrical safety tips is also one of the easiest to forget: when an appliance is not in use, unplug it. Not only does this save you power by reducing any phantom drain (the amount of energy the device consumes even when not actively in use), but unplugging unused appliances also protects them from overheating or power surges.
It’s often difficult to remember to unplug unused appliances, but the new generation of smart plugs offers a solution, allowing you to set power schedules for each outlet.
Water and electricity don’t mix well. To follow electrical safety rules, keep electrical equipment dry and away from water prevents damage to appliances and can protect against personal injury and electrocution. When working with electrical appliances, it’s important to have dry hands. Keeping electrical equipment away from plant pots, aquariums, sinks, showers and bathtubs lowers the risk of water and electricity coming into contact.
Without proper air circulation, electrical equipment can overheat and short out, and can become an electrical fire hazard. Make sure your appliances have proper air circulation, and avoid running electrical equipment in enclosed cabinets. For best electrical safety, it’s also important to store flammable objects well away from all appliances and electronics. Pay especially close attention to your gas or electric dryer, as these need to be situated at least a foot from the wall to function safely.
Some appliances have exhaust fans, which can get dirty or clogged with debris and make the appliance work harder. This can shorten the life of the appliance and can cause a risk to the home due to overheating, or even cause a buildup of dangerous gasses that can lead to an electrical fire hazard. Cleaning exhaust fans regularly helps prevent such hazards.
Using the right bulbs can prevent electrical problems, so check all lamps, fixtures and appliances to ensure you’re using the correct wattage. If a light fixture has no wattage listed, use 60-watt bulbs or less. For unmarked ceiling fixtures, choose 25-watt bulbs.
Pro tip: LED bulbs consume less power and reduce the risk of fixtures overheating. Learn more about LED light benefits.
Combustible items should be kept away from portable heaters and built-in furnaces. For furnace safety, store combustibles far away from any heating appliances. Portable heaters should not be operated close to drapes, and to prevent tipping, they should only ever be placed on a stable surface.
On a related note, do you know what temperature your water heater is set to? High temperature settings eat into your water heater energy usage and can cause burns and unintentional scalding, especially in homes with small children.
Whether you’re at work or home, both settings operate on electricity. Here are 10 electrical safety tips to help you avoid electrical hazards:
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Keep water and other liquids at least 5 feet away from electrical equipment and sources of electricity. It is recommended to install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) which help prevent electrical incidents like electrical shock, ground faults, fires, overheating, and the destruction of wire insulation.
When disconnecting electrical equipment, gently pull it by the plug instead of jerking the electrical cord. Pulling by the cord can damage the electrical cable and cause a shock.
Good electrical installation consists of fixed electrical equipment and electrical cords out of the way (and out of reach of pets that can chew on them).
A switchboard is an electrical safety device that protects and isolates the operator from electrical current. It controls the flow of electricity by dividing, distributing, and metering electrical power to different parts and devices. To ensure best performance and safety, electrical power entering the switchboard must resemble the amount of power it distributes. Otherwise, it can cause overheating and lead to electrical fire.
Be aware of power lines before climbing a tree or a ladder, and especially when working at height.
Use outlet covers when there are children around to avoid electrocution.
Have flickering lights checked and fixed, as it can be caused by loose connections somewhere or the bulb itself needs to be secured or replaced.
Use clear visible signs when there’s high voltage in the vicinity that people need to be warned about.
Instead of fixing issues, most DIYs can cause further damage. Should any electrical issues arise, it is always best to have an expert handle it.
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