Electrical Safety Tips
At any given time the modern American household has over a dozen electrical appliances running at the same time. This increases the risk of electrical hazards which can lead to burns, electrocution or house fires. These potential disasters can be easily avoided by following a few basic electrical safety tips.
- Turn off as many appliances as you can that are not in use. In addition to saving money on electricity usage, you will also reduce the risk that one unattended appliance may suffer a short circuit.
- Cover all exposed wires. Exposed wires can become damaged and lead to short circuits or fires. Ensure that all electrical cords are not damaged, and replace those that are. Use electrical tape to cover and reinforce cords that you don't want to replace.
- Avoid crowding too many plugs onto one socket. Do not connect one gang plug to another as it will overtax the power socket and overload the electrical system, which may trip the circuit breaker and shut down other appliances, or even cause an electrical fire.
- Avoid working with devices powered by electricity or handling cords when your hands are wet or when you're standing in water. Water is a powerful conductor of electricity and can cause an electrical current to go rogue, resulting in painful or debilitating shocks, or even death by electrocution.
- Investigate any brownout or flickering lights that aren't associated with a utility power outage. Check the walls for heat and inspect the associated power outlets for signs of burns, as this may present a risk of an electrical fire.