Electrical Safety Tips at Home

On any given day, it's likely that most people use several different electrical appliances. With electric appliances being so common in modern homes, it's easy to forget that there are very real risks and hazards associated with their use. Take the time to brush up on the principles of safe operation - and make sure that everyone in your home is aware of them - in order prevent unnecessary exposure to hazards and safety risks.

Electrical Safety Tips Anyone Can Follow

Being safe when using electrical appliances, extension cords, light bulbs and other equipment is easy, and safety tips should be included in household rules, homeschool fire safety and daily behavior expectations for all members of the family. It only takes one mistake to spark an electrical fire, but simple prevention measures can be effective solutions.

Appliances

Appliances are an integral part of every household, from a simple electric clock to the microwave oven. These safety tips can help keep all appliances operating safely:

• According to CenterPoint Energy, it's essential to ensure that any appliances you purchase are approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another reputable consumer laboratory.
• Unplug unused appliances and stow cords safely out of reach of pets, young children or hazardous situations.
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  Appliances that generate heat, such as clocks, televisions and computer monitors, should be given several inches of clearance all around for good air circulation and cooling. Do not drape clothes, toys or other items over warm appliances.
• Always follow appliance instructions carefully, and do not attempt amateur repairs or upgrades.
• Keep all electrical appliances away from water such as sinks, bathtubs, pools or overhead vents that may drip.
• Do not operate any electrical appliance with wet hands or while standing in water.
• Keep clothes, curtains, toys and other potentially combustible materials at away from radiators, space heaters, heating vents and other heat sources.

Cords

Every electrical appliance has a cord, and many homes use extension cords to increase the range of electrical outlets. These safety tips can help keep cords in good condition for safe operation:

• Check cords regularly for frays, cracks or kinks, including power tool cords, holiday lights and extension cords. The Canadian Center for Occupational Safety suggests doing this before each use.
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  Cords are not be jump ropes, clothes lines or leashes, and should never be used for anything other than their intended purpose.
• Cords should be firmly plugged into outlets - if the cord is loose and can pull out easily, choose a different, more snug outlet.
• Do not staple or nail cords in position at any time; if the cord does not remain where desired, use tape or twist ties to secure it.
• Cords should not be placed beneath rugs where they can become a trip hazard or where frays will not be noticeable. Furthermore, covering a cord will prevent it from keeping as cool as possible.
• Do not make modifications to a cord's plug at any time - do not clip off the third prong or attempt to file down a wider prong to fit in a different outlet.
• Extension cords are a temporary solution only, and their use should be minimized whenever possible.
• Use the proper weight and length of extension cord for the appropriate task, and be sure the cord is rated for indoor or outdoor use, whichever is required.
• When unplugging a cord, pull on the cord at the outlet rather than tug on the cord itself.

Outlets

Every cord has to plug into an appropriate electrical outlet, but these tempting niches are inviting to unwelcome objects that can cause shorts and fires. Use these electrical safety tips at home to keep outlets safe:

• Block unused outlets by changing to a solid cover plate or using childproof caps per Consumer Product Safety Commission recommendations.
• Do not overload outlets with multiple adaptors or power strips; relocate cords instead.
• Never put any object other than the appropriate size plug into an outlet.
• Install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in potentially hazardous areas such as near pools, crawl spaces, kitchens, bathrooms and unfinished basements.
• Keep all outlets properly covered with secure plates that cover all wiring.

Light Bulbs

Light bulbs are the single most common electrical fixture in homes, and proper light bulb safety can keep them from becoming a common electrical hazard.

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  Use bulbs that have the correct wattage requirements for each fixture. Using a higher wattage bulb can cause the fixture to overheat.
• Consider switching to more efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs that provide the same level of light at a lower wattage level.
• According to the Blue Ridge Electric Membership Cooperative, if a CFL bulb breaks, you should open a window and have all people and pets leave the room for at least 15 minutes.
• Always screw bulbs in tightly; a loose bulb can cause sparks or shorts.
• Be sure to unplug or turn off a fixture completely before changing light bulbs.

Outdoors

It is important to also practice electrical safety when outside, since many electrical hazards can be found near homes and not just inside their walls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides a number of recommendations for outdoor electricity safety.

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  Keep trees pruned and away from power lines overhead as well as where the power lines approach the house.
• Do not fly kites, model aircraft or balloons near power lines.
• When using a ladder, carefully inspect the surrounding area to be sure it is free from power lines.
• Do not swim or play in water during an electrical storm, even if it is not raining.
• Always assume that contact with a power line can be deadly.
• Do not approach a downed power line to see if it is live - it may give no signs that can be easily observed, but it is just as deadly. Contact the authorities immediately about downed lines.

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

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  Do not allow children to play in proximity to small or large electric appliances.
• Replace any tools that put off even mild electric shocks.
• Replace any light switches that have a tendency to flicker.
• Replace any light switches that are hot to the touch.
• Avoid overloading extension cords, sockets and plugs.
• Do not every force a three-prong plug into a two-receptacle socket.
• Know where fuse boxes and circuit breakers are located as well as how to properly operate them.
• Never attempt electrical repairs or rewiring without proper certification and experience.
• Do not put water on an electrical fire; use a dry fire extinguisher or baking soda instead.

Staying Safe at Home

Even though electricity is commonplace, there is still quite a bit of danger associated with improper use. Carefully observe all safety measures when using electricity to keep yourself - and your family - safe.