Aesthetic reasons such as a desire for specialty lighting, landscape lighting, and accent lighting warrants a visit from a
master electricians. Unfortunately, more serious matters can be the reason for an electrical contractor’s presence. The following article addresses tips to help avoid electrical problems and facilitate safety within a home.
The obvious electrical precautions
The “obvious” may be just that to most, but sometimes, even the most commonsensical precautions elude us.
- Check all outlets for wear and tear. Loose outlets, broken plates, and unplugged outlets in the presence of small children is to be avoided at all times.
- Under no circumstance, should electrical cords be frayed, split, or cracked.
- Do not overload extension cords or “piggybank” multiple extensions upon one another.
- Never attempt to “force” a plug into an outlet. If it does not seem to fit, the endeavor needs to cease.
- Fasten light bulbs into sockets in a secure manner. Loose-fitting bulbs are targets for overheating.
- Try to keep all electrical devices away from water outlets (kitchen, bathrooms). Unplug devices not in use.
- Electric-powered tools should not be used during rainfall, on wet grass, or around moist, outdoor furniture or landscape.
The not-so-obvious electrical precautions
- Don’t attempt to puncture electrical cords, place them under rugs, or arrange them around furniture.
- Extension cords are for temporary purposes, they are not to be used as a permanent, outlet solution. This is a major reason for a number of electrical contractor visits.
- Do not attempt to “modify” a plug (squeezing the prongs closer together, stretching them apart, or eliminating a third prong in order to fit the outlet).
- Light bulbs must be of appropriate wattage for their fixture. A bulb of a higher wattage than warranted can be hazardous.
- If an appliance or electrical device routinely influences circuit breakers or fuses, get it repaired or replaced.
- Routinely check the backside of entertainment centers for worn wires and wear in the structure of the equipment.
- Do not take a shower/bath, use electrical appliances (kitchen, bathroom), or use the telephone during an electrical storm.
