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Arnold's Electric Tips

Stay Safe Around Electricity

Outlets

  • Replace broken/missing wall plates
  • Install safety covers on outlets accessible to children
  • Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances
  • Utilize Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

Cords/plugs

  • Do not keep cords in traffic areas, under rugs or other furniture
  • Never use frayed/cracked cords
  • Always use three-prong (grounded) plugs if available
  • Never force a plug into an outlet or let it sit loosely in an outlet
  • Don't overload extension cords and only use them for temporary solutions

Light bulbs

  • Use the correct wattage bulb for the size of the fixture
  • Keep incandescent and halogen bulbs away from burnable materials
  • Tighten loose bulbs and turn bulbs off when not in use to prevent them from overheating

Appliances/Electronics

  • Have any appliance that repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker or causes an electrical shock checked by a qualified repair person
  • Keep area around hot water heaters free of any clutter
  • Always use certified surge protectors for electronics like computers and other home entertainment devices

General electrical maintenance

  • Have a qualified electrician identify and label circuit breakers/fuses for their respective circuit current rating, if not already done
  • Have a certified electrician wire or re-wire any building - never do it yourself
  • Have your service panel checked by an electrician every two years

Space heaters

  • Keep them at least three feet from any burnable materials
  • Never use them where children or pets play unsupervised
  • Don't use them with extension cords
  • Unplug them when not in use

Water

  • Utilize Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) wherever electricity and water may come in contact with each other
    • Helps prevent electrocution by sensing current leakage and shutting electrical system off
    • Test monthly, according to manufacturer's instructions
  • Never grab a plugged-in appliance or electronic device that fell into water
    • Turn off the power source at the circuit/fuse panel then unplug the appliance

Outdoors

  • Do not use appliances when lightning is present in the area
  • Never use electrically-powered tools in the rain or wet conditions
  • When on a ladder, stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines
  • Only use extension cords rated for outdoor use
  • Unplug all tools when not in use