Keeping your family safe in your home is always a top priority. So, there’s no reason for you to take electrical safety for granted. After all, a single incident can cause severe injury or even death.

Right now, you may think or believe that your home is safe from any electrical-related accidents. Are you sure though? If you aren’t, it’s time to check your electrical system. And if you’re eager to do it now or you want to consistently ensure the safety of your house, you can follow the tips and advice listed here.

1. Hire A Licensed Electrician

First and foremost, hire a licensed electrician for any electrical repairs or installations your home needs. They’re the right people for the job, as they’re trained and certified to work with electricity safely. Aside from being the best and safe choice, they diligently adhere to building codes, which can help you avoid conflicts with the authorities.

Remember that attempting electrical work alone, especially if you’re a complete amateur and the job is complex, can endanger you and those around you. So, be sure to get professional electrical assistance.

2. Inspect Your Electrical System Regularly

Periodically check your electrical system for damage or signs of wear and tear at least every six months. Some things to watch out for include exposed wires, frayed cords, or damaged outlets.

Additionally, keep an eye out for flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or constantly tripping circuit breakers. If you notice any of them, contact a licensed electrician.

3. Set A Rule To Unplug Appliances When Not Used

Remember that appliances left plugged in can still consume electricity, even when not in use. So, make a mandatory rule in your home to unplug unused appliances. This simple step alone can prevent electrical fires and save money on your electric bill.

Furthermore, consider using power strips with built-in surge protectors for added safety and convenience. With a single switch, you can turn off multiple devices at once, reducing the risk of electrical hazards and further conserving energy.

4. Teach Your Children About Electrical Safety

Children are naturally curious and may be unaware of the potential dangers of electricity. So, in line with telling people in your household to unplug appliances, you should also teach your children about electrical safety and keep electrical items out of their reach.

Help them understand the importance of not touching electrical outlets or appliances. With proper knowledge and awareness regarding electricity, they won’t cause accidents or become victims.

5. Label Your Electrical Panel

You may want to label the electrical panels in your home to keep you, your children, and everyone else safe from electrical-related accidents. Doing so can make it easier to identify and turn off circuits if necessary. They can also serve as warnings to keep your children away from them.

These labels can also be handy in emergencies as they enable you to quickly locate the right circuit breaker to turn off the power. They can also prevent confusion when you need to temporarily shut off the power in certain rooms or disconnect electricity to a specific appliance.

6. Use The Appropriate Extension Cords

Only use extension cords temporarily and avoid overloading them. Additionally, only use extension cords that are rated for the electrical load they will carry. An overloaded extension cord can potentially cause a fire.

For example, if you need to power an electricity-hungry appliance, don’t use a cheap extension cord; use a heavy-duty one instead. Also, consider installing electrical safety devices.

7. Keep Flammable And Burnable Materials Away From Any Electricity

Placing flammable materials such as curtains, paper, and cleaning products near electrical outlets and appliances is a recipe for disaster. These things can quickly ignite if they come in contact with electricity or heat.

So, keep them as far away as possible. If you can’t keep flammable materials completely away, note that a safe distance of at least three feet should be maintained between them and any electrical outlets or appliances.

8. Never Touch Electrical Appliances With Wet Hands

Never touch any electrical socket, wire, or appliance with wet hands or while standing in water. This should be common sense, but it’s imperative to stress this out.

Technically, pure water is a bad conductor. However, water around and available to you may not be pure and mixed with materials and impurities. These extra particles make water a good conductor of electricity and can increase the risk of electrocution.

So, always dry your hands thoroughly before touching any electrical appliances or outlets. And again, get an electrician; remember that you can handle only a few electrical repairs and projects.

9. Use Surge Protectors

Power surges can happen if a sudden increase in electrical current occurs. This increase in current can damage and even destroy electronic devices.

A surge protector can protect your appliances and devices from that. It diverts excess voltage to the ground, protecting the devices connected to it from harm.

Conclusion

Follow the tips and advice listed above to ensure the safety of your household and protect it from electrical issues and accidents. Remember, prioritizing electrical safety should be a constant commitment. By implementing these measures, such as hiring a licensed electrician, inspecting your electrical system regularly, and teaching your children about electrical safety, you can create a secure environment. Safeguard your home by being vigilant and proactive in maintaining your electrical system.