3 Electrical Safety Tips In Honor of Electrical Safety Month
Every May, the nation observes National Electrical Safety Month. It’s a time to raise awareness of the importance of electrical safety and educate the public on the best practices for avoiding electrical hazards and preventing disaster.
Several common household electrical hazards contribute to hundreds of electrocution incidents and tens of thousands of electrical fires each year. The good news is that steering clear of these hazards is surprisingly easy. Keep reading for three simple tips for electrical safety that everyone should know!
Stop Overloading Outlets and Power Strips
Overloaded circuits are one of the most common electrical hazards to watch out for. They’re also one of the most dangerous because overloaded outlets or power strips cause nearly 10% of electrical fires. When too many appliances are plugged into a single circuit, it can cause the appliances or the circuit’s wiring to overheat. In the best-case scenario, this will trip the circuit breaker, but it can damage the appliances and spark a devastating fire in the worst-case scenario.Fortunately, preventing circuit overloads is simple. First, homeowners should avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet or power strip. Power strips should never be “daisy-chained” to cram more devices into one outlet. Instead, homeowners should spread their appliances across multiple outlets.
Of course, multiple outlets may share the same circuit, so it’s good to map out which outlets are on which circuits. This can be done with a little experimentation or with the help of an electrician. It’s also a good idea to know the amperage of different appliances and avoid using too many high-amp appliances on a single circuit. Finally, it’s best to unplug appliances when they’re not in use to reduce the overall power draw and lower energy consumption.
Use the Recommended Light Bulb Wattage
An even easier way to practice electrical safety is to use light bulbs with the correct wattage. Lamps and light fixtures are rated to handle a certain wattage, and exceeding that rating can have dangerous consequences.
Suppose a 100-watt bulb is installed in a desk lamp with a 60-watt maximum rating. This is called overlamping. The bulb will draw more power than the lamp is designed to handle, which will cause the bulb to burn out faster and cause the lamp’s wiring to overheat. The overheating can potentially destroy the lamp and even start a fire.
Overlamping can be avoided by using bulbs that don’t exceed the fixture’s recommended wattage. It’s fine to use bulbs with a lower wattage than the fixture, as the bulb will draw less power. LED bulbs (which tend to have a very low wattage) are such a safe and effective way to reduce power consumption.
Don’t Try To Perform DIY Electrical Work
This is perhaps the easiest of all the electrical safety tips. Let a professional handle electrical work. Whether it’s an outlet repair, an electrical panel upgrade, or a new lighting installation, the safest bet is always to bring in a professional electrician. Of course, the obvious risk of electric shock comes with electrical work, but that’s only the beginning.
There’s also the risk of future issues due to improper installation of components or less-than-precise workmanship. And there’s the electrical code to consider. Amateur electrical work can lead to a house failing its inspection when it comes time to sell or get a new insurance policy. On the other hand, professionals can ensure that all work is done in compliance with the latest codes and safety standards.
Suppose homeowners spot the warning signs of an electrical problem, such as flickering lights, a breaker that keeps tripping, or an outlet or light switch that buzzes or feels warm. In that case, they shouldn’t try to tackle it themselves but instead, call their trusted local electrician.
About Solaris Electric
Solaris Electric is a family-owned and operated business that has served the Orlando area since 2008. They provide upfront pricing, same-day service, financing, and 24/7 emergency service. Their friendly, respectful technicians never leave a mess behind. Call them today for reliable electrical services in Orlando, FL.
