Often overlooked, electrical safety is an important aspect of maintaining a safe environment in your home. Most people tend to only know some electrical safety rules, such as not inserting metal objects into sockets or never mixing water and electricity. However, these obvious electrical issues are not the leading causes of electrical fires and other accidents. Some common causes of electrical fires include faulty cords and overloaded electrical outlets. As a homeowner, understanding the basics of electrical safety can help significantly reduce the risk of fires, injuries and other accidents in your home.
Astley Electrical shares some steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from some common electrical hazards.
Some electrical hazards you need to look out for include:
Your home’s wiring should meet electrical safety standards. Defective wiring can increase the chance of an electrical fire, power surge, or other issues.
Components within outdated appliances may become worn out or obsolete, increasing the risk of malfunctions or breakdowns. This could lead to sparking, arcing, or electrical fires.
Many people continue to use damaged cords, not knowing how dangerous this could be. When you find a damaged cord, stop using it immediately and avoid a DIY fix.
Below are some warning signs of electrical issues to look out for:
Childproofing electrical outlets and cords is extremely important. Below are some tips for childproofing electrical outlets and cords.
These serve as a barrier, ensuring children cannot access the electrical components in the socket.
These outlets have a built-in shutter system that ensures foreign objects cannot be inserted unless an equal amount of pressure is applied to both shutters concurrently.
A cord shortener lets you store the extra parts of a long cord inside a receptacle that your child cannot access, preventing tugging and pulling.
Use tape to strap long cords down.
Playing with electrical appliances and outlets can lead to serious injuries or even death for young ones. It is important to discourage such behaviour by:
Electrical appliances can be dangerous when not used properly. Ensure appliances are unplugged when not in use, and do not use an appliance with a faulty cord. Inspect your appliances regularly for signs of wear and tear, and if you notice any problem, call a professional electrician immediately.
It is important to avoid overloading circuits as this can lead to electrical malfunctions, damage to your appliances, or even an electrical fire. It’s best to distribute your electrical load evenly across multiple circuits to prevent overloading.
Avoid DIY electrical work at all costs! Electrical outlets and appliances contain complex components that a professional should handle. Attempting a DIY repair can lead to serious complications, such as electrical shocks or fires. Instead, it’s best to call a professional to make any electrical repairs to ensure all safety protocols will be followed.
Preparing for an emergency is crucial. Smoke detectors will alert you to the presence of a fire in its earliest stages, allowing you to get to safety. Meanwhile, fire extinguishers are essential for containing small electrical fires before they escalate, providing a means to suppress flames and prevent further damage.
Familiarise yourself with the main electrical panel and ensure it is easily accessible and not obstructed. In emergencies, locate the main breaker or fuse and switch it off to cut power to the entire house.
Although the steps we’ve outlined above may seem extensive, they are essential for the safety of your family and home. It’s important to avoid putting off electrical upgrades to your home. Contact Astley Electrical today to learn more about electrical safety.
footer logos and their links
social links and their images
social links and their images
social links and their images