Starting a project? Know these essential electrical safety tips for homeowners

Key points

• Electrical hazards are preventable by following appliance instructions and not overloading outlets.

• Misusing electricity in your home can lead to dangerous electrocutions or fires.

• You should contact a certified electrician if you are concerned about the electricity in your home or need an appliance repaired.

What are you up to this evening? Chances are you’ll turn on the AC when you get home. You’ll make dinner. You’ll watch TV or scroll on your phone. In short, you’ll use electricity — a lot of it.

Electricity has become so seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives that safety concerns can easily recede to the back of our minds. However, few aspects of your home present more risks to your safety than electricity. And the stakes are high.

“Each year, electrical malfunctions account for over 32,00 home fires, 430 fatalities, 1,070 injuries and $1.3 billion in direct property damage,” said Daniel Majano, program manager of the Electrical Safety Foundation.

Basic home electrical safety tips can prevent incidents like these. With an appropriate understanding of electricity and adherence to safety measures, you can become a more confident homeowner and keep your residence as safe as possible.

9 tips for home electrical safety

The safe use of electricity at home comes down to understanding how the electricity in your home works and developing intentional habits. Each time you set out to use an appliance, take a moment to consider the safety ramifications. If you’re ever unsure of proper safety measures, contact a professional or get advice from an electrical safety organization such as the Electrical Safety Foundation.

Follow appliance instructions

You may be tempted to toss out an appliance manual with the packaging, but it contains important safety information to guide you in appropriately using the appliance. Details like the wattage required for the appliance or proper assembly will help you take relevant safety measures that protect you as well as the longevity of the appliance.

Don’t overload outlets

Plugging too many devices into a single electrical outlet can be dangerous. It may cause the outlet to overheat, which can lead to an electrical fire.

Take care when using outlet extenders or power strips. The more appliances plugged into a single outlet, the more strain you put on your electrical system. Limit your use of heat-producing appliances like a toaster to one per outlet.

Unplug all unused appliances and cords

Electrical safety best practice is to keep appliances unplugged when not used. This may seem like an inconvenient extra step, but it reduces your chance of a fire from an overloaded outlet or overheated appliance.

Unplugged appliances are not vulnerable to power surges that can occur during thunderstorms or power outages. Electrical faults, or flaws that disrupt the normal flow of electricity, can allow a power surge to damage your appliances or start a fire.

Additionally, keeping appliances unplugged reduces device wear and tear and may promote a longer life span. This habit can also help reduce your energy bill since appliances still draw electricity when switched off.

Repair or replace damaged electrical cords

Kinked, cut, cracked or frayed electrical cords are in danger of overheating or sparking. This can give you an electrical shock or cause a fire.

Prevent damage to electrical cords by keeping them out of the way. Avoid hanging them, putting them below carpeting or placing them across walkways.

It is always best to replace a damaged electrical cord rather than attempting to repair it yourself, according to the New York City Fire Department. However, you can also contact an electrician to repair an electrical cord attached to an appliance that you want to use.

Keep plugs, cords and appliances away from water sources

It might seem like common sense, but remember that plugs, cords and appliances should be kept away from water sources. Water is a good conductor of electricity meaning that if you touch water that has come in contact with electricity, you will be electrocuted. A good habit to learn is keeping electrical appliances as far away from water as possible. For example, avoid leaving your hair dryer too close to the bathroom sink.

A common safety requirement is installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets near water sources, including the bathroom, kitchen and laundry. These prevent excess electricity from flowing into an appliance or a user when a fault occurs.

Check the wattage use of your appliances

Checking the wattage use of your appliances can help you avoid overloading an electrical outlet and choose an adequate extension cord if needed. It may also help you lower your electric bill.

New appliances come with an Energy Guide label that includes the wattage. Other appliances may list the wattage requirements in the manual. Another strategy is to purchase an electric usage monitor to test the various appliances in your home. Outlets have different capacities. Consult an electrician if you’re unsure how much wattage an outlet in your home can handle.

You should also choose light bulbs of the recommended wattage for lamps and light fixtures. A mismatch can cause overheating and potentially start a fire.

Keep unused cords neatly and safely stored

Damaged electrical cords are a common source of electrical fires, according to Majano. Avoid damage to unused cords by keeping them stored away. They can also get damaged if they are stored in walkways or damp locations. Cords that are not properly put away can also become a tripping hazard.

Don’t try to do electrical work yourself

Electrical work is best left up to the experts. Repairs may seem simple when you find a do-it-yourself (DIY) article online or a how-to video on YouTube, but electrical work comes with many more risks than other DIY projects.

In addition to risking your own safety while doing the work, faulty wiring or improperly installed electric components can cause unexpected hazards in the future. For example, if an outlet is not properly grounded, someone in your household may get electrocuted during a power surge.

Electricians know the intricacies of home wiring and are trained in proper safety procedures. If there’s one area to call in an expert, the electricity in your home is it.

Don’t use extension cords with major appliances

Major or permanent appliances such as refrigerators should always be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Major appliances may draw too much power through an extension cord, causing it to overheat and potentially start a fire. Extension cords are best used temporarily for small appliances.

What are home electrical safety tips for children and pets?

Electricity can be a hazard for everyone, but especially children and pets who aren’t aware of the risks. To keep everyone in your household safe, create an environment optimized for electrical safety. As your kids get older, you can also educate them on safe habits.

Install safety covers over outlets

Outlets are like magnets to the tiny fingers of small children. If you’re going to have kids around, spend a few dollars on a box of outlet covers. Plug them in throughout your home and relieve yourself of the worry that they might get electrocuted.

Teach children not to yank on cords

Cords are a reality of our modern lifestyle and are attractive to small children. Instill good electrical habits with your kids early. Encourage them to leave cords alone. For younger children, try to hide cords away or make cords inaccessible.

Keep kids and pets away from dangerous appliances

Consider who might have inadvertent access to dangerous appliances. For example, if your cat can hop up on the kitchen counter, you should avoid leaving kitchen appliances such as blenders plugged in. When appliances are in use around kids and pets, simply keep track of everyone’s whereabouts.

What are electrical safety tips for outside the home?

Electrical safety should extend to the outdoors as well. In fact, the concerns with electricity outside can be even greater with the risk of poor weather and large sources of electricity such as power lines.

Only use cords and appliances designed for the outdoors

Whenever using electrical appliances outdoors, including yard work tools and holiday decorations, take extra care.

Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. Rain or dampness can increase the risk of electrical hazards in your yard. Only use appliances and extension cords designed for the outdoors, and only leave them outdoors if necessary.

Contact professionals before digging in your yard

In many areas of the country utility lines — including gas and electrical lines — run through the ground. Before digging in your yard to install structures such as a pool or fence, you should find out if any utility lines run through your property. Most local communities have a “Call Before You Dig” service that will come to your property and mark these lines so you know safe areas to dig.

Stay aware of overhead power lines

Be aware of power lines that are closest to your home. If you ever notice a power line that is down or in danger of being damaged by high winds or a tree branch, contact the police and your local electric utility.

Downed power lines are very dangerous because they contain a live wire with high-voltage electricity — much more than would come from an electrical wire in your home. A downed power line can electrocute you if you touch it or even the ground nearby.

How do you identify common electrical hazards in your home?

You would probably be surprised by the number of electrical components in your home. In addition to the many outlets and appliances, you also have light fixtures, switches, wiring in your walls and your breaker box. Taking time to ensure the maintenance of each electrical component in your home will help you prevent electrical hazards.

Majano said that you should contact an electrician if you notice any of these signs of electrical degradation:

• Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blowing of fuses
• Dimming of lights when other devices are turned on
• Buzzing sound from switches or outlets
• Discolored outlets
• Appliances that seem underpowered

Additionally, keep your eye on devices that use lithium-ion batteries. From toothbrushes to laptops, many devices and appliances use these batteries. They can degrade and become a fire hazard. “Common signs of battery damage are changes in battery color, a sweet electrical smell, noises, leaking or smoke coming from the battery, or changes in the battery or device shape,” Majano said. He recommended contacting Call2Recycle to dispose of lithium-ion batteries rather than disposing of them in your trash.

Remaining observant when it comes to the electrical components in your home will allow you to take action before an electrical issue threatens your safety.

How can you prevent an electrical hazard in your home?

Developing electrical safety habits is the best way to prevent electrical hazards in your home. This involves ongoing maintenance and paying attention to how your household uses electricity. Read the safety warnings for each new appliance you bring into your home, and be aware of the wattage being used.

Majano also recommended that homes be inspected by an electrician if they are over 40 years old or if you’re installing new appliances or new technology, such as a charging port for an electric vehicle.

One of the most common electrical hazards caused by homeowner behavior is overloading the household electrical system. “You can reduce your electrical load by using energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs,” Majano said. “You can also have a qualified electrician install new circuits for high-energy use devices.”

Another common fire hazard is the improper use of extension cords. Avoid chaining extension cords together or using too many appliances on a single extension cord. You should also be aware of any damaged cords that need to be replaced.

Finally, work to educate your family and visitors on proper electrical safety. The more people know what to look out for, the safer the environment will be.

What’s next?

Your home is filled with electrical components and the potential for electrical hazards. That’s why all homeowners should incorporate electrical safety measures into their households. “Many electrocutions and home fires can be prevented simply by understanding basic electrical safety principles and adhering to safe practices,” Majano said.