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Electricity is one of the most critical components of our everyday lives. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to light or cool our homes, watch television, or do many other daily activities we take for granted. Because it is such an integral part of our daily lives, it’s also easy to forget that it is incredibly dangerous.
According to the National Library of Medicine, there are approximately 30,000 non-fatal shock accidents every year. The experts at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric are here to provide some essential safety tips to protect yourself and your family.
One of the best ways to prevent electrical accidents is by recognizing some of the most common causes. They include:
As we don’t usually plug in and unplug things like lamps and appliances often, it can be difficult to notice when the cords and plugs have damage. One of the best ways to make sure cords and plugs are in proper working condition is to make a routine of checking them every six months. Keeping them out of reach of children and pets is also critical.
While extension cords can be helpful, they are also a common cause of electrical accidents. Plugging in more than two appliances on one extension cord is called “piggybacking”. If you have more than one heat-producing appliance in a single outlet, it increases your risk of fire and injury. While many think power strips are a safer option, it is critical to remember they only add more outlets and don’t change the amount of power the outlet can handle.
Water and electricity are natural enemies. To stay safe, it is important to keep all electrical devices dry and away from water. Not only does this help prevent the chance of injury, but it also prevents damage to your appliances. For devices in bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas, building code requires GFCI outlets. These outlets protect people from shock and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Electricity is a necessity in our homes but it is also necessary to realize its potential danger. Follow these simple tips to stay safe.
If you use the wrong bulb in an appliance, lamp, or fixture, it can cause electrical issues. While there are an overwhelming number of wattages available, each one is only compatible with certain types of fixtures. Most lamps and fixtures will have a label listing what type of bulb to use. If there is no wattage listed, it is safest to use a 60-watt bulb or less.
We use electricity daily, but we often don’t think about the condition of our cords and outlets. One of the best ways to prevent electrical damage or injury is by performing routine inspections. Every three to six months you should go around your home and feel every outlet. If they are warm or hot to the touch, turn off the breaker and contact a licensed electrician immediately.
One of the easiest ways to prevent electrical issues is by following instructions. Anytime you buy a new appliance or device, thoroughly read the manual. Not only will this help protect you from injury, but it will also improve the performance of the device. Appliance guides and manuals are also a great source for troubleshooting advice.
If you have small children or pets, it is critical to take extra electrical precautions. Because they are naturally curious, teaching them about electrical safety is key. As a parent (or pet parent), one of the easiest steps is to install safety covers on all outlets to protect them from shock. You should also store appliances such as toasters, blenders, and other dangerous equipment well out of reach.
Just because you think you can do it doesn’t mean you should attempt an electrical project. If you find any sort of electrical issue, you should always contact a professional. Hiring a professional electrical company, such as Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric ensures the job will be done correctly and safely.
Due to their complexity, electrical systems and appliances are incredibly dangerous. If you don’t have the proper training and expertise, you run the risk of further damage and injury.
The electricians at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric in Boca Raton have the right certifications and training to properly repair and replace appliances, circuits, lights, outlets, and any other electrical issues you may face.
If you have any questions about our electrical services or would like to schedule an appointment, call us at 561-391-1048 or schedule service online today!
