Electrical Safety Tips to Protect Homes and Families
It’s always important to pay attention to the electrical system in the home and correct any deficiencies to prevent electrical hazards and keep everyone safe. The electrical system in the home is responsible for much of the convenience of modern living but can present some risks of its own when the home isn’t properly protected. Homeowners can take action by implementing these tips for electrical safety.
Prevent Overloaded Outlets and Circuits
Overloading electrical circuits and outlets is a hazard and can lead to a power outage, electric shock, or fire. To prevent this, it's important to distribute electrical loads across multiple circuits. Typically, each large appliance should have a dedicated circuit to help avoid overloading.
If homeowners are unsure about the capacity of a circuit, it's best to consult with a qualified electrician. They can add circuits if the home’s electrical needs have changed to help avoid overloaded circuits and outlets. By taking precautions, homeowners can help keep their homes and families safe from the hazards of an outlet or circuit overload.
Childproof the Outlets
Toddlers and young children are notoriously curious. This can compel them to investigate the electrical outlets that are at their eye level when crawling. Unfortunately, this is an electrical hazard that homeowners should take steps to prevent, as it can cause shocks and burns when children stick items into outlet openings.
The cheapest option is plastic outlet caps. However, these are not as effective as tamper-resistant outlets because a child can learn how to remove them. Once removed, these plastic covers are useless and can become a choking hazard. The best option is installing childproof outlets. A tamper-resistant outlet has tabs or shutters integrated into the slots that prevent the insertion of foreign objects.
Know When to Call an Expert
An essential part of electrical safety is knowing when to call an electrician when the home has an electrical problem. Electricity has dangers, so by calling an electrician to fix electrical troubles as soon as they are noticed, the home and its residents will be better protected. Electricians can find the source of the issue and provide solutions to make the home safer. These signs can include:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Electrical shock or sparking from outlets
- Warm or hot outlets, switches, or ceiling fixtures
- Burning odor
- Humming or buzzing noises
About Trustworthy Electric
Trustworthy Electric has been serving the Montgomery area since 1994. They provide upfront pricing, on-time service, and fully stocked trucks. Call them for electrical services in Montgomery, AL.
