6 Tips for In-Home Electricity Safety

Electricity is an essential convenience in today’s modern homes, but it’s not without its risks. Don’t take your electrical wiring for granted. Keep an eye on outlets, cords, circuits, and appliances in your Hillsborough, Florida, home to make sure your family is well-powered yet safe. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid common hazards throughout the home, so you can power up without fear.

Watch for Hot Spots

Be mindful of appliances that generate a lot of heat, such as computers and televisions. Make sure these have proper space for air circulation. This will keep things cool and prevent hazards such as fire. Be particularly mindful of space around radiators and space heaters. Keep curtains, toys, clothing, and other items far from these appliances. Anything combustible can start a fire when supplied with enough heat.

Check Your Code Compliance

If you’re living in an older home or one that’s clearly seen some DIY repairs, schedule a professional inspection to make sure everything is up to code. There are many key safety requirements that our electricians will check on. We make sure that:

• Your kitchen and bathroom outlets are GFCI.
• Outlets are positioned properly.
• You have an adequate number of electrical outlets for each room.

Improper placement is more of an inconvenience than a hazard, but an outlet near water that’s not GFCI puts you at risk for electrical shock. Our team of experienced specialists knows what to look for to make sure that you and your family are safe. If your electrical system has never been inspected, schedule a code compliance visit now.

Maintain Your Appliances

Keep your appliances from sucking up more energy than necessary by keeping them well-maintained. Regularly clean under, around, and behind major appliances like your refrigerator and clothes dryer. Excessive dust and lint will force your appliances to work harder, pulling in more electricity while also creating a fire hazard in the form of that combustible dust. Stay on top of maintenance for a safer, healthier home.

Note Your Tripped Breakers

A tripped breaker is a key indicator of an electrical problem in the home. If a circuit breaker shuts off, this means that it was experiencing an excessive flow of electricity. The breaker trips as a safety mechanism to prevent further hazards, such as an electrical fire. The most common cause of a tripped breaker is an electrical overload. If plugging in an additional appliance causes the breaker to trip, move the appliance.

If your appliances aren’t the problem, you may have a short circuit or ground fault. Our electricians can help you locate and resolve any problems with your circuit breakers to ensure a safe home with reliable electricity.

Keep Your Cords Clean

If you don’t care for the cords properly, you risk doing damage to your appliances. Poorly placed cords are a trip hazard, and those that are damaged may present a fire risk. Inspect cords regularly for signs of cracks or frays and replace as needed. Make sure all cords are firmly plugged into their outlets, tucked away from the line of traffic, and out of reach of pets and children. You can conceal or constrain electrical cords with a variety of handy household tools designed just for this task.

Inspect Your Outlets

Keep an eye on your outlets and watch for problem signs such as heat coming from the outlet or burns on the outlet cover. These indicate a major problem lurking behind the plate. Cut power to the outlet and contact our electricians immediately if you see these warning signs. Prompt service can save you from a serious house fire in the case of an outlet that’s overheating.

Don’t trust DIY blogs when it comes to installing and maintaining your electrical system. If you’re upgrading the electricity in your home, make sure it’s done safely by leaving the project in the hands of a professional. Call Luminous Electric for all your home’s electrical installation, repair, and maintenance needs. We’ll make sure the electricity in your home is always safe, efficient, and comfortably convenient.