‘Tis the season for blooming flowers, warmer weather, and spring cleaning. When you start your spring cleaning this year, it’s important you remember electrical safety best practices to keep you and your family safe and secure. Here are 5 electrical safety tips to remember before you begin spring cleaning this season.
- Inspect Extension Cords
Whether inside or outside, it’s always a good idea to inspect extension cords before using them for the first time in months – or years. Throw out any extension cords that are worn out or damaged. When using extension cords, be sure to move them out of the flow of traffic. Extension cords that have been left out in the open could be a dangerous tripping hazard.
2. Check Your Light Bulbs
When it comes to your indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, it’s important to replace defective light bulbs. To avoid electrical safety issues, replace defective light bulbs – but make sure they have the correct wattage. If you notice your light bulb burns out, flickers, or dims prematurely, you could have the incorrect wattage. Not only that, but incorrect wattage could also cause the bulb to malfunction and overheat, and also result in a fire.
3. Unplug Power Tools Not In Use
Doing some home renovation projects this season? Make sure you’re keeping your safety top of mind and unplugging any power tools you aren’t using. Not only that, but make sure you’re also storing them in a safe place. This is especially important if you have kids or pets. When you unplug your power tools, make sure to pull directly on the plug. Pulling on the cord can cause damage to the tool, which could really put a damper on your home renovation plans!
4. Reduce Clutter With Your Circuits
Are your circuits overloaded? Overloading your electrical circuits could cause the circuit breaker to frequently trip, shutting off your power. Not only that, but overloading circuits can also cause the circuit wiring to overheat, potentially causing the wire insulation to melt and a fire to start. Overloaded circuits are a major cause of house fires.
5. Test Your Alarms
According to Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 2,000 people lose their lives in residential house fires every year in the United States. If you have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that don’t work, it could put you in a dangerous situation. It’s a good practice to test that your alarms are working at least once a month.
Schedule A Home Electrical Inspection With The Pros at Roman Electric
We’ve been providing professional, quality electrical services to Wisconsin residents for over 90 years. Since 1929, your safety has been our number one priority. To ensure your home is safe and secure, schedule a home electrical inspection with our highly trained and skilled electricians at Roman Electric. Contact us online or call us at 414-369-3798. We’ll make sure your home keeps you safe and secure all season long. We’re here for all your home electrical inspection needs.
