Try This Easy 3-Step Electrical Safety Checkup

There’s a lot of electricity coursing through your home, and in most cases, it’s perfectly safe. However, nothing is 100 percent, and in rare cases, electrical accidents can occur in residences, injuring or even electrocuting individuals who happen to be at the receiving end of a shock or fire. This is why it’s a good idea to perform an electrical safety checkup in your home or hire a certified electrician to complete one.

Check Switches and Outlets

If a switch isn’t delivering electricity or the outlet feels warm, this could signal defective wiring, which is a potential shock or fire hazard. Dark brown discoloration on an outlet or switch is also a warning sign indicating excessive heat, which may have burned the plastic covering. Buzzing or crackling noises serve as another red flag. In any of these situations, turn off the power to the outlet and call an electrician.

Look at Electrical Cords

Are any extension cords being used permanently or are they attached to other extensions? This is a potential hazard and should be avoided. Make sure cords aren’t being pinched or crushed by furniture, nor should they be stapled into place. Cords shouldn’t be placed under carpets since heat can build up and create a fire hazard. Avoid wrapping or looping cords while they’re in use since this also can create excessive heat buildup.

Inspect Lights and Appliances

Potential hazards with lights and appliances can include high-wattage bulbs installed in lamps that are supposed to use lower-watt bulbs. (These can overheat and start a fire.) Appliance cords placed near hot surfaces are also hazardous. The electrical panel also should be checked, though this is best left to a professional electrician.

Learn more about an electrical safety checkup, as well as Luminous Electric’s experienced electricians, or give us a call at  for superior service in the Manatee/Sarasota area.