You should also cover any unused outlets with protective covers, especially if you have young children who will be moving around in the space. This will prevent electrocution and other electrical injuries.
Make sure you never force plugs into an outlet. Instead, hold the covered top section of the plug firmly to slide it into and out of the electrical plug. Pulling on the cord itself can wear it out and increase the risk of an electrical fire. [3] X Research source
Make sure you get power bars with internal overload protection. The internal overload protection will cause the power bar to shut down if it gets overloaded, preventing an electrical fire from occurring. [5] X Research source
You should also make sure the electrical plug is securely attached to the electrical cord. You do not want any exposed wiring or components on the plug or the cord.
If you do use extension cords, make sure they have safety closures on them. This will protect young children from getting shocked by the cords.
You should also keep water away from any electrical cords, as water can cause the cords to spark and could lead to an electrical fire. Do not use a hair dryer, for example, by a sink or bathtub. Do not nail or staple electrical cords to walls, floors, or other objects, as this can interfere with the electrical current and lead to an electrical hazard.
You should also never use defective appliances in your home or office. Get them inspected by the manufacturer or by a qualified electrician.
You should also make sure you unplug all appliances before you clean them. You do not want water to come into contact with the appliances while they are plugged in.
Check that the light bulbs are screwed in properly. Improperly secured light bulbs can lead to overheating, which can then lead to an electrical fire.
The most common type of GFCI is the “receptacle-type” GFCI, which can be installed in your electrical wall outlets by a qualified electrician. [14] X Research source You should have GFCIs installed throughout your home, such as in your kitchen, your bathrooms, your laundry room, your workshop, your basement, and your garage. There are also temporary, portable GFCIs available for construction sites and outdoor areas where you are using electric tools or yard equipment like lawn mowers or trimmers. GFCIs in your home or office should be tested on a monthly basis to ensure they are functioning properly. They should be tested by a qualified electrician.
Flickering light bulbs and lights that dim when you use certain appliances. Light switches that are hot to the touch. Plugs that spark when you try to plug them in. Outlets that sound like they are buzzing, crackling, or hissing. Circuit breakers and fuses that trip or short constantly. Electrical wires and fuse boxes that feel hot to the touch.
The electrician should check that the circuit breakers and fuses are properly rated for the circuit they are protecting. The circuit breakers should also work properly. The electrician should also check for any loose wires or loose lighting fixtures. They should replace any broken or faulty wiring in the space. The electrician may also advise that you increase your space’s electrical service capacity, especially if you tend to have fuses that blow or trip often. You may need to upgrade the electrical service capacity to keep up with a high number of lighting, appliances, and electronics in your space.
You should also make sure any smoke alarms in your home are replaced every ten years. Check the date of manufacture on the smoke alarm to confirm it is within ten years old. If not, replace it with a new smoke alarm.
