Electricity is an essential source of power in homes. If used safely, it can make your life easier and more comfortable. It would be hard to imagine a world without electricity. However, as valuable as this resource is, it has its risks too. Unfortunately, most people never consider the hazards that may come with electricity.

Electrical faults can cause electrocution and fires in Charleston, SC homes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that nearly 31,000 home fires and 200 deaths occur in the United States annually due to malfunctioned electrical systems.

What’s more, the National Fire Protection Association reports that of all the electrical fires that occurred in homes between 2015 and 2019, damaged wiring and related equipment accounted for 68 percent, followed by lamps, bulbs, cords, and plugs. Transformers and power supplies were the least at 8 percent.

Home fires can be avoided by practicing electrical safety. You must consult your electrician when looking for potential fire hazards in your home. A professional should be able to guide you on the safety of an electrical outlet or appliance. Below are some useful tips you can consider to protect yourself and your family from electrical hazards at home.

Follow Appliance Instructions for Improved Electrical Safety

Every appliance comes with a manual that gives information on how to use it. “Read the instructions” should come first on the list of your home’s electrical safety tips. This is quite necessary because power appliance safety improves your device’s performance and safety.

If an appliance gives you even the slightest electrical shock, you should discontinue its usage and have an experienced electrician in Charleston, SC, establish the cause of the problem.

Repair or Replace Loose or Cracked Electrical Cords

Damaged electrical cords are a serious safety hazard in homes. You should always check your power cords for any signs of fraying or cracking and have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Again, it would be best to take caution when handling extension cords. It’s highly recommended that you don’t run your cords under carpets or furniture. Extension cords running under carpets can overheat or be walked over, posing a risk of electrical shock. On the other hand, furniture could damage cords by crushing their insulation.

One reason you probably use extension cords regularly might be because the outlets in your home are few to meet your needs. It would be best to partner with a certified electrician with a thorough knowledge of electrical safety rules to install more outlets in rooms where you use extension cords.

Avoid Overloading Outlets

Most homeowners commonly mistake plugging too many appliances into a single outlet. Overloading outlets is dangerous as it can impair your electrical system.

Some appliances, such as refrigerators, can shut off prematurely or stop working entirely due to overheating from an overloaded outlet.

Unplug Appliances When Not in Use to Minimize Potential Risks

Unplugging your electronics after use prevents overloading outlets and protects them from potential overheating. Additionally, doing this saves your energy. Most modern devices sip energy even when turned off. They bring about what the US Department of Energy terms ‘vampire loads.’ A good example is game systems.

While it’s pretty easy to forget this, the invention of smart plugs is everything you need. You can inquire from a licensed and trained electrician about the safe use of these convenient electrical fixtures.

Keep Your Used and Unused Cords Tidy and Safe to Avoid Damage

Just as you care for your used cords, so should you with the unused ones. Ensure you keep cords away from children and pets, as they can easily strangle.

Try not to wrap your cords tightly around objects, as they can sometimes stretch or even overheat. Also, don’t place cords on hot surfaces to prevent damaging their wiring or insulating material.

Keep All Electrical Equipment and Outlets Away From Water to Prevent Shock

If your electrical devices and outlets come into contact with water, you risk electrocution. Thus, you must ensure you don’t get your appliances near your sinks, bathtubs, showers, or plant pots.

Ensure You’re Using the Correct Wattage for All Your Fixtures and Appliances

Using the correct wattage for lamps and lighting fixtures can prevent electrical issues in your Charleston, SC home. Your electrician can help you determine the wattage for light or ceiling fixtures with no wattage.

Install Smoke Detectors

An electrical fire will usually smolder before breaking into a full open flame. It could be a good idea if you have an electrician come in and install a smoke alarm to help alert you of a possible electrical fire in your home.

Give Your Appliances Proper Space for Air Circulation to Avoid Overheating

Do you want to avoid your appliances overheating? Give them enough space to breathe. Proper air circulation helps your electrical equipment cool off and prevents short-outs. This makes them more efficient. It’s also safer to keep anything that’s highly flammable away from any electrical appliance.

A professional electrician understands this, as they have to evaluate the space in your home for any electrical installation you might want. You should also follow the manufacturer’s specifications on where each appliance should be placed in your house if you want optimal benefits.

Mister Sparky of Charleston: The 24-Hour Electrician to Call

If you follow the above electrical safety tips, you’ll surely enjoy the comfort electricity brings you and your loved ones. When you need electrical repairs or panel upgrades, Mister Sparky of Charleston, is the company to contact. Our emergency electricians work 24/7 to ensure you’re safe in your home. Should you want to learn more about our other services, give us a ring.

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