May is National Electrical Safety Month.
Here's some electrical safety tips which could help you avoid fires and injury:
- Have electrical work completed by a qualified electrician in accordance with applicable building and safety codes.
- Use GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) to reduce shock. GFCIs are designed to protect people from hazardous ground faults that can arise from plugging in defective appliances or corded equipment. Test GFIs regularly.
- Inspect extension cords to ensure they are in good condition and NOT running under carpets or in doorways. Do not attach cords with nails or staples.
- Install additional outlets to reduce the use of extension cords.
- Use power tools listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Inspect them before use and store all electrical tools indoors.
- Trim all tree branches away from power lines or contact your power company to request this service.
- Unplug electrical equipment by grasping plug and pulling, not by pulling on the cord.
- Don’t drape power cords over hot pipes, radiators or sharp objects.
- Know the location of electrical circuit breaker panels that control equipment and lighting in your area and be able to identify circuits and equipment disconnects on those panels.
- Ensure the proper wattage bulb is used with light fixtures.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use.
Call a qualified electrician if you notice: - Frequent problems with circuits tripping, warm outlets, flickering or dimming lights, sparks from an outlet, or a burning or rubber smell from an appliance.
Use this helpful Electrical Safety Checklist for Your Home to make sure you are doing all you can to make your home safe.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash