Electricity is at the heart of everything you do at home. Whether you’re reading a book, watching TV or cooking a dinner, electricity is probably involved. With so many appliances using electricity, it’s easy to forget that it can be dangerous.
From extension cords to wet conditions, risks hide behind many everyday electrical situations. Knowing how to prevent electrical hazards and respond to emergencies can keep you and your family safe.
Electrical hazards are a serious concern for residential spaces. In 2022 alone, there were 26,100 fires due to electrical malfunctions. But what causes electrical fires? Issues like outdated wiring, overloaded circuits and improper cord use can lead to dangerous situations. The smallest spark can quickly catch, creating a catastrophic event. Even messing with damaged electrical parts can lead to burns or other injuries. Homeowners must keep an eye on their electrical systems to protect their homes and families from harm.
Stay safe around electricity by:
Electrical hazards are common, so you need to be vigilant. The more you know, the easier it is to prevent and minimize these dangers. Common electrical hazard causes include:
Wildlife in your attic or under your home can cause serious damage to the insulation of your home wiring. If you’re worried about any of these hazards, schedule a professional inspection. Professionals will assess your home for electrical hazards and let you know if you need to change anything to avoid electrical issues.
It is not safe to work with electricity in wet conditions. Water is a serious threat to electrical safety. It just doesn’t mix with electricity. Moisture can carry electrical currents outside their intended path, putting you at risk for electrical shocks and burns.
Reduce the risk of mixing water and electricity by:
To avoid electrical hazards, you need to invest in regular inspections and maintenance. Experts will check out your home’s wiring, ensuring everything is up to code. They’ll inform you of any issues and walk you through the process of correcting everything.
Homeowners should help with maintenance through visual inspections. Look at your outlets and appliances regularly to make sure they’re in good condition. If you see anything suspicious, contact a professional service. Avoid replacing electrical parts on your own. If you lack electrical experience, leaving repairs and maintenance to the experts is safer.
Now that you know the basics of electrical safety, here are some answers to common questions you might have:
Homeowners often wonder why extension cords shouldn’t be used permanently. After all, they’re just meant to make an outlet more accessible, right?
The answer is no. Extension cords are designed for temporary use only. Using extension cords for permanent wiring can overload your electrical system, increasing your hazard risk. Manufacturers create extension cords for temporary, intermittent use. They just aren’t built to handle long-term, continuous use. They can degrade, leading to fraying wires, sparks or overheating. If you need a permanent cord, look into installing outlets where you need them.
If you notice a burning smell near an outlet, turn off the power to that circuit immediately. You can shut off the power through buttons on GFCI outlets or by turning off the breaker for that area of the house.
A burning smell indicates potential overheating, faulty wiring or short-circuiting. All of these hazards can cause electrical fires, so be careful. Avoid using the outlet once the power is off until you can get an electrician in. Never avoid a burning smell.
If your outlet or appliance is experiencing a catastrophic event, you must act fast. Shut off the power or unplug the device, then contact the fire department. Use a fire extinguisher to put out the pending fire if you can. Never put water on an electrical fire — it can just make the electricity spread farther. Whether you’ve extinguished the problem or not, you should evacuate the area with your loved ones and pets until the fire department arrives.
After getting an electrical shock, the first step is to stop using the appliance or device that caused it. Unplug it and then assess how you feel. Tiny shocks are usually harmless unless you have a preexisting health condition that might be affected by electricity. However, if the shock was from a high-voltage source, head to the emergency room immediately. High-voltage shocks can be life-threatening.
If it was a low-voltage shock, you should visit the doctor if you have extremely painful burns. Additionally, seek emergency services if you experience numbness, trouble breathing, confusion or other physical symptoms.
Electrical burns happen when electrical currents run through your body. Too much electricity can burn your skin, muscles and organs. You might get an electrical burn if you touch a live wire, exposed outlet or faulty appliance.
Mild burns will heal on their own. However, if your burn is not healing or gets more sore, red or infected-looking, you should seek medical attention. Avoid handling electrical components to stay safe from electrical burns.
Electrical maintenance schedules will depend on your system, location and electrical use. Older homes often have frequent electrical issues and need inspections more often. Talk to a professional about getting an initial inspection and then follow their recommendations for inspection frequency.
Electrical safety starts with proper installation and maintenance — that’s where Strada Electric, Security, Air Conditioning & Heating comes in. If you need to check your electrical systems after a heavy Florida storm or you’re dealing with flickering lights, don’t wait. Our team of electricians provides expert services for all your residential electrical needs.
Strada Electric, Security, Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help. Call us at (865) 424-7277 or schedule your services online!
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
