Safety First: Electrical Tips for Your Home
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How much do you know about electrical safety? The answer may shock you.
How much do you know about electrical safety? The answer may shock you.
Too many plugs and not enough outlets? Spread out your power needs or consider plugging into an advanced power strip, which provides better protection against surges and fires.
Do you have extension cords plugged in right now? Remember, extension cords aren't meant for permanent use; they can overheat and cause a fire. Move plugged-in devices closer to an outlet if possible. If you use an extension cord, plug it into an advanced power strip, or unplug it when it's not in use.
Remember to unplug from the plug, not the cord. The cord is not as strong and pulling on it can lead to frayed wires and broken plugs, which can cause fires. If the plug is hard to access, choose a different outlet or move whatever is in the way.
Are the outlets in your kitchen and bathroom up to code? Make sure all outlets near a water source are approved ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). These are easy to install, and they stop electricity and water from mixing.
Do you have an outdoor digging project coming up? Make sure to call 811 to have utility lines marked before you start digging. Hitting buried lines can be dangerous and a major inconvenience. Plus, it can cost you a lot of money.
Taking the proper precautions, following all safety warnings and focusing on safety will help you avoid injuries and damage to your property. If you put safety first, you're much more likely to have a happy ending.