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Electrical safety is a crucial component of home maintenance, but many households unfortunately overlook it. Every home has a variety of electrical wiring, systems, and appliances that need careful handling so that accidents can be prevented. Electrical injuries happen when proper safety measures aren’t adhered to. When you educate yourself on the subject and follow certain precautions, you can substantially reduce the potential risks of electrical injuries throughout your home.
Regularly Inspect Electrical Appliances and Outlets
Damaged or faulty electrical appliances can result in serious injuries. Regularly inspect your home’s sockets, plugs, and cords for signs of wear and tear. Take notice of any burn marks, frayed cords, or exposed wires. Have an electrician replace faulty components immediately.
Avoid Overloading Electrical Circuits
Plugging an excessive number of devices into one outlet can overload circuits and cause an electrical fire. The wiring can overheat and eventually catch fire. Never chain multiple devices that split your outlets into additional sockets. Avoid this by distributing appliances across different circuits, and don’t use extension cords for too long. Installing more outlets in high-traffic parts of your home can spread the load around.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
A GFCI is a crucial safety device that prevents electric shock in certain circumstances. When it detects a ground fault, it cuts the power off. These devices are essential for rooms with water present, including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoor spaces.
Use Surge Protectors
A surge protector can prevent electrical injuries because it protects appliances from any sudden voltage spikes. Such spikes happen during power outages and storms. They can result in substantial damage to your home’s electronics. Electrical surges can also happen if you are using a generator. Whole-home surge protectors can be added to your home when you update your electrical panel.
Educate Family Members on Electrical Safety
Everyone you live with needs to understand the basic rules of electrical safety. That’s especially true for kids. Don’t let them play with appliances, electrical cords, or outlets. Place covers on unused outlets to keep children safe.
Safety Around Home Electrical Amenities
Modern homes have numerous electrical amenities, including HVAC, lighting, and appliances, but all of these can pose risks if handled improperly. Knowing how to stay safe around everything is important.
Your kitchen might have more electrical appliances than any other part of the home. Always keep your appliances in good working condition. Unplug them when they’re not in use. Be careful about water around any electrical devices. Don’t use anything that gives off burning smells or sparks.
Bathrooms are also high-risk areas for potential electrical injuries because of the water that is present. Keep everything from electric shavers to hairdryers away from showers, bathtubs, and sinks. GFCIs are crucial to shock prevention.
Bedrooms and living rooms might not feel as at risk, but attention is still necessary. Don’t run cords under carpets that might make them overheat. Don’t damage or pinch cords by putting furniture near them or outlets. Don’t go to bed with an active electric blanket or heater.
The inside of your home isn’t the only area to be mindful of. Lawn equipment and heavy-duty tools might need electricity outside your home or in your garage. Be mindful of any wet conditions, and make sure your tools are all in good condition.
When To Call an Electrician
You might be able to do a handful of minor electrical tasks as a homeowner, but many situations require a licensed electrician. You can prevent dangerous circumstances by knowing when to bring in a professional. Frequent circuit breaker trips are one such instance because they indicate an overloaded electrical system. Deeper issues could be at play, including outdated technology or faulty wiring.
Flickering lights might be symptomatic of wiring issues or a loose connection. If you have flickering lights in multiple rooms, call an electrician. Your home’s electrical system likely has a serious issue not isolated to certain fixtures or bulbs.
Visible sparks or burning smells near switches or outlets are significant warning signs. There might be a short circuit happening or an electrical fire. In these cases, cut the power to the affected part of your home and call an electrician immediately.
Older homes might have outdated wiring that can’t handle the higher electrical demands of contemporary technology and appliances. Homes over 30 years old should have their wiring inspected for safety. Major appliances, including ovens, dishwashers, and HVAC systems, should have professional installation for efficiency and safety.
The Most Common Home Electrical Injuries
Knowing the most common home electrical injuries helps you take precautions to prevent them. Here is a list of common issues.
Electric Shock
When someone comes into physical contact with an electrical current, they experience a shock. Depending on the specific voltage and duration of the contact, electrical shocks can range in severity from minor jolts to total fatality. Shocks frequently happen when somebody touches an exposed wire or an appliance malfunctions.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns are another common injury, and they happen when electrical energy makes human skin or even the deeper tissues burn. These can be severe and necessitate immediate medical attention. This kind of injury is more likely if you deal with high-voltage equipment or wiring.
Electrical Fires
Electrical fires can be the most destructive home accidents, and they can also be deadly. Malfunctioning appliances, overloaded circuits, and faulty wiring are all potential causes. These fires are able to spread quickly through a home, and they’re hard to extinguish without the proper equipment.
Fall Injuries
In some instances, electrical shocks might make someone lose balance and fall. This would be a secondary injury, but it can be just as hazardous as the shock itself, particularly when someone falls onto a hard surface or from a height. Always heed caution when working in high places or on ladders near electrical sources.
Electrocution
Exposure to high-voltage electricity can result in this fatal injury. Coming into direct physical contact with live electrical wires is a huge risk and a big reason why DIY electrical repairs are a bad idea.
A Little Caution Goes a Long Way
Preventing electrical injuries at home involves a combination of vigilance and precautions. Follow these safety tips, do regular inspections, and know when it’s time to call an electrician. Doing all these protects your home and family from the possible dangers of electricity. Knowing the most frequent electrical injuries means you can minimize the risks. Electrical safety needs to be a priority for everyone you live with. Identifying and correcting specific electrical issues, like whole-home rewiring, should be left to a professional electrician who can do the work safely and without voiding warranties.
Call the Pros
HR Phoenix handles electrical and plumbing services for residential and commercial clients alike throughout the Dallas and Fort Worth markets in Texas. Contact HR Phoenix for all the electrical needs of your home or business, like upgrades to your electrical panel or generator service.
