Electricity makes life enjoyable and highly convenient. It’s part of daily life and makes almost everything manageable.
Sadly, most often people forget that electricity also has its share of risks that can pose a significant threat to the safety of your home.
With this in mind, it’s crucial to know how to avoid the common electrical hazards at home, such as fire and electric shock.
Contents
What Are the Common Electrical Hazards?
Electrical issues are one of the reasons for house fires. Fire with an electrical origin can cause damage and injuries.
Although there’s the danger of ending up with burns due to a fire sparked by an electrical issue, asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation might also pose a risk.
Electric shock is another electrical hazard at home that might result in nerve damage and even death due to heart failure.
If you want to learn how an expert electrician can prevent these electrical hazards, checking out reliable providers in Victoria can significantly help.
How to Avoid Electrical Hazards at Home
Learning about the potential dangers of using electricity and recognizing the common electrical hazards in your home will significantly help in keeping your family and property safe at all times.
Here are several ways to avoid electrical hazards at home.
1. Keep Electrical Devices and Appliances Dry at All Times
Water and electricity have always been a hazardous pair that you should avoid due to their potential to cause electrocution.
Make it a priority to keep all electronic devices and appliances away from water and moisture.
If you drop an electric tool or device into the water while using it, your first move is to turn off the power supply at the electrical panel before you unplug or retrieve the device.
Consult a technician if the device is still safe to use once it fully dries up. Additionally, when working outdoors, avoid using power tools under wet conditions.
2. Call an Electrician for a Safety Inspection
If you suspect that your house has a faulty electrical system or planning to schedule regular inspections, it’s best to work with a professional.
An electrician will carry out checks and perform the necessary tasks to ensure that your electrical system is in good shape.
3. Keep Electrical Outlets Safe
One way to keep electrical outlets safe is to use outlet covers to lessen electrical hazards at home, especially if you have young children.
An outlet cover will minimize the risk of a potential electric shock when children attempt to stick their fingers or small objects into the outlets.
The best option is to replace your current outlets with tamper-resistant receptacles (TRR).
Make sure that you’ll also inspect for loose plugs that might trigger a fire or cause shocks.
Additionally, avoid overloading an outlet by plugging in several devices or appliances at the same time.
4. Use the Correct Bulbs in Lamps and Light Fixtures
When the light bulbs in the main lighting fixtures or lamps in your home need replacement, you should look for replacements with the correct wattage.
A light bulb with a higher wattage is likely to overload the wiring, increasing the risk of overheating and triggering a fire.
When you have a light fixture rated for a maximum of 60 watts, using a 100-watt bulb will take up more power via the wires than it can handle safely.
Additionally, make sure that the bulbs securely fit to avoid overheating and you can use transducers to measure it.
5. Protection From Electrical Surges
The best way to protect against overheating or electrical surges that might trigger a fire or damage the devices or electronics is to turn them off when not in use.
An option to consider is utilizing a surge protector when using a device or appliance.
A surge protector is handy if you live in an area prone to power outages or an unstable power supply.
6. Proper Handling of Electrical Cords
One way to ensure electrical safety in your home is to inspect the electrical cords in your home regularly.
Always check for any frayed or damaged sections that require replacement or repairs.
Electrical cords can be dangerous, especially those running beneath rugs or carpets, go through furniture, those in high-traffic areas, and those nailed to the wall.
Additionally, avoid yanking or pulling electrical cords out of a wall socket. Make sure you’ll pull the plug, not the line.
7. Check the Cause of Persistent Circuit Breaker Trips
The tripping of the circuit breakers occurs when a short circuit or overload occurs.
When this issue occurs continuously, it’s a clear sign of an issue with the electrical system in your home that could develop into a bigger problem.
Some of the causes of continuous tripping of the circuit breaker include:
- Worn out or damaged wiring
- Faulty appliance or device
- Deterioration of the circuit breaker
8. Replace Missing or Damaged Wall Plates
The wall plates aren’t for display but they provide protection. It prevents your hand from making contact with the electrical wiring behind them.
When the wall plate is damaged or missing, it can be dangerous in dark conditions where you can end up with an electric shock or electrocution if you end up touching the wires instead.
9. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GCFIs)
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are crucial in reducing the cases of electric shock in recent years.
These devices turn off the power right away if they detect a discrepancy between the incoming and outgoing current.
If you want to prevent electrical hazards in your house, install GFCIs in rooms prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, the kitchen, and the laundry room.
10. Use Circuit Breakers and Fuses in the Correct Sizes
When the fuses and circuit breakers aren’t in the right size and wattage, they’re likely to falter during emergencies.
Make sure you’ll read the packaging carefully when buying replacements.
If you’re having doubts about which size to buy, ask an electrician to inspect your panel box and label accordingly.
When purchasing replacements at the hardware store, try to stock up with a few extras, which will surely come in handy.
11. Avoid Mediocre Electrical Products
When it comes to the electrical products you’re buying, make sure you’re buying from a reliable source.
If you’re not careful enough these days, you might end up with counterfeit goods that can’t meet the standard electrical safety requirements, which can put your home and family at risk.
Conclusion
The best way to keep electrical hazards such as electric shock and fire at bay in your home is to be familiar with the basic electrical safety measures.
Any issue with the wiring or component of the electrical system requires immediate attention.
These measures will serve as a guide to ensure the safety of your home and family.
