With how our world runs today, electricity is essential for many of your items and appliances to run as intended. However, with that reliance on power comes additional hazards in the home. Many hazards are quite obvious and are simple to reduce the risk. Other dangers, though, aren’t as obvious and can easily be forgotten about.
Keep your home safe by identifying the following five common electrical hazards in your home.
Broken and Frayed Wires
At some point, we will come across broken, cut, or frayed wires. Even the highest-quality wire will eventually break down and need replacing. If ignored, broken wires increase the risk of electric shock, fire, power surges, and other severe consequences that can be harmful.
Any electrical wires you come across that seem faulty should get replaced immediately. For more complicated wires, consult with your local electrician to prevent any injuries.
Outlets Close to Water Source
You’ll find this most often in bathrooms and kitchens – outlets that are too close to a water source. We’re taught a very young age that mixed electricity and water is never a good idea. That is because when water and electricity combine, it can cause a serious shock to anyone in the area and lead to a fire.
Ensure that anything electric near a sink or another water supply is used carefully. Always ensure your hands are dry before touching the cord.
Overloaded Power Outlets or Extension Cords
Just because an outlet or extension cord has multiple connections, that doesn’t mean it is safe to use them all at the same time. Not every device uses the same amount of power. If you have multiple items plugged in at the same time that use quite a bit of juice, it could lead to a power overload.
Only plug in what you need at a time. Look for extension cords and outlets that have a circuit breaker. The breaker will trip the outlet if it becomes overloaded, reducing the risk of a shock and fire.
Pets and Small Children
Unfortunately, outlets are often installed low to the ground, which is at the perfect height for small children and pets. Young kids and our furry friends have one major similarity –they are quite often curious and love to explore. When they come across something new, they want to feel it and try to play with it, which can be harmful or even fatal.
To protect your children and pets, add outlet covers that prevent a child from sticking something into the outlet. You can also install tamper-resistant outlets which only allow you to plug an actual plugin to the outlet. Keep cords neatly put away to prevent pets from chew on them.
Wrong Wattage in a Light Bulb
When shopping for a lightbulb, you’ll notice that there are different wattages. Not every lamp can handle every wattage. Putting too high of wattage into the light fixture could overheat and overload the lamp. Pay close attention when purchasing a lightbulb, and speak with your local electrician if you’re ever unsure.
Protect yourself and your family by paying attention to the above five common electrical hazards. You can prevent serious injuries and fires from occurring by going through your home and making a note of what needs fixing and cleaning up any loose cords.
