Since electricity is a convenience many of us take for granted, it is easy to forget how dangerous it can be both in and around our homes. With the warm weather here, now is the perfect time to make sure your house is safe from any potential electrical hazards. To do so, here are a few electrical safety tips to help you get started.
Clean Up the Kitchen
While you are in the midst of your spring cleaning, remember to take care of these specific areas of the kitchen in order to prevent any electrical issues that can potentially lead to a fire in your home:
- Keep your stove and oven clean. Clean the exhaust hood and duct over the stove regularly.
- Keep small appliances away from the sink and plugged into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
- Vacuum refrigerator coils to eliminate dirt buildup that can reduce efficiency and create a fire hazard.
- If you experience an electric shock from a major appliance, turn the power to the appliance off at the circuit breaker, and do not touch the appliance until it has been checked by a licensed, qualified electrician.
Check Your Basement
Many basements contain large appliances such as washing machines and dryers, as well as electrical panels, which should be checked regularly in order to confirm they are functioning safely and properly. Here are some specific areas you should inspect in your own basement:
- Check the label inside the door or cover of your electrical service panel to see when your electrical system was last inspected. If the date has passed or is approaching, contact a licensed, qualified electrical contractor and schedule an inspection.
- Be sure circuit breakers and fuses are correctly labeled with their amperage and their corresponding rooms, circuits or outlets. Use correct size and current rating for breakers/fuses.
- Check for excessive vibration or movement when the washing machine or dryer is operating, which can put stress on electrical connections.
Be Aware of Outdoor Hazards
From Vancouver, to Langley, to Surrey and everywhere in between, we are committed to providing expert electrical service, so when problems do occur, for your own safety, leave it to the experts to handle it. To avoid exposure to potentially dangerous electrical systems located around your home, keep these tips in mind:
- When painting a house or trim, note where power lines connect to the house and keep ladders, scaffolding and other equipment away from the lines.
- If moving, adjusting or installing an antenna or satellite dish, keep well away from electrical wires.
- Always check for power lines before pruning trees. Never work on or in trees that are within 10 feet of high-voltage power lines.
- Before digging deep holes in your yard, contact you municipality to ensure you won’t cut any underground power lines.
For any electrical issues you encounter in your home or on your property, don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns.