While electricity is an important resource for any home, it can be hazardous if not managed correctly. The majority of electrical mishaps in houses is the result of inexperience with handling electrical systems.
Having an electrical safe isolation training regularly is a smart way to ensure the safety of everyone in your family against electrical mishaps. However, even with electrical safety inspections, homeowners still have a responsibility to ensure their homes are safe from electrical hazards.
As a homeowner in Tennessee, you should be aware of numerous safety issues with all systems and equipment in your home. This is particularly true when it comes to your home’s electrical system. It is found in every room of your house and has its own set of safety concerns.
To prevent serious electrical accidents in your home, it’s best to reach out to an electrician in Nashville, TN, to receive expert help and professional service.
Here are some electrical safety guidelines that every homeowner should be aware of, and take necessary measures to prevent any serious problems.
1. Unplug Unused Appliances
One of the most basic electrical safety recommendations is also the one most often forgotten: unplugging appliances while not in use. This saves energy by reducing phantom consumption (the amount of energy used by a device that is not in use) and protects unused equipment from overheating or power surges.
It is often tough to remember to disconnect unused equipment. However, the latest smart plugs provide a solution by enabling you to program power schedules for individual outlets.
2. Manage Unused Cables
In Nashville, electrical safety regulations do not apply only to power cables that are in use; cords must also be secured to avoid harm. Keep cables out of the reach of youngsters and pets (who may chew on or play with the cords). Avoid wrapping cables tightly around things; this may cause the cord to strain or cause it to overheat. Never rest a cable on a heated surface to avoid damaging the insulation and wires of the cord.
3. Turn Off Electricity During Maintenance
Some electrical issues that might occur in your house may not need the assistance of an electrical expert. However, you can undoubtedly have some electrical problems from time to time. When repairing electrical problems in your house, always remember to turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker.
This will guarantee safety from electric current while doing maintenance, thus preventing electricity-related mishaps in the house.
4. Check the Plugs
If you notice warm plugs or increased circuit breaker flipping, just know there is a fault in your electric system. In that case, it is time to call an electrician and prevent accidents like electric shocks or fire in your Tennessee home.
Sometimes warm outlets are the result of overloading. We recommend not to use an excessive number of electrical equipment in a plug to avoid electrical accidents.
5. Check the Flickering Lights
Do not take occasional flickering lights as normal. Typically, this is a sign of a problem in your electrical system. For example, this may indicate that you have overloaded a single circuit or your electric panel needs to be replaced.
Suppose you notice such occurrences but cannot locate the source of the problem. Therefore, it is time to contact an expert Nashville electrician to inspect your electrical system.
6. Keep Electrical Equipment Away from Water
Water and electricity are incompatible. Keeping electrical equipment dry and free from the water helps avoid appliance damage. It may help prevent human harm and electrocution. It is necessary to have dry hands while dealing with electrical equipment.
Avoiding contact between water and electrical equipment by keeping the equipment away from the aquarium, shower, sink, and bathtub reduces the danger of water and electricity coming into contact.
7. GFCI Installation
If your house does not have a GFCI installed, it is certain that the electrical safety of your home is jeopardized. GFCI circuit breakers are often needed in areas with running water, such as restrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. When you install a GFCI, it will cut off electrical current from any circuit that might create danger from electrical shock in your house. Though, most of the Nashville, Tennessee houses have pre-installed GFCI systems.
8. Maintain Cleanliness
Certain appliances have exhaust fans, which may get filthy or blocked with debris, increasing the device’s workload. This may reduce the life expectancy of the appliances and become a risk to the house due to overheating or even result in the accumulation of hazardous gases, which can become an electrical fire threat. Cleaning exhaust fans regularly helps avoid such dangers.
9. Keep Enough Space for Air Circulation
Electrical equipment that is not properly ventilated may overheat and short circuit, creating the possibility for electrical fire danger. Assure adequate air circulation around your appliances, and prevent operating electrical equipment in enclosed cabinets. Additionally, it is essential to keep combustible items away from all appliances and gadgets for maximum electrical safety. Keep a careful eye on your gas or electric dryer since they must be at least a foot from the wall to operate flawlessly.
10. Purchase a Fire Extinguisher
Never use water to extinguish an electric fire in your house since water carries electricity. Also, you should have a fire-retardant chemical fire extinguisher in your house at all times to assist you in the event of an electric fire.
Conclusion
With the aforementioned electrical safety tips, homeowners can rest assured that they will maintain a safe home environment.
Always keep an eye on electrical guidelines to determine whether it is essential to contact an electrician for electrical system repair. Also, keep in mind that electrical work may be hazardous, so you should use extreme caution every time you are engaged in it.
Finally, teaching your family members including kids, how to prevent electric-related home mishaps is an excellent approach to increasing the safety measures against electrical problems in your house.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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