It is no secret: the world runs on electricity. However, one of the key tenets of the vitality of electricity in our world today is using it safely. With constant cases of electrical fires and electrocution occurring worldwide on a daily basis, the importance of electrical safety cannot be overstated.
At the end of the day, many of these incidences can be avoided with a little care and precaution. Electrical contractors, for instance, offer a wide range of tips to keep yourself and your family safe while using electricity. Keep reading to learn about some of the most essential electrical safety tips from expert electrical contractors.
1. Always Read Instructions Carefully While Using Electrical Appliances
Electrical contractors strongly recommend that when you’re using electrical appliances, no matter how small or harmless they seem, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This keeps both you and your appliance safe in the long run. Additionally, electrical contractors recommend you stop using any appliances if it shocks you, even if slightly. Call an electrician to check it out thoroughly before resuming use.
2. Protect Yourself From Overloaded Power Sockets
One of the greatest culprits for home fires and electrocutions electrical contractors warn against are overloaded power sockets. Thus, it’s imperative that you ensure that all your sockets are cool to touch and are protected by quality faceplates. Other tips electrical contractors strongly recommend following include:
- Careful use of extension cords; do not use them for large appliances.
- Only use a single heat producing appliance in a socket at. Time.
- Smart plugs that can be used to monitor power sockets are a great investment, according to expert electrical contractors.
3. Do Not Leave Any Damaged Wiring In Your Home
Fraying and deteriorating wiring and power cords are dangerous to have in any home, according to electrical contractors. They can cause electrocutions without warning. Thus, electrical contractors recommend ensuring that all wiring and cords should be regularly checked for uses. If you find an issue, do not wait to have the repair taken care of. Call an expert electrical contractor as soon as possible.
Wiring for appliances should not be pinned or stapled to walls and should especially not be placed under carpets or other furniture. This can cause overheating, a leading cause of electrical accidents and damage according to expert electrical contractors.
4. If You Are not Using An Appliance, Unplug It
Electrical contractors recommend unplugging appliances when they are not in use. This allows you to guard against phantom electrical drain and protects your appliances against any unexpected power surges.
5. No Water Near Appliances
To protect yourself and your appliances against accidental electrocution risks, electrical contractors strongly caution against water anywhere near electrical appliances. This not only protects your appliances from any short circuits or accidental damage, but it also keeps you safe from electrocution. This includes objects that may appear dry, such as plant pots!
6. Store Your Unused Wiring Safely
Electrical contractors recommend storing unused power cords safely to ensure they don’t get damaged without you noticing. Keep them in a clean and dry space, away from children as well as any pets. Electrical contractors also caution against wrapping power cords too tightly around themselves or other objects, as this can cause unseen damage.
7.Do not Ignore Good Ventilation
Good ventilation is, according to electrical contractors, the best protection against overheating in electrical appliances. It’s important, therefore, to ensure that all your appliances are well ventilated. Also important: storing flammable objects such as appliances running on gas far away from electrical equipment.
Contact Reliable Electrical Contactors
Electrical safety is vital for your safety and the safety of your loved ones. If you are unsure of whether something is safe, don’t experiment! Reach out to an expert electrical contractor to get experienced advice on what to do and not to do, and any steps you need to take for the maintenance of your home. By keeping these simple and easy to practice safety tips in mind, you can drastically lower your risk of potential electrical disasters.