At All Phase Electric Inc., we help our community understand the importance of home electrical safety. Many homeowners underestimate how dangerous their appliances can be without the proper care and attention. Our professional electricians explain how to protect yourself and your property from electrical hazards.
Use Outlets Safely
Overloaded outlets cause thousands of residential fires every year. Plugging too many appliances into your power strips could damage the system. This problem can also cause nearby flammable materials to catch fire while you are asleep or at work.
Practice safe outlet use by investing in larger power strips and connecting fewer appliances. Keep fabrics, chemicals, or other flammable materials away from outlets to prevent accidental combustion.
It’s also wise to unplug appliances when you are not using them to reduce the risk of electrical fires. As a bonus, this practice will save you money on your electricity bill.
Check Appliance Wattage
Choosing the wrong wattage for your lighting fixtures has many risks. Light bulbs that produce too much heat can be wasteful and increase your monthly energy bills. They can also become fire hazards in dusty or cramped environments.
Qualified electricians can check the wattage on your appliances to enhance your home’s electrical safety.
Keep Cables Organized
Cable discipline (or cable management) refers to the safe installation and storage of wires in your home. Loose wires can become tripping hazards. Accidentally yanking them from the walls can also cause damage to your outlets and appliances.
Don’t leave cables in walkways or near stairs to prevent falling injuries. Instead, tuck them under desks, behind cabinets, or in other secure spaces.
Avoid electrical malfunctions by untangling your cables before plugging them into a power source. Tangled wires fray over time, exposing you to dangerous materials that could cause electrocution.
Do Not Place Appliances Near Water
Water conducts electricity. Dropping an electrical appliance into water can cause the system to short-circuit. In some cases, these accidents cause severe injury and death.
Keep electrical kitchen and bathroom appliances away from sinks and tubs. This way, you can avoid accidents that cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Invest in a Backup Generator
Power blackouts can occur at any time of the year. Owning a backup generator increases your home’s electrical capacity when the public grid goes down. These installations are also practical for avoiding power surges that could damage your appliances.
Power outages can be dangerous if you live in an extremely hot or cold climate. Your HVAC system won’t function without electricity. Backup generators can resolve the issue while you wait for technicians to repair the grid.
Invest in a Solar Panel System
You can reduce your dependency on the sometimes-unreliable electrical grid by investing in solar panel arrays. Solar panels use batteries to store power from the sun.
A professional solar technician will provide all the details you need to monitor and maintain your solar systems year-round. They can also help you size your solar batteries to avoid overcharging them.
Monitor Your Outdoor Electrical
Monitoring outdoor electrical wires and electrical equipment is essential to your home’s electrical safety. Dangling tree branches and pests can damage nearby transformers or cables on your property. In some cases, fires can start near your roof, which you may not be able to extinguish without the fire department.
Hire an electrician to inspect your outdoor electrical equipment. They will ensure that your cables are weather-resistant and may recommend replacements if they discover the damage. Routinely trim branches and remove vegetation away from electrical panels.
Call a Licensed and Insured Electrician
Electricians are your number one resource for ensuring your home’s electrical safety. They will recommend strategies to optimize power use and keep you safe from surprise outages.
Always hire an electrician during home renovations or other changes to your household electrical. These professionals have years of experience and will install all your appliances safely.
Local Electrical Residential Services
Learn more about keeping your home safe from electrical hazards. At All Phase Electric Inc., we help hundreds of home and business owners enhance their properties with reliable services. Our technicians specialize in generators, solar panels, and low-voltage security systems.
We pride ourselves on delivering unmatched customer service and attention to detail during every project. Whether you need a reliable home inspection, cabling installation, or advice on how to optimize your energy savings, we can help.
Schedule a consultation with All Phase Electric Inc. in Fort Myers, FL. Call (239) 939-7093 for more information about home electrical safety.