Five Tips to Prevent Electrical Hazards

In the modern world, no home is complete without some form of electricity – lights, television sets, smart devices, etc. However, with all of this technology homeowners must be more careful than ever before to avoid electrical dangers in the home. Morning Peninsula electrical experts have put together some tips for preventing electrical hazards and avoiding injuries and accidents at home.

Keep Water Away from Electricity

Any appliance or device that uses electricity should be kept away from water at all times, even if it is not plugged being used. If water makes contact with a device, you should consult a residential electrician in Mornington Peninsula to make sure that it is safe to use again. If an item falls into water, you will need to shut off power to that circuit before attempting to remove or unplug the device.

Pay Attention to Appliances

Your appliances can tell you a lot more than you expect when you pay attention to what happens when using them. Mornington Peninsula electrical professionals have been trained to look for tell-tale signs of electrical issues, such as when devices constantly trip circuit breakers or blow fuses. To prevent worsening issues, pay attention to how your appliances are affecting the home and contact a professional for assistance.

Install GFCIs

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or GFCI, is a requirement for newer homes. However, older homes may not have been built with GFCIs, and they will need to be installed. GFCIs are designed to detect leakages that may occur in circuitry. When a leak is detected, the power automatically shuts off, preventing injuries, shock, electrocution, burns, and more. A residential electrician in Mornington Peninsula can install GFCIs at an affordable price in different areas of the home, reducing the risk of hazards arising.

Protect Outlets

Homes with small children should be equipped with outlet covers, which keep children from sticking things inside receptacles and risking electrocution, fire, and other dangers. There are multiple kinds of covers you can choose from, including retractable coverings and plug-in coverings. Both of these options work as long as they remain in place and keep children from being able to access the holes in your outlet.

Replace Wall Plates

The wall plates surrounding your outlets are not simply for decoration – they protect you from coming into contact with the wires behind them. If a wall plate is broken, it may not seem like a big deal at first. However, broken or missing wall plates can result in increased danger when plugging items into the socket. To avoid getting the shock of a lifetime, wall plates should cover outlets completely.

Electricity in the home should always be taken seriously due to the damage that could occur if there are electrical problems in the home. Be sure to keep an eye out and look for problems with any of the items in your home, including large appliances like refrigerators. If you’re worried about the lifespan or safety of any of your electrical appliances, contact a professional to get an assessment.