While electrical appliances are an everyday part of our lives, it's easy to forget that there are risks associated with their use. Most of us remember being told as a child not to run the hairdryer near the bathtub, stick a fork into an outlet, or use cracked cords. But what about less obvious electrical safety measures? Brush up on these tips and share them with your family.
- Avoid putting pressure on a breaker that trips immediately after it is reset; an overloaded circuit is the most likely cause.
- Avoid repurposing extension cords as permanent wiring, and don’t connect one extension cord to another. Consider having a qualified electrician add additional outlets so you do not have to use extension cords.
- Use tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles in homes with small children; they will shutter the contact openings if a child attempts to insert an object.
- Keep clothes, toys, and other flammable materials away from heat-generating appliances for good air circulation and cooling.
- Never staple or nail cords into place; use electrical tape to secure it instead.
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into an outlet.
- Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) installed to prevent electric shock or even fires. Both can be installed by a qualified electrician.
- Relocate power cords instead of overloading outlets with multiple power strips.
Call ARS® at 866-399-2885 to see if a location near you offers comprehensive electrical inspection services. Our team will ensure that your home is operating safely and effectively.
