Electrical Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Electrical safety is probably common sense. However, as the adage goes, common wisdom isn't that common. Selfguard Automation & Controls the leading automatic phase changer manufacturer are here to assist you. This post will lead you through some simple techniques to avoid electrical risks in your house. We are not here to scare you or inform you that electrical danger lurks around every corner; instead, we are here to provide you with practical everyday advise!
Before we begin, one aspect of electrical safety that many homes overlook is the importance of scheduling regular electrical inspections. A professional electrician inspects your home's electrical system to guarantee that it is still functional and safe for you and your family.
What is Electrical Safety?
People appear to believe that the greatest risk of electricity is electric shock. While it is true that electricity can cause severe and even life-threatening injuries, our residential electrical systems are generally fairly safe.
Fire is the most significant risk for households when it comes to electrical safety. FEMA anticipated that electricity would be responsible for about 25,000 residential fires in 2021, causing over a billion dollars in damage, 295 deaths, and roughly 1000 injuries.
In general, avoiding electrical fires is as simple as having your home's electrical system evaluated on a regular basis (every ten years for modern homes or every five years for older homes) and following our twelve safety suggestions.
12 Simple Steps for a Safer Home - Avoid overloading outlets
The passage of power generates heat, and the more electricity flows, the higher the heat. Electrical outlets are certified for a specific amount of electrical current - typically 15 amps - and exceeding that limit can result in dangerous conditions, including a fire. If your circuit breaker is working properly, it should turn off the power before the temperature rises too high; however, if a fuse does not blow, you could be in for a very nasty day.
But how much power is too much?
Let's conduct some fast math because we often assess power use in watts rather than amps.
Amps x Volts = Watts.
15 amps (outlet capacity) x 120 volts (household voltage) equals 1800 watts.
Hair dryers, space heaters, toaster ovens, and other heat-generating equipment can consume up to 1800 watts, leaving little or no room for further gadgets. To avoid overloaded plugs, avoid plugging in several high-power electrical equipment and instead distribute the load across multiple outlets, preferably on different circuits.
Follow the appliance directions
All appliances have their own set of instructions for use, which must be followed in order to remain safe. For the most part, home appliances are simple to maintain; nevertheless, equipment that generate heat require special attention. Their heating elements consume a lot of power, provide an electrocution risk near water, and can be a fire hazard if not used correctly.
Use extension cords sparingly
They say there is nothing more permanent than a workable temporary remedy, and extension cords are frequently employed in this manner! However, extension cables are only intended for temporary usage and pose a significant fire risk when used in excess or carelessly.
- Extension cords are rated for a maximum amperage. Do not exceed this limit, or the wire will overheat.
- Avoid running extension cables through walls or beneath rugs and carpets, since this can cause the wires to overheat.
- Be cautious around water, as extension wires can quickly convert moist floors into electrical puddles.
Replace the damaged electrical cords
This should go without saying, but if you can see the inner conductor of an electrical wire or if the cord is fraying, it is time to replace it! In general, power cable repairs are simple and do not necessitate replacing the complete appliance.
Install the electrical cords neatly
While we've all been guilty of having a tangled rats nest of cords behind our computer or TV, it's a good idea to keep them organised! These tangles make it difficult to detect harmful circumstances, such as plugs coming loose from outlets.
Furthermore, electrical wires should be placed such that they do not provide a tripping danger and are safe from curious youngsters or pets who may be interested in disconnecting or eating them!
Unplug Appliances When They are not in Use
This is not a hard and fast rule, but it's a good idea to disconnect appliances while they're not in use. If an appliance is completely unplugged, you may be positive that it will not short circuit and cause a problem.
When unplugging cords, tug on the plug, not the cord. Pulling on the rope may cause the wire sheathe to detach, exposing you to live conductors.
If you have inaccessible outlets, you can connect your appliances to a power strip and control them via its power switch. If your family contains children, consider covering any unused outlets.
Keep All Electrical Gadgets Away from Water
Common sense alert! Electricity and water do not mix! While your latest cell phone may be water proof, your hair dryer, laptop charger, and lighting should all remain dry!
This is an easy but vital lesson to teach your children.
Similarly, if your hands are damp, keep away from sources of electricity and dry them before plugging in gadgets.
Allow Adequate Air Circulation for your Equipment
Resist the urge to place electrical gadgets in enclosed locations without ventilation. All electrical equipment generates heat, which usually dissipates without causing any problems. However, in a confined space, this heat can build up and damage the gadget or even start a fire.
Prevent portable heater mishaps
Space heaters are extremely convenient, but they can pose serious concerns if used wrong.
Never use heaters near curtains, upholstered furniture, or other flammable surfaces.
Only place space heaters on stable, flat surfaces.
Space heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet; do not use an extension cord.
Ensure that fixtures and appliances are the appropriate wattage
This is less of an issue than in previous years, but make sure your bulb's wattage matches your fixture's maximum rating. Using a 100 watt incandescent bulb in a fixture intended for a 10 watt LED bulb can fast cause it to overheat.
Regularly test smoke alarms
Smoke alarms should be tested once a month. While it may be an inconvenient procedure, these are life-saving gadgets! Additionally, replace smoke alarms every ten years because their sensors grow less efficient with age.
Staying Safe with Electricity
It would be wonderful if electrical safety was simply common sense and intuitive for everyone. However, given the amount of electrical fires that occur each year, this is likely not the case. The guidelines listed above may not address every single electrical risk you may experience in your life, but they will help keep you and your family safe. Selfguard, the best automatic generator changeover switch supplier in India promote electrical safety and offer dependable solutions to protect your home and family.
Stay cautious and prioritise electrical safety now!
Read More About General Differences Between Selfguard Automatic Changeover Switch (Three Phase) (CTF) and Automatic Transfer Switch (Three Phase) (CTSD)