3 Surprising Things You Can Do To Improve The Electrical Safety Of Your Home
Electricity is a modern amenity that homeowners can't live without. Although a home's electrical system is an integral part of the structure, homeowners may not understand how to interact with their electrical system safely.
It's impossible to prevent all electrical accidents, but you can do your part to improve the electrical safety of your home in the future.
1. Wear Rubber Sole Shoes Outside
The risk of electrocution is always present when you are using your home's electrical system. This risk increases if there is the potential for you to interact with water and electricity at the same time.
Fall is the time of year when homeowners start thinking about hanging lights for the holidays. You should make it a point to wear rubber sole shoes whenever you are working with your outdoor outlets. The rubber will act as a ground to help reduce the possibility of a serious electrocution that could lead to injury or death.
2. Unplug Small Appliances
Your home is likely filled with small appliances that you use on an intermittent basis. Taking the time to unplug these appliances when they are not in use can significantly improve the electrical safety of your home.
The flow of electricity streaming into your home can experience fluctuations. A power surge that runs through a small appliance can easily spark an electrical fire in your home. If you unplug your small appliances, you prevent power surges from becoming fire threats in the future.
3. Check Your Light Bulbs
Light bulbs can become a serious safety hazard if you aren't using the correct wattage. A bulb with a wattage that is too high for your lamp, light fixture, or appliances can generate excessive heat while in operation. This heat puts the bulb at risk of sparking an electrical fire.
Check the manufacturer's recommendations for each fixture or appliance before replacing the light bulbs in these items. Use a bulb with a wattage that is no higher than the recommended wattage for the item. This will help prevent overheating and protect your home against the possibility of a heat-related fire.
It's your job to ensure that your home's electrical system doesn't pose a threat to the safety of your family. An experienced electrician can evaluate the condition of your electrical system and make any repairs that are needed to maximize safety.
Vigilance and a bit of caution can be useful tools in helping you maintain the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. If you need electrical repairs, be sure to contact a professional.