Electrical Safety in the Home

The availability of electricity has enhanced the rate, at which day-to-day activities such as food preparation, entertainment, communication, etc are carried out. Electricity has no doubt added value to daily living, however, coming in direct contact with electric current has serious consequences. Every year, around 6700 fires are reported as being triggered by an electric source, including inadequate and faulty wiring. Electric socket outlets, switches, cables and various other electrical devices get worn out as time progresses and have to be regularly checked and replaced by a qualified electrician. Every year, a large number of Americans are injured in and around their homes. These mishaps occur due to overloaded circuits, damaged insulation,etc and may even result in electrocutions. Just one spark is sufficient to start an electrical fire; that's why it's advisable to follow some simple steps of electrical safety in the house.

Electrical Appliances
Electrical appliances should not be enclosed in cabinets without adequate openings. The appliances should be leveled, so that they do not tip and papers should not be stored around them. Various appliances such as electric clocks, microwaves, irons, etc are used at home, and have to be checked periodically. Any worn spot, cracked insulation, corroded wires, loose terminals and other such defects have to be checked for and corrected. Replacements of deteriorated parts has to be done by the qualified electrician. One should remember to unplug the unused appliances and stow the cords safely. Pets often tend to nibble on cords of appliances. All electrical appliances should be kept far away from water sources, such as bathtubs, pools, sinks, etc. Moreover, one should not touch any electrical appliances with wet hands, or while standing in water. In case, any appliance gives off a tingling shock, then the appliance must be quickly turned off and unplugged. A qualified electrician should inspect the device and correct the problem.

Electrical Panels
It is through a control panel that electricity enters the home, which can be shut off completely by the main switch in case of any emergency. Control panels comprise fuses or circuit breakers and are usually present in the basement. The circuit blows in case of overload. One should check the wattage on appliance labels, and the circuit must not be overloaded with high wattage appliances. Broken wires, frayed insulations and dangerous short circuits can cause a fire.

Electrical Heating Equipment
Many houses make use of portable electrical heating equipment in addition to the regular home heating system. These portable electrical devices should be kept away from combustibles and should be leveled. They must not be used in bathrooms, due to the risk of coming in contact with water. Equipment such as electric blankets will work, if they are maintained well. These blankets can get overheated, when pets or other stuff are placed on top of them. Folding them also causes the coils to bend, resulting in overheating.

Cords
Electrical appliances feature cords, which connect them to the electrical outlet. Often extension cords are used to increase the range of electrical outlets. For safe operations, the cords ought to be checked regularly for cracks, kinks, frays, etc. These cords should be plugged firmly into the outlets. Tape or twist ties should be used to position the cords as desired. The cords should not at any time be stapled or nailed. While unplugging the cord, one should pull the cord at the outlet and not tug at the cord itself. Extension cords are temporary solutions and their use should be minimized.

If an electrical fire breaks out, one should immediately call 911 or some other appropriate emergency services. One should not touch anyone being shocked, as the shock can spread via body contact. Water should not be used to put out an electrical fire, instead baking soda or dry fire extinguisher ought to be used. Moreover, one should not attempt to electrical repairs, and a qualified electrician must be contacted.