Ten Electrical Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

It's important to be proactive when it comes to electrical safety in your home. Many homeowners don't think about electrical hazards until it's too late. In this blog post, we will go over 10 electrical safety tips that every homeowner should know. We'll discuss things like proper wiring, fire prevention, and electrical panel safety. Being aware of these dangers can help keep you and your family safe from electrical accidents!

1. Junction boxes should have covers that are approved for use. If the covers are missing or broken, it could be a serious electrical hazard.

2. Open wiring is extremely dangerous and can lead to electrical fires. Be sure to check that all of your wiring is properly protected and supported.

3. Receptacles must be properly grounded in order to be safe. One way to ensure this is by using GFCI receptacles.

4. Important electrical appliances like fridges, freezers, and sump pumps should be on dedicated circuits. This will help prevent loss from tripped breakers.

5. Baseboard heaters should never be placed in dangerous locations where they could start a fire. Space heaters should also be kept a safe distance away from walls.

6. Smoke detectors are essential in preventing fires. Make sure you have enough detectors in your home, and that they are properly maintained.

7. Your electrical panel and house must be properly grounded. The size of your panel and the number of breakers you have should be appropriate for the amount of circuits and load in your home.

8. Always use the correct size wire for your electrical needs. Using too small of wire can lead to overloading and electrical fires.

9. Electrical cords can become a trip hazard if they're not placed properly. Be sure to keep them out of high traffic areas and away from doorways and windows where they could be damaged.

10. If you're doing any electrical work in your home, always turn off the power at the main breaker before beginning. This will prevent you from being electrocuted and will help protect your home from electrical fires.

When you're ready to start your next renovation, repair or new build, Kirkwood Electric is here to help ensure your house is always a safe haven for your family.  Our electrical safety tips are just a starting guide - if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team of experts. We're always happy to help!