Electrocution and electric shocks are serious hazards and concerns for some homeowners. There is a lot of risk involved in electrical work, but there are also things that you can do to keep your home safe. Most of the elements of electrical safety are common sense, but it’s important to follow up with an electrician and make sure that you’re doing things right.
Here are some other tips to help you prevent electrocution in your home.
- If you don’t know, call a pro. When it comes to electrical work, you should never DIY if you’re not an electrician yourself. Anytime you need repairs or even an inspection of your system, you need to call a qualified electrician to ensure everything is done by the book.
- Consider electrical test and tag services to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Testing and tagging go beyond a basic inspection and give you more peace of mind that your home is secure.
- Cover outlets to keep children and pets safe. If you have outlets that aren’t being used, cover them. Even if you don’t have kids and pets, this can help prevent all kinds of accidents from happening.
- Install GFCI outlets. You need to have these outlets at least in the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as any utility rooms or areas where there may be exposure to moisture. These should also be installed by a professional for the best results.
- Don’t leave wires exposed. A proper electrician will make sure that the job is done properly and that wires are placed in a junction box or properly secured otherwise. Exposed wires are an electrocution risk and a fire hazard.
- Utilize grounded plugs. Two-pronged outlets are no longer good enough. While they still work, they are generally not the ideal choice for fire safety. Choose grounded outlets and electrics that have grounded plugs for the best results. Surge protectors are also a great way to protect your electronics during a storm.
- Replace any damaged electrical equipment or wiring. If you have any electrical work that isn’t properly functioning, you need to get it fixed right away. Otherwise, you run the risk of electric shock, fire, or other problems. Call an electrician as soon as you notice a problem to avoid these issues.
- Keep appliances away from water. This one may sound obvious, but some people don’t think about it with their coffee maker or their microwave, for example. Being too close to the sink or running water can become a problem in several ways, namely by leading to electrocution.
Keep these tips in mind and remember to consult an electrician if you’ve got concerns. Then, you’ll enjoy more peace of mind in your home.
