This post is sponsored by Payless Power, providing cheap electricity for Dallas and Fort Worth residents
We use electricity every day, in fact, almost everything in our lives is dependent on electricity be it cooking, washing, warming, and cooling – the list goes on. But have we stopped for a moment to think about our safety as far as electricity is concerned?
United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) indicates that every year, over 31000 electrical fires occur in homes across the country with around 180 cases related to electrocution and other electric incidents that could have easily been prevented. At Payless Energy, we care about you and your family’s safety, and by adhering to the following electricity safety tips, we strongly believe that we can bring down these numbers.
Do away with extension cords
Electricity sockets around the home are in most cases not enough to serve all our electrical appliances, and that is why we often use electrical extension cords to meet these needs. A better way to deal with this issue would be to use plug strips with 2-3 foot cords which can provide you with additional power outlets further down the wall. An alternative method would be to increase the number of sockets or wall outlets but they are not easy to fix and can be a bit costly.
Be careful when installing electrical cables
When using electricity appliances, we most often think about the end product; a sweet and hot cup of coffee from the coffee maker, a crunchy toast from the toaster, a cooling-relaxing breeze from the fan – you get the drift, right? While there is no problem with that, we should also think about the cables and the wires that connect to these devices. Placing them on the path of water or heat is a no-no, putting them under unnecessary stress such as bending, twisting, and pulling, should also be avoided. Also, be careful when unplugging your electrical devices – unplug them directly from the socket
Avoid socket overload
Ideally, you should have a separate power outlet or sockets for each appliance you intend to use. But this is not practical, isn’t it? Therefore, if you are using adapters or extension cords, you should ensure that the total plug-ins in a single extension or adapter does not go beyond the recommended output ratings for the extension cord or adapter.
Repair damaged electrical cords
Damaged or faulty electrical wires are a serious electrical safety risk, and can cause electrocution or even electrical fires. It is therefore important that all extension and power cords be checked regularly for any faults or damages – watch out for any signs of cracking or fraying. Another important thing to note is that electrical power cords should not be placed in areas that can be easily stapled upon. It should not run through furniture, rugs or other places where it can easily overheat.
Make use of Residential Current Device (RCD)
RCD helps to prevent shock and disconnects power if need be. Many RCDs are meant to be connected to the fuse box, though there are some portable options that you can opt for.
Unplug appliances or devices that are not in use
This is one of the easiest electricity safety tips, but it is also one that is easily forgotten. Unplugging unused appliances, not only prevents them from power upsurges and overheating, but it also helps to save energy by decreasing phantom drain (electricity consumed by devices that are plugged in but are not in use).
While I agree with you that it is not easy to remember to unplug unused devices, but with gadgets such as smart-plugs, you can now set electricity schedules for each outlet.
Give enough space to your appliances
Electrical appliances require enough room for air circulation. Without enough air circulating, electrical appliances can easily short out or overheat, and thus poses a risk of electrical fires. Ensure that your appliances have adequate space and room for air circulation. Never use the in an enclosed cabinet or other enclosed spaces. Additional, keep flammable items away from electronics and other appliances
Install the right bulb wattages in bulb fixtures
Most light fixtures, particularly those mounted on ceilings, are set at not more than 60 watts. Light fixtures that hang from the ceiling are normally rated to hold bulbs of slightly higher wattages, due to the fact that the bulbs are away from the ceiling. In most cases, people replace a blown 60 watts bulb with a 100 watts. This is not recommended as the fixture cannot dispel the additional heat brought about by the bulb with the higher wattage. The heat can melt the sheetrock component of the fixture as well as the house cables in the electrical box.
Read and Follow Appliance Instruction
All electrical appliances and equipment come with a manual or a written instruction on how to operate them. It is critical that you read this information to avoid accidents or appliance malfunctions. Moreover, by understanding how to properly and safely use the equipment, you not only enhance your personal safety, but also the efficiency of the device.
Keep Electrical Equipment away from Water
It is extremely dangerous to expose electrical equipment to water. Therefore, ensure that your hands are completely dry when handling them. Lastly, you should never place a glass of water on top of any electrical equipment.
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