Most modern homes have a complex electrical system to provide all the comforts of modern living. It is imperative that your home electrical system is properly maintained to provide a safe living environment for you family. To maintain the integrity of your electrical system and home there are several tasks the DIY homeowner can do to eliminate potentially dangerous situations. Listed below are some safety tips to maintain a safe home.

1. Check wall outlets that have loose fitting plugs. They can overheat and lead to fire. Replace any missing or broken wall plates. Install safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.

2. Make sure electrical appliance cords are not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of any traffic areas. Electrical cords should never be nailed or stapled in place such as on walls, baseboard or to another object. Never place electrical cords under carpets or rugs.

3. Never overload an extension cord. Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis as they are not intended as a permanent household wiring.

4. Insure wall plugs fit the outlets. Never remove the ground pin to make a three-prong fit a two-conductor outlet. This could lead to an electrical shock. Electrical plugs should fit securely into outlets. Don’t overload outlets with too many appliances.

5. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) can help prevent electrocution. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent injuries from electrical shock.

6. Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to insure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely to prevent overheating.

7. Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size for the circuit current rating. Always replace a fuse or a circuit breaker with the same size.

8. Never leave plugged-in appliances where the cord might fall in contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water never touch the plug to pull it out, even if the appliance is turned off. First turn off the power source at the electrical panel and then unplug the appliance.

9. If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker or if it has given you a shock, unplug it and make the necessary repairs or replace the appliance.

10.Outdoor electric-powered mowers and other tools should not be used in the rain, on wet grass or in any wet conditions. Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before each use for frayed power cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken housings. Make repairs or replace the item.

11.Do not use appliances such as hairdryers, toasters and radios or telephones (except in an emergency) during electrical storms. Do not take a bath or shower either.

12.Keep space heaters at least three feet away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture and rugs. Never use them in rooms where children are unsupervised. Always turn off and unplug them when not in use.

Electronic Surge Protectors

Energy Star Ratings

Extension Cords

Extension Cords and Electrical Plugs