The spring is coming and we are always so happy to be coming out of the deep freeze. Spring is also an excellent time to have an electrical safety inspection. It’s also a good time to get rid of some of your older appliances and electronics that no longer work properly for springtime electrical safety.
Damaged wiring, moisture, and carelessness can cause injuries and damage to yourself and your property. Safety around electricity is a good habit to get into. Here are a few to get you started.
7 Springtime Electrical Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
From checking out that things are working properly to keeping an eye out for trouble, there is never a bad time to be careful around electricity.
1. Inspect Your Cords
If you are giving the house a good cleaning, take the time to examine all the cords in the house. Lamps, vacuum, television, computers, lawnmower, power tools, and extension cords.
Check for breaks, frays, tears, spots that may have been chewed, water or moisture damage, and just make sure they are in good shape and won’t cause shocks, sparks, or fires.\
2. Be Aware of Power Lines
Stay clear of all power lines. Don’t fly kites near them, don’t touch them with any long-handled tools, don’t lean your ladder on them, and never touch one that has fallen down.
Check your trees that are near the power lines. If the trees have grown into the lines, call an electrician to help cut them back. You should never attempt it yourself.
3. Call Before You Dig
Spring is the perfect time for landscaping and other home improvements. However, it’s important you call the city before you plant or install any underground equipment. You don’t want to dig into utility lines or sewer lines.
4, Install Surge Protectors
Surge protectors can help protect your electronics and your home from power surges that can badly damage or ruin many of your electronic devices. A power surge protector works by shifting the extra electricity into the outlet’s grounding. Ask about whole-house surge protectors that will guard all of the circuits in your home.
5. Check Your Outlets
Make sure your outlets are in good shape and not overcrowded. The outlets we don’t see need to be checked for cracks, exposed wires, moisture damage, dust or pet hair, and check that they are not too full.
Make sure they are not loose or missing a screw. Check that the plus fits snugly inside and doesn’t fall out. Plus, any faceplates that are broken or cracked should be replaced.
We tend to overuse the outlets in our kitchen the most, so they need to be checked. If you have outlet adapters plugged in, you may be overtaxing the outlet.
6. Be Careful With Charging Devices
We are constantly charging our phones and other devices, but don’t leave them where they can fall or damage something if they get hot. Often, the cords or adapters we use are not brand name and they can cause damage to the devices and the surface they are resting on.
7. Get an Inspection
Call your trusted electrician and have an electric inspection completed. You don’t want to get caught this summer because of some damage or faulty wiring.
Fusion Electric
Why risk facing huge problems with your electricity when you don’t have to? Call the experts at Fusion Electric and schedule your safety inspection today. In fact, if you mention their discount coupon when you call, you can receive additional savings.
Don’t take your electricity for granted. Make sure everything is in tip-top shape this spring.
