Electrical Safety Tips For The Homeowner
Every homeowner naturally wants their home to be safe and secure at all times. One of the biggest potential threats to a safe home is electrical issues. Avoiding electrical problems is one of the most important ways you can keep your home from a future disaster, such as a fire. Here are some key electrical safety tips for homeowners.
Avoid Overloads
Your electrical system is typically controlled by an electrical panel, which is usually located in an out-of-the-way spot of your home such as a garage or under some stairs. The panel contains circuit breakers that keep the electrical circuits in your home from overloading. You want to avoid having a circuit overload, if possible, as this will cause the entire circuit to shut down. Also, an overload could cause a fire if the circuit breaker is not working properly.
To prevent an electrical circuit from overloading, first, you need to know the wattage that the circuit can safely handle. Typically, a residential electrical circuit can handle either 1800 watts or 2400 watts. Once you know the circuit's wattage limit, which you should find marked on the circuit breaker, make certain that you don't go over that limit. Add up the wattage of all the appliances on that circuit and try not to go past 80 percent of the circuit's limit.
Extension Cords
If you use an extension cord, make sure that the cord can safely handle the wattage of the appliance or devices that are plugged into it. A cord that is overloaded can give you a shock or even start a fire. Only use one extension cord per outlet. Never connect multiple extension cords together. Use a single cord of the right length.
Another common problem with extension cords is people trying to plug a cord into an inappropriate outlet. For instance, trying to force a three-prong cord into a two-prong outlet is dangerous and should never be attempted. It's also crucial that you do not run the cord under a rug or carpet, or through a wall or ceiling, which could cause overheating. Keep in mind that using an extension cord should be a temporary fix. For a permanent solution, call an electrical contractor.
Tamper Resistant Receptacle
A tamper-resistant receptacle(TRR) is an outlet that prevents unwanted foreign objects, such as screwdrivers, from being entered into the receptacle. This excellent feature avoids potentially dangerous situations with young children playing around an electrical outlet. These devices are mandatory in newer homes. If you have an older home without them, however, contact an electrician for assistance with an upgrade.