How to Ensure Electrical Safety in Your Home
Electricity is an everyday necessity. Our daily consumption of electricity is greater than some realize. Your furnace pulls electricity, running appliances, watching tv, charging your phone, etc. — it all adds up quickly.
Nowadays, it’s easier to misuse appliances and our energy consumption at home than ever before. This can cause a hazard, overload your system, or lead to an accident.
Understanding the proper use of your electric system can significantly enhance your home's efficiency when it comes to the use of electricity. You can also protect yourself from electrical accidents by understanding the proper use of your home's electrical system.
Here are seven tips to keep you safe at home:
Don't Overload Outlets
It’s important not to overload your outlet with too many devices and appliances using extension cords and adapters. Additionally, only a single heat-generating device should be plugged into an outlet at a time.
It's recommended to connect major appliances like refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, and stoves directly to the mains rather than using an adapter or extension cord.
Don't Leave Appliances Plugged in When They Aren't Being Used
Unplugging your appliances will not only help you save energy, but could prevent surges and other electrical accidents.
Make Sure Lamps and Lighting Fixtures are the Right Wattage
It is only safe to use light bulbs in your lamps that have the right wattage. The maximum wattage of the bulb should be indicated on the sticker. A shade or globe should also be used on lamps, particularly if you're using incandescent bulbs, to prevent other objects from overheating. LEDs remove most of the heat from a room, so you don't waste a lot of energy.
Avoid Running Cords Under Carpets, Rugs, or Doors
When cords are left out in the open, they can cause tripping hazards and invite electrical accidents. Cords under rugs and carpets are fire hazards. Consult with Custom Electrical about adding more outlets around the house within reach of the appliances so you can reduce your need to use extension cords.
Don't Use Damaged Extension Cords
Choosing the right extension cord for your needs will help them last longer, but they do have a limited lifespan and should be replaced when necessary. You should upgrade or replace your extension cords when they aren't working properly instead of trying to fix them when they're damaged. This prevents sparks, surges and electrical fires. Additionally, you should purchase surge protectors for your extension cords.
Don’t Expose Electrical Appliances to Water
In everyday situations, it's easy to overlook hazards such as water and electricity, but it's safe to assume that water and electricity don't mix. Kitchen appliances should be placed away from sinks and other water-using appliances. Additionally, use ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in areas near water sources to prevent water leaking into the house. In the event of a short circuit, these devices quickly shut off power at the outlet.
Call An Electrician
It's time to call a trained electrician if you see sparks, hear tripping circuits, smell burning or rubbery odors, or if your lights are flickering or tripping frequently. Rather than waiting out the problem or relying on a temporary fix, these warnings indicate a larger electrical problem that needs to be resolved directly at the source.
Various problems around the house are so tempting to DIY. However, electricity is something you should leave to the professionals. Fires and shocks can be caused by improperly installed wiring. Do not take any chances with your family and property. Have your electrical issues handled by Custom Electrical’s licensed electricians.
In any home, electrical safety is essential. Electricity is an amazing force that powers your appliances and lights your home. We should respect and appreciate it. You can make your home safer by following these electrical safety tips. This will reduce your risk of accidents, avoiding overworking the electrical system, and your family's risk of electrical shock.
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We were contacted by a very professional lady from Custom Electrical Service to perform a repair to our solar panels. They had been contacted by SunPower that our unit was not producing correctly. We were told told the service was under warranty and would be completed in the next 2 - 3 weeks. An appointment was scheduled and the service people came when they said they would come! The gentlemen (and Ii use the term correctly) were very polite and respectful of our property. They had to replace things (which means there were old parts to dispose of). There was no trace of any debris when they left. Our panels are now working perfectly again!— D P
Posted February 26th 2021
Josh was ver professional and went above and beyond to upgrade my Sun Power Solar system. I’m very pleased and would recommend them!— Mark Krantz
Posted February 25th 2021
Excellent work and very fast. Team leader was very polite and worked hard— Chris Elton
Posted February 25th 2021
Very professional! Would recommend to any needing new solar system, solar repair, or general electrical service.— Matthew Pettit
Posted February 24th 2021
Professional, prompt and clean. Did warranty service & replacement of solar panel system.— Mike Liechty
Posted February 17th 2021
I have used Custom Electric for several needed repairs. Some of our outlets and switches were not up to code and we needed them replaced. There was a problem with some exterior outlets as well. They were replaced and protected with the appropriate weather covers. All the work we have had Custom Electric perform has been very professional and completed without any further issues. Everyone I have dealt with has been very knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. I would recommend them to anyone needing electrical work. I think their pricing has been very fair as well. I know who I will call or refer when there is a need for electrical work.— Tim
Posted February 17th 2021
We have used custom electric many times. They have done a great job for us and we look no further who to call. We know custom electric will give us the best service.— Annett Allred
Posted February 15th 2021
Custom Electrical was awesome. We had some issues with our solar panels and turns out the service panel had some issues too. They put in a warranty work order with the manufacturer and took care of the issue right away. I was very impressed with the responsiveness of the company and further impressed by the fact that they were not the original panel installation company, but treated me like a long time customer. This company will be doing all my future electrical work and will be my go to company when asked for a reference by my friends and family. Thank you Custom Electrical!— Joseph Arico
Posted February 15th 2021
They were quick to respond to my needs and very professional. The technicians were friendly, polite and very knowledgeable. I would use them again.— Lyle Coombs
Posted December 17th 2020
These guys were great! So professional, courteous, and did top notch work! I highly recommend them and will definitely use them again.— Kellen Peterson
Posted October 9th 2020
We used Custom Electric for our new home. They did an amazing job. They were one of the only subcontractors that were easy to work with and finished their job in a timely manner. We would highly recommend them!!!— Shea Nielsen
Posted March 21st 2020
We are currently building our forever home and C.E. has been very easy and great to work with! We have had multiple walk throughs and have had to make some changes along the way but they do their job well and make sure it’s what we want! Definitely recommend!— Erik Rico
Posted March 21st 2020
Fantastic company!! A+++ work. Honest, reliable and does the best work around. We will never use anyone else. Definitely recommend!— Nordell Fam2010
Posted March 21st 2020
