Warning: Tips For Basic Electrical Safety

With the advent of Home Depot, Lowe’s and many retailers and online stores, many homeowners and even business owners have resorted to trying to take the less expensive DIY route.
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While it’s admirable and sometimes a good idea, electricity is not something we suggest you mess with unless it’s the simplest of jobs. The risks with children, animals, water, fire, and potentials for injury, harm or even death, make it one of the less desirable things to check off the “honey do” list yourself. We recommend researching and hiring a qualified professional service contractor in your local area. That being said, please be aware of the following precautions:   

• Don’t use any appliances that have a frayed cord.
• Don't overuse extension cords. Install extra outlets if you need a power source closer to you but have a qualified, insured contractor do the work. This can be especially a good idea during Christmas, Halloween or other holidays when you’re trying to set up lights into two sockets with 8 extension cords.
• Don't use electrical equipment while near, sitting or standing in water.
• Do not ever overload extension cords or surge protectors.
• Put covers caps on electrical outlets if you have animals or small children.
• Call for help if you notice your sockets or switches are warm to the touch, discolored or if they make noise.
• Keep electrical cords away from stoves, ovens and other sources of heat.
• When using extension cords, make sure to unwrap them before plugging them in.
• Only use light bulbs with the correct wattage for your lamps and light fixtures.
• Contact a licensed expert if you frequently blow fuses. This is a common sign of an electrical wiring problem.
• Do not staple extension cords into place or cover them with carpets or furniture.
• If you have fault circuit interrupters installed in your electrical panel, make sure you test them at least once a month by turning them on and off.
• Have a professional look at your fuse box to ensure you have the right size fuses and circuit breakers. The wrong size fuse or breaker can be a fire hazard. Do this in any new residence you buy or move into as a precaution.