Whether you’re living alone, with a roommate, or with your family, electrical safety should always be in the back of your mind. We use so many electronics on a day-to-day basis that there is always some level of risk associated with the possible ignition of an electrical fire.
Keep Electrical Safety in Mind All the Time
Reportedly, there are over 25,000 electrical fires each year within the U.S. Since these can get out of control VERY quickly, the wise homeowner will learn how to prevent these fires from cropping up long before there’s even the possibility of an accident.
Most of these fires are a result of the mishandling of electronics. What falls under this dangerous umbrella? Overloading an outlet, for one thing. Plugging too much into a single outlet – a single circuit – can overtax it and cause it to blow out, potentially generating sparks. To avoid this, add surge protectors to your outlets so that it can handle a greater burden, or simply have additional outlets installed in the home to share the “weight.”
Do you have any outlets near sources of water, such as in the bathroom or kitchen? Outlets near sinks can cause issues, particularly if you’re plugging in something to them regularly, such as a hair dryer or other appliance. If they’re equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, though, they’ll be safer to use whether they’re near the water or not.
One of the biggest culprits behind electrical safety hazards are space heaters (and older models in particular). Don’t leave these plugged in, running, and unattended. It’s unsafe to have some electronics powered on and unwatched, but space heaters in particular are risky.
Finally, make sure not to leave anything flammable lying (or hanging) near outlets, plugs, cords, or other sources of heat. That means no curtains draped over outlets or fake flowers next to light bulbs. These things can ignite without you realizing that they were even getting hot, and it’s so easy to simply move them to another location.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can create a safer environment in your home. You can talk to an expert about new installations of lighting and wiring, among other things, for your home or business.
About Tim Kyle Electric
Tim Kyle Electric has been delighting our customers with responsive, trusted and professional electrical services since 1986. We provide residential, commercial and solar power services and are experts in our field. Our team of professionally trained employees uphold our core values of honesty, respect and integrity. We are available 24/7 for your electrical servicing needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next electrical project.